It is rare I call a cold call sales guy back at work. Even rarer that I let them come in to see me. This sales guy called me yesterday. My first thought as I listened to his phone message was "oh, this guy is good." But he said something that perked my interest so I called him back. Of course, he just happened to be in the area. Told ya he was good. Well he was meeting with one of my counterparts and then he would call and let me know he was getting close. Admittedly he forgot that part. My boss pulled me into an office for my annual review which he wanted to be all serious about and go through and I flipped to the back to find out what the grade was. The grade denotes the raise, and the grade denoted if I got hosed again or made a good decision in coming to work for him. More on that another time, maybe.
I come walking out of that meeting at about 4:30 and there is a pretty cute guy sitting with a counter part and I hear, there she is. I was still talking to my boss and we handled some things before I gave this guy the time of day....good salesman, cute guy or not.
He comes over to my desk, which I also never allow saleman at my desk. He sees all the Wisconsin stuff and says "Are you a Badger?" to which I reply, "Yeah, are you a Badger too?" Since his represents a company with Wisconsin in the name. He said, "No, I'm a Wolverine." I hestitated not in saying, "That's it, you're out here, meetings over." And having a good laugh myself. So I told him my brother went to Michigan and we discuss siblings. (Oh, and by the way, because I know Aileen is wondering, there was a wedding ring.....and I am never never never having anything but a business relationship with any supplier ever again!) Anyway, so then he says, "did you grow up in Wisconsin?" When the conversation goes in this order it always makes me giggle, "No, I'm from Michigan." "Really, where in Michigan?" "Fenton" "No way, I live in Fenton now." Its a small world. He grew up in the next town over, we knew a few of the same people. He told me how much Fenton has changed. He is going to take a picture of the house I grew up in and send it to me.
Weird.
30 November 2007
19 November 2007
Starts with Goodbye...
I guess it's gonna have to hurt,
I guess I'm gonna have to cry,
And let go of some things I've loved,
To get to the other side,
I guess it's gonna break me down,
Like falling when you try to fly,
It's sad,
but sometimes moving on with the rest of your life,
Starts with goodbye.
I know there's a blue horizon,
Somewhere up ahead,
just waiting for me,
Getting there means leaving things behind,
Sometimes life's so bitter sweet.
25 September 2007
I couldn't have said it better myself!
I hope you will all read to the end. Jay Leno puts it into perspective and makes us think about the pathetic negativity. That's right, Jay Leno!!
Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see...."The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so unhappy about?''Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.
Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about "how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way"...Insane!Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media.
Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Jay Leno2007
Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see...."The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so unhappy about?''Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.
Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about "how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way"...Insane!Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media.
Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Jay Leno2007
22 September 2007
You Rah Rah
I think the only place worst than Michigan to live for a Wisconsin fan is Iowa! I hate Iowa fans. Just in case that wasn't clear...I seriously, really, to the very core of my being, hate Iowa fans. Some of them are my friends, but there is one day a year I even hate them. Today is the day...Wisconsin, thank God, beat Iowa. Iowa is intolerable enough if they lose, God forbid they win, they make you want to vomit, and I think a few times tonight, I did in fact throw up a little in my mouth.
So let's run through the roll call of Iowa fans at Pepper's tonight...
There was the bleach blond who was flirting with her granddad so he would buy her drinks. I think the old guy was clueless that she was dumping his ass the moment the game was over.
Then there was her two highly obnoxious Iowa friend fans who while they were in the bathroom at the same time as me were discussing who was dating who and one of them actually said "it doesn't matter, I don't date white guys anymore." Her parents must be so proud. Frankly, I don't think a single one of the blonds here mentioned actually went to Iowa, they looked like UNI students.
There was a table of guys, several quite cute, about my age that actually looked like they might have attending Iowa at some point in their lives and although they were cheering loud they at least waited until appropriate times unlike the aforementioned blonds who were just obnoxious.
There was another set of blondes that I met on my second trip to the bathroom...they were highly intelligent creatures that intersperse "like, umm" at least three times into every sentence. True scholars!
Then there was the recently began dating couple next to me and my Iowa fan friend and her (hang on to your dinner) Ohio State boyfriend. The dating couple were also obnoxious Iowa fans but again I believe they were actually UNI students. They were young and hadn't been dating long...and the reason I know this is they weren't comfortable with each other yet....they had the getting to know each other vibe... little touches here and there, but not too much, but much flirting.
Lastly, next to me were the old guys...the kinda creepy...don't make eye contact type of guys. Who gave me dirty looks when I didn't cheer with all the obnoxious ones.
I kept my cheering to a quiet yes, or get 'em, or go go go...I tried not to be loud, frankly I wasn't sure I wouldn't get hit if I did get loud. And I was the ONLY Wisconsin in the room. Its not that I haven't had my obnoxious fan moments...but a friend cured me of that a long time ago...in a pretty hurtful way, but it was effective none the less and I, to this day, remember never wanting to feel that way again.
So let's run through the roll call of Iowa fans at Pepper's tonight...
There was the bleach blond who was flirting with her granddad so he would buy her drinks. I think the old guy was clueless that she was dumping his ass the moment the game was over.
Then there was her two highly obnoxious Iowa friend fans who while they were in the bathroom at the same time as me were discussing who was dating who and one of them actually said "it doesn't matter, I don't date white guys anymore." Her parents must be so proud. Frankly, I don't think a single one of the blonds here mentioned actually went to Iowa, they looked like UNI students.
There was a table of guys, several quite cute, about my age that actually looked like they might have attending Iowa at some point in their lives and although they were cheering loud they at least waited until appropriate times unlike the aforementioned blonds who were just obnoxious.
There was another set of blondes that I met on my second trip to the bathroom...they were highly intelligent creatures that intersperse "like, umm" at least three times into every sentence. True scholars!
Then there was the recently began dating couple next to me and my Iowa fan friend and her (hang on to your dinner) Ohio State boyfriend. The dating couple were also obnoxious Iowa fans but again I believe they were actually UNI students. They were young and hadn't been dating long...and the reason I know this is they weren't comfortable with each other yet....they had the getting to know each other vibe... little touches here and there, but not too much, but much flirting.
Lastly, next to me were the old guys...the kinda creepy...don't make eye contact type of guys. Who gave me dirty looks when I didn't cheer with all the obnoxious ones.
I kept my cheering to a quiet yes, or get 'em, or go go go...I tried not to be loud, frankly I wasn't sure I wouldn't get hit if I did get loud. And I was the ONLY Wisconsin in the room. Its not that I haven't had my obnoxious fan moments...but a friend cured me of that a long time ago...in a pretty hurtful way, but it was effective none the less and I, to this day, remember never wanting to feel that way again.
"Bud Light presents Real Men of Genius"
Mr. Delusional Michigan Football Fan
(Reeaaaal Men Of Genius)
Today we salute you, Mr. Delusional Michigan Football Fan
(Mr. Delusional Michigan Football Faaaaaan!)
Season after season, year after year, you try to justify your absurdly high preseason ranking
(clutching at straws!)
Season after season, year after year, you scramble to make futile attempts at damage control when the Wolverines lose to a grossly inferior opponent
(How'd Northwestern score fifty fouuuuuur?)
Inevitably, you'll bring up the past, and boast of National Championships won 40 years before you were born
(those were the daaaaaays!)
You will point out that you have more wins than any other program as though that is relevant to the current season
(been playing since the 1870s!)
Go on, ignore that home loss to your arch rivals in the regular season finale and continue to believe that you'll defeat your bowl opponent with striking ease
(we'll win by thirteeeeeeey!)
So crack open an ice cold Bud Light, oh Emperor of Excuses, and take comfort knowing that when you don't finish in the top 25, you'll be back to number three when the preseason polls come out next year
(Mr. Delusional Michigan Football Faaaaaan!)
(Reeaaaal Men Of Genius)
Today we salute you, Mr. Delusional Michigan Football Fan
(Mr. Delusional Michigan Football Faaaaaan!)
Season after season, year after year, you try to justify your absurdly high preseason ranking
(clutching at straws!)
Season after season, year after year, you scramble to make futile attempts at damage control when the Wolverines lose to a grossly inferior opponent
(How'd Northwestern score fifty fouuuuuur?)
Inevitably, you'll bring up the past, and boast of National Championships won 40 years before you were born
(those were the daaaaaays!)
You will point out that you have more wins than any other program as though that is relevant to the current season
(been playing since the 1870s!)
Go on, ignore that home loss to your arch rivals in the regular season finale and continue to believe that you'll defeat your bowl opponent with striking ease
(we'll win by thirteeeeeeey!)
So crack open an ice cold Bud Light, oh Emperor of Excuses, and take comfort knowing that when you don't finish in the top 25, you'll be back to number three when the preseason polls come out next year
(Mr. Delusional Michigan Football Faaaaaan!)
