More Happiness

It is the simple things that make life fun. Today was my hair appointment. I found a great hair dresser at the Ulta near my house. She did highlights today -- I feel so much happier now. I guess that is another thing I am going to need to budget in every few months because the box color from the stores isn't working for me anymore and I am getting very bad roots. That is one maintenance cost I think I will be able to do though. As long as Colleen stays there, I will be happy! Then it was off to see Ms. Magic Fingers. As always, she did a wonderful job and I feel great!

I was going to stay in tonight, but Mia told me that Brian's band was playing tonight. I haven't seen Mia in a long time, so I am going to make the drive to Denton to see them. Should be fun. Plus i get to show off my new hair color :-). I have a few hours before I have to get ready so I think I will get some school work done.

Speaking of school, I received my papers back today from my professor. I am getting my pep back for school. Blew them away. Or at least the first one -- got an A on that. The second one was a B. But I will take it. I don't have to register again until Dec and then they don't start up until Jan. 8. I just have 2 more assignments and then I can completely recoup from classes and get ready for the final push to finish this degree. The reading for this section is very interesting so that is good.

Happy Saturday! A&M won so that makes it even better. Later!

Happy Happy Friday!!!

I love having a Starbucks downstairs in the cafeteria of this place. I come in all grumpy and tired, the lady makes my Grande Non-fat latte and I become a happier person. Today it took over an hour to get to work (where it normally takes only 25 minutes). There was an accident on the Tollway -- pretty bad too. It didn't look like anybody was hurt, so that is good. Just major car damage. But my tank hit empty right at that moment. Lovely. I made it to work okay. I just need to get some stuff done today and then I can enjoy my weekend :-). Tomorrow is major girly day. Getting a cut and highlights and then going to my magic finger massage therapist. I also want to check out the "Spirit Halloween" store. Time to start getting my Halloween costume together. I am usually change my mind several times before the actual party but I am sure I am going to be a Flapper this year. None of my friends have a black bobbed wig, but Michelle does have a blond one. Anybody have any objects to blond flapper hair????? :-)

Have a great day!!

Nothing too new

There really is nothing that is going to match the excitement of yesterday. At least not today. I am very tired. I had an assignment due today, so that means I stayed up until 2:30. Let's just say Starbucks is my friend today (except I am wearing some coffee on my shirt right now..... very attractive). I sent it off in time and all is good.

My cousin sent pics of her pregnant belly. I won't post because she will fly to Texas and kill me. But she looks very cute. She is at the 18th week, so you will have to hear about the preggers cousin for a little longer :-). My Aunt Gail is still working on her granny title. I'll keep everyone up to date!

My brother got a full-time job in China teaching ESL in an upscale Chinese school. Pretty cool! Once I get details, I will let everybody know (or Mom can just post in a comment :-)). He sent pictures of the neighborhood -- pretty nice!

Well, I need to move around, get a diet coke, something. I am crashing hard. I don't want to go too much into public due to the coffee stain on my chest. Maybe I can work from home the rest of the day (I did miss my first work from home day due to the fair. Not complaining, just think it is funny.)

later!!!

My Day at the Fair

Oh, we had SO much fun!!! We got to the State Fair about 10:30 (after donuts, etc). Mary (the boss) bought the tickets and then went inside about bought our coupons. After buying her funnel cake, she had to head back to the office so she left. There were 6 left -- 3 guys and 3 gals. We actually all stayed together and agreed on what to do. That was odd :-). We headed to the car show (the rides actually weren't open yet because they had to do the safety inspections. Those are always appreciated!). The car show was very fun. I always like those anyway. Very odd since I don't know much about cars other than my Jetta. Really, can't figure out why anyone would want a Hummer, but okay!!!

After the car show, we headed back to the Midway to enjoy the rides. The first was a cheesy little ride but those are ALWAYS fun. You scream for no reason -- just to be silly. Then to the hardcore rides. The ones you think are going to kill you. Love those too! I hadn't ridden the roller coaster at the Fair, but we did this time. That thing is AWESOME!!!! Even the guys were screaming. Fun :-). I think we road 4 rides total. All jerky, fast, throw you upside down (okay, all but that first one!)

After being thrown around, we decided to go to the food. While everybody else enjoyed the turkey legs and corny dogs, I had my giant pretzel. Always a treat :-). I did only have one beer, but that was a definite treat. Not because of the beer, but because of the beer guy. Hottie vendor :-). Yes, ladies, I got a picture......... But it was too hot to have more than one beer! And I am still munching on my cotton candy.

We did see the Flying Canine show (the Frisbee dogs). They are the best!!! Very talented dogs. Loved it. After taking in some livestock (big pigs!!) and roaming some more, we went to the botanical gardens in the Fair. I had no idea that was even there! It was wonderful. One of the guys in my office proposed to his wife there. I can see why. It had beautiful flowers and lots and lots of butterflies. I could have stayed there for a while longer. It would be a great place for a wedding. Won't be happening anytime soon, but it is in the log of places I can pull when I finally get to that place. I wonder if mom and dad are excited I want to get married outside :-).

Since it was the end of the day, we left the guys at the Midway and headed out. But not before my fellow gals got a funnel cake slathered in caramel. Looked yummy but I was so freakin full I couldn't accept offers of sharing!!! We left soon after. I hope the guys didn't get into too much trouble without us there. I actually laugh at typing that -- I think they were fine :-).

I was exhausted when I got back so I ended up falling asleep. I have an assignment due tomorrow afternoon, so I need to now stay up and pop it out. I got my rest so I should be fine!

It was a great day. A little hot, but it was wonderful! I love going to the Fair, at least once a year. And it was a great reward for work!

Later!

I can't say this is not a fun group to work with

Well, at least my group is fun. :-) Tomorrow, as a reward for a good month, we are going to the State Fair. I can't wait! I have said before that we really are a bunch of 5 year olds in disguise. I think we will have a lot of fun. We are meeting at Krispy Kreme and caravanning. I thought about having them meet at my place, but really, that just means I have to clean. While the apartment is not filthy, it is not the state I want co-workers to see it in!!!! There is enough cat hair on the chairs to make a smaller cat.......... it is sad really :-)>

Other than that, nothing really too interesting is happening today. Work will be long today, but that is a known factor. I will have to do a lot of typing on my papers tonight though since I thought I was going to get a little time yesterday. I went to the doctor today for another blood test. I still don't know how I had a cholesterol level of 357. As a Vegetarian!!!! I am sure it went down, but it was still annoying......... but enough about my health problems :-). (BTW, just because we are meeting at Krispy Kreme does not mean I will be eating the Krispy Kreme.....!)

Happy Tuesday!!!

Happy Monday Morning

It is a cold and wet Monday morning and I didn't sleep well last night. Doesn't it sound like I am about to complain!!!!! However, I am in a great mood, even before my coffee. The guys are talking football and I am laughing intently at them. Yes, the Texas fans are very happy this morning. Told my Sooner co-worker that I feel his pain. A&M pretty much rolled over Saturday. But, I still love 'em.

This won't be too long since I really didn't do anything too fascinating yesterday. I worked on school assignments but that was about it. It is very interesting stuff though. I think I have learned a few things that can be used in this new job. It is nice to be excited about school again!!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Movie Day

I went to see "Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" yesterday with Mom. It was so funny! I highly recommend it. I wasn't a big fan of Wallace and Gromit before, but I might be inclined to rent those now. The little bunnies were so cute. And it was hysterical. I loved the fact that there were jokes that the kids really couldn't have gotten, but had the adults in stitches. It is a fun time and I recommend it to everyone!

Today I am creating a Communication questionnaire for class. It is pretty easy and I get to make graphs and pie charts. It is only for 6-10 people, but graphs are always fun to play with. I am happy that I am finally in my stride with school. It was a rocky start, but I plan to knock it out of the park from now on. I know how the teacher grades now and I know what she is looking for. I hate to admit it, but she hasn't seen my best work. She will now!!!!!

Ooo, I found an Ikea catalog hiding on my desk. I think I need to take a break and make a wish list....... I do need new sheets. :-)

Lovely Weather!

I don't know why, but I am so happy that it is cloudy and cold. I am usually a sun kind of girl, but the thought of getting to wear my winter clothing, esp. sweaters, is just making me so happy. Of course, working in the dungeon I don't get to enjoy it as much. But this weekend will be a nice, relaxing time.

