My new toy

I got my new Ipod today :-). Amazingly enough, I feel like a gadget geek now. It is a pretty iPod Nano and I am getting it ready for my trip to CA. Actually, I am making cardio playlists so I have 30 minutes of music when I hit the cardio machines. Might as well make it interesting. Ryan has upped me to 4 times a week. We did a reassessment yesterday. It wasn't good. It bothers me though -- I don't feel like those measurements said my progress was (does that make any sense!!!). The waist went down a little and the hips didn't move. Anyway, I do have to find the 24 Hour Fitness in Sacramento. I think there is a family member with a membership there so I can go as a guest. We are hiking as well. Ryan said he wants me running through the trails. Well, maybe that won't happen!!! I don't want to trip and break an arm........ And that would happen to me :-)!

Other than that, it has been a pretty mild weekend. I had a migraine yesterday, so I did nothing. I was supposed to go shopping with Michelle and her friend Megan. That obviously didn't happen. Today was a little more productive, so it wasn't a totally worthless weekend. Time to just veg and watch a movie.

Later!

My Secret is out

My boss came over when I had my blog up, getting ready to write. Kind of funny. It is the end of the day and we have covered a lot. She thought it was cool that I had one. Better than being mad that I was using the laptop for personal use. She is so cool. And I am not just saying that because she now has the url to my personal thoughts :-).

Training is going well. I really feel like I am in the way now. I can tell Wanda wants to just start going at it. I am torn between staying out of the way and doing everything I still do. I am giving up orientation tomorrow. That will be hard. That is my favorite thing. Sigh. But it is a good move and still the right decision.

Because of the Maverick's game last night, America's Next Top Model wasn't on until late. And I was pretty much asleep through the Daily Show. Needless to say, I missed ANTM but I am sure they will play it many times over. I did catch American Idol. I wasn't too sad to see the Pickler go. Again, cute as a button and I am sure she is a sweet heart, but seriously, the dumb thing was wearing a bit thin!!! She will do great no matter what. No real concern there.

I think tonight is cardio night and then just vegging. Training someone all day makes a person very tired!

Later

Busy Week

Wow, sorry it has been awhile. I know all my fans have just been clamoring for news :-). It really hasn't been too exciting. I have been training my replacement. She started Monday. It seems like it was meant to be -- I find a job and she is available to come in and start. I have been sharing my personal space with a stranger and it is very odd. I told her that I would start taking my stuff down on Friday (sniff, sniff) so she can start making the cube her own. Pics of Paris will be headed home. They get a new space soon, so I won't be too sad!

I am going to VA on the 10th, not the 15th as first thought. So, I will get back from CA on Tuesday, fly out the next day for VA and be bright and shiny for orientation that Thursday. I will need a caffeine IV!!!! I am really looking forward to it though. I have never been to VA and so this will be cool!!!

Other than working, I can't say that it has been too exciting. I am seeing Ryan three times this week since the week after, I don't get to see him at all. I guess I can see him Friday before heading home :-). I just think he will miss me when I am gone. Tee hee!!! He looked so disappointed I was leaving him for a week ;-).

Well, I am going to head home now. I feel icky and gross and really just want to throw on shorts and cuddle with the kitties. Plus, America's Next Top Model is on tonight. Gotta watch the fun :-). And if Kellie Pickler does not get kicked off American Idol tonight, I am going to be seriously wondering about that competition. I missed last night due to training early, but I heard she was horrible. Seriously folks. What's up with that!!!! Sure she is a sweet gal, but I really can't stand the dumb blond act anymore. I have my Jessica Simpson moments, but really, a person can't be as dumb as Kelly acts...............

Two Week Notice

Today, I am giving my official two week notice. I don't receive the official offer letter until Saturday, but I know the amount and the offer is official. I want to make sure I give enough time to get all the training in, leave for my trip to CA to visit the family and then have a few days off when I get back. I would love to have a full week off before beginning my new job. Let's hope it works out that way. I do have to do a lot of documentation before I leave. Love the fact that I came in with nothing and I have to give my replacement all the knowledge in my head.

