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

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

Later!

Great Accomplishment

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

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

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

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

Later!

Ouch, Ouchy

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

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

Okay, bubble bath time. Later!

Still going good!

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

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

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

Oh, I am so happy!

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

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

Later!

No, Really, I have an excuse!!

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

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

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

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

Later!

Getting Ready

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

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

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

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

Later!

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!