I don't have plans tonight, which is probably good. I might stay in and watch "Team America". I watched it once, but the Netflix DVD was all screwed up. I was able to see most of the movie, but it skipped a few scenes. And I must watch it again. If you like "South Park" and anything they do, you will love this movie. It is hysterical. I haven't laughed that hard at a movie in a very long time. The film makers pick on everybody, so it is an equal opportunity offender. I love South Park so I wasn't surprised I laughed hard at this movie.

Well, I have to work on something for my boss. Guess I had better actually work :-)!

I know, I know!!!

It has been forever since I have felt the urge to write anything. Nothing too interesting has happened and I have been in a very odd funk. I haven't been depressed, just kind of introspective. But I am now back to the point where I want to open up and share again. We all go through those phases, but I am back baby :-).

Work is much better. Never was bad, just crazy busy. I have a new fun work schedule -- Tuesdays I am going to be working 10-8. This is due to the fact that the process I have to make sure all my consultants get paid tends to go long into the night. Well to 7:30. It is a necessary evil of the job and actually makes me look like a hero. All the hard work gets the company money and the higher ups love me :-). So, Tuesday will be 10-5 in the office and the rest at home. If I am going to be doing tedious work, might as well be comfortable with my kitties :-). And Wednesday I get to work at home. It is a great break in the week and I will actually get to have weekly lunch "dates" with Michelle since I have more flexibility. I am looking forward to it! It is amazing what you get when you actually ask :-).

School is going. Not wonderful, but I am working through it. I hit a wall for some reason. Instead of beating my head against that brick wall though, I moved and found a window. It will all be better now.

I bought Cinderella today :-). I am so happy!! I love that movie. It is one of the best Disney movies. On the other hand, I am not a big fan of Snow White. Mom took me to see it when I was really little and I apparently had a problem with her running through the woods and not messing her hair or dress up. And I had a big problem with the monkey that banged the cymbals (Not related, just two thoughts that happened to be by each other!).

The Daily Show is on and I need to focus my attention to it. We all know I love it :-)

Later!!!

Opening the Energy Valve

For some reason this weekend I felt blah. Not happy, not sad, just kind of flat-lined. I did do work on my papers, but not as much as I wanted. I felt that way again this morning. In order to get my blood flowing I decided to take a walk to PetsMart. My PetsMart is pretty close, so I decided to kill two birds with one stone. Get some exercise and run an errand. Yes, it is pretty darn hot out there, but I am pretty wound up right now. I can probably even pop out some of my homework now.

They were having pet adoptions at the PetsMart and of course I could not resist the kittens. Now, I know that I can't have another at this junction, but they are so sweet. I saw an orange kitty with a pumpkin hat. It was too cute. I don't know how they got the hat on kitty because mine really wouldn't have taken it too well. If I could, I would take them all, but reality dictates they go to another home..........

Thanks to Kevin for finding the Houston Zoo picture for me! I just thought it was funny. Okay, back to work!

Sad News

I just read Jen's blog and found out that her grandmother passed away last night. She had been sick for awhile and is now in peace with God. I know that doesn't make it any easier for Jen. Keep her and her family in your thoughts.

I saw a picture this morning on Good Morning America - Weekend that was kind of cute. I have been trying to find it today, but can't seem to! It was at the Houston Zoo. In order to get some of the animals to safety, they put some of the birds -- geese and a few other types -- in the men's room since it had no windows and was pretty safe. They put the turkeys in the women's room. Just thought that was cute.

Well, my exciting evening includes writing the organizational culture assignment. Woohoo. I did go out last night so I don't think it is too much of a sacrifice.....

Fun From Home

I had to work from home today since our office DSL was out. It as kind of interesting. I think I actually got more done. I did miss the interaction with my co-workers, but I did have a conference call, so at least I got to talk to them! It was funny during the conference call. I have speaker on my home phone, so was set up at my computer, call going. Sierra starts sniffing around the base. I was a little worried she would meow on the conference call. She really didn't need to give her input :-). I need a better set up for a home office though. They are talking about letting us work remotely a few days a week and I need something a little more comfortable!

I went to get gas after my conference call and the lines are already starting to get long! I went by Tom Thumb and they have areas blocked off and men guiding you to pumps. I decided not to wait in that line and went to Shell. I pulled right in but the first two grades of gas were OUT! I had to go to the highest grade and hope for the best. But at least I got it. I was also trying to do work on the cell while at the pump. that was interesting. This working from home thing will take some getting used to.

Okay, now time to make the switch from work to school..............

Later!

My Hump Day

It is hard to believe it is Wednesday. Monday and Tuesday actually went well. No horrible payroll issues, we think we may actually have the system down. Or at least in the process of having less issues so I don't go crazy with something that really isn't in my job description anyway!!! We did have fun today because our DSL line went out and I had an orientation at 4:00. I ended up leaving the office, setting up at home and trying to do it here. Genius me forgot to send the file to myself at home so I ended up just doing it conference call. It was kind of like a comedy of errors, but I pulled it off. The important thing is to tell these people how to do time reporting so I don't have issues in the future. Selfish, I know :-).

I went to a CAT meeting last night, but there were only 3 of us. Busy lives sometimes get in the way. I am actually glad it was so small because I got to talk more to these two ladies. Both are so fabulous. One was telling us about her trip to Crawford during the Cindy Sheehan protests. She left to come back to Dallas and there were 6 people..... she comes back and there are thousands. It blew up that fast! I got to see pictures of that. She is involved with everything and is a pretty good inspiration (and a great source of resources!!!). Plus, she was so sweet, but she just kept glowing about her hubby and how supportive he was. You could just tell because she had that great smile on her face. He must be great because she seems to be everywhere and he is so supportive of that! I can only hope I find a man like that. :-)

The Joys of Monday

Mondays and Tuesdays are usually my busy days at work. I decided to take lunch at my desk and update the blog! If I hadn't done anything to calm my mind, I might just go a tad crazy. Plus, it is nice and quiet. I am so happy right now :-).

Friday night I went out with my co-worker Kelly and Sandra (the gal before me). We had a blast. I actually ended up staying out later than I thought I would. And I also learned I don't need Michelle to get myself into trouble :-). Don't worry, I didn't get into THAT much trouble...... I will let you figure out what that actually means :-). I ended up meeting a guy at the end of the night. It was funny because apparently he noticed me when I first walked in and sat down. I was waiting for Kelly at that point so I was scanning the room and really didn't notice him. So, the lesson here is that you should always present yourself as if someone is watching! He is a personal trainer at a gym here in Frisco (near where I work, not live. That will be interesting). I am pretty comfortable with my body, but it is intimidating to hang out with a personal trainer like that. But, hey, I was thinking to myself I needed to look into getting one. Would be kind of interesting to start dating one :-).

Saturday was spent shopping and lunching with Michelle. We hadn't gotten to hang out for a few weeks, so it was fun. I am apparently an evil influence when she shops because she blamed me for every purchase she made :-). I took mom to dinner for her birthday on Saturday night (Her birthday was Friday). She likes Thai food, which is great, so we had dinner at my favorite Thai restaurant. I did let her pick!!!!

Oh did forget to say that personal trainer did call on Saturday while I was out with Michelle. I talked to him yesterday and it was a pretty nice conversation. How sad is it that I was actually surprised that he DID call??

This week will be study, study, write, write. I am starting to really get into this class. Communications is actually very interesting. I guess because so many places do it wrong. There is a lot of room for good communication consultants (my next Masters degree..... hum.....???). And this is all stuff I like -- the "soft" skills of organizations. I am thinking I can pop an A in this class easily.

Well, that is it for now! Have a happy Monday!

Okay, I feel like a nerd.......

Jen has a hot date tonight and I am going to go home and read the "Consultant's Craft" for my class. Yeah, oh so exciting :-)> . I can't wait to hear about this date, Jen!

Last night I met the gal who had my job previously. She was very cool. I had a blast. I didn't think we'd have so much in common, but we did. She has been to Paris, so you know we talked ALL about that. My current co-worker introduced us. Kelly was rolling her eyes when the Paris talk started. She hears it all day! I did get to hear about all the mess that went on before me. We can only hope that it gets better with time. Today there were a few fires that just kept burning. I put them out, but I really hate being reactive. Gotta get to the point where the team is proactive. We'll get there!!!

