Work is currently 7.75 hours of sheer boredom followed by about 15 minutes of crucial, last-minute, screw-this-up-and-kill-the-conversion-entirely panic for me these days. The conversion I'm the point person for is in the hands of the computer gods right now. The last week or so, I've been on call to get last minute information gaps so the conversion can be finished by the end of the fiscal year deadline. So I have a lot of downtime to kill while I wait for those calls. Later this week, or early next week, I'm sure work will be considerably busier for me as the conversion gets completed and the program is turned back over to me. In the meantime though, I have time for challenges like the ones today presented:
Albanian Apartment Decorating Schemes. As the self-appointed interior decorator of the currently unseen Albanian apartment, I spent my lunch hour coming up with brilliant! (if I may say so myself) schemes for how the apartment should be decorated. Sadly, all the ideas I presented today were met with a resounding NO! So, have no fear, I have spent some time this evening coming up with new ideas and will present them tomorrow, hopefully, with better luck.
Then of course, I had to challenge myself to not feel too technologically superior this afternoon. Three of the ladies in my office spent over an hour trying to get a document to print on 11x17 paper. (Archaic, I know.) When the one lady came back into my office to whine, I finally got up to see what the fuss was. I walked into the room, simply said "Touch that, enter this, and send again." Voila! Printed perfectly, and I hadn't even touched the printer. One of the gals says, "But! But! That's exactly what I did..." And, dear reader, I failed this challenge....I couldn't resist patting her shoulder and saying, "Perhaps it just needed the right touch."
Fro Yo Round Deux was scheduled for after Mb's class tonight. A nice wicked thunderstorm has canceled those plans again. Next time, Mb and I agree, we will check the weather forecast beforehand, and hope that third time's the charm.
So, instead of trekking into the city to get soaked, I've been sitting at home fussing with iTunes. I FINALLY managed to download the latest version of iTunes. I had to go in and manually download it, since for whatever reason, the automatic upgrades was failing to complete successfully. And now, I'm utterly addicted to the brilliance that is iTunes Genius. It mixes playlists for you based on the song you choose. Brilliant! The downside is, I'm sorely tempted to purchase a lot of the songs Genius suggests I purchase to round out my music collection. After several such purchases, I have had to disentangle myself from iTunes altogether for tonight, or else, that camera may take a little longer to be paid off...
A few random, mostly minor challenges, but fun for me just the same. Although, resisting the purchasing power of iTunes is no minor challenge.
30 September 2008
Geek Out!
I spent weeks, days, hours researching, deliberating, and questioning which camera could possibly try to fill the shoes of the one that died oh-so-gracefully on the bathroom floor in the lovely Luray Caverns. (My bad - I forgot it was in my pocket)
I loved that camera. But since life dictated a replacement, I figured that the lemonade should be a wicked cool upgrade.
Ta-da!
Introducing the lovely Canon SD1100 IS. I believe (I sincerely hope) this camera may live up to the impossibly high standards set by my prior pocket-sized digital camera. Yes, I realize there are some incredible cameras out there, but, unless it's easy to squeeze into my pocket or my purse, I'll never take the camera with me, so size is of utmost importance.
Of course, there were lots of color choices, but I like shiny silver, so alas, I skipped color for sleek and sexy silver.
Then, even after settling upon my camera choice, I spent days shopping around for the best overall deal. Last night, I found the bargain of choice - it even comes with a free extra memory card (SCORE!), so I surrendered my recently paid off credit card (finally paid off August's last minute laptop purchase) and clicked send. My new toy should arrive by the end of the week, and I can't wait!
28 September 2008
A Little Extra Effort to Make Life Easier
I had a rough week last week with mono. Despite my taking it incredibly easy this weekend, I'm still feeling mighty sluggish. (Just how the hell did I handle four grad classes, a part-time job, and a social life the first time I had mono?! Oh yeah, I was sick for six months.... No thanks.)
So today, I've spent a lot of time lazing about, took lots and lots of catnaps, and exhausted my DVD resources (I have now watched every DVD I own since coming down with mono), with a brief burst of work when I had some energy this afternoon.
I cooked myself a nice, healthy, delicious (but relatively easy) Sunday dinner. When cleaning up, I took the extra time to not only box up the leftovers, but to box them up in individual portions. I put the portions on the shelf in the fridge, and put all the side items and breakfast items I usually grab to go for lunches during the work week. Hopefully it will make my morning routine for the next few days a bit easier. I spent more time in the kitchen than I normally would, (and, honestly, wore myself out) but hopefully, it will add up to less time in the kitchen this week.
[Edit: I cooked lunch. I boxed up leftovers for lunch at work this week. I did not, however, cook the delicious pasta dinner I've been anticipating. My stove decided to die. Instead, I had pizza. Thank goodness for delivery!]
So today, I've spent a lot of time lazing about, took lots and lots of catnaps, and exhausted my DVD resources (I have now watched every DVD I own since coming down with mono), with a brief burst of work when I had some energy this afternoon.