17 September 2007
Goodbye my ol' friend
Today I had to say goodbye to an old friend. It was a very tough day, but I had put off the inevitable as long as I could. I had to put Sassy to sleep today. She was a very sweet cat. She isn't cool and full of attitude like JT, but she was sweet and cuddly. She purred like a motor all the time. She would love up to anyone that came to the house and make sure they left the house with the gift of a pant leg covered in white and gray hair. She would sleep curled up against my shoulder or on my shoulder until it feel asleep under 13 pounds of sleeping weight.
The best part of Sassy and the thing I will always remember about her is that unlike JT she didn't always answer to her name. But when she wouldn't come to her name all I had to do was sing, and she would come and curl up in my lap purring. I will miss my friend.
The best part of Sassy and the thing I will always remember about her is that unlike JT she didn't always answer to her name. But when she wouldn't come to her name all I had to do was sing, and she would come and curl up in my lap purring. I will miss my friend.
16 September 2007
I love Autumn
Things I love about Autumn:
1) Badger Football!!!
2) Air off, windows open!
3) Leaves changing color
4) Apples on my trees finally turn red
5) The crisp air that reminds me of Madison!
6) BBQ smells better in the autumn especially if it includes brats
7) Everything pumpkin and cranberry
I love this time of year. Even if my allergies don't. I love this time of year!
1) Badger Football!!!
2) Air off, windows open!
3) Leaves changing color
4) Apples on my trees finally turn red
5) The crisp air that reminds me of Madison!
6) BBQ smells better in the autumn especially if it includes brats
7) Everything pumpkin and cranberry
I love this time of year. Even if my allergies don't. I love this time of year!
09 September 2007
Are the planets aligned?????
MICHIGAN LOSES AGAIN!!! I nearly fainted when I turned on the tv between chores and saw Oregon up 37 to 7 on Michigan. I refrained from dancing, cuz well we were playing a late game.
Speaking of the late game....Holy crap did we just squeak by on that one. I was a little on edge during that game.
We are still two weeks from the most important game of the season. And anyone who would like to disagree with me about the validity of that statement, does not live where I do! With Michigan doing so poorly this year, they have no doubt chilled which opens the spot for the most obnoxious fans for Iowa to slip right in there.
Well I'm off, got a bunch of things to finish up for the realtor and I have to drive south tonight so I can meet my ride in the morning.
Speaking of the late game....Holy crap did we just squeak by on that one. I was a little on edge during that game.
We are still two weeks from the most important game of the season. And anyone who would like to disagree with me about the validity of that statement, does not live where I do! With Michigan doing so poorly this year, they have no doubt chilled which opens the spot for the most obnoxious fans for Iowa to slip right in there.
Well I'm off, got a bunch of things to finish up for the realtor and I have to drive south tonight so I can meet my ride in the morning.
01 September 2007
What could be more beautiful?
What could be more beautiful....
Than the badgers winning the season opening game?
The Badgers winning the season opening game when Michigan doesn't.....
I don't want to jinx anything....but damn, I hope I get to see Aileen for New Years!
Than the badgers winning the season opening game?
The Badgers winning the season opening game when Michigan doesn't.....
I don't want to jinx anything....but damn, I hope I get to see Aileen for New Years!
19 July 2007
Irritation
Someone lit a fire under some administrator's behind and they have decided its time for mom to go to rehab. They decided this today and she has to go tomorrow. Now...personally I think the insurance company is behind this because they don't want her in there over another weekend. I'm not a big fan of the insurance company. Why? Because the rehab center that my mom was in a year ago after the first set of strokes still has not been paid!! We found this out in March when she was back in the hospital and had to go to rehab again and they would not take her because they hadn't been paid. I wasn't a happy camper about this then either. That rehab center complained to who ever one complains to in the Federal Government about this and the insurance company was told to pay the bill. Several months later, they still have not paid said bill. So my mom's care suffers. I'm irritated.
My dad called me today while I was at work in a meeting. He is one of the few calls that I don't screen out during meetings. But today when he called with this it sent me into a bit of a tailspin and I went back into the meeting and remained silent because I was afraid someone might get their head handed to them to no fault of their own.
What really gets me is that so many people don't have insurance and can't get decent care, but even if you have insurance, that still doesn't guarantee you decent care. Because even though the insurance company will drop you if you don't pay your bills on time, there seems to be no incentive or even requirement that they do their share in any type of timely fashion.
The irritation gets worse when I consider that while my employer at one time had their own health insurance division, they sold in the last few years. To who? The freakin' company that isn't paying my mom's rehab bills!
My dad called me today while I was at work in a meeting. He is one of the few calls that I don't screen out during meetings. But today when he called with this it sent me into a bit of a tailspin and I went back into the meeting and remained silent because I was afraid someone might get their head handed to them to no fault of their own.
What really gets me is that so many people don't have insurance and can't get decent care, but even if you have insurance, that still doesn't guarantee you decent care. Because even though the insurance company will drop you if you don't pay your bills on time, there seems to be no incentive or even requirement that they do their share in any type of timely fashion.
The irritation gets worse when I consider that while my employer at one time had their own health insurance division, they sold in the last few years. To who? The freakin' company that isn't paying my mom's rehab bills!
18 July 2007
My dear friend Leaners has pointed out to me that yelling "Look I have shingles" may not be in my best interest. Which is just fricken hysterical to me! You have a point!
I found out today I am not traveling next week. I may actually be able to sleep in my own bed for a few days.
Seems mom had a better day today. We have gone through a week of refusing to eat, refusing to take her pills, and refusing to work with the therapists. Oh and a week of not really speaking. Today was better. She ate real food and spoke to my dad, not much but she did speak. I'm still worried about Dad. I can hear the fatigue in his voice. Just need to get to October and the house being done and they can move in and I can help more. If it doesn't make marked improvements soon, I may need to take some time off work and help out. I'm trying to avoid that after last July and taking nearly a month and a half off. I spend three months after that cleaning up the messes I created trying to keep up with work during that time. I have less on my plate this time around. I'm not in school, I'm not driving to Chicago or flying to Chicago every weekend. But there were benefits to that. Every Saturday I could divorce myself from the entire thing. I'm not as overwhelmed this year, I don't think. There's different kind of stuff on the plate this year.
I found out today I am not traveling next week. I may actually be able to sleep in my own bed for a few days.
Seems mom had a better day today. We have gone through a week of refusing to eat, refusing to take her pills, and refusing to work with the therapists. Oh and a week of not really speaking. Today was better. She ate real food and spoke to my dad, not much but she did speak. I'm still worried about Dad. I can hear the fatigue in his voice. Just need to get to October and the house being done and they can move in and I can help more. If it doesn't make marked improvements soon, I may need to take some time off work and help out. I'm trying to avoid that after last July and taking nearly a month and a half off. I spend three months after that cleaning up the messes I created trying to keep up with work during that time. I have less on my plate this time around. I'm not in school, I'm not driving to Chicago or flying to Chicago every weekend. But there were benefits to that. Every Saturday I could divorce myself from the entire thing. I'm not as overwhelmed this year, I don't think. There's different kind of stuff on the plate this year.
16 July 2007
15 July 2007
Groceries
While I was in school, Ryan and I had a number of conversations about the toxicity of Wal-Mart to Mom and Pop shops. I'm not a fan of Wal-Mart, no major insight there. I have had friends who work for them and I can respect what they have accomplished in a tough market, but I don't have to like the business tactics.
Ok, so on with the story. There is a little corner grocery store that since the day I moved to town I have frequented. Even when I started looking for a house, I wanted to stay close to where my apartment was because of the corner store and the comfort I had found in the area. The corner grocery has changed hands many times during my almost 10 years here. And I have always wondered why anyone buys it because I can't imagine it makes much money. Anyway, since I am rarely home, it is a good place for me to pick up the few items that I need to tide me over until the next trip. So today I stopped in to pick up some veggies and such. The two women in the check out in front of me wrote checks for their items. I don't write checks except to the kid who mows my lawn. I don't carry a checkbook. And watching the regime required to pay with a check confirmed that was a good decision. The line was quite long by the time I got to the front of the line. And though I only had a few items, it consisted of wild diet cherry pepsi and lots of veggies that didn't have bar codes! The poor kid, I felt bad for him because there was a long line and he obviously was new. I couldn't find the price for the garlic. He had to ask me if my yam was in fact a yam. And he didn't know what type of onion I was buying. I felt uncomfortable for him. We finally got through it and I think he was relieved to see me pull out the debit card.
I was thinking to myself I probably would have been annoyed had this happened at Target or Wal-Mart, but it was amusingly endearing for it to happen at my corner store.