I wanted to write more, but I actually have to go! We are going to Foguo de Cho for lunch. Yes, a grand meat place as a vegetarian....... They say there is a great salad bar. Hey, free food is free food. Even if it is rabbit food.

Later!

Commercials that freak me out

Have you seen this new Jetta commercial in which people are talking and then all of a sudden are in an accident. It is emphasizing the safety factors, but it still just freaks me out every time I see it. It is nice to know I chose a safe car, but man! The Geiko gecko freaks me out too, but in a different way. I just don't like him...... Okay, just thinking about that random thing while sitting here.

I am going to be working from home tomorrow and hopefully will get a lot done. EDS is off so I might be able to actually get some projects done. That would be helpful. Most of my co-workers won't be in the office anyway, so working from home in my pjs is the best option.

I really have nothing else to report. I didn't hear from BAE Systems today. Let's just hope that is a sign that they are busy and not that I was 2nd! I know things move slowly through the system sometimes. Oh well, I won't stress. I still have plenty to do at my actual job :-).

2nd Interview

I had a second interview with BAE Systems today (the one that would be located in the OSHA office). I was one of two finalists and I am sure my bright smile and hire me attitude won him over. I seriously love doing the "and I have a Master's Degree" in the middle of a discussion like that. It is on my resume, but it is at the bottom. Would you read that far :-)? It is fun to slip in. I know it will get old soon (haha, no it won't!!!!). I think the interview went well and I will know something tomorrow. I still liked the place I interviewed with on Monday, so we'll see! Options are good.

Speaking of Master's Degrees, I got my diploma in the mail the other day. It is so pretty! I now need to get it framed. I do have a nice refund check coming from the IRS. Might need to use some of it to get a frame. I was going to buy an ipod as well (a selfish purchase that I really can't ever get in. Other stuff gets in the way). And some of it needs to be used in a proper manner (you know, pay off some stuff). However, I did get an idea this morning. Maybe I can actually invest some of it. Wow, how grown up of me :-). On the Today show they had ways to "make money while the gas prices shot up". They were going over stocks that will do well since they are sticking it to us at that pumps. Might not really be a bad idea. Dad, you can chime in here and give fatherly advise if you want. Or anybody else who knows about such stuff. I want to know more -- I want to be one of those sickening people you read about in Money magazines that have all this cash saved up and own a house.

Well, happy Wednesday!

Beautiful Sunday

It is absolutely beautiful outside and I plan to go and enjoy. I have been, but it was running errands. Now I am going to put on my walking shoes and enjoy some fresh air. It might not be the major cardio workout I need, but the sunshine will do some good.

I have an interview tomorrow and I had to go buy a jacket. Amazingly, I don't own one! Well, now I do, but I didn't have one before today. Kohl's is awesome. Got a $60 jacket for half off. Gotta love that place. The recruiter specifically said go suited, so I thought I had better get one. Luckily I already had the black skirt. I also found out today that I was wearing the wrong bra size. It is amazing how finding the right bra can make life seem so good. Random, but seriously true!!!!

Okay, gonna run. Have a great Sunday.

Kim

Lowkey Saturday

Had another assessment today at the gym. This morning on my scale I actually hit below the number I was trying to hit. I was so happy! Now, at the gym they weigh you with shoes and clothes on (one would hope!) and so it was a little higher, but still going the way we want it to. My calories were upped (yikes......) and the cardio adjusted, but I am very happy with the progress. Ryan then put me through a core workout that was torture. I don't think I will be able to move tomorrow. We only had 30 min. after doing all our talking and assessing. Boy can still kick my booty in less than 30 minutes. I have lost a total of 6 inches off my chest. Not the place I really want to loose anymore. It needs to start coming off the hips and thighs!!!! But we are getting there and I am happy about that.

Yesterday at lunch I had a little karmic payback. A co-worker and I went to the new Fox Sports Grille near the office. I ordered a Caesar salad (not the best thing for a diet really, but it was good). I had ordered salmon to go with it but when my meal came out, it wasn't there. The waiter said it would take about 10 minutes and they would bring it out. 10 minutes came, then 20. Finally, the waitress came by and made the comment that I never got my salmon. Keep in mind at this time, I have finished my salad, and really hadn't complained that I hadn't gotten the salmon. I figured as long as they didn't charge me for it, I was really okay. The GM comes out and says that the meal is on him. Well, okay, that is pretty cool. We were planning to come back anyway, but that just made all the warm and fuzzy feelings stay. Well, turns out he took care of the meal for my co-worker as well. So we owed nothing! It was pretty unexpected and very cool. We were already plotting the great happy hours we could have there, but that just made us a little more eager to go back. And don't worry, we left a nice tip. :-)

Later!