Okay, well you know about my exciting evening. At home with the fur babies and Communication in Organizations. This weekend has a few opportunities to meet new people, so I plan to take them! Hopefully I will have some interesting stories to share :-).

Not too much

This week is starting with just the normal. Work is work. We are still trying to work kinks out and get everything normal again. But that is okay. It is a challenge and I love it. Tiring, but I do love it. Of course, it has only been 2 months, but it is okay for now :-).

I looked at the course work for my class that started on Saturday. It looks very interesting. We discuss organizational culture (luckily I already took that class!) and organizational interactions. I am looking forward to it. The teacher is a stickler for the mechanics of writing, so I need to pay more attention to APA style. More will come when I get into the meat of the class!

I am meeting the gal I replaced tomorrow at a happy hour. I am actually looking forward to it. I have wanted to meet her and so this will be cool. Not really to get the scoop of previous times at the company, but just because I hear all about her, all the time.

Yes, I do know that the confirmation hearings for Roberts have begun. I haven't had a chance to read the papers to find out how it is going. Therefore I can't make any comment about it now. Well I can, but it won't be an informed comment...........

Happy Tuesday!

The Lazy Weekend

It was a nice, lazy weekend. Friday was spent at home. I did not really mind. With as much action that happens at work, just vegging is so cool. I had a great massage on Saturday morning. My lady with magic fingers still has it! She told me about another client that she had the day before. She was a mental health worker for the children that were effected by the hurricane. That got me to thinking -- who is taking care of the people who are taking care of the people involved in the hurricane??? She was definitely stressed. Delsi told me something that she told the lady. At night, take off the stress like an outfit and give it to God. God is up all night anyway so you might as well let him take care of it. Actually made sense. Even if the stress is not on the level of taking care of hurricane children, it is still a good thought. It is amazing what I pick up when I go see her. Plus, I felt great when I came home. I ended up at Target afterwards and tried to find the diapers to buy for donation. It is funny when I try to find anything baby anywhere! Found them and dropped them off at the donation center at my apartment complex. I was just set on getting diapers, I don't know why :-).

I did go to church last night at Fellowship. The subject was "How to Have an Affair". Very odd for a church service, but it did make sense. ( He eventually told how to have a love affair with your spouse). I was also wondering how that affected a single gal like me, but truthfully, it was a great talk.

Tonight, I had dinner with Taylor. We went to Two Rows and they had changed their menu. I wanted the Veggie Sandwich, but that is not on the menu anymore! They made one for me, but it still should be on the menu!!! Oh well, they still make good beer, so I can't complain. And they can still make a veggie sandwich, I just have to ask.

Time to get mentally prepared for the week! Have a good one.

The Constant Gardner

We ended up seeing the "Constant Gardner" as our movie outing for the day. It was a good movie, just way too heavy for a Workday Movie. We had lunch at Gatti Town -- a pizza place. It is more geared towards children, but hey, we can act like 5 year olds when given the opportunity to play skee ball. It was fun and a nice way to spend the afternoon. Of course I had 3 messages from the office about a termination I had to do -- just an end of assignment. But still, I am trying to get these managers to give us more notice than 3 hours. Sometimes, you just need to smack them around :-). I do recommend Constant Gardner, just make sure you are in the mood for it! Very, very heavy!!!!

Found another great fundraiser email. The Move Studio is having a Nia Boogie class with donations starting at $15. That is the normal price for a class. I have never taken a Nia class, but it is some kind of dance. I am very curious, so you know what, I might actually do that tomorrow night. Meet new people, learn a new dance, and benefit the Red Cross. I want to split my donation between the human victims and the animal victims. They are also doing a drive here at my apartment complex so I will drop off some diapers too.

Off I go!

Movie Day

Tomorrow, as a reward, we are going to lunch and the movies during work. Now, it isn't all so bad here at the work site. :-). Now there are 9 people trying to decide what movie to go see. I will have to let you know how THAT turns out, especially since we all have different tastes!!! I do have a missing contractor I can't get a hold of. Not sure where he disappeared to. In a way, I hope he just flaked out on us and is not hurt somewhere.

In other news, A&M lost. I was sad. Enough said. School starts Saturday, so I have to get my head on straight. Mom and I went shopping at IKEA last Monday and I have to say it is a little overrated. Just a little though! Nice stuff, but WAY too many people. It reminded me of Toys R Us in Manhatten at Christmas time. Hords of people all moving through the store in one direction. It was very odd. Yes, I did buy IKEA, but who can resist 42 scented tea light candles for $2.50? (And I found another pair of $20 jeans at the Gap. Love the Gap........ or I guess I should say I love the sales rack at the Gap).

SHRM actually came out with an email on volunteer ops to help Hurricane Katrina victims. I need to take a closer look at it tonight and see if it is something I am qualified to do. I might be wanting to do something, but I need to make sure my skills match to what best suits the people.

Gig Em Aggies

My Aggies are playing right now. Hope for a win!!! I know it isn't the most important thing in the world, but the little things have to keep me happy or I will go into deep despair.

I received an email yesterday from a lady in the CAT group. She had an idea that I never would have thought of. The people in that area are in need of Imodium for diarrhea. I might need to stop by Sams and get some in bulk. Along with some diapers. Dallas Yoga Center is having a special Labor Day yoga class with all the money going to The Red Cross. There are other emails that are coming through with different suggestions. I'll keep you updated when I get more emails. SHRM sent one out but I haven't had a chance to see what they were doing to mobilize people. I think it is going to focus more on the work force side of the tragedy. Getting people back to work, etc.

I am going to my parents tomorrow night for a b-b-q. Not sure what mom has planned for me, but I am sure it will be good :-). Might just take my faux riblets. Those are good and I haven't had them in awhile.

Have a great Saturday. Go Aggies!

Random Thoughts (Some from other Blogs)

I read Alternet.org pretty much every day. I have gotten a lot of information and have seen a lot of quotes I want to share. By the way, I try to give the correct credit where due. If not, please forgive!

Joan Walsh, editor-in-Chief of Salon Magazine wrote:

The death toll from Katrina is likely to be higher than 9/11, but most of its victims will be black and poor, and I doubt we'll wage a war on poverty and neglect to match the war on terror launched after al-Qaida struck -- and if we did, I doubt it would be any more effective.

I don't know why this one hit me hard, but man, I wanted to share. It is so true.

Alternet Blog Writer Jan Frel:

What will remain etched in the minds of those who suffer from this event -- and the direct number of victims is at least 7,000,000 -- is that a vacationing, snide president didn't plan and kept playing even as the hurricane struck.

(My own thoughts: Remember that Bush flew to FL the day after Charley hit and toured with his brother the devestation. He immediatly released funds to help. No matter how you feel about Bush, you have to admit his reaction time on this has been lacking. )

I was thinking yesterday that this was like "Lord of the Flies". Pushed into horrific conditions, people turn to basic animal instincts. These aren't even human instincts anymore. Who is to say that in the same situation I wouldn't do the same thing. I would like to think I wouldn't but my world is different from theirs.

And I do love Bush's warning about gas consumption: "Don't buy it if you don't need it." Um, genius, why the HECK would I buy gas. Kind of need it to get to work. (I used stronger language when sending the article to Jen, but my parents read this, so I have to be somewhat nice......).

One last copy and paste. From the blog of Eric Derkacz (pulled from CNN). I really like Jack Cafferty and he really does just tell it like it is. That is why I like this!!! Granted hs is more conservative than I am, but I generally learn a lot from him.

After reading a scathing editorial from one of the nation's most conservative newspapers, Jack Cafferty boils with anger about the administration's handling of the catastrophe in the Gulf (Crooks and Liars has the video):
Cafferty:
...I'm 62 and I remember the riots in Watts, I remember the earth Quake in San Francisco, I remember a lot of things. I have never, ever seen anything as badly bungled and poorly handled as this situation in New Orleans. Where the hell is the water for these people. Why can't sandwiches be dropped to those people that are in that Super Dome down there...This is Thursday...This storm happened five days ago. It's a disgrace and don't think the world isn't watching...

Happy Friday. I plan to go out, appreciate everything I have and everybody in my life. I can't ever look at the news and think my life is bad. take care of each other.

College Football Begins This Weekend!