Ok, so on with the story. There is a little corner grocery store that since the day I moved to town I have frequented. Even when I started looking for a house, I wanted to stay close to where my apartment was because of the corner store and the comfort I had found in the area. The corner grocery has changed hands many times during my almost 10 years here. And I have always wondered why anyone buys it because I can't imagine it makes much money. Anyway, since I am rarely home, it is a good place for me to pick up the few items that I need to tide me over until the next trip. So today I stopped in to pick up some veggies and such. The two women in the check out in front of me wrote checks for their items. I don't write checks except to the kid who mows my lawn. I don't carry a checkbook. And watching the regime required to pay with a check confirmed that was a good decision. The line was quite long by the time I got to the front of the line. And though I only had a few items, it consisted of wild diet cherry pepsi and lots of veggies that didn't have bar codes! The poor kid, I felt bad for him because there was a long line and he obviously was new. I couldn't find the price for the garlic. He had to ask me if my yam was in fact a yam. And he didn't know what type of onion I was buying. I felt uncomfortable for him. We finally got through it and I think he was relieved to see me pull out the debit card.
I was thinking to myself I probably would have been annoyed had this happened at Target or Wal-Mart, but it was amusingly endearing for it to happen at my corner store.
Balance
I'm 36 now. Had a birthday a few weeks ago and entered that lovely two month period of time every year when I am in fact an number higher in age than Aileen. A fact she reminded me of in my birthday card! Which made ma laugh mind you, but remember August 13th is right around the corner and one of these days I'm going to figure out how to put pink flamingos in your front your for your birthday from half way across the country!
As I think back on this last year that had really high highs and really low lows, I realize the importance of balance in life. It is not something I have always succeeded at providing in my life, in fact, it is quite the opposite. I get focused like a train on tracks. Work and school, and sick family, etc...I juggle and multi-task and the world keeps spinning and sometimes I step back and look at it and wonder what the heck I'm doing.
I think when Mom went in the hospital last week it sent me in a bit of a tailspin. I still think I deserve an oscar for getting through the week without having any type of meltdown. Only my boss knew about it and probably wouldn't have told him had we not spent an hour and a half on the phone while he drove to St. Louis for our meeting on Thursday. Speaking of which, I know I have mentioned how much I love my new boss, but Thursday was a classic example of why he and I get along so well. The supplier gave us headsets so we could hear what the tour guide was saying on the tour. So we let him go off with our other collegue and held back and he spoke what was literally in my head, "These are cool, we can hear him and hang back here and talk." We spent most of the tour trading comments about the factory floor which wouldn't have been nearly as funny as it was since the sarcasm was running pretty deep that day. It was actually a productive meeting, until McBossy left and the plant manager decided that would be a good time to take a chunk out of my backside. Underestimating me, amuses me.
Dad and I are having conversations about putting mom in a home permanently. This decision, these conversations I think are some of the most difficult I have ever had. Heavens know there have been a series of relationships good and bad that have passed through my life and ending those was never easy. But this decision is on an entirely different level than any I have had before. It has brought me to my knees crying and trying to think about what I would want in her shoes. But the decision sends ripples through the rest of the family. Those closest will feel the ripples the most which causes a lot of concern about Dad.
Balance is precarious...and in my experience...fleeting...I gotta work on that.
As I think back on this last year that had really high highs and really low lows, I realize the importance of balance in life. It is not something I have always succeeded at providing in my life, in fact, it is quite the opposite. I get focused like a train on tracks. Work and school, and sick family, etc...I juggle and multi-task and the world keeps spinning and sometimes I step back and look at it and wonder what the heck I'm doing.
I think when Mom went in the hospital last week it sent me in a bit of a tailspin. I still think I deserve an oscar for getting through the week without having any type of meltdown. Only my boss knew about it and probably wouldn't have told him had we not spent an hour and a half on the phone while he drove to St. Louis for our meeting on Thursday. Speaking of which, I know I have mentioned how much I love my new boss, but Thursday was a classic example of why he and I get along so well. The supplier gave us headsets so we could hear what the tour guide was saying on the tour. So we let him go off with our other collegue and held back and he spoke what was literally in my head, "These are cool, we can hear him and hang back here and talk." We spent most of the tour trading comments about the factory floor which wouldn't have been nearly as funny as it was since the sarcasm was running pretty deep that day. It was actually a productive meeting, until McBossy left and the plant manager decided that would be a good time to take a chunk out of my backside. Underestimating me, amuses me.
Dad and I are having conversations about putting mom in a home permanently. This decision, these conversations I think are some of the most difficult I have ever had. Heavens know there have been a series of relationships good and bad that have passed through my life and ending those was never easy. But this decision is on an entirely different level than any I have had before. It has brought me to my knees crying and trying to think about what I would want in her shoes. But the decision sends ripples through the rest of the family. Those closest will feel the ripples the most which causes a lot of concern about Dad.
Balance is precarious...and in my experience...fleeting...I gotta work on that.
11 July 2007
Not just a bad day
Latest news comes while I'm having a business dinner. Dad called. Mom had another stroke and is back in the hospital. I get an Oscar for surviving dinner with no one being the wiser.
In the shadow of the arch...
I'm in St. Louis. I have a fabalous view of the arch from my hotel room. I went to a supplier that I didn't have in my old job. New processes, materials....it was sweet! I had a blast asking a billion questions. I have a bunch of parts to take back with me and I'm hoping to generate some cost reduction.
Shingle decision has been made... if only it had been as easy as typing that was. I had a long dinner last night so I didn't get all the samples out of the car. But today a decision had to be made because they are roofing tomorrow. (On a side note, I just looked at the ceiling of my hotel room. There are two heights in the room and the different heights have different size texturing. It looks .... odd.) After a long brainstorming session on Monday night regarding the colors of the house when I started looking at them again today I was on a bit of overwhelm. But I was coming down to the wire and needed to make a decision. So I called my dad....I knew instantly when he answered the phone things weren't going well. My mom refused to eat, take her pills, or do therapy today with the visiting nurses. I tried to tell day she is probably just having a day. She is probably just mad at the world and mad about her situation. Dad didn't sound like he was buying it and frankly I'm not sure I do either. Let's just pray tomorrow is a better day. I didn't talk to him about the shingles at that point but then once I was off the phone with him I couldn't concentrate enough to focus on the decision at hand which was still the stupid shingles which though seem trivial in the light of my mom's condition is a decision I have to live with until Uncle John moves me next. I called my brainstorming partner who also helped out with a few well timed laughs. Decision made...finally.
I'm off to dinner. Dolce Beijos.
Shingle decision has been made... if only it had been as easy as typing that was. I had a long dinner last night so I didn't get all the samples out of the car. But today a decision had to be made because they are roofing tomorrow. (On a side note, I just looked at the ceiling of my hotel room. There are two heights in the room and the different heights have different size texturing. It looks .... odd.) After a long brainstorming session on Monday night regarding the colors of the house when I started looking at them again today I was on a bit of overwhelm. But I was coming down to the wire and needed to make a decision. So I called my dad....I knew instantly when he answered the phone things weren't going well. My mom refused to eat, take her pills, or do therapy today with the visiting nurses. I tried to tell day she is probably just having a day. She is probably just mad at the world and mad about her situation. Dad didn't sound like he was buying it and frankly I'm not sure I do either. Let's just pray tomorrow is a better day. I didn't talk to him about the shingles at that point but then once I was off the phone with him I couldn't concentrate enough to focus on the decision at hand which was still the stupid shingles which though seem trivial in the light of my mom's condition is a decision I have to live with until Uncle John moves me next. I called my brainstorming partner who also helped out with a few well timed laughs. Decision made...finally.
I'm off to dinner. Dolce Beijos.
10 July 2007
How about a little politics....
I spent a few hours in a car today and when I wasn't singing like the car rock star I am, I was thinking. Don't say it I know that is a dangerous thing. Since politics is one of my favorite subjects let's talk politics.
I spent a few years of my life near Philly I have a little interest in the civil war...So let's consider a couple of facts that you can draw your own conclusions from because I'm not even sure what I will do with these yet...
Somewhere between 46,000 and 51,000 men were killed in the Battle of Gettysburg. It was a three day long war. General Lee attempted to resign after the battle, his resignation was declined.
3,609 Americans have died in the Iraq war, which has been going on for four years. Impeachment is being called for by some.
Presidential race:
Clinton: As much as I would love to have a female president and I believe the US is ready for a female president. I'm torn as to my beliefs of how it would be received by the rest of the world and how it would impact the power of "the office". My largest concern here has nothing to do with gender... As Americans, do we really want to have "the office" controlled by 2 families for over 20 years?
Obama: I like Obama, he is well spoken, impressive, and has the necessary presence required for the office. Now if it wouldn't take increasing the size of the government by 5 in order to support his programs, I think he would be a great candidate.
Edwards: Four years ago, Edwards was my fav. I have said it before, had he been at the top of the ticket, I would have actually had a decision to make in the last election. I don't think he is doing as good a job this time at connecting to the public. I think he presence and strength from the first campaign has been deserted to attempt a different strategy. I liked the first strategy better. He was more positive, maybe a bit more idealistic but with vision. I liked it.