I cooked myself a nice, healthy, delicious (but relatively easy) Sunday dinner. When cleaning up, I took the extra time to not only box up the leftovers, but to box them up in individual portions. I put the portions on the shelf in the fridge, and put all the side items and breakfast items I usually grab to go for lunches during the work week. Hopefully it will make my morning routine for the next few days a bit easier. I spent more time in the kitchen than I normally would, (and, honestly, wore myself out) but hopefully, it will add up to less time in the kitchen this week.
[Edit: I cooked lunch. I boxed up leftovers for lunch at work this week. I did not, however, cook the delicious pasta dinner I've been anticipating. My stove decided to die. Instead, I had pizza. Thank goodness for delivery!]
Quarterly Update
Yesterday was the three-month mark since I've launched the year of Challenges. I sat down, made a list of the 96 challenges I've done so far.
In some ways, I'm proud of myself. In others, I plan to push myself a bit harder. While I will spare y'all the actual itemized list (if you really, really want to read it, I'll email it to you), I do want to touch upon a few on-going challenges and assess my progress.
1) Getting into shape. Over the summer, I got myself into a regular work out routine, joined a water aerobics class (which ended in August), and found little ways to sneak in mini-workouts to my day. Obviously, that has been going well, since I've lost weight and find myself getting toned. However, work outs have become quite sporadic since I've come down with mono, so while I'm still losing weight, I don't feel as fit. This will be a continued, on-going challenge for the year.
2) Eating healthy, cooking more often, and doing it all on a sharper budget. This has been going quite well. I'm pleased with my progress. In the next quarter, I want to challenge myself to bake a cake from scratch, and to cook one meal (appetizer, main course with several sides, and dessert) from recipes that will impress future dinner guests.
3) Develop a budget and increase my credit limit. The budgeting is going well. I've learned that I have more assets between all my savings and banking than I realized. I'm also able to put aside more money each month despite having a much larger rent check now and making large student loan payments. The credit saga continues. My credit scores took a small, but unnecessary hit due to having someone else's credit history on my name, and as part of that, I'm struggling to get credit increases on the cards I already have. In the next quarter, I plan on getting my credit completely cleared (including trying to get the denial of credit due to living outside of the lending area), and determine which card I should either increase my limit on or apply for.
4) Becoming more patient. Meh. Some days I'm calmer and more easy-going. Other days, I'm my usual highly impatient self. This will most likely be a life-long challenge. Any suggestions on tips or techniques to try to keep my patience would be greatly appreicated.
5) Becoming more in touch with my feelings. I'm trying to learn how to open up with those I love and I'm learning how to love myself. Some days, I struggle more with giving myself positive affirmations instead of mentally berating myself. I think I'm in a good place now, both with the one I love and with learning not to be so hard on myself.
6) RECOVER FROM MONO. Again. I'm having a hard time being patient with having mono for a second time. I'm learning how to listen to my body, feed it well, take it easy, and when to call it quits (and be a little ole' lady who crawls into bed at 8 some nights).
Goals for this next quarter: (Can you tell yet that I work for a bureaucracy?)
1) Recover from mono. 'Nuff said.
2) Plan a trip abroad to see the one I love. (Secondary goal: get a stamp in my passport before my birthday)
3) Take another gym class. Next up: yoga/tai chi in the building I work in. Gotta love that work benefit that covers x amount of physical fitness purchases in a year.
4) Continue to tweak my budget and increase my savings. Also, to develop and stick to a budget for Christmas gifts this year.
5) Prepare my arguments for both a raise and a semi-promotion at my annual review in a month.
6) Continue to find new ways to challenge myself. I'm open to any and all ideas and suggestions.
In some ways, I'm proud of myself. In others, I plan to push myself a bit harder. While I will spare y'all the actual itemized list (if you really, really want to read it, I'll email it to you), I do want to touch upon a few on-going challenges and assess my progress.
1) Getting into shape. Over the summer, I got myself into a regular work out routine, joined a water aerobics class (which ended in August), and found little ways to sneak in mini-workouts to my day. Obviously, that has been going well, since I've lost weight and find myself getting toned. However, work outs have become quite sporadic since I've come down with mono, so while I'm still losing weight, I don't feel as fit. This will be a continued, on-going challenge for the year.
2) Eating healthy, cooking more often, and doing it all on a sharper budget. This has been going quite well. I'm pleased with my progress. In the next quarter, I want to challenge myself to bake a cake from scratch, and to cook one meal (appetizer, main course with several sides, and dessert) from recipes that will impress future dinner guests.
3) Develop a budget and increase my credit limit. The budgeting is going well. I've learned that I have more assets between all my savings and banking than I realized. I'm also able to put aside more money each month despite having a much larger rent check now and making large student loan payments. The credit saga continues. My credit scores took a small, but unnecessary hit due to having someone else's credit history on my name, and as part of that, I'm struggling to get credit increases on the cards I already have. In the next quarter, I plan on getting my credit completely cleared (including trying to get the denial of credit due to living outside of the lending area), and determine which card I should either increase my limit on or apply for.