Same old stuff

And that really isn't a bad thing. I actually have had a few good days at work. I better not let it lull me into thinking I might want to stay..... I don't, it still isn't the right place to be. I had a meeting with an agency lady today. She wants to submit me to a position in Downtown Dallas. I think I can deal with that. I haven't heard from the interview last week. I need to send that follow-up email, because I really am still interested. Heck, I made a point to do the writing sample.

In case you were wondering, the car is okay. The indicator light, which in the VW handbook is called the Malfunction indicator light, but is really the dreaded Check Engine Soon light, was just a malfunctioning wire. No threat of blowing up the car, it is something VW had actually warned dealerships they were having problems with. In the scheme of things, it wasn't bad. I just had to stay at the dealership for 2.5 hours. It was a rush trip so I hadn't arranged to have anybody come pick me up. The shuttle service wasn't running once I got there. They have internet access at the dealership so I actually did some playing. I had my maintenance checks and oil changed while I was there and they cleaned my car for free. Always a plus.

later!

Happy Monday Morning

The weekend came and went and here we are in a new week. So far, so good. Nothing too big to report. I had a great weekend. Saturday was the normal workout with Ryan. We did the speed ladder and that really worked me hard. In between running through the ladder, I had to do arms. I was very tired after that workout!!! The speed ladder is actually fun though. I tend to like that part of the workout best. I have decided that the challenge to Jen should not be the amount of pounds lost because I have wacky results from day to day. It should be the work out time in the gym. My goal this week is my normal 5x this week. I have to be there 2 times, so the rest is up to me. I didn't go yesterday but I danced all Saturday night, so that is more than enough cardio to make up for not hitting the gym. And yes, I am counting that as a cardio session!!!

I ended up in Denton Saturday night. Mia and I went to dinner at Primos Saturday night and were headed off somewhere else when she called her hubby. He was heading to Denton to meet some of his friends and so we just decided to go along. I drove from Dallas to their place in Lewisville and then we went to Denton. It was very fun. We ended up at this little club that had 80's night going on. Now I keep thinking how many of these kids were actually born when this music first came out! It was so much fun and we just danced and danced. There was some pool playing sporadically in there. We ended up leaving at 2:00 and then didn't get back to Mia and Brian's house until 3:30. So, I didn't get home until 4:00 (with the time change, that means it was 5:00AM). Needless to say, I was useless all Sunday. I did my writing sample for the job interview, but really, other than that there was nothing productive done. I feel better today and actually feel very energetic. I do have to go to dealership this afternoon because an indicator light came on. I don't think it is anything big but I want to get it checked out sooner than later.

Have a great day!

Hump Day!

I am working from home today since I have my interview in Downtown Dallas. There was no need to drive to Frisco and then back to Dallas at noon. Waste of gas and time. I have actually gotten a lot done this morning. I am getting kind of nervous about this interview. I always do. Can we just hope that this is it, they hire me on the spot and we all live happily ever after???? Then my soul mate is around the corner and we instantly fall in love? Okay, that is asking a whole lot :-). I'll just go in and be my fabulous self. I am very close to my number goal in weight loss so that is a very good thing. I have a lb to go and you can bet that darn thing will come off tonight at the gym!!!! I have been switched to the Stair Master. Why do I open my big mouth and ask whether we should change up cardio???? I do these things to myself. :-)

Well, I do have to get some more stuff done before I get ready for my interview. Wish me luck!!! Send good thoughts into the world.

Update: My interview today went pretty well. I really think this is something that would be challenging and interesting. The job would be onsite at the OSHA field office (located downtown) and therefore in a government building. Well, as most people know, with government buildings come pictures of the current administration. So, I would have to see Bush's face everyday, but I think the job be enough to transcend that....... I would also probably not get to be as vocal in my political viewpoints, especially at first :-). Or at least until I get in the door!!!