On the other side of the fence:
Giuliani - He started way too early. He should have held out on his decision to run. Everyone knew he was going to run, there was no reason to start so early. I like Rudy and I think he would make a good president. However, he can't build his entire platform on 9-11.
McCain - Its over.
Thompson - The smartest of them all...he had stayed out of the race, but not really. He hasn't announced anything. He hasn't stated hardly any of his views. But he has everyone really curious. I will be disappointed if he announces in September. Still too early. Keep 'em guessing and wanting. I think he has a good shot because he is playing a smart game.
That was my thoughts for the day on politics.
I spent a few years of my life near Philly I have a little interest in the civil war...So let's consider a couple of facts that you can draw your own conclusions from because I'm not even sure what I will do with these yet...
Somewhere between 46,000 and 51,000 men were killed in the Battle of Gettysburg. It was a three day long war. General Lee attempted to resign after the battle, his resignation was declined.
3,609 Americans have died in the Iraq war, which has been going on for four years. Impeachment is being called for by some.
Presidential race:
Clinton: As much as I would love to have a female president and I believe the US is ready for a female president. I'm torn as to my beliefs of how it would be received by the rest of the world and how it would impact the power of "the office". My largest concern here has nothing to do with gender... As Americans, do we really want to have "the office" controlled by 2 families for over 20 years?
Obama: I like Obama, he is well spoken, impressive, and has the necessary presence required for the office. Now if it wouldn't take increasing the size of the government by 5 in order to support his programs, I think he would be a great candidate.
Edwards: Four years ago, Edwards was my fav. I have said it before, had he been at the top of the ticket, I would have actually had a decision to make in the last election. I don't think he is doing as good a job this time at connecting to the public. I think he presence and strength from the first campaign has been deserted to attempt a different strategy. I liked the first strategy better. He was more positive, maybe a bit more idealistic but with vision. I liked it.
On the other side of the fence:
Giuliani - He started way too early. He should have held out on his decision to run. Everyone knew he was going to run, there was no reason to start so early. I like Rudy and I think he would make a good president. However, he can't build his entire platform on 9-11.
McCain - Its over.
Thompson - The smartest of them all...he had stayed out of the race, but not really. He hasn't announced anything. He hasn't stated hardly any of his views. But he has everyone really curious. I will be disappointed if he announces in September. Still too early. Keep 'em guessing and wanting. I think he has a good shot because he is playing a smart game.
That was my thoughts for the day on politics.
09 July 2007
Waxing Nostalgia and Building the Future
OK....house time! Ready? Are ya sure? Here it is. Its small but its cozy. I can't wait for it to be done. I have to pick shingles because they are roofing on Thursday. This hasn't been an easy decision and it still isn't made.
I talked with Dan from school today. I sent him an email last week about the benefits of his job choice over mine....it went like this...first the subject line was "I wanna be like Dan."
If I worked in finance…
I could work banker's hours.
I could make money hand over fist and produce nothing tangible.
I go running over my lunch hour and still not sweat all afternoon.
I could live in great places on the coast near water.
I could sleep in my own bed every night.
But alas, I have chosen a much less glamorous path,
It's true, I make widgets instead. The whoa's of a widget maker…
We work tirelessly.
We don't make crap for salary. (its all in the bonus)
I work at my desk over lunch.
I live in the middle of no where with no water in sight.
And I spend more time in hotels than my own home.
But I gotta say I love it!!
So my post and Aileen's comment a few posts back got me thinking about Madtown and where people are now. Leener's...I have no idea why I looked him up but I looked him up along with a buncha other people...Paul is in Dublin, OH now! I have no idea what he is doing there, but that is where he is. I almost emailed Mattie to ask what he was doing there, but thought better of it. You know Mattie would tell Paul and Paul would go off on a ego trip about me pining for him still which even though it could not be further from the truth, the idea of him thinking it makes me vomit in my mouth.
JP the elder was in town from Mexico a week ago. And since I happened to be home part of the week, we went out for drinks. JP it was good to see you man! JP says, "you don't keep up on your blog anymore." What can I say I'm a busy girl! I will try harder to keep this up. But I expect comments, lotsa comments JP!
I talked with Dan from school today. I sent him an email last week about the benefits of his job choice over mine....it went like this...first the subject line was "I wanna be like Dan."
If I worked in finance…
I could work banker's hours.
I could make money hand over fist and produce nothing tangible.
I go running over my lunch hour and still not sweat all afternoon.
I could live in great places on the coast near water.
I could sleep in my own bed every night.
But alas, I have chosen a much less glamorous path,
It's true, I make widgets instead. The whoa's of a widget maker…
We work tirelessly.
We don't make crap for salary. (its all in the bonus)
I work at my desk over lunch.
I live in the middle of no where with no water in sight.
And I spend more time in hotels than my own home.
But I gotta say I love it!!
Dan...was on vacation last week and didn't receive this until today. He was at the beach last week. The beach. The life of those that chose finance. I may have to rethink this one day. Danny and I had a good laugh over this one. I miss Saturday morning breakfast at Gleacher with Danny and a bowl of apple juice oatmeal.
All right, night owl is going to bed. In my now chilly hotel room (a story for another night) thanks to the Steele man!
20 June 2007
Traveling!
I don't know what kind of hellious storm went through Detroit yesterday prior to my arrival there, but that place was a mess and gave all new meaning to the words incompetent ground crew. I should have flown through Chicago. The good news is that once I move, I will use a different airport as my home airport and I will be able to use Memphis as the hub to get to South Carolina. Its 5:30 am and most of you know I am not a morning person so this is dang early for me because technically it is 4:30 for me. The engineers wanted to be at the supplier at 7 am this morning. Truly not my favorite people at this time of the morning. I keep adding another lamp to the "I will wake up this morning" mix here.
So Detroit - Our flight got into Detroit early. I had an hour and a half lay over, during which I was planning on enjoying a burger from Fudruckers. For anyone who has flown into Detroit the new terminal is like ten miles away from where you land so you taxi forever. We get over to our gate and we stop, not at our gate but away from it waiting for another plane to vacate it. 5-10 minutes later the pilot comes on "they are getting ready to move the plane we should only be here a couple more minutes." Ten minutes later, pilot comes on "Ladies and Gentlemen, they have gone ahead and changed our gate, we will be entering in Bravo 6. We should just be a few minutes to get over to that gate." So off we go to that gate, but again don't pull up to it because there is no there to wave us in. Ten minutes later the pilot comes on "L and G, we are sorry for the delay thank you for your patience, please stay in your seats with your seatbelts fastened we should only be a few minutes more." I have no patience, especially when my bladder is screaming! We get to the gate finally, people start standing up, my bladder is anxiously awaiting deplaning. No gate agent to manuever jetway to the plane. We waited another 25 minutes for that to happen. The pilot actually came on at one point and said "L and G, we are beginning to wonder if we will be spending more time on the tarmac here in Detroit than we did in flight to Detroit.
I can only say that storm that went through prior must have been a mammoth one, because it certainly caused a cluster. Once I got inside, no time for a burger, and there were people at my gate trying desperately to get to Greenville. And then a guy from the supplier I am seeing today showed up. He had been in Detroit since the night before due to storms. It must have been bad if O'hare looked better.
Not sure where we are at with the house. Haven't been there since Saturday. But my realtor got home from vacation last night so I am certain he will go out to the site today and I will get a report.
Thats all for this morning. Dolce Beijos.
So Detroit - Our flight got into Detroit early. I had an hour and a half lay over, during which I was planning on enjoying a burger from Fudruckers. For anyone who has flown into Detroit the new terminal is like ten miles away from where you land so you taxi forever. We get over to our gate and we stop, not at our gate but away from it waiting for another plane to vacate it. 5-10 minutes later the pilot comes on "they are getting ready to move the plane we should only be here a couple more minutes." Ten minutes later, pilot comes on "Ladies and Gentlemen, they have gone ahead and changed our gate, we will be entering in Bravo 6. We should just be a few minutes to get over to that gate." So off we go to that gate, but again don't pull up to it because there is no there to wave us in. Ten minutes later the pilot comes on "L and G, we are sorry for the delay thank you for your patience, please stay in your seats with your seatbelts fastened we should only be a few minutes more." I have no patience, especially when my bladder is screaming! We get to the gate finally, people start standing up, my bladder is anxiously awaiting deplaning. No gate agent to manuever jetway to the plane. We waited another 25 minutes for that to happen. The pilot actually came on at one point and said "L and G, we are beginning to wonder if we will be spending more time on the tarmac here in Detroit than we did in flight to Detroit.
I can only say that storm that went through prior must have been a mammoth one, because it certainly caused a cluster. Once I got inside, no time for a burger, and there were people at my gate trying desperately to get to Greenville. And then a guy from the supplier I am seeing today showed up. He had been in Detroit since the night before due to storms. It must have been bad if O'hare looked better.