4) Becoming more patient. Meh. Some days I'm calmer and more easy-going. Other days, I'm my usual highly impatient self. This will most likely be a life-long challenge. Any suggestions on tips or techniques to try to keep my patience would be greatly appreicated.
5) Becoming more in touch with my feelings. I'm trying to learn how to open up with those I love and I'm learning how to love myself. Some days, I struggle more with giving myself positive affirmations instead of mentally berating myself. I think I'm in a good place now, both with the one I love and with learning not to be so hard on myself.
6) RECOVER FROM MONO. Again. I'm having a hard time being patient with having mono for a second time. I'm learning how to listen to my body, feed it well, take it easy, and when to call it quits (and be a little ole' lady who crawls into bed at 8 some nights).
Goals for this next quarter: (Can you tell yet that I work for a bureaucracy?)
1) Recover from mono. 'Nuff said.
2) Plan a trip abroad to see the one I love. (Secondary goal: get a stamp in my passport before my birthday)
3) Take another gym class. Next up: yoga/tai chi in the building I work in. Gotta love that work benefit that covers x amount of physical fitness purchases in a year.
4) Continue to tweak my budget and increase my savings. Also, to develop and stick to a budget for Christmas gifts this year.
5) Prepare my arguments for both a raise and a semi-promotion at my annual review in a month.
6) Continue to find new ways to challenge myself. I'm open to any and all ideas and suggestions.
Fall Fashion
The combination of still feeling pretty blah and blah weather had me hunting around for some long-sleeved shirts. I finally pulled down my box of out of season clothes to pull out a comfort shirt I'd been hunting for.
Since I already had the box down and was planning to do laundry this weekend, I decided to go ahead and start changing out my clothes for fall/winter. Normally, I just pull out the "new" clothes and stick them on hangers or in the drawers, but with my slow but steady weight loss, I've decided not to keep around anything that no longer fits. (Part of my strategy - if nothing fits, I'll just have to lose the weight again, instead of buying larger sizes)
So I had a little fall fashion show. Tried on all the things that came out of the box. I was pretty pleased with the way some things now fit. Others went into a bag to eventually be donated.
I also grabbed summer clothes that cannot be transitory pieces (too brightly colored for fall, too lightweight, too skimpy, I'm just tired of wearing them for the year...) and threw what needed to be washed into the laundry, figured out what needed to be retired to the donations pile, and started putting away some of my summer clothes. I kept some of them out because it's still a southern climate (especially compared to my hometown), and there's still going to be a few warm days left.
I also had fun figuring out new outfit combinations based on new pieces I've purchased mixed with old things that now fit better than ever, AND, I spent some time ironing, mending, and otherwise fixing small clothing issues that I never feel like dealing with when I'm getting ready for work in the mornings.
It was fun, but it was a lot of work, especially for this sickly girl, so then I napped for several hours. I'm getting mighty sick and tired of being so sick and tired.
Since I already had the box down and was planning to do laundry this weekend, I decided to go ahead and start changing out my clothes for fall/winter. Normally, I just pull out the "new" clothes and stick them on hangers or in the drawers, but with my slow but steady weight loss, I've decided not to keep around anything that no longer fits. (Part of my strategy - if nothing fits, I'll just have to lose the weight again, instead of buying larger sizes)
So I had a little fall fashion show. Tried on all the things that came out of the box. I was pretty pleased with the way some things now fit. Others went into a bag to eventually be donated.
I also grabbed summer clothes that cannot be transitory pieces (too brightly colored for fall, too lightweight, too skimpy, I'm just tired of wearing them for the year...) and threw what needed to be washed into the laundry, figured out what needed to be retired to the donations pile, and started putting away some of my summer clothes. I kept some of them out because it's still a southern climate (especially compared to my hometown), and there's still going to be a few warm days left.
I also had fun figuring out new outfit combinations based on new pieces I've purchased mixed with old things that now fit better than ever, AND, I spent some time ironing, mending, and otherwise fixing small clothing issues that I never feel like dealing with when I'm getting ready for work in the mornings.
It was fun, but it was a lot of work, especially for this sickly girl, so then I napped for several hours. I'm getting mighty sick and tired of being so sick and tired.
27 September 2008
A Time for Everything
The older I get, the more I realize that it's not just about picking your battles; it's also about picking when to have your battles.
Long story short, something happened at work yesterday that should not have happened, and I got called to task, unfairly, for the incident in front of senior members of the company.
It is an issue I plan on addressing with my boss. It is, in fact, something I need to address.
However, yesterday was not the day for me to do it.
I know I've written before about how I usually do not cry. The exception to the rule is that I have to be sick, exhausted, frustrated, badly wronged, and usually it's about that special time of month. Yesterday, I was having a bad day health-wise, thanks to the mono, which also meant I was exhausted, it is a special time of month, and I'd just been wronged, again, by a frustrating boss. No, not a good time for me to talk with my boss. I know how conversations with him typically go, and I knew that I would have ended up in tears (which is, for a woman, career suicide).
Instead, I went for a walk and calmed down. When I got back, I jotted down a few notes, and early next week, I'll nicely approach my boss about the incident.