I do have a homework assignment -- they want to see how well I write. I was like, bring it on! After all the writing I had to do for school, 2 paragraphs will be a piece of cake. So, I will keep looking and interviewing, but I really liked the people I interviewed with and the people I met in the office. We'll see!

Pretty Good Monday

Not a bad day for a Monday. I got through work okay and that is a positive thing. This weekend was very good. Friday night I met the girls at Primo's for dinner. Saturday I went to see Saints and Sinners in Denton. I didn't realize they were playing (missed the memos I guess). I picked up Mia and we headed up to Denton. It was in a great little venue and they played a really good set. I think I sat a little too close to the front because my ears were ringing all the way home. Sunday was spent just relaxing.

I told my boss today that I was looking for a new position. She always wanted me to be honest with her and told me that if I did decide this was not what I wanted to let her know. Well, today I did. Guess since I have an interview on Wednesday, I kind of needed to let her know......! She was pretty cool about it and really very supportive. They are going to look for more of an operations person, which is what they need. And I have 2 headhunters looking for me and then that interview Wednesday. It is in downtown Dallas, so I might actually be able to take the train. It would be great to be able to actually take advantage of the limited mass transit we have here in Dallas. Plus, since gas is so freakin expensive now, it would be a great expense gone. Anyway, we will see what happens!

I am going to get ready to work out. I think it is elliptical night, not yoga tonight. I have energy that needs to get out of me. I think I lost my challenge to Jen. I actually gained a pound, however I did work out 5 days last week so I am pretty proud of myself. I doubt the cheese nachos on Friday did it, but we can blame them :-).

Friday!!

I am still in the office, but will be sneaking out in about 20 min. Not so much sneaking since there is no one really here anymore, but I have to pretend to be bad :-). I will stop by the gym, get in my cardio and then who knows what will happen. I don't really have plans but you never know. Michelle might be calling or I might be watching a Reese Witherspoon movie. Either way, it will be a good night. This week hasn't been too bad, but I told mom it isn't better enough for me to want to stay. It just isn't worth it anymore. Well, it hasn't been worth it in the past, but the last few weeks flipped the switch in my mind.

The gal who called me out of the blue to submit me to the Recruiting Manager left a message today that they offered the position to an internal person. So, that is off the table, but I have her submitting me for other positions. It is easier when you work to have someone do the busy work for you. I trust her not to screw me over as well. And who knows where the phone call yesterday will lead. The options are open.

Have a wonderful Friday evening!

Almost the end of the week!!!

Yay! It is Thurday! I did have a short phone interview this morning, so that made me happy. Once I know more, I will spill more beans, but I tend to want to keep the excitement to a minimum until we get further in the process! Their benefits sound awesome and I would actually be doing HR Stuff. Wow. What a concept!!!!

Other than that, things are good. My 2 lbs was derailed just a bit last night with $1 pints at Two Rows. Didn't have too much but even one tends to add the water weight. I will just drink water and it will all be good. I plan to hit the treadmill tonight too, so I have no worries.

Oh well, that is it. Back to my fun........... It is very quiet here today. That might be good!

Thank God Monday is over. I don't mean to wish my days away, but work is my least favorite place so the time there is not allowing me to live to my full potential. Trust me, I am working on changing that. I don't feel that I am stuck there. I have options and I fully intend to explore those options. But that also means when I am away from the office, I need to enjoy what I do. It was so pretty today and getting out at lunch was definitely what the doctor ordered. I did hit the gym tonight and so now I am all full of energy. Tomorrow I have my session with Ryan and I really look forward to those sessions. He kills me, but it is all good. I read Jen's goal is 2lbs this week. Seems that has actually pushed a competitive thing in me although I am sure she didn't mean to :-). But it is there. She might not be in on it, but it is set in my brain.

Baby Chloe is still the most beautiful baby in the world. I really can't wait to just hold her. Everyone in CA is so lucky, they get to play and hold and just see her. Lucky, lucky people!!! And A&M didn't make it past the second round, but they did great in the game against LSU, so no complaints. I am behind in bracket points at work. I am almost afraid to say my top team for fear of jinxing! So, never mind.