Not sure where we are at with the house. Haven't been there since Saturday. But my realtor got home from vacation last night so I am certain he will go out to the site today and I will get a report.
Thats all for this morning. Dolce Beijos.
18 June 2007
Ancient Paths
So I went to this seminar in Pawnee, IL this past weekend called Ancient Paths. I had read the book, it was recommended to me by a friend. I didn't read it right away. I was still in school when I got it. But one day I read the bio of the author and realized he got his MBA from UChicago and being the MBA snob I've become I thought well he must know his stuff. (Granted not really an MBA snob well at least I hope not. I was impressed with the credentials though). The book is great and explained a lot about my family dynamics and helped me understand my brother more too. The seminar helped me a lot when it came to my relationship with my dad. Can't say I agreed with everything but I was definitely intrigued by everything.
While I was in Springfield, I went on a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright house there. AMAZING! The man was pure genius. I decided while there my next vacation will include a stop at Falling Waters.
Craig Hill, the author of Ancient Paths, also has a program on finances which the premise I found interesting. To live completely debt free. He states that if you follow his program that anyone can be completely debt free within 10 years (this includes your house mortgage!) I'm quite curious about this as I am able to sign away a huge portion of my future earnings into this house I am building. And let's not forgot the student loans incurred by my fabulous time spent at Gleacher Center. I'll be sure to post what I find out about this as I investigate it further. I know some of my friends have or are in process of getting to this point...Kudos to them. I want to get there too.
While I was in Springfield, I went on a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright house there. AMAZING! The man was pure genius. I decided while there my next vacation will include a stop at Falling Waters.
Craig Hill, the author of Ancient Paths, also has a program on finances which the premise I found interesting. To live completely debt free. He states that if you follow his program that anyone can be completely debt free within 10 years (this includes your house mortgage!) I'm quite curious about this as I am able to sign away a huge portion of my future earnings into this house I am building. And let's not forgot the student loans incurred by my fabulous time spent at Gleacher Center. I'll be sure to post what I find out about this as I investigate it further. I know some of my friends have or are in process of getting to this point...Kudos to them. I want to get there too.
Anything but the same old, same old
Let's start with the house. I drove by the land on my way home from Springfield, IL on Saturday night. Hole has been dug, footings are done, gravel in the bottom, and even a couple walls were poured. I was shocked at how much they had done. And as anticipated there was a Case on one side and a CAT on the other side of the hole. I called and left a message for my realtor trying hard not to laugh as I asked him if they couldn't have found someone that used Deere equipment....hello? I have pics but I don't know how to get them off my phone yet.
AJ, I do remember the time it was pouring, because I remember I was soaked to the bone in a most unfortunate shirt. I think I glowed red for the first ten minutes of the movie. I miss the buffalo wings from the Irish Pub. I went through there a couple of years ago with some colleagues and we stopped there, it wasn't the same place anymore and the wings weren't nearly as good.
I was at a supplier in Mayville that week I called you about Michael's and the president of the company was telling about his son going to Madison now. Said he had just turned 21 and his son had gone to Nitty Gritty for his birthday. My eyes just lit up and I said all excited "Its been over 10 years and I still have my Nitty Gritty Birthday Mug!" I bet Aileen still has hers too.
Speaking of birthdays since mine in coming up....Aileen remember you and I going out to celebrate my 22nd at the Big Ten Pub? I drove by your old apartment on my last trip through Madison. I forgot to tell you about that on the phone today. And I drove by the old place on Walnut that I shared with Heidi and Jen. LOL I wonder where those two are now.
I'm all over the place tonight in thought but I can't sleep. I should go try again. Night all!
Dolce Beijos.
AJ, I do remember the time it was pouring, because I remember I was soaked to the bone in a most unfortunate shirt. I think I glowed red for the first ten minutes of the movie. I miss the buffalo wings from the Irish Pub. I went through there a couple of years ago with some colleagues and we stopped there, it wasn't the same place anymore and the wings weren't nearly as good.
I was at a supplier in Mayville that week I called you about Michael's and the president of the company was telling about his son going to Madison now. Said he had just turned 21 and his son had gone to Nitty Gritty for his birthday. My eyes just lit up and I said all excited "Its been over 10 years and I still have my Nitty Gritty Birthday Mug!" I bet Aileen still has hers too.
Speaking of birthdays since mine in coming up....Aileen remember you and I going out to celebrate my 22nd at the Big Ten Pub? I drove by your old apartment on my last trip through Madison. I forgot to tell you about that on the phone today. And I drove by the old place on Walnut that I shared with Heidi and Jen. LOL I wonder where those two are now.
I'm all over the place tonight in thought but I can't sleep. I should go try again. Night all!
Dolce Beijos.
14 June 2007
Its a BIG day....BIG BIG day!!
Alright, so I am moving. The song Boston comes to mind every time I say that. Relocation has been a major pain you know where!! I must have looked at 100 houses and couldn't find what I want. There is a very good chance that one day I am going to have my parents move in with me so that I can help care for them, so some things were just not negotiable in necessity. (Though there is a part of me trying very hard not to rethink that after my dad's moronic outburst at me earlier this week when he made me feel about 2 inches tall. He is completely unaware of what I was doing in buying a house and will remain that way. Anyway, I felt 2 inches tall until I got off the phone and had a little verbal therapy of my own.) I digress in parentheses which somehow makes it less interruptive. I made an offer on a house one night. A house I was completely settling for, the offer went out and I got so sick to my stomach. I seriously thought I would vomit on my favorite realtor! The offer wasn't accepted, the guy came back at full price and I said, "uh, no. I'm going to build. Set up a meeting with the builders next week, I'm building."
Today is a very BIG day! They break ground today! You can't see me dancing but trust me I am. I unfortunately can't be there. So no pictures of it I believe which is probably good. I don't know if they will be using Deere equipment or not, and having a picture with a piece of crap CAT in it would be BAD!
Adam! It has been good talking with you too. FOD was something cheesecake. I got chocolate! Directions were great. Thanks so much! I got to explain to my colleague Spontaneous Movie Nights. I miss those, I don't have a Spontaneous Movie Night person in my life anymore.
I'd write more but I have to hit the shower or I will be late for work!
Today is a very BIG day! They break ground today! You can't see me dancing but trust me I am. I unfortunately can't be there. So no pictures of it I believe which is probably good. I don't know if they will be using Deere equipment or not, and having a picture with a piece of crap CAT in it would be BAD!
Adam! It has been good talking with you too. FOD was something cheesecake. I got chocolate! Directions were great. Thanks so much! I got to explain to my colleague Spontaneous Movie Nights. I miss those, I don't have a Spontaneous Movie Night person in my life anymore.
I'd write more but I have to hit the shower or I will be late for work!
05 May 2007
WHERE ARE YOU OH TP???
An inquiry from my bff, Trebs, gets to be the title of this post.
I am splitting my time between home and my soon to be new home. I got promoted at work. And although I didn't have to relocate I was given the option and took it because CHANGE IS GOOD!!!
So I am busting my booty trying to get my house ready to go on the market. Two and a half years in school left no dent in the to do list, and made it extremely LONG! I kinda wish I was renting at the moment.
House hunting is as much a nightmare this time around as it was last time around. I actually found a home I love....but it is the most expensive house in a 2 block radius (not good for home value over time) and the current owners had a wall paper fetish from the earlier 90's. Every vertical surface in the entire house has wall paper on it. And all of it is maroon, navy and hunter. I don't have a single piece of furniture that would look good in it. It had a pool which for some would be a good thing..not so much for me because I could just see Sassy doing to the pool what she does to a filled bathtub, losing her balance, falling in, drowning, and me living with the guilt of putting her in a house that was clearly unsafe for her.
I thought about building but the timing of building is utterly impossible with the relocation package I have through work.
I don't know how I ever had time to go to school! I'm over feeling weird about being graduated. I've stopped having panic attacks on Sunday morning thinking my weekend is already over and that I'm late for work.
So my new boss....rocks!!! This is the first boss I've had in four years that was smarter than me. I am aware that sounds arrogant but seriously if you met the string of bosses I had you would understand. The new boss is not only smarter than me, he is more sarcastic than me, funnier than me, and he totally gets me. I can't begin to tell you what a relief that is. I'm a bit of an odd duck. It takes a special person to get me. Leeners gets me and she has put up with me for like 15 years....she gets props for that!!!!!
Well I'm tired, need to catch some zzzz's. I'm old!
I am splitting my time between home and my soon to be new home. I got promoted at work. And although I didn't have to relocate I was given the option and took it because CHANGE IS GOOD!!!
So I am busting my booty trying to get my house ready to go on the market. Two and a half years in school left no dent in the to do list, and made it extremely LONG! I kinda wish I was renting at the moment.