Long story short, something happened at work yesterday that should not have happened, and I got called to task, unfairly, for the incident in front of senior members of the company.
It is an issue I plan on addressing with my boss. It is, in fact, something I need to address.
However, yesterday was not the day for me to do it.
I know I've written before about how I usually do not cry. The exception to the rule is that I have to be sick, exhausted, frustrated, badly wronged, and usually it's about that special time of month. Yesterday, I was having a bad day health-wise, thanks to the mono, which also meant I was exhausted, it is a special time of month, and I'd just been wronged, again, by a frustrating boss. No, not a good time for me to talk with my boss. I know how conversations with him typically go, and I knew that I would have ended up in tears (which is, for a woman, career suicide).
Instead, I went for a walk and calmed down. When I got back, I jotted down a few notes, and early next week, I'll nicely approach my boss about the incident.
25 September 2008
Fro Yo No Go
Mb and I had a frozen yogurt date tonight.
Except, it started raining. Cold, miserable, windy, driving rain.
Not exactly the kind of evening for frozen yogurt. Nor the kind of evening for someone recovering from mono to be out and about.
So, as much as I wanted to see Mb, and as much as I was craving fro yo, it was a no go. :-( Next week for sure though.
Instead, I figured out a way to get rid of all those bulky dvd cases! (Nerd alert) Years ago, I had gotten rid of all the jewel cases for my cds and kept them all in a three ring binder. Now, I put all the cds back on a spindle, and stuck the dvds in the binder. Nice, neat, and a hell of a lot less storage room is being taken up by all those bulky cases.
Except, it started raining. Cold, miserable, windy, driving rain.
Not exactly the kind of evening for frozen yogurt. Nor the kind of evening for someone recovering from mono to be out and about.
So, as much as I wanted to see Mb, and as much as I was craving fro yo, it was a no go. :-( Next week for sure though.
Instead, I figured out a way to get rid of all those bulky dvd cases! (Nerd alert) Years ago, I had gotten rid of all the jewel cases for my cds and kept them all in a three ring binder. Now, I put all the cds back on a spindle, and stuck the dvds in the binder. Nice, neat, and a hell of a lot less storage room is being taken up by all those bulky cases.
24 September 2008
Sounding Board
It seems that I spent quite a bit of time today trying my best to offer fair, impartial, and objective advice on issues I personally have a stake in.
My Mom, understandably so, is pretty upset about the whole love triangle thing. Not only did one of her kids get hurt, but it was someone she treated as a third son who hurt her kid. My bro wasn't the only one hurt by his actions; my whole family hurts because of this. Mom is torn about talking with the other boy's mom or just letting the friendship our families have shared over the years go. I tried my best to offer Mom advice - it's hard. I'm torn myself. I sent the other boy an email (hey, we were friends too), but I'm not entirely sure it was my right to do so. Oh well.
I also spent time today trying to help a certain someone decide between two good, but tough choices. My love found out this week that he gets to choose his new site assignment in Albania, and asked me for my opinion. He did a great job of describing the site assignments, the pros, and the cons. I originally tried to be objective and help him make a decision, but then, I realized, a bit of honesty (like the fact that I'm all for the site that involves greater internet access...) is called for too. He made a sound decision, and it will be interesting to see if that was his final decision. Regardless of which site he chooses, I know he'll be successful and he'll have a great time. I'm just thrilled that he asked for my opinion - it meant a lot to me.
My Mom, understandably so, is pretty upset about the whole love triangle thing. Not only did one of her kids get hurt, but it was someone she treated as a third son who hurt her kid. My bro wasn't the only one hurt by his actions; my whole family hurts because of this. Mom is torn about talking with the other boy's mom or just letting the friendship our families have shared over the years go. I tried my best to offer Mom advice - it's hard. I'm torn myself. I sent the other boy an email (hey, we were friends too), but I'm not entirely sure it was my right to do so. Oh well.
I also spent time today trying to help a certain someone decide between two good, but tough choices. My love found out this week that he gets to choose his new site assignment in Albania, and asked me for my opinion. He did a great job of describing the site assignments, the pros, and the cons. I originally tried to be objective and help him make a decision, but then, I realized, a bit of honesty (like the fact that I'm all for the site that involves greater internet access...) is called for too. He made a sound decision, and it will be interesting to see if that was his final decision. Regardless of which site he chooses, I know he'll be successful and he'll have a great time. I'm just thrilled that he asked for my opinion - it meant a lot to me.
23 September 2008
Going to Sleep on My Anger
I got a text message from my bro near the end of the day at work, asking if I knew someone. I didn't recognize the name, so I logged onto Facebook, hoping to at least see a picture to jog my memory.
That person wasn't on Facebook, but I saw that my bro had updated his status message. It said he "never thought that two of the people closest to him would do this...wow." My heart sank. I had a rough idea of half of the situation, but I knew the whole story was going to suck.
I texted my bro back that I wasn't sure about the person, and waited for work to end so I could call him. I used the excuse of wanting more info about that person to call, but then I asked him about his status message.