Okay, gotta go. It is late and this is getting rather incoherent. I need to get ready for bed.

Later!

Welcome Chloe Emerson Durham

Chloe Durham was born yesterday, March 16th. She was born at 8:25 PM (PST). She also has a full head of hair (I guess that is no surprise since she 'cooked' long enough!!!). Absolutely beautiful baby. Congrats to Katie and Kenneth!!!!! Best of luck with the new addition to the family.

Chloe was born during the outstanding game between Texas A&M and Syracuse. That is some kind of sign........ A&M played well and pulled off an upset. Way to go guys!!!! They play LSU on Saturday. I am looking forward to another good game. I am actually 12 out of 16 in the pool. I thought that was pretty good considering I know nothing about the teams. We'll see how I do today. And, you can bet I rubbed in that A&M win to all my co-workers who picked Syracuse. Football season gave me no bragging rights. This at least gives me some joy :-).

Well, back to work. I actually have stuff to do........... o darn......

Later!

Thursday.... Oh Thursday

Oh, it was hard to get out of bed this morning. I was so tired. Still am actually. My latte hasn't kicked in yet. I wish there were fascinating things to report, but it has been an actually calm morning. We have our big presentation this morning (well, actually, my boss and a few others do) and it probably the calmest I have ever seen it. Very odd. We did our brackets today for March Madness. I have no idea about basketball so I was looking up teams last night after my workout. Texas A&M plays today (had no idea we actually made it to the tourney...... How bad am I!!!). Of course I am rooting for them :-). The gal sitting next to me is rooting for Syracuse (the opponent tonight), so it should be interesting. They play tonight so I might actually have to watch a game!

Well, guess it is time to actually work on all the stuff that was neglected during the week working on the presentation for the meeting. Truthfully, I just want to go home and go to bed, but that is another story!

Have a great Thursday. And, no, there was no baby during the night. So, until I say something, just assume the kid hasn't come yet :-). Really, really stubborn child already!!!!

No baby as of yet

I did receive a message from my mom that Katie was in labor, but that they were still at home so it would probably be awhile. Hopefully by this time tomorrow I will have some great news about the arrival of our new family member! It seems like there is a baby boom going on these days. I have heard of several couples either announcing they are pregnant or about ready to pop. That old cliche -- there is something in the water :-).

Nothing much to report. Work was fine until today and I remembered why I hated my job. The evil client reared her ugly head and decided to complain again. Really haven't even worked with this woman in the last few weeks and she still complains. I have no idea why she decided to be a witch today, but she was. It might be the full moon. She gets crazy about this time every month. But, her issues are her issues and I will just let my work speak for itself. We worked on a presentation all week which turned out pretty good. That was something I was proud of. But enough about work.

It is time for sleep. I did my cardio for the night and now I am coming down from the high. I will sleep well tonight! Later!

Nothing to Report

There is no baby yet. Today is my predicted day and we have a few hours before I am proved wrong :-). Mom booked the trip to CA (I think....) last night. At least she called to say she and Dad were working on it.

I will keep all posted. I have to get back to work!

No baby yet

Still no baby girl Durham. Katie might be in labor right now but I haven't heard anything just yet. So, in my world there is no progress. Not that I win anything if I am right about a Tuesday birthday but it would be nice to prove my intuition right. :-)

My water through the wall ordeal was pretty minor. Not very much come through. He cut the padding out from under the carpet, but there wasn't even too much to vacuum up. My neighbor's apartment is a mess. It was kind of like the day my water heater broke and I had just crap everywhere!!! Felt bad for her.

Well, nothing too much else to report. I met Michelle for dinner at Trinity Hall and it was a very nice night for the patio. Several older (and odder) men kept trying to pick us up. While flattering, it was kind of annoying. These aren't older men like the age I should be dating (as opposed to the younger guys I seem to attract). These are the older men that makes it kind of creepy. Mom and dad hiding me in the house kind of creepy. I am sure they are pleasant people, but I think I would be locked away.

Sunday night. Now it is time to wind down and relax. I plan to have a nice week, workouts, yoga, happy smiles, good work. Life will be good.

Later!
Kim