Okay, it is the little things in these days of all bad news that keep me going. Jen blogged about a shoe sale (gotta love a new pair of shoes) and my Aggies play Clemson this weekend. I don't know much about Clemson, I just know my Ags will whomp up on them :-). I think I have stated before that I work with 2 t-sips (UT), a Sooner, and a Red Raider. Making this fall a fun one. You can tell it is getting closer at work, because that is all they talk about in the morning. I love it. It keeps my mind off of the fact that I have 800 contractors who think they are the only ones that have problems I have to fix. It should be better today and tomorrow since people will start taking vacations. All the ladies will be out of the office tomorrow, leaving me with the men to talk about, what else, college football. :-). I don't mind. I can dish it as well as take it! (But then I will have to be girlie and check out that shoe sale Jen mentioned!!!!)

In good news, cousin Katie is 12 weeks pregnant (well, almost 13). She said she heard the heart beat last Friday. So cool :-). Baby is the size of a lime now, although she is probably bigger now. (We don't know the sex yet, however I hate using "it" when referring to babies!). My cousin Kelsey graduated from the National Guard boot camp about a week ago. I am getting to see the pictures this weekend. Not sure what is up with Cousin Rynnie and Kelly. If you both would like to send me an update, I would be very happy :-).

Later!

My Update

This week has been another long one. I keep praying it will eventually calm down and I can enjoy work instead of running around like a chicken. It seems to be getting easier with experience, but now I have to deal with a client who thinks pantyhose = professional dress. Oh, I won't get started on this, but really, it is 104 freaking degrees outside. Again, since we are their vendor on site, we have to adhere to the pantyhose rule. Don't mind them in the winter, but really, not too comfortable now.

My heart is breaking for those poor people in N.O. and along Katrina's path. I can't even imagine what they are going through. No food, no clean water, no sanitation system. I hope they can get everybody out that they can. The mom of one of my co-workers lives in Mississippi and she was a little freaked out because she hadn't heard from her. Her mom is fine, just missing a fence or two. And some of her trees are gone. But everything else is good.

Well, really, the main goal is to get through the week and enjoy the long weekend. I don't plan on going anywhere. Michelle and I had toyed with the idea of going to N.O. a few months back for this weekend. Luckily, that idea feel to the wayside.

Happy Wednesday everybody!!!

This is just silly

I read an article today about how the CA Attorney General has filed a lawsuit to force warning labels on French fries and potato chips. You know I eat Wendy's fries because they are going to make me healthy...... No, I eat them because they are actually vegetarian (not cooked in animal fat). Nobody ever said they were the healthiest thing. Apparently now, they claim there is a cancer causing chemical produced when cooked at the high temperatures. This may or may not be true. I don't pretend to know chemistry. But, really personal responsibility should count for something in this world. I eat Wendy's fries every once in a while as a treat. I know they contain trans fat -- that is enough to limit my consumption. To me, this whole thing is the same as when people were suing McDonald's for making them fat and unhealthy. Um, I am not a big fan of Mickey D's but they never do claim they are healthy. It is fast food people. I haven't had a McDonald's hamburger in a year, but I do remember it not tasting like the best grade meat ever. Nobody is forcing the hamburgers down your throat.......... Okay, so healthy choices are a tad more expensive. I have no solution for that, but don't blame someone else. It is like if I ran my car off the road and then blamed the car manufacturing company. I knew I was running the car off the road, my own freakin fault!!! (Now, I will never do that because not only do I love life, I really love that car!!!).

Okay, off the rant for the day. I just couldn't keep it in. The cats don't care and I had to share my opinion with someone!!!

A very long engagement

Don't worry, I haven't gone off and gotten engaged without anyone knowing I am dating. The title is in reference to a movie I watched on Thursday night. It is a French movie (drama) about a girl who looks for her long lost love lost in the war. She believes he is alive and this is all about her finding out what happened. It stars Audrey Tautou (Amelie) and she is great in it. I really liked the twist and turns -- it kept my attention. Plus, it had some great shots of old Paris -- so cool to see it! Yes, I am still obsessed with Paris :-). I was surprised in the middle of the movie, because Jodie Foster appears in it. I saw the character and was like "that looks like Jodie". Well, it was her! She played a great French woman. I highly recommend this movie, especially if you like foreign movies.

Tonight is my AOED class --chair dancing. I am looking forward to it. I didn't go to the AOED social on Thursday night, but that was because I had to make a budget choice on what I wanted to do the most. I'll give a full report tomorrow on whether it was worth it!

Last night, I went to Greenville Bar and Grille with Jen and her friend Kim. We saw Elvis T. Busboy. It was so much fun. The band was great. I had a blast and glad I went. I needed a nice release after the week I had. It was a long week. Luckily, being a small company, you definitely feel like my contribution is worth something. And even the CEO appreciates all you do. That is what keeps me going,not the fact that my client is very disorganized. I have a boss as frustrated with them as I am!!! I even got stock options this week -- very cool. With the growth we are having, I am looking forward to the future. It will all even out in the future.

Have a wonderful weekend!

I don't know how I did it!

I received my grades today and ended up with an A. Not sure how I pulled that off, but I am very happy. Now I can relax until Sept 10 when I start school again. Then everyone gets to hear all about it :-)

Tonight is going to be serious cleaning and relaxing. Today has been a very hectic and tiring day. Maybe if I get some stuff done here at home, I will feel productive. I also have to decide whether I want to go to the AOED (Art of Exotic Dancing) social tomorrow night. I want to eventually be a teacher so I might need to go! I also want to take another class this weekend. I don't want to do to much this weekend, but I don't want to miss out on any fun!

Nothing to interesting has been happening. Work has taken up most of my time. When I get home I am too exhausted to do anything! I even think I am going to type my counseling notes from work, and I just crash and don't get it done. Maybe tonight!

later

Movie Time

I have 2 Netflix movies I haven't watched yet, so tonight is movie night. I am so tired that I really can't do much else. De-lovely is on right now. We'll see how it goes.

Later!

Okay, it is over

Class is over. You don't have to hear about school for a few more weeks. :-) Now I feel kind of lost.... time to clean, re-energize and catch up on my sleep (and plot my vacation for next year. Jen and I think we can put some away for a trip to Paris! I would love to go again as you all know). And play with my new computer. Tee hee.

I am not sure how I did on the test. Man, it was a killer. I looked at the multiple choice and almost died. I think I got a few of them. We had to do 4 essay questions -- think I aced those. But without the computer, I am sure there were several spelling and grammatical errors. Luckily, the professor's overlook that. She did get to see the smart a** side of me in my last answer. I am sure she has a sense of humor.:-)

I found out some good news today at work. My boss, Mary, told me that she is grooming me to be the on-site person for our client and she will eventually move to CA. Kind of cool. It would be more of an Account Manager role -- HR, Operations, all sorts of fun stuff. She wants me involved in everything she is involved in. I find that very nice since I have only been there for a month and a half. And I am up for the challenge. I laughed today because she really is like old boss Kelly. They have some of the same quirky habits. Love it! And she is very open to me telling her what I want to do. If there is anything I want to get involved in, she will make it happen. Kelly was like that too. It is nice to go to a boss whose style I am used to. Not some crabby, horrible person.

Hopefully tomorrow I will get out and have a beer with Michelle. Need to celebrate the completion of school. I am not even waiting until I get my grades! I paid for next sessions tuition tonight, so I am all set. Just need to buy the books. That can wait.

Well, that is all I have to say tonight! I can finally get thoughts together and things in order. I always feel out of sorts at the end of a session. I feel a bit lost......... I think that is normal after a school session though.

Later!

Ah, the days of Paris

For some reason, I am so in the mood to go back to Paris. I just found out a friend of mine is going to Paris for 5 days. I think I need to save up and head back over there. I would get to go the places I couldn't with the bum foot :-). Oh well. In the meantime, I will continue to look at my pics of Paris and London and post them ad nauseum :-).

I haven't seen this friend in forever (almost a year) and so it is time we get together anyway. Hopefully I can catch up with her before she leaves. That way I can figure a plan to stowe away in her luggage...........

I really like this picture. It was taken on the Red Bus tour. It was Monday -- the only cloudy, rainy day while we were in Paris. The Eiffel Tower looks so cool in the background!

Later! I have to get back to my project!

Photo of the Parliament Building in London. Taken June 8, 2005 during my trip to Europe with Jen.