Requisite back story: He took a school trip to France this summer, and met a girl from the all-girls school that went on the trip with him. He fell head over heels for this girl. I know my bro, and I've never heard him talk about a girl like this before. In fact, he even asked me for advice about what to do on their first date (which, he's never asked me for girl advice before). I "met" her at his graduation party later this summer. I say "met" because she never actually said hi to me.
Since my bro liked her, it was hard for anyone in my family to let him know we didn't care for her. We all talked, and we all had a bad vibe from her. But, he was happy, so we were all happy for him.
They agreed to keep things casual, since she was still in high school and he was headed off to college, and, over Labor Day weekend, decided that they were "meant to be, but just not meant to be right now." My bro didn't say too much, but he took it hard. He liked this girl.
Got enough of the back story to see where this is headed yet?
Long story short, my bro found out today that this girl asked his very best, oldest friend (so close to the family, he was my third brother and my parent's third son) to be her date for homecoming. And the dumbass said yes.
I hate what she did to my brother. My heart breaks for him to be going through this heartbreak. He's so young, I wish I could've shielded him from heartbreak for a while longer.
However, I am devestated by my third bro's actions. He knew my bro really liked this girl. How could he disobey the Guy Code and not even ask my bro if it was okay to take her to homecoming? How could he do something so low to his bro? It makes me physically ill. I never, ever, in a million years, would have thought he was capable of doing something so low, so despicable to my bro. He just wasn't that kind of guy. I know him quite well - we grew up together - and I knew him to be a better man than this.
So, after doing my best to console my bro and let him know I'm there for him (not a real measure of comfort, I imagine, after such a double treachery), I called Mom to let her know. Now, I'm trying to just call it a night and go to sleep on my anger, and in the morning, when I'm a little more rational and not so sick to my stomach, I'll let my third bro know how truly disappointed in him I am.
However, I know tonight is not the time to do it. My anger is too great, so I need a night to calm down so I can be objective in letting him know, as a friend, as his big sister, and most importantly, as my real bro's sister, that his actions are downright despicable.
That person wasn't on Facebook, but I saw that my bro had updated his status message. It said he "never thought that two of the people closest to him would do this...wow." My heart sank. I had a rough idea of half of the situation, but I knew the whole story was going to suck.
I texted my bro back that I wasn't sure about the person, and waited for work to end so I could call him. I used the excuse of wanting more info about that person to call, but then I asked him about his status message.
Requisite back story: He took a school trip to France this summer, and met a girl from the all-girls school that went on the trip with him. He fell head over heels for this girl. I know my bro, and I've never heard him talk about a girl like this before. In fact, he even asked me for advice about what to do on their first date (which, he's never asked me for girl advice before). I "met" her at his graduation party later this summer. I say "met" because she never actually said hi to me.
Since my bro liked her, it was hard for anyone in my family to let him know we didn't care for her. We all talked, and we all had a bad vibe from her. But, he was happy, so we were all happy for him.
They agreed to keep things casual, since she was still in high school and he was headed off to college, and, over Labor Day weekend, decided that they were "meant to be, but just not meant to be right now." My bro didn't say too much, but he took it hard. He liked this girl.
Got enough of the back story to see where this is headed yet?
Long story short, my bro found out today that this girl asked his very best, oldest friend (so close to the family, he was my third brother and my parent's third son) to be her date for homecoming. And the dumbass said yes.
I hate what she did to my brother. My heart breaks for him to be going through this heartbreak. He's so young, I wish I could've shielded him from heartbreak for a while longer.
However, I am devestated by my third bro's actions. He knew my bro really liked this girl. How could he disobey the Guy Code and not even ask my bro if it was okay to take her to homecoming? How could he do something so low to his bro? It makes me physically ill. I never, ever, in a million years, would have thought he was capable of doing something so low, so despicable to my bro. He just wasn't that kind of guy. I know him quite well - we grew up together - and I knew him to be a better man than this.
So, after doing my best to console my bro and let him know I'm there for him (not a real measure of comfort, I imagine, after such a double treachery), I called Mom to let her know. Now, I'm trying to just call it a night and go to sleep on my anger, and in the morning, when I'm a little more rational and not so sick to my stomach, I'll let my third bro know how truly disappointed in him I am.
However, I know tonight is not the time to do it. My anger is too great, so I need a night to calm down so I can be objective in letting him know, as a friend, as his big sister, and most importantly, as my real bro's sister, that his actions are downright despicable.
22 September 2008
At the Ready
All those job advice columns suggest you keep your resume current and up-to-date. You never know if someone might ask to see a copy or if your job status might suddenly change.
It's good advice, especially in these uncertain times. While I'm in a fairly secure job industry and have unofficially been a rising star in the company in the year that I've been there, I'm still fairly junior, and nothing's certain except death and taxes.
So I spent time updating my resume, listing all the new responsibilities I've taken on in the past few months. I also generated versions of my resume for within the industry and of skills that can be used in other industries. You never know where life might take you next, so it can't hurt to be as prepared as possible.