House hunting is as much a nightmare this time around as it was last time around. I actually found a home I love....but it is the most expensive house in a 2 block radius (not good for home value over time) and the current owners had a wall paper fetish from the earlier 90's. Every vertical surface in the entire house has wall paper on it. And all of it is maroon, navy and hunter. I don't have a single piece of furniture that would look good in it. It had a pool which for some would be a good thing..not so much for me because I could just see Sassy doing to the pool what she does to a filled bathtub, losing her balance, falling in, drowning, and me living with the guilt of putting her in a house that was clearly unsafe for her.
I thought about building but the timing of building is utterly impossible with the relocation package I have through work.
I don't know how I ever had time to go to school! I'm over feeling weird about being graduated. I've stopped having panic attacks on Sunday morning thinking my weekend is already over and that I'm late for work.
So my new boss....rocks!!! This is the first boss I've had in four years that was smarter than me. I am aware that sounds arrogant but seriously if you met the string of bosses I had you would understand. The new boss is not only smarter than me, he is more sarcastic than me, funnier than me, and he totally gets me. I can't begin to tell you what a relief that is. I'm a bit of an odd duck. It takes a special person to get me. Leeners gets me and she has put up with me for like 15 years....she gets props for that!!!!!
Well I'm tired, need to catch some zzzz's. I'm old!
04 April 2007
Trip to Conneticut
I went on a supplier visit in Conneticut the last two days. Here is what I learned about Conneticut since it was my first visit that I recall anyway...
1) People who live in Conneticut LOVE donuts! How do I know this...there are Dunkin' Donuts everywhere like there are Walgreens in the Midwest. They have to love donuts or they wouldn't all still be in business and some of them aren't even a quarter mile away from each other.
2) If you find yourself in Milford, CT, you have to eat at this great little restuarant called Scribners in Woodmont which is right next to Milford. http://www.scribnersrestaurant.com/ They don't open til 5, so go for a walk along the shore (only a few blocks away) first, you need to work up an appetite for this place. Everything was wonderful!
3) The architechure of Yale is definitely worth the detour off the highway to go see.
4) The neighborhoods not far from Yale -- kinda scary!
5) When in doubt, ask an officer. In New Haven, there is a very hot officer in car 13. He told us not to go down the street in the way we had already gone. But he also gave us directions to State Street to find a place to eat. And surprisingly it wasn't to Dunkin' Donuts. He told us to try an italian place called Portofino! OMG amazing place. If you are at Yale, ya gotta try this place!
6) Seriously, there are a lot of Dunkin' Donuts in CT. I finally told those I was traveling with..."I think there must be crack in the donuts!"
1) People who live in Conneticut LOVE donuts! How do I know this...there are Dunkin' Donuts everywhere like there are Walgreens in the Midwest. They have to love donuts or they wouldn't all still be in business and some of them aren't even a quarter mile away from each other.
2) If you find yourself in Milford, CT, you have to eat at this great little restuarant called Scribners in Woodmont which is right next to Milford. http://www.scribnersrestaurant.com/ They don't open til 5, so go for a walk along the shore (only a few blocks away) first, you need to work up an appetite for this place. Everything was wonderful!
3) The architechure of Yale is definitely worth the detour off the highway to go see.
4) The neighborhoods not far from Yale -- kinda scary!
5) When in doubt, ask an officer. In New Haven, there is a very hot officer in car 13. He told us not to go down the street in the way we had already gone. But he also gave us directions to State Street to find a place to eat. And surprisingly it wasn't to Dunkin' Donuts. He told us to try an italian place called Portofino! OMG amazing place. If you are at Yale, ya gotta try this place!
6) Seriously, there are a lot of Dunkin' Donuts in CT. I finally told those I was traveling with..."I think there must be crack in the donuts!"
20 March 2007
Graduation
Graduation was last Friday. I got into Chitown on Thursday and did some serious retail therapy. After Wednesday. I had my nails done and my hair highlighted. I'm much blonder than I was before. I checked into the hotel and got to the suite and unpacked a bit before sitting on the couch. When I looked around the beautiful room I was in I started to cry. It was supposed to be my parents' suite. I was supposed to be staying at Jeff's. I was sad my parents weren't there to enjoy a room I had gotten for them and I missed the boys.
Later, Jon arrived in town and came over so we could catch up. He was like a tornado at first but eventually he slowed down. We have more in common than I would have known. It was a good talk.
Graduation is kind of a blur. The day was packed and tiring. I have no idea what the commencement speaker spoke about other then it had to do with Inuits, seal deaths, and civilizations transforming. I was busy looking at the list of graduates thinking we were going to be there all night. The handing out of the degrees only took an hour which it didn't even seem that long. By far the most were from the GSB, and the applause after the last of the GSB'ers got their degree was very long. It was an amazing moment. I managed not to cry. When I got back to my seat with mine, I had it in my lap and the girl next to me opened hers, I oddly hadn't even thought to open mine. How odd is that? When I opened it, I stared at it a long time almost as if under my gaze it might disintegrate.
The blur went by and it was time to proceed out, as I stepped out of the chapel the bagpipes were playing and there was a sea of caps and gowns over the lawn in front of me. Through the sea as if parting his own path came Jeff and I walked down the steps and into his arms. It was a perfect moment! He whispered in my ear how proud of me he was and of course I melted all gooey. Jon snuck up on us and got pictures of us together before I even knew he was there. Soon the three of us made our way over to the B-School building for the reception. I don't think I even tasted the first glass of champagne and it was then I realized I was shaking, I think I was just on complete overload!
Ryan, Dan, Craig, and myself and the families and guests all gathered in one corner and soon Harry was over there as well. Jeff was not going to be able to make dinner but we agreed to meet up later for drinks. The four graduates met up with Francisco while having our picture taken with the big Chicago GSB banner. Francisco and I hugged before we parted and he got all teary which made me all teary (hell I'm all teary just writing it). Promising we would stay in touch when we knew we would see each other on Saturday.
Dinner was fun and after we all went back to the hotel to put kids to bed. Then Jon, Craig, Danny and I met in the hotel bar for drinks. I managed not to cry knowing we wouldn't be doing this again for a while. We discussed how and when we would be getting together. As we were getting tired and things were winding down, I started getting texts from Jeff. They weren't the texts I was expecting and I knew he wasn't doing well. His own personal situation is rather bumpy at the moment and I started getting worried about him. The guys asked me what was up and I looked at Dan who knows the situation and told him that Jeff was drinking alone at PJ's and not doing well. I was trying hard to talk Jeff into joining us so I could gauge how he was in person. I was about to excuse myself to go get a coat from my room and make the run to PJ's when he agreed to come to the hotel.
The guys all retired and I waited for Jeff to arrive. I was about to go meet him in the lobby which is a floor above the bar when he called me and asked where I was and he came out of the elevators behind me. When I turned on the stairs to see him, my heart broke for him because I saw his pain. I knew there was nothing I could say and just stepped back down to him and gave him a hug. I don't even remember what I said to him when the hug broke I just remember the look on his face when he responded and it brought another hug. We went up to the suite and sat and talked. He had brought a gyro with him. For the record I don't like lamb. He made me take a bite of it when I told him I had never had one from the place he got it which I knew was well known for the best gyros in Chicago. What is it about being fed by a hot guy that makes everything taste better!?! Our conversation turned to me and I'm not honestly sure how that happened, but I think it was easier for him than talking about what was going on with him. He broke an internal dam I had built within myself though I'm not sure he is aware he did and since he doesn't read this blog the knowledge remains safe.
Graduation day was a whirlwind of emotions and activities. It was closure and beginnings, happiness and sadness, sweet and scary. It was worth every penny!
Later, Jon arrived in town and came over so we could catch up. He was like a tornado at first but eventually he slowed down. We have more in common than I would have known. It was a good talk.
Graduation is kind of a blur. The day was packed and tiring. I have no idea what the commencement speaker spoke about other then it had to do with Inuits, seal deaths, and civilizations transforming. I was busy looking at the list of graduates thinking we were going to be there all night. The handing out of the degrees only took an hour which it didn't even seem that long. By far the most were from the GSB, and the applause after the last of the GSB'ers got their degree was very long. It was an amazing moment. I managed not to cry. When I got back to my seat with mine, I had it in my lap and the girl next to me opened hers, I oddly hadn't even thought to open mine. How odd is that? When I opened it, I stared at it a long time almost as if under my gaze it might disintegrate.
The blur went by and it was time to proceed out, as I stepped out of the chapel the bagpipes were playing and there was a sea of caps and gowns over the lawn in front of me. Through the sea as if parting his own path came Jeff and I walked down the steps and into his arms. It was a perfect moment! He whispered in my ear how proud of me he was and of course I melted all gooey. Jon snuck up on us and got pictures of us together before I even knew he was there. Soon the three of us made our way over to the B-School building for the reception. I don't think I even tasted the first glass of champagne and it was then I realized I was shaking, I think I was just on complete overload!