It's Monday

As if you couldn't have figured that out already!!! It has definitely felt like a Monday. It is after lunch and I am finally feeling alert enough to do my job. Not sure what advice I have given so far today. Hopefully I wasn't too mean....... :-).

Since it is pretty much the same stuff from last week -- school, work -- I will make this short and sweet. I know once Wednesday night rolls around I will be breathing a sigh of relief. And will have more to talk about. I haven't even had a chance to keep up with what is going on in the news these days. Sad for me, a true CNN junkie........

Oh the excitement

Okay, not really. The most excitement I had today was taking my car to get its 10,000 mile service done. I did get some studying done while waiting, but really, I just wanted it to be quick so I could go home. I am having a hive breakout and really didn't feel well! Now I get to write a paper. What a grand Saturday night :-). I really don't feel too bad about staying in tonight though. I am going to see the "March of the Penguins" tomorrow with Mom. And I plan to go to church with my friend Natalie. So, I will have most of tomorrow to do other things and need to get this paper written. I know, I have been saying that for 9 weeks now :-). It might actually help that I have a new computer to perform all this magical writing on.

Have a wonderful weekend!

I got my computer :-)

I ordered a new Dell computer and it finally got here yesterday. Yippee!!! I stayed up a little to play with it, but had to actually go to sleep. I will have to figure out the best way to set everything up. I think it will take a while to get my files from my old computer to my new just because I need to focus on school work. I have a test and a paper due next week. Fun, fun. So, the next week might be a tad chaotic.

It is the end of the day and I need to prepare for class tonight. All the consists of is packing up and leaving, but it sounds impressive when I say I need to "prepare". Work is fun. College football season is right around the corner. With an Aggie, a t-sip, a Red Raider and a Sooner in the mix, it will be fun!!!! I expect some serious rivalry :-). The guys have already started in on it, so I have to step up and defend my team. Can't cower to the male members of the staff. Then they'd walk all over me!

Flight of the Chihuahua

On Friday night, I met Michelle and her friend Beth for drinks at Jack Astors. I was on my way to Mia's and it was on the way. After leaving them, I went to Mia's for a relaxing girl's night in with her and Jen. Jen looks great. You can really tell she is loosing weight -- it is great! Mia and I had pizza -- yummy, from Parma! And then we settled in to watch Sex and the City. No matter how many times we see it, we can't get enough! I still pick up on things in that show. Anyway, we talked, ate, watched tv and then it was time to go home. I thought about meeting Michelle and Beth out again, but I had a slight headache that felt like it had the chance to become a migraine. I wanted to avoid that at all costs!

Just as Jen and I were about to leave, Paco, Mia's chihuahua, ran out the door. Oh crap, we all yell as we go chasing after this little puppy. Mia grabs treats and Jen and I take off down the road to find him. Every once and a while we would hear his collar. So we would chase off that way. Mia finally got her other dog, Monty, on a lease. jealous Paco decided to go to mommy. So all worked out well. We just got a great work out chasing the dog :-).

It is a normal Monday. My brother survived the China typhoon. That is good news -- he said it was boring. Only Jon would think a major storm was boring :-). But, yes mom, I have heard from him!

The Dentist is no longer my friend

Today, after many years of having the dentist tell me I need to get a crown for a tooth, I finally succumbed. It was an old filing that just kept holding on. Every once in awhile it would remind me it was there, but until now, I felt no need to get it fixed. Well, today was the day. Canon benefits end soon and my new dental has a waiting period for major dental, so I figured I'd better do it now or risk a root canal.

I would rather have kept the tooth the way it was!!!!

They get me in the chair at 7:30 this morning. I am thinking "Not afraid of the dentist, this will be a snap". They numb me, let it set and go to work. That drill starts and darn it if I can feel the thing touch my tooth. I jump, the dentist jumps, he apologizes for hurting me and I am in shock for a few minutes. Oh goodness, that hurt!!!! They put MORE numbing good stuff in me and then let it set again. Once again, he tries for the drill. The drill DOES NOT TOUCH MY TOOTH and I jump. Again, more numbing goodness. And then I am told that if it doesn't work this time, there is nothing else they can do and I would have to reschedule. Yeah, um, no............... So, that sets in, I get even more numb and he goes to drill the old filing out. I don't jump and he gets what he needs done. After that, it is a snap. No more drills hitting nerves.

After an hour and a half of this, I am set on my way. With my temporary crown. Crap, have to come back (yes, I did know this when I went in!!). So, off I go to work with a numb mouth and the inability to drink water without dribbling on myself. And it made for great phone conversations. "I realize I sound funny -- dental work". They numbness has gone down, but I have a huge headache/toothache. I am currently eating a banana on the other side of my mouth. It is lovely.

Well that was my morning. While sitting in the chair, I was thinking that the day really can't get any worse. And it really can't. And I don't harbor any ill feelings towards my dentist. I will still trust him to do more dental work. Let's just pray it does not happen for a LONG TIME.

Happy Tuesday everybody!!!

My Lunch Adventure

Since I am able to easily get in and out of the building without having to beg someone to open the door for me, I made a trip to Target at lunch. Not just any Target. Super Target......... ah, the happy place. Found a cute pair of heels at 1/2 off. Of course I had to buy them. I also scoped out what was around there. There is a happy land of shops that I could easily get in trouble with -- ULTA, Old Navy, World Market, Bath and Body Works. You name it, it is probably over here. I did show restraint at lunch, but I don't know how long that will last.

Our weight loss challenge here at work is trucking along. I need to step it up though. I haven't lost as much as I would want. We got our weekly results and there really hasn't been much change. I have until Sept. 12 so there is time. I am so proud of myself -- two days, and no sodas. Okay, there was a beer or two, but baby steps people!!!! I plan to do yoga tonight at a studio near work. It is too convenient -- I can't not go. I can't work out outside since the air is evil and will make it very difficult to breathe if I try to exert myself.

Well, back to work. I am sure somewhere an employee will be trying to get into trouble and I will need to stop them........

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!!!!

Mushy, Sentimental Stuff

As my time at Canon comes to a close, I am reflecting on the past 3 1/2 years. It has been a great time in my life and I will miss all the people I worked with over the years. This is an outstanding group and know they will continue to move forward. I have made some wonderful friends, made a few mistakes, learned a lot about myself and what I want from life. Every other company I worked for was just a company. This office was my family.

But now I am looking forward to the next phase of my career. I am already flying to FL next week to the headquarters of my new company. They are already throwing me into the fray of things. I am very happy about it though. I am ready to prove myself :-).

How to be Happy, Dammit!

I re-read this book again last night. It is a fun little book from Karen Salmanshon. I bought it 3 1/2 years ago and it has been a source of grounding (and giggles) since then. It is odd that a book can clear your head so easily, but it reminds you that pain happens and your attitude is based on how you choose to respond to a situation. You always have a choice in your response. All of it is common sense, but sometimes in tough situations, that can be easily forgotten!!! I made it through one change, I am ready for the next challenge!!!

Self described: "Guaranteed to perk up even the most cynical spirit, "How to be Happy, Dammit" is the only self-help book that merges psychology, biology, eastern and western philosophies, quantum physics, and the Zen of Bazooka Joe. This book tells it like it is, exploring the ups and downs of life in a straightforward, thought-provoking, and humorous way. This is the self-help book for people who don't buy self-help books. It may not change your life, but it will certainly brighten your day."

I also have a few people who might be getting it as a gift soon. :-). She also has a book called "Even God is Single..." that I need to look into getting.

My going away lunch is planned for Thursday at PF Changs. I am getting a great satisfaction of everyone running around and making a big deal of it. Love it! But I appreciate everything they are doing -- I will miss everyone. They are very good people and I wish each and everyone continued success. I just pray I am as lucky at my new place of employment!

In Memory Of.......

Okay, I am bummed. The voices of both Tigger and Piglet passed away. I am more a Tigger fan, but I want to give Piglet his props too. May both gentlemen rest in peace.

The wonderful thing about tiggers
Is tiggers are wonderful things!
Their tops are made out of rubber
Their bottoms are made out of springs!
They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!
But the most wonderful thing about tiggers is
I'm the only one
Tiggers are cuddly fellas
Tiggers are awfully sweet
Ev'ryone el-us is jealous
That's why I repeat... and repeat

The wonderful thing about tiggers
Is tiggers are marvelous claps!
They're loaded with vim and vigor
They love to leap in your laps!
They're jumpy, bumpy, clumpy, thumpy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!
But the most wonderful thing about tiggers is
I'm the only one
I-I-I'm , the only... oof!
Ouch!