It's good advice, especially in these uncertain times. While I'm in a fairly secure job industry and have unofficially been a rising star in the company in the year that I've been there, I'm still fairly junior, and nothing's certain except death and taxes.
So I spent time updating my resume, listing all the new responsibilities I've taken on in the past few months. I also generated versions of my resume for within the industry and of skills that can be used in other industries. You never know where life might take you next, so it can't hurt to be as prepared as possible.
21 September 2008
"It's Been a While..."
...how you been?
I spent some time this evening saying "hi" to folks I haven't been very good at keeping in touch with. It's embarrassing to admit how infrequently I reach out to or stay in touch with some people who mean the world to me. Part of it is because I let so much time lapse in between our conversations that we have a need for a long catch-up session, which I don't always have the time for, and part of it is, I think of that particular person or this one at an inopportune time, and by the time I can email or call, I've forgotten all over again. Shame on me.
So, no excuses, I just reached out to say "Hi, how've you been." I am going to try to make a point of reaching out to all the folks I don't talk to on a regular basis at least once a month from here on out. With all the modes of communication in today's world, especially if I can easily communicate with someone in a third world country, there's no reason why I should be this bad about staying in touch.
I spent some time this evening saying "hi" to folks I haven't been very good at keeping in touch with. It's embarrassing to admit how infrequently I reach out to or stay in touch with some people who mean the world to me. Part of it is because I let so much time lapse in between our conversations that we have a need for a long catch-up session, which I don't always have the time for, and part of it is, I think of that particular person or this one at an inopportune time, and by the time I can email or call, I've forgotten all over again. Shame on me.
So, no excuses, I just reached out to say "Hi, how've you been." I am going to try to make a point of reaching out to all the folks I don't talk to on a regular basis at least once a month from here on out. With all the modes of communication in today's world, especially if I can easily communicate with someone in a third world country, there's no reason why I should be this bad about staying in touch.
Fed-Exing Puppies
I spent part of the morning trying (most likely unsuccessfully) to convince a certain someone once again that Fed-Exing puppies between the two of us is a horribly bad idea. And no, Fed-exing two puppies is even worse. What happens when the one I've gotten attached to dies? If we want to get a puppy together, it's probably best if we wait until we're in the same country, preferably in the same town....
Since the whole "fed-exing puppies is a bad idea" is an on-going challenge, I also cleaned my apartment today. It was the first time since I've moved in that I didn't have company or wasn't too incapacitated by mono to clean. I'd kept it picked up, but my place was dying for a dusting and a vaccuuming.
It's a lame challenge, I know - damn mono. I'm working on a list of more exciting challenges to come once I'm completely recovered. Any and all input is welcomed...
Since the whole "fed-exing puppies is a bad idea" is an on-going challenge, I also cleaned my apartment today. It was the first time since I've moved in that I didn't have company or wasn't too incapacitated by mono to clean. I'd kept it picked up, but my place was dying for a dusting and a vaccuuming.
It's a lame challenge, I know - damn mono. I'm working on a list of more exciting challenges to come once I'm completely recovered. Any and all input is welcomed...
20 September 2008
I Surivived!!
I made it through an entire week of work! No working from home, no leaving work early to take a mid-day nap, no skipping out a half hour early at the end of the day.
Granted, I came close a few times. I also had to take embarrassingly long naps after work every day, but I DID IT!
Stupid mono.
And then, to celebrate making it through a whole week of work, I promptly slept for 12 hours.
Granted, I came close a few times. I also had to take embarrassingly long naps after work every day, but I DID IT!
Stupid mono.
And then, to celebrate making it through a whole week of work, I promptly slept for 12 hours.
Listening to My Own Damn Advice
Work has been slow this week. A lot of what I'm working on requires responses from other people, and until I get those responses, there's not much I can do.
So I've been getting creative (and continuing to procrastinate on a couple of writing assignments I don't want to do) and having spent time cleaning out both of my work email inboxes (yes, I have two...). That led to me poking around in my personal email in search of something a friend and I talked about. While I eventually got distracted from looking for that email, I stumbled across an email I wrote to a friend after her college graduation a year and a half ago.
Turns out, I really should be better at listening to my own damn advice.
The key things I said in that email:
1) No one and no place can make you happy unless you already truly are happy. Someone or someplace can offer the illusion of happiness, but true happiness is up to you. Sugarland was right: "Some believe in destiny and some believe in fate; I believe happiness is something you create."
2) No one really knows what the hell they are doing. Most people wake up one morning, look around, and wonder how the hell they got to where they are. Those who enjoy life the most are those who acknowledge the fact that they haven't got a clue, and live life in spite of it.
3) You've only got one life to life. And that life always has been, and always will be, what you make it. Make it interesting, make it good, make it crazy, make it whatever, but make it yours.
So I thought about those three points I made when I stumbled across the email. Enough with the driving myself crazy trying to figure out what my "purpose" in life is or developing a master plan for what I'm going to do in life. Time to just start living, and loving, life for what it is.