Ryan, Dan, Craig, and myself and the families and guests all gathered in one corner and soon Harry was over there as well. Jeff was not going to be able to make dinner but we agreed to meet up later for drinks. The four graduates met up with Francisco while having our picture taken with the big Chicago GSB banner. Francisco and I hugged before we parted and he got all teary which made me all teary (hell I'm all teary just writing it). Promising we would stay in touch when we knew we would see each other on Saturday.
Dinner was fun and after we all went back to the hotel to put kids to bed. Then Jon, Craig, Danny and I met in the hotel bar for drinks. I managed not to cry knowing we wouldn't be doing this again for a while. We discussed how and when we would be getting together. As we were getting tired and things were winding down, I started getting texts from Jeff. They weren't the texts I was expecting and I knew he wasn't doing well. His own personal situation is rather bumpy at the moment and I started getting worried about him. The guys asked me what was up and I looked at Dan who knows the situation and told him that Jeff was drinking alone at PJ's and not doing well. I was trying hard to talk Jeff into joining us so I could gauge how he was in person. I was about to excuse myself to go get a coat from my room and make the run to PJ's when he agreed to come to the hotel.
The guys all retired and I waited for Jeff to arrive. I was about to go meet him in the lobby which is a floor above the bar when he called me and asked where I was and he came out of the elevators behind me. When I turned on the stairs to see him, my heart broke for him because I saw his pain. I knew there was nothing I could say and just stepped back down to him and gave him a hug. I don't even remember what I said to him when the hug broke I just remember the look on his face when he responded and it brought another hug. We went up to the suite and sat and talked. He had brought a gyro with him. For the record I don't like lamb. He made me take a bite of it when I told him I had never had one from the place he got it which I knew was well known for the best gyros in Chicago. What is it about being fed by a hot guy that makes everything taste better!?! Our conversation turned to me and I'm not honestly sure how that happened, but I think it was easier for him than talking about what was going on with him. He broke an internal dam I had built within myself though I'm not sure he is aware he did and since he doesn't read this blog the knowledge remains safe.
Graduation day was a whirlwind of emotions and activities. It was closure and beginnings, happiness and sadness, sweet and scary. It was worth every penny!
19 March 2007
Ugh
I have some checking up to do. Saturday before graduation I picked up Danny and our team mate Francisco from the airport and off we went for oatmeal and practice for our presentation for Schrager the Brilliant! Francisco was the first to the airport beating even me there. He called me as I was trying to sneak out of Jeff's house without waking anyone. I'm standing in the foyer struggling with the bags and my cell phone blares "On Wisconsin". I'm pretty sure I woke the whole house.
When I got to O'hare and Francisco got in the car we talked for a few while waiting for Danny to make it to Chitown. Francisco said, "you know Tammy, we have come full circle. You were the first one I met in our first class and this is our last and you picked me up at the airport." It was sweet and made me teary because it wasn't something I had thought about specifically.
Our presentation went better than I thought it would. I was incredibly nervous because it was Schrager the Brilliant, but the dream team pulled it off.
We went to PJ Clarke's after class for a few drinks. When we arrived Francisco said, "Tammy, did you get my voice mail?" My phone was on silent but looked at it and sure enough it was there. I didn't however check to see how many. (That was a mistake.) After a drink, lots of hugs and smiles, it was time to get Danny back to O'hare. I said good byes and stepped out of the bar while Danny finished saying good bye. That was when I realized there were three voice mails, two from my Dad. On the corner of Columbus and Illinois I found out my mom was back in the hospital. I cried and tried to walk as fast as I could away from the worried Dan. When I let go and tried to tell him I really lost it, I cried, Danny hugged and we walked back to my Jeep. I couldn't imagine where I would find the energy to do this again. I was thinking I was pretty well wore out just from being so close to done with school. And worst yet, this was supposed to be this great week of graduation and partying, and I knew in that moment that my parents would not be at graduation. It sounds selfish, but I didn't want to let that week slip away.
Needless to say I ended up in Omaha. Truly not my favorite place on the planet. But while I was there I have to say thanks to my friends who were there for me even down to the tear filled call from the hospital stairwell.
Things between Dad and I got too strained when I found out what he was blaming on me to defend his actions and I couldn't do anything but sit around in waiting areas and the doctor had cleared me to go to graduation. So I left Omaha and headed to work at not feeling guilty for going to have fun in Chicago.
04 March 2007
Bitter Sweet Overwhelm and an E-card
I am less than two weeks from graduating. I find myself reminiscing most of the 5 hour drive home from Chicago. It makes me laugh and it makes me teary.
On Saturday morning, while Dan and I were doing our Saturday morning ritual of me picking him up at O'hare and having breakfast of oatmeal together at Gleacher, I realized how much I was going to miss having breakfast Saturday mornings with him. We talked about it and how much he appreciated me picking him up at the airport so he didn't have to ride the L.
A week ago we both got stranded in Chicago on Saturday night due to a nasty storm. Bless Tasha and Jeff who on my word let a stranger crash at their house. So both Dan and I stayed there. Luckily Danny got on the first flight out on Sunday and my drive home on Sunday wasn't too bad.
I talked with Ryan on my way home and talked to him about how much I was going to miss seeing them all every weekend, and we both agreed that for a while we would all get readjusted to our normal lives but that we would be working to stay close.
Danny's wife, who I can't wait to meet, asked Dan how he met me. Ryan and I talked about it and we agreed that it was destiny that the group of us have become so close. We believe we would have come together no matter what.
On Saturday morning, while Dan and I were doing our Saturday morning ritual of me picking him up at O'hare and having breakfast of oatmeal together at Gleacher, I realized how much I was going to miss having breakfast Saturday mornings with him. We talked about it and how much he appreciated me picking him up at the airport so he didn't have to ride the L.
A week ago we both got stranded in Chicago on Saturday night due to a nasty storm. Bless Tasha and Jeff who on my word let a stranger crash at their house. So both Dan and I stayed there. Luckily Danny got on the first flight out on Sunday and my drive home on Sunday wasn't too bad.
I talked with Ryan on my way home and talked to him about how much I was going to miss seeing them all every weekend, and we both agreed that for a while we would all get readjusted to our normal lives but that we would be working to stay close.
Danny's wife, who I can't wait to meet, asked Dan how he met me. Ryan and I talked about it and we agreed that it was destiny that the group of us have become so close. We believe we would have come together no matter what.
- Dan was the first one I met there we connected immediately since we were both former Badgers.
- Ryan sat in front of Dan and I during orientation and I remember thinking I want to meet him. He looks really smart.
- John I met during the after orientation social.
- John, Ryan, Francisco and I all had our first quarter morning class together.
- Ryan and Dan were in their afternoon class together.
- Dan met Craig both being Badgers connected, and Craig knew Ryan because Ryan's sister works with Craig.
- Craig knew Wes another former Badger.
I'm blessed beyond measure to have met these individuals who have all become so close and so important to me.
Tonight, I was working on the marketing plan the project, Dan, Ryan, Francisco and I are working on and I found myself getting teary. This is the last project. This is the last school deadline. Its the last major thing standing between us and graduation. It's ......surreal.
Tonight, I also got an e-card from Leeners...that also made me cry. Not because it was sad, but just because she knew exactly where I was at ...she knew exactly what I was feeling. Thanks, my friend and I'm sorry you can't make graduation but I understand.
I'm overwhelmed beyond belief....
30 January 2007
God has a sense of humor or I'm a forgetful idiot
I got home late Saturday night after getting up at 2 AM to drive into the Chicago for class. It was a long day and I was beat when I got home, so I grabbed my book bag and promptly went inside to find somewhere I could be horizontal.
I went no where on Sunday because it was cold and I wasn't feeling all that great anyway.
After not having a great start for a Monday ...let me rephase, after one of the worst Monday morning starts recorded in history, I actually get ready to leave my house to go to work. I hadn't put the Jeep in the garage so windows had to be scrapped. I got in and looked at the wind shield, and did a double take at the windshield, and took a closer look at the windshield, and my eyes followed a path up to the roof where my eyes widened at what could only be described as what looked like projectile vomit! I flew out of the jeep in fear of what ever it was getting on me and well...feeling like I needed to hurl myself. When I looked at the console and saw the little culprit, I had pulled a diet wild cherry pepsi from the fridge at 3 AM when I left my house on Saturday but had never drank it and more importantly, I had forgotten about it.
I looked at the roof, the dash, the rear view mirror, and thought many expletives normally used to describe Michigan fans. I drove to work without the heat on, because well I didn't want the projectile soda vomit to start melting. I called a few places and found a place that could get her in. So she is being detailed, I have to pick her up this morning.
My Monday, that already started with the worst start in recorded history add in projectile soda vomit, went frankly down hill from there. But at least the projectile soda vomit is amusing, the rest of it wasn't amusing and not really worth listing.
Here's praying for a better Tuesday. I don't hold out much hope though considering I will be sleeping tonight in the booming metropolis of Coffeyville, KS. Seeing the sense of humor yet?