One Picture at a Time :-)

Picture of the Eiffel Tower.

This is my favorite of all the ones I took of the Tower. This is one I plan to enlarge and actually hang in my apartment. Might just take it to my new job :-).

Sierra

Here is Sierra. Have to give equal time to my babies :-). Paris pictures will appear through out the week...........

Oh Lazy Weekend

I slept ALL day yesterday. I didn't get home until 4:00 Saturday morning. Michelle and I went dancing and then she met a guy who wanted to eat at IHOP. We ate, left IHOP and after I heard from Michelle that she made it home okay, I passed out. I have been a cleaning machine today. Decided I needed to start the research on my Grad paper. If I break it into sections, I should be able to knock it out on the weekends.

Since it has been a lazy weekend, there is nothing new to comment on. Unless you really want to hear the plot line of "Atomic Train"........ Still very happy about my new job and all those possibilities! Oh, and I am going to play with the picture feature on the blog. I guess you guys would rather see Paris Pics, but you will have to do with Simon for a bit. I have to find a good one of Sierra to show as well :-).

Update

Okay, I can breathe now! I just talked to Mary and she made an offer. What I asked for and even some bonus opportunities. Sense of relief has come over me!!!! I was about to cancel my interview for 2:30 but (boss -- as opposed to cousin -- ) Kelly suggested I go anyway. Might as well. I am sure I am landing where I want to be, but just in case. But, I am very happy right now :-). We can do the happy dance!!!!!!

Okay, maybe I am a little stressed.......

The effects of the layoff are starting to hit me. I promise, I am trying to stay in good humor. Sometimes it is just hard. I so hate being on the other end of the recruiting process. I should think about taking a few weeks off, but I really just don't want to. I want what I want and the job will come first. There is a cutie I have had my eye on and maybe this can help move it along (he is still anonymous to most people :-)) We'll see :-). For now, I rely on "The Daily Show w/Jon Stewart" for my laughs of the day. That man is hysterical. Love him!

In good news, my cousin Kelly just got married in Hawaii. Congrats sweetie!!!! I still want to see pictures!!!

I have an interview with another headhunter today at 2:30. The hiring manager will be there too, so hopefully I will get to meet her as well. If not, that is perfectly okay. This job looks great too. I haven't heard from Mary at ZeroChaos yet. I will keep searching until something comes about. I will just keep saying "Life is good, life is good......" :-).

The End is near

The end of the week that is. I called in sick today. I think the last 3 weeks finally caught up with me and needed more rest. Plus, this air is not helping my asthma! An orange air alert just makes life so much fun..... I do feel better now but I might just head back to bed again soon :-).

The 4:00 interview yesterday went well. Mary seems to be a nice lady with a lot of great ideas. She is supposed to call today so we can discuss the job in more detail (duties, expectations, etc.). I think this position will go through a lot of change during the next year. It was a short meeting though, which kind of freaked me out. But, if it was meant to be, I will get it. But I should know that short meetings don't necessarily mean a bad thing. I may or may not get the offer by tomorrow, but in retrospect it might be a good thing. Did I really want to accept a job that I had no idea about the details of my responsibilities??? And really, a week is not too bad to go from interview to offer.

Now I think it is time to cuddle on the couch with the kitties and watch a movie. Or, I guess I should say, I will lay on the couch and if they want, they can grace me with their presence.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Happy Birthday Jen!

Today is Jen's birthday. She is a fabulous 29 (+4 years). I just celebrated the 6th anniversary of my 27th birthday, so technically she is older than me :-). Just kidding of course. Happy Birthday girl!!!!

I have a 4:00 interview today and just trying to wake up before it happens. School is tonight too, so I need to get the coffee IV going. I think this interview is just a formality. I pretty much have the support of the 2 people I have already talked to. But, this is also a chance to see if I like her as well. Sounds like we will be working pretty close together so I need to make sure she is not an ogre. :-)

The archive project is done. Well, the paperwork is done. Due to the new laws regarding record retention, I have to complete paperwork, send it to get approved and then get the archives destroyed. Makes sense to me, but that means the boxes will probably still be there when I leave. Speaking of leaving, I actually started my own Termination paperwork today. Kind of weird :-). Just completed my exit interview (on-line). They asked about my current supervisor and benefits, but not about the upper management in general. So I had to take time to fill in the "comment" section. I wasn't mean, just honest. What do I care what they think -- I am leaving soon!!! (Maybe I should have waited until the 30th......)

I am trying to think of a good Happy Hour spot for my going away Happy Hour. I know I have a week, but I always enjoy planning these types of things. Plus, it will probably be a good celebration time for the new job that I plan to get this week!

Random Tuesday Thoughts

It is rather quiet in the office today so I have actually gotten a lot done. It is amazing how much work I actually still have to do. I am thinking of the little things to write down for Kelly, so when I am gone she can reference them. She is on a much needed vacation and so it is even more quiet than normal!

I interviewed this morning with a HR Search firm, HR International. It is amazing how experienced I felt leaving there. I had spoken with them before, 3 years ago after I left EXE. This time, I felt that my work experience actually lent itself to the next step in the career and that I was asking for a salary I thought I was worth. Nice feeling. I do have to say, pending unemployment has actually been good for the ego. I know what I have and that Canon is being very nearsighted. Oh well. Living well is the best revenge and Lord knows I will! I have a final conversation tomorrow with the woman who will be my boss (hopefully) at 4:00. I am not really nervous because I know if it doesn't work out, there is something else for me. It is a good idea I meet her since I need to know if I will like her as well!

Okay, time to get back to the grind. Tonight I will need to prepare for school tomorrow night. The excitement is overwhelming. Kind of wished I had taken this class before Paris though. Nice discussion of exchange rates and foreign currency. That would have come in handy!

Bye for now!

Happy Monday

It has been good so far. I had a 12:30 phone call with the woman who would actually be my boss at Zero Chaos. It was a good interview, but she now wants to meet me face to face. So, that probably means no offer today. I know what is happening and I understand. However, I understand now how my candidates felt when I called them and had to tell them "one more step". I am really laughing now. I will continue to research other avenues, because if I don't get this, I really don't want to have to start over. Or, maybe there is something even better that I will find and have to turn Zero Chaos down. Who knows. I have plenty of time -- I keep forgetting that. So, I'll let you know! I plan to stop talking about it though -- don't want to jinx it. Kind of like when I first meet a guy I like -- I don't talk about it so not to jinx it. Weird, I know, but I think that is pretty much universal.

I think my lunch hour is almost done. I didn't leave the office today because it is too hot. And we haven't even hit the hottest part of the summer (or technically even summer!). Why do I want to live in Dallas????

Have a great Monday!

Friday Slow Down

I think the last 3 weeks are finally catching up to me. A lot has happened and changed since June 1 and now that I am in the final stages of a job offer, I feel I can look back and reflect on what has happened. I am not necessarily happy I was re-orged, but it was possibly the best thing that could have happened right now. Complacency had set in and although I knew I hit a plateau I was rationalizing why I was staying put (tuition reimbursement, allow time to take vacations, wasn't fully vested in my 401 (k), had to pay back reimbursement if I left, etc.). Self rationalization is a bad thing!!! I now realize if I had put out feelers before, I might have actually been able to move on sooner. But, I never second guess my choices. Where I am now is where I am supposed to be. I also have the confidence to say "this is the job I want and the salary I want" and they say, sure!!! That potential Master's degree is very powerful :-). This is the first time I get to test that out. Now if I can only find my future husband, I'd be somewhat set. :-). I don't want to get married right away, but really, someone to take care of me so I don't have to hobble around the apartment would be nice :-). (Although the foot is starting to feel a lot better now I that I am not trotting all over Paris!).

Well, off I go. This weekend will be very low key, I hope. After 3 weeks of instability, I need some time to regroup and actually clean my apartment!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Good Day!

Yesterday afternoon I went to the doctor for an x-ray of my foot. The good news is that it is not broken or sprained. I will have to see a plastic surgeon to help make sure I don't have a huge and ugly scar (and he said the foot will tighten and make it hard to wear some types of shoes due to that tightness). I just have a great big white bandage calling attention to my foot even more now! Yes, I need more attention to that part of my body!!!