So I've been getting creative (and continuing to procrastinate on a couple of writing assignments I don't want to do) and having spent time cleaning out both of my work email inboxes (yes, I have two...). That led to me poking around in my personal email in search of something a friend and I talked about. While I eventually got distracted from looking for that email, I stumbled across an email I wrote to a friend after her college graduation a year and a half ago.
Turns out, I really should be better at listening to my own damn advice.
The key things I said in that email:
1) No one and no place can make you happy unless you already truly are happy. Someone or someplace can offer the illusion of happiness, but true happiness is up to you. Sugarland was right: "Some believe in destiny and some believe in fate; I believe happiness is something you create."
2) No one really knows what the hell they are doing. Most people wake up one morning, look around, and wonder how the hell they got to where they are. Those who enjoy life the most are those who acknowledge the fact that they haven't got a clue, and live life in spite of it.
3) You've only got one life to life. And that life always has been, and always will be, what you make it. Make it interesting, make it good, make it crazy, make it whatever, but make it yours.
So I thought about those three points I made when I stumbled across the email. Enough with the driving myself crazy trying to figure out what my "purpose" in life is or developing a master plan for what I'm going to do in life. Time to just start living, and loving, life for what it is.
17 September 2008
Be Prepared
Today was all about preparedness.
Had a training exercise at work today. We tested out a potential backup plan. Since part of my job duties requires me to be a pessimist, I, personally, after today's exercise, believe it's a good backup plan in a best case scenario. I'm not too sure how successful it'd be if all hell breaks loose, but meh, it's a starting point for me to go back to the drawing board and really refine contingency plans.
Continuing with the preparedness theme of the day, after work, I did a few things to prepare myself for the future as well. I started researching new banks. I'm unimpressed with the bank I currently use in the city, but in light of all the Wall Street crises, I don't want to make a dumb move. Anyone have any banking recommendations? I also did a bit of prep work and research into a few future possibilities (keep your fingers crossed!)
Had a training exercise at work today. We tested out a potential backup plan. Since part of my job duties requires me to be a pessimist, I, personally, after today's exercise, believe it's a good backup plan in a best case scenario. I'm not too sure how successful it'd be if all hell breaks loose, but meh, it's a starting point for me to go back to the drawing board and really refine contingency plans.
Continuing with the preparedness theme of the day, after work, I did a few things to prepare myself for the future as well. I started researching new banks. I'm unimpressed with the bank I currently use in the city, but in light of all the Wall Street crises, I don't want to make a dumb move. Anyone have any banking recommendations? I also did a bit of prep work and research into a few future possibilities (keep your fingers crossed!)
16 September 2008
Pushing Just a Bit Harder
Sometimes, it does you better to push a bit more than you think you can handle.
Despite going to bed so horribly early and sleeping through the night, I felt awful today. Yet, I put in an extremely long day at work in prep for tomorrow's activities.
Then, when I got home, I figured some fresh air might do me some good. So, even though I didn't feel great, I went for a stroll. Nothing too hard or too far, but hopefully between the fresh air and another good night's sleep, I'll be in top form for work tomorrow (big day!)
Despite going to bed so horribly early and sleeping through the night, I felt awful today. Yet, I put in an extremely long day at work in prep for tomorrow's activities.
Then, when I got home, I figured some fresh air might do me some good. So, even though I didn't feel great, I went for a stroll. Nothing too hard or too far, but hopefully between the fresh air and another good night's sleep, I'll be in top form for work tomorrow (big day!)
Work Outs on Demand?
After work yesterday, I went to the library to return a few books and dvds. Hey, it's free and that's great when you're on a budget.
Guess what I learned. You can borrow workout dvds from the library! How fab! Seriously, think about it - every time you buy a workout dvd, you use it maybe five times, then never again. At least this way, I can try out different dvds without paying for them.
I picked up a pilates video, since I still don't feel up to cardio workouts just yet. And then I went home and tried it out.
Then, at the risk of sounding utterly lame, I fell asleep at 8. Ouch. Mono is going to kill what remains of my dignity before I get better.
Guess what I learned. You can borrow workout dvds from the library! How fab! Seriously, think about it - every time you buy a workout dvd, you use it maybe five times, then never again. At least this way, I can try out different dvds without paying for them.
I picked up a pilates video, since I still don't feel up to cardio workouts just yet. And then I went home and tried it out.
Then, at the risk of sounding utterly lame, I fell asleep at 8. Ouch. Mono is going to kill what remains of my dignity before I get better.
14 September 2008
Slowly, but Surely, Coming Back to Life
I felt pretty damn good when I got up today.
I spent some time prettying up for brunch with the usual Sunday crew (with a new male addition to round out all the estrogen in our group).
After a fabulous brunch, as always, I was still feeling pretty good, albeit a bit sleepy. So I opted to take advantage of the fact that I was already out and about and ran a few errands.
I got home and was feeling pretty wiped out, but my challenge to myself was to see if I could make it through the day without napping, so I sat down and started reading the Sunday paper. By the time I was done, I was re-energized enough to do some light cleaning and cooking.