I went no where on Sunday because it was cold and I wasn't feeling all that great anyway.
After not having a great start for a Monday ...let me rephase, after one of the worst Monday morning starts recorded in history, I actually get ready to leave my house to go to work. I hadn't put the Jeep in the garage so windows had to be scrapped. I got in and looked at the wind shield, and did a double take at the windshield, and took a closer look at the windshield, and my eyes followed a path up to the roof where my eyes widened at what could only be described as what looked like projectile vomit! I flew out of the jeep in fear of what ever it was getting on me and well...feeling like I needed to hurl myself. When I looked at the console and saw the little culprit, I had pulled a diet wild cherry pepsi from the fridge at 3 AM when I left my house on Saturday but had never drank it and more importantly, I had forgotten about it.
I looked at the roof, the dash, the rear view mirror, and thought many expletives normally used to describe Michigan fans. I drove to work without the heat on, because well I didn't want the projectile soda vomit to start melting. I called a few places and found a place that could get her in. So she is being detailed, I have to pick her up this morning.
My Monday, that already started with the worst start in recorded history add in projectile soda vomit, went frankly down hill from there. But at least the projectile soda vomit is amusing, the rest of it wasn't amusing and not really worth listing.
Here's praying for a better Tuesday. I don't hold out much hope though considering I will be sleeping tonight in the booming metropolis of Coffeyville, KS. Seeing the sense of humor yet?
09 January 2007
Boston Legal
First funny moment:
Captain Kirk playing a kazoo shaped like a trumbone, on a stage with a real band like he was the cat's meow!
Moment that nearly made me fall out of my chair:
Denny Crane: I'm a big fan of diversity. I date midgets, you know?
Captain Kirk playing a kazoo shaped like a trumbone, on a stage with a real band like he was the cat's meow!
Moment that nearly made me fall out of my chair:
Denny Crane: I'm a big fan of diversity. I date midgets, you know?
D-Day
I shouldn't call it D-Day...but...I have to go back to work tomorrow. This is monumental because other than one day in the office, I have been out of the office on business, holiday, vacation, or nasty stomach flu for nearly a month. I know what I have to look forward to as well, a slew of emails, blocked invoices, and engineers who wanted everything the day before I left for Europe a month ago. I like my job, well parts of my job but like any job I'm sure there will always be times while doing some activity I sit and think to myself this is so not why I have spent this much time in school. I wonder if CEO's think that at times too. Oh well, I have hours yet to get laundry and cleaning and homework done so I can go to work with other thoughts out of my head.
My printer is currently working over time in the office printing off a bunch of files because Harry, a classmate and friend, mistakingly picked up my course pack and put it in his bag at the end of class. So he scanned the reading for this week and my poor printer is getting to do the brunt of the work so I can be prepared for a conference call tomorrow evening. I'm just glad he dropped me an email and told me he had it because I was having a bit of a meltdown on Sunday.
I have realized I am the most audibly aroused (keep your mind out of the gutter) person on the planet. On my way to Chicago this week I was listening to Nicholas Sparks' lastest book from my cute little ipod. I get about an hour from O'hare where I am picking up the Dan man. And I am sobbing over the words being piped through my Jeep stereo speakers. The book ends and I stopped to clean up and get so more water, cause I was dehydrated from the crying by this point, kidding! I get back in the car and off to O'hare I head and I turned on Anderson Cooper's book that I have already listened to several times, but I love the man's voice. Even though he is talking about death and destruction, suicide and starvation, there is just something incredibly calming to me about his voice. It would be truly tragic if the rumors are true about him at least for me it would be.
Last but certainly not least:
My printer is currently working over time in the office printing off a bunch of files because Harry, a classmate and friend, mistakingly picked up my course pack and put it in his bag at the end of class. So he scanned the reading for this week and my poor printer is getting to do the brunt of the work so I can be prepared for a conference call tomorrow evening. I'm just glad he dropped me an email and told me he had it because I was having a bit of a meltdown on Sunday.
I have realized I am the most audibly aroused (keep your mind out of the gutter) person on the planet. On my way to Chicago this week I was listening to Nicholas Sparks' lastest book from my cute little ipod. I get about an hour from O'hare where I am picking up the Dan man. And I am sobbing over the words being piped through my Jeep stereo speakers. The book ends and I stopped to clean up and get so more water, cause I was dehydrated from the crying by this point, kidding! I get back in the car and off to O'hare I head and I turned on Anderson Cooper's book that I have already listened to several times, but I love the man's voice. Even though he is talking about death and destruction, suicide and starvation, there is just something incredibly calming to me about his voice. It would be truly tragic if the rumors are true about him at least for me it would be.
Last but certainly not least:
Fight the team across the field
Show them Ohio's here
(We've got the team why don't we)
Set the Earth reverberating
With a mighty cheerRAH! RAH! RAH!
Hit them hard and see how they fall
Never let that team get the ball
Hail! Hail! The gang's all here
So let's win that old conference now!
(So let's beat that Michigan now!)
(Oh, Ohio! Oh, Ohio! Wahoo! Wahoo for Ohio!)
There is only one word to cover the Buckeye's completely dismal abandonment of No 1. -- Dumbasses! Congratulations to Florida who in true Wisconsin Badger style prove all the sports commentators wrong. Well done!
On a side bar, spell check doesn't seem to be working today, so if I misspelled anything, please do not feel the need to let me know. I will probably notice in a week or two if I happen to go back and read the post.
05 January 2007
Nine Years
So today was a big day - I have been with my current employer for nine years. I think about the last nine years, life has changed a lot. I ended an engagement in moving here to take this job. There is still a slight "what if..." that lingers in my mind at times, but I don't ponder it for long periods of time. I have changed churches several times and changed jobs within this company even more times.
I have things I am proud of and things I'm not proud of but I have learned from.
In three months I will graduate with my MBA. Then what? I am required to stay with my employer unless I plan to fork out a rather large check. Will I get a promotion out of this graduation? No promises no guarantees as I was rather rudely told by a HR person who has the personality of a gnat. Nine months from now, student loans kick in and do I just sit around and wait for the promotion to come? There are many questions that linger in this. And yet at the foundation of it is that my current employer has become a very distinct part of my identity. Some would say it is part of my blood and they would be correct. While a milestone is reached, paths will have to be examined....decisions decisions.
I have things I am proud of and things I'm not proud of but I have learned from.
In three months I will graduate with my MBA. Then what? I am required to stay with my employer unless I plan to fork out a rather large check. Will I get a promotion out of this graduation? No promises no guarantees as I was rather rudely told by a HR person who has the personality of a gnat. Nine months from now, student loans kick in and do I just sit around and wait for the promotion to come? There are many questions that linger in this. And yet at the foundation of it is that my current employer has become a very distinct part of my identity. Some would say it is part of my blood and they would be correct. While a milestone is reached, paths will have to be examined....decisions decisions.
04 January 2007
A new year
It's 2007! The Badgers won the Capital One Bowl and I survived the three hours of Capital One commercials. I spent the New Year with Leener's and the fam. It was a great four days including Rose Bowl Parade floats, catching up on life, spending time with an amazing almost 4 year old, movies, and mani/pedi's. And a chair that I think Leener's would consider making her second husband. ;)
It has been a long time since I have blogged. Noted by a email from AJ. I need to get back on top of this, but many other things took precedent.
Things I would like to not hear in 2007:
1) No more feuding between Rosie and Donald. For the first time in my 35 years of life, I have actually considered getting rid of my TV just so I wouldn't have to listen to them anymore. And another first, because of all this children in the sandbox throwing sand, I will not be tuning into the Apprentice...the putting contestants in tents doesn't appeal to me either.
2) Please no more Paris, Brittany, or any other anerxic alcholics either.
3) No more excuses from my mom about why she can't do the necessary work to heal her body.
My resolutions for 2007:
1) To be more gentle with words.
2) To continue on the paths I started last year.
3) To find joy in each day
Three months to graduation, and many decisions to make before then. I will do my best not to get so wrap up in life that I forget to write here.
It has been a long time since I have blogged. Noted by a email from AJ. I need to get back on top of this, but many other things took precedent.
Things I would like to not hear in 2007:
1) No more feuding between Rosie and Donald. For the first time in my 35 years of life, I have actually considered getting rid of my TV just so I wouldn't have to listen to them anymore. And another first, because of all this children in the sandbox throwing sand, I will not be tuning into the Apprentice...the putting contestants in tents doesn't appeal to me either.
2) Please no more Paris, Brittany, or any other anerxic alcholics either.
3) No more excuses from my mom about why she can't do the necessary work to heal her body.
My resolutions for 2007:
1) To be more gentle with words.
2) To continue on the paths I started last year.
3) To find joy in each day
Three months to graduation, and many decisions to make before then. I will do my best not to get so wrap up in life that I forget to write here.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)