Class last night was pretty interesting. I think I will enjoy it, however I need to get used to this professor. She is no Dr. Watson. But she really seems to know her stuff. Looking forward to it. As part of my graduate plan, I have to write a paper on the Business environment of a foreign country. We couldn't do Japan or China (darn!!! I would have more than enough just from Canon alone!!! ). But that is okay. I picked the U.K. (somebody beat me to France). This isn't' due for 9 more weeks, so I have plenty of time. I actually will try to pop it out in the next two weeks because..........

My interview went very well today. She was practically offering me the job right there. Right salary, what I really want to do, and very nice people. I was going to wait until I either had a job or after June 30 to write this thing. However, it looks like I might just have one sooner than I thought. I will still talk to other companies until I have the firm offer in my hands from this company, but they are really where I want to be. The company is called Zero Chaos and they are the contract labor supplier for EDS, among other companies. I would be on-site at EDS, working for Zero Chaos as the HR Specialist for these contractors. It sounds very exciting and challenging. I would be focused solely on HR and not recruiting. I like recruiting, but I like it better once the employee is on board and I can develop a relationship with them. The manager is very nice and she actually seems to have the same management style as Kelly. Very excited -- even more for this one than the last one I interviewed for before Paris. Kind of exciting!!!! It looks like I am really going to get what I asked for in terms of the type of job I want. I will still be very sad about leaving Canon because this is a great group of people. But, email and telephones exist for a reason :-). (Maybe interviewing with a bum foot is the key to job offers, hum............)

So, I guess I had better get working. I have two weeks and I want to make sure everything is set for Kelly once I am gone.

The Electronic Cow and Big Ass Pigeons

The Electronic Cow: For weeks, Jen and I will joke about the Electronic Cow. So, I will have to give a little inside, because it really is funny. The first night we were there, we were dozing off to sleep when we heard something that sounded like an electronic moo. After giggling hysterically -- we had been traveling, what do you expect -- we decided to term it the electronic cow. He would go off every night and sometimes in the morning. I think we decided it was the water pipes in the hotel, but it still made us laugh every time we heard it. (Doesn't sound as funny written, but trust me, it was!!).

Big Ass Pigeons: I began this obsession with the huge pigeons they had in Europe. Some of these creatures were bigger than my little Simon (only 7 lbs). So, in my weird obsession with these animals I took way too many pictures of them. Now, Michelle has decided to mock me on my big ass pigeon pictures. Thank goodness Jen was available via cell to defend what looks like a strange Kim obsession. Hey, not sure if it is better or worse than the squirrel obsession I had visiting New York (NY squirrels have a different color than TX squirrels.)

Okay, now to start my day. I was going to go on a tirade about my crankiness but figured you would rather read stories of strange Paris things than my pity party. So, it will be a good day. I have an interview tomorrow with a company called Zero Chaos. I really actually like this lady over the phone. And school starts tonight. Something else to throw my energy into.

Back to Work

Awake at 5:15 again this morning!!! I am on my 3rd cup of coffee, so I am happily wired (until noon, when I will crash hard!!!). I am all ready for work, but since I don't have to be there until 9, I have a while to go before I leave. It gives me a chance to watch CNN, however it is all about Michael Jackson. Okay, really don't care anymore. But I did miss Soledad O'Brien. We had CNN in Paris, but no American Morning. But, yes, Michael did make Paris CNN. (Did you know that Croatia has a tourist industry. We didn't. Commercials kept playing for Croatia. Who knew!!! I almost bought a travel guide for Croatia, but decided to buy scarves instead. :-))

It should be a good day. I have a phone interview at 9:30 this morning. While I probably could have done it yesterday, I feel a tad more coherent today. I have a new hire orientation today at 10:30, but since I can do them in my sleep there should be no problem (I still love doing those things --even though I will be leaving in 3 weeks!!). And our new Director of HR is visiting Dallas this afternoon. No comment on the timing........ I am looking forward to meeting him though. It is nice to be full of confidence and well rested when you meet the higher ups. But that means no flip flops to work :-). But I do have nice flats that won't kill me.

Well, I better get some breakfast and head to work. I will be rather early, but then again, I can get all the paperwork ready for the new guy before I talk to the recruiter at 9:30. Plus, I will be talking about the trip all day, so need to catch up before the friends come in!!!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!

Monday Morning

It is the morning after returning to the US. It is nice to be home and in my own bed, but I really kind of miss it now. My foot is happy because I can actually lay in bed and not move it for longer periods of time. Hopefully by tomorrow it will be somewhat better, but I still have this feeling I am going to have to call and let them know I will have to be in flipflops at work. I am taking today off to regroup, do laundry and sleep when necessary. This doesn't feel like the doosy jet lag from China, but I can still imagine I will be needing more sleep.

It was nice to get kitty cuddles this morning. Simon just feels this is his time to play with mommy and so he takes it. My friend Taylor did a great job in taking care of them while I was gone. Taylor and I dated when I first got them so they love him almost as much as me. (Sometimes I think even more so than me, but that is another blog!). And the story of Taylor will be for another blog too :-).

So, what did I take away from my trip to Paris? People are generally the same all over the world, never count on your first impressions of people and really, don't listen to generalizations of people -- experience it for yourself. Not all Americans are rude in foreign countries -- I hope Jen and I led some French to think differently of Americans as much as they changed our perceptions. I still think of the lady, Christina, in the shop on the rue de Rivoli. Her joy and hospitality will stay with me for a lifetime.

Back in America

After a ten hour plane ride, we finally arrived back in the States. I loved Paris, but man, it is great to be home!!! Now there are things I miss that I will be referring to for a long time in the blog!

Yesterday, we finally made it to the Louvre. It was amazing. We had a pretty funny tour guide. I don't remember her name, but she had a Julia Childs voice and must have been a third grade teacher in a previous life (do you have your ticket to the Louvre??? We must stay together!!). She was full of interesting facts and we learned a lot. We then had lunch, where we ran into our truly first rude Parisian. And he wasn't really rude, as he was more an overactor. We laughed!

Well, I promise there will be more later. I just wanted to let everyone know we arrived safely. I do plan to post more stories from the past week as we go forward into June. It was a blast!!!

Day Six

We are coming to the end of our Sixth full day in Paris. Today, we visited Versailles. It was fabulous. The tour was pretty good, although I wanted to see more of the palace. A lot of it is actually under construction. I have some great pictures. Before the tour left, Jen and I headed to the area where we needed to meet the bus. Since we arrived early, we sat at a cafe for lunch. We ended up ordering Champagne and some great salads. We also got in a lot of shopping!!!! One store, we had a blast in. Cute scarves and purses. The lady was more than nice to us and we ended up staying there for awhile. I got some great things, not only for myself but for gifts as well.

This morning at breakfast, we quickly discovered why the French think Americans are rude. A lady and her daughter came down to breakfast and were very loud and obnoxious. At the hotel, you serve yourself and get your own utensils. The lady brings the coffee, but that is it. The girl was whining because she wanted a spoon and nobody was bringing her one. This girl is old enough to get her own freakin spoon. If that was me, my parents would have pretty much told me to get it myself or starve. Even I, limp girl, get my own spoon! The mother was also rude and obnoxious and both Jen and I were embarrassed for her. Everybody we have met has been nothing but nice to us. And if they appeared rude, I figured it was really indifference, not really rude. But off my soap box. My impression of the French (and the Londoners) is good and very pleasant.

My foot is doing much better. I only limp when I have been sitting down for awhile. Legs are not dying anymore and my hives are gone (yes, I had the hives!!!). I am now sunburned, but still doesn't matter. The weather has been perfect.

Yesterday, Jen and I witnessed a protest. We didn't know what they were protesting at the time, but turns out they were a part of the union and they were protesting low wages and unemployment. Thought of joining them :-). Once that was over, one of the union guys sat near our table at the cafe and started hitting on me. I had no idea what he was saying to me, but trust me, he was definitely trying to flirt. Now, people really should not be worried about me running off with a French man. I can't really understand American men. Add in the language barrier, I would go crazy!!! Now, if he knows English, that is a different story :-).

Well, I left Jen at the hotel. She is now having feet problems (blisters) so she will blog later if you want to check that out when she does. We are having dinner at the Hard Rock tonight (don't worry, we really have had French food!). Not sure after that. Depends on Jen's foot, I guess. It doesn't get dark until 10ish here so we have plenty of light.