It's the end of the day now. I'm going to be a little old lady and turn in ridiculously early, but, I made it through a day of being out and about the city without taking a nap afterwards!
Before you shake your head too much over my enthusiasm over something so minor, remember, it's baby steps until I'm back to 100% again....
I spent some time prettying up for brunch with the usual Sunday crew (with a new male addition to round out all the estrogen in our group).
After a fabulous brunch, as always, I was still feeling pretty good, albeit a bit sleepy. So I opted to take advantage of the fact that I was already out and about and ran a few errands.
I got home and was feeling pretty wiped out, but my challenge to myself was to see if I could make it through the day without napping, so I sat down and started reading the Sunday paper. By the time I was done, I was re-energized enough to do some light cleaning and cooking.
It's the end of the day now. I'm going to be a little old lady and turn in ridiculously early, but, I made it through a day of being out and about the city without taking a nap afterwards!
Before you shake your head too much over my enthusiasm over something so minor, remember, it's baby steps until I'm back to 100% again....
Lean, Mean, Exercising Machine
Well....sort of.
I'm feeling a bit better. I know I have more energy than I did earlier in the week, but I'm also incredibly aware that I have some serious limitations on what I can do without relapsing again.
Since I was feeling a bit soft and decidedly untoned after not working out for a while, I decided to do a simple workout.
I pulled out an old exercise video and just did a bunch of floor exercises - mostly toning and pilates-type moves. No cardio for this girl just yet!
I felt incredible when I was done.
I also felt exhausted - I wound up sleeping for an hour and a half afterwards. Baby steps, folks, baby steps.
I'm feeling a bit better. I know I have more energy than I did earlier in the week, but I'm also incredibly aware that I have some serious limitations on what I can do without relapsing again.
Since I was feeling a bit soft and decidedly untoned after not working out for a while, I decided to do a simple workout.
I pulled out an old exercise video and just did a bunch of floor exercises - mostly toning and pilates-type moves. No cardio for this girl just yet!
I felt incredible when I was done.
I also felt exhausted - I wound up sleeping for an hour and a half afterwards. Baby steps, folks, baby steps.
Smart....and....Beautiful?
I was talking online via g-chat with a friend at work on Friday. I know, I know - for shame! (But, in all fairness, it's the only chance I get to stay in touch with some folks, and obviously if my client's boss is asking me to assist him in addition to my client, I must be getting some of my work done...)
Somehow, in the conversation, we got onto the fact that I generally hate myself in pictures. Close to 87% of the time (rough estimate), I'm blinking in the picture (Thanks Mom!). In the few that I'm not blinking in, 68% involve me making a horribly odd face or is just an unflattering pose. Thus, there are few pictures that I like myself in.
Given that I also believe that pictures are as close as you can come to seeing yourself through the eyes of others, I've always thought of myself as average, looks-wise. Usually cute in that average girl-next-door way. Never really thought of myself as ugly, but not really beautiful either. Occasionally, with the right light, the right outfit, and some magic, I look pretty in pictures.
As I've gotten older, become more comfortable in my skin and with myself, I seem to hear people use the word "beautiful" to describe me more often. Other than when a very select few people call me beautiful, I tend to rankle and not believe them. Somewhere along the line, I started believing you could either be smart or you could be beautiful, but that the two were mutually exclusive.
Given that I'm smart (I mean, not to brag too much or anything, but I did get all A's in grad school...), I've just assumed beautiful was not part of the equation for me. So unless certain people (those who love me dearly) say I'm beautiful, I tend to not believe it when I'm called "beautiful". As such, I have a hard time accepting compliments on my looks.
In our conversation, without knowing all that I've just explained, my friend scolded me. He said, "You're a looker and you don't even know it. You're beautiful, but you don't believe it. You need to start accepting that, and start being able to graciously accept compliments on your looks."
After giving me a minute or two to mull that over, he continued, "You have this spark that's just incredible. When it gets captured in a picture, your picture just becomes absolutely captivating."
Wow.
That's a hell of an awesome compliment.
Challenge one, to accept that compliment graciously. I think I did quite well.
Challenge two, to start accepting compliments on my looks graciously and without suspicion. (And no, I'm not going to start fishing for compliments to practice challenge two.)
Challenge three, to start believing that being smart and being beautiful are not mutually exclusive (without blowing my ego out of proportion either).
Somehow, in the conversation, we got onto the fact that I generally hate myself in pictures. Close to 87% of the time (rough estimate), I'm blinking in the picture (Thanks Mom!). In the few that I'm not blinking in, 68% involve me making a horribly odd face or is just an unflattering pose. Thus, there are few pictures that I like myself in.
Given that I also believe that pictures are as close as you can come to seeing yourself through the eyes of others, I've always thought of myself as average, looks-wise. Usually cute in that average girl-next-door way. Never really thought of myself as ugly, but not really beautiful either. Occasionally, with the right light, the right outfit, and some magic, I look pretty in pictures.
As I've gotten older, become more comfortable in my skin and with myself, I seem to hear people use the word "beautiful" to describe me