Lost: The Vacation

A theme of this trip is being Lost. Yesterday, in London, we had the hardest time getting to Buckingham Palace A nice man with an AK47 (security guard at Scotland Yard) noticed we were looking a tad disoriented and gave us directions. We always recover and it leads to some great stories. However, I am very glad I called Kevin and he was able to actually show us around. Otherwise we would not have seen as much!!! We did have an English beer, in an English pub and it was fabulous. One thing about the pub was that the ladies room was all the way down the stairs while the Men's was upstairs and accessible. I felt like I was going to the dungeon just to pee. Apparently there are places in London that still do not open their doors to women. In the States, I would fight that, but really, can't say much in someone else's country!!!!

Back in Paris: We have discovered the joy of Nutella and Whipped Cream crepes. Oh my God. So wonderful!!!! There are crepe stands everywhere so it isn't hard to find one.

Tuesday at the Eiffel Tower was a blast! We waited in line forever, but it was so worth it to reach the top. I have some great pictures. And a video of us in the elevator queue ( I have actually gotten a few good videos). We did drink wine under the Eiffel Tower, but it was pretty bad. We had one glass to say we did it and discarded the rest. Don't worry, it was the cheap kind (I guess you do get what you paid for.). I also bought some candy thinking it was like our green slices in the States. Oh, not so much. It was along the lines of the wine. Tasted like pine. Very awful. I won't be bringing that back to the states!!!

Well, this afternoon is suveniour shopping. We ended up rescheduling the Louvre tour and ended up going to the Musee D'Orsay instead. It was a great place but my foot was KILLING me and I had to sit most of it out. We went back to the hotel, ate, rested the foot and I feel much better. I think I can walk through the pain :-).

Howdy From London

I am in the train station ready to go back to Paris. It was a fun day in London. Saw the changing of the guard, meet a friend of mine who lives in London, and walked, walked, walked. There will be more details later, however I am typing on one of those AT&T weird internet service. Plus we are now bording. I should get here tomorrow but that is our Louvre day. I plan on going then. Lots of love!!!!

Day Three :-)

Oh, the legs hurt and the foot is killing me, but I would have it no other way! Paris is wonderful and I am loving it. It rained all day yesterday, but hey, I was getting rained on in Paris :-). It started off with good intentions. We were going to do our tour of the Louvre, set out from the hotel at the right time and were ready to be on time. Um, well, we decided to walk since we weren't too sure of the Metro at that time. Jen was the navigator and I was just happy to explore and walk around. We suddenly have no idea where we were, are looking at a map and the street cleaner asked if we needed help. Asked him where the Louvre was. After he finished laughing at us, he pointed us to the Metro and said that was the only way from where we were to get to it. So, we go to the Metro, figure out how to get to the right stop through a series of charades and end up at the Louvre. The fun just begins though. We have to meet the tour guide at the office of Paris Vision. I am perfectly happy just looking around and take it at Jen's word that we are to go to 24 Rue de Rivoli. Well................ you can just imagine what happened. We were supposed to be at 214!!!! So, Jen happily gave me control of navigation after that. The tour of the Louvre was rescheduled, we scheduled the Versailles tour as well, and then went to the area of Notre Dame, etc. We also have a great mastery of the Metro now. Put me on it anywhere and I can easily get from Point A to Point B. I also have the maps now........

It turned out to be a great day. Notre Dame is beautiful. The stain glass windows are stunning. I got pictures, but they just don't do it justice. We then went on our Red Bus tour. Took us around the city and I got some great pictures there too. We are going to the Eiffel Tower areas today. I will be drinking wine and eating cheese under the Eiffel Tower. Not many people say they have done that :-). There are some museums around there as well that we will hit.

Off to the Metro!

We are here

We have arrived safe and sound in Paris! It has been an adventure from the start. To begin, I will start with Friday night. While leaving OTB, my slippery kitten heels met the slippery curb and down I went. Long story short, I have a scrap on my foot that is a killer. This does play into the day, so hold on. The plane ride was long and very uncomfortable. Even more so since I put something on my foot. It hurt like hell and that made me a wiggle worm. Finally felt better, but it was a freakin long flight!!!!

Once we finally got off the plane, I was a happy camper. Went through customs, and got so excited that we forgot one important thing...... Our luggage at baggage claim. Our driver looked bewildered that we only had backpacks. We went back in to get it, laughing all the way. He was a nice guy, however my foot was killing me and he insisted on walking very fast.

We couldn't check into our hotel right away, so our desk clerk took our luggage and we ventured onto the street. Oh what a comedy of errors. We really have no idea where we are going, we just want coffee! Again, I am gimp girl with the foot and so I feel like I am slowing us down. We find one place, but it didn't seem too friendly. We venture off some more, find a place for coffee and croussounts. Again, we were still in plane clothing since we weren't able to check in yet. I was feeling grubby and out of sorts! We finally got to check in and my foot prevented us from going anywhere too soon! The room is nice, but very small!!!! And the elevator is the freakishly small. We had to ride up with our luggage one at a time. The desk clerk is very funny and I expect to have plenty of stories about him later.

tomorrow we are going to the Louvre for our half day guided tour. I pray my foot heals enough to not make it uncomfortable! We'll see.

Well off I go. There is so much to do and see and I wasted part of it putting my foot up. Hope all is well in the States! Miss you all :).

Bon Voyage

I leave today for Paris. I can't believe it is finally here! So happy :-).

The interview went very well yesterday. It is definitely someplace I'd like to work. The two people I met with were very nice and I really think I have a shot. So, I will go on my trip on a high note and wish for the best. While I am sure I am the best candidate, I know other factors go into decision making so I won't pin my hopes on this one interview. Not sad, just realistic :-). But, I know the signs of impressed interviewers and I think I did very well :-).

I am going to finish getting ready now. I am meeting Jen at the airport at 3:30 and I have plenty to do before I go! Next time you hear from me I will be sipping coffee on a patio in Paris :-).

One Day at a Time

I am so tired today. I think mental draining is finally getting to me. I should be jumping off the walls since I am leaving soon for Paris, but I really just want to crawl in bed. I guess one good side effect of this is that I am not hungry, so I tend to forget to eat. That might prove helpful. I had dinner with a friend last night, then came home and just crashed. Woke up, brushed the teeth and then went back to sleep. Trying to get enough caffeine in me to make it through the afternoon!! I am sure once I go home, work out and start packing, I will get the pep and excitement in me. A good run through of Carmen Electra's Strip Aerobics will definitely get me going. (Great workout by the way. Fun and you can really feel it in your muscles. Plus, you forget you are working out! Her second DVD is the toning one. Those aren't as much fun, but man do they whip you into shape!!!)

My genius brother did bring up a good point: They are paying for my Master's and then they lay me off. He pretty much told me I was getting the better end of the deal. True. Very true. Mom and Dad offered a great thing yesterday. They are going to cover the tuition for my summer class. Kind of forgot I even registered for moment there! So, that is on. And I was thinking it might just be nice to get a part-time job somewhere and just take a little break. They say follow your passion and the money will come. Time to test this theory out. I am just not a big fan of insecurity or instability. I will just have to work through it!!!

All will be better once I get over my tired phase, get on the plane to Paris and relax!!! I have a phone interview this afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes!!!

PS -- I have an interview tomorrow (Friday). Pretty cool :-) I am taking the afternoon off to prepare for Paris, so I will update here when I get a chance!

Weird Limbo Land

It is kind of surreal when you find out you will be forced to leave a company, but you are still expected to work and be productive for the next 30 days. My life has changed and I feel slightly off-center, but I am here and working away. Life has changed for the better, I am sure, but things feel off. I can't really put into words what I am feeling. Now I am starting to tell people and detaching from things I am close to here. The thrill of hunting a new job is kicking in and I am thinking of opportunities and options that I have available to me. Maybe it is the fact that I am going to Paris in 3 days, or that I know I always end up on top, but I really am not freaked out. My co-workers are more disappointed now than I am. I will miss the office, but I have already made peace (or somewhat made peace -- still do get a little pissed off!). I think it is the fact that they are cutting too deep in some areas and the higher ups have no idea what the "worker bees" are really going through. It is still a good company with a great product, but some business decisions seem off. I am sure I will continue to use their products too, since they really are good (and I have printers and cameras hanging around my house!)

But the hives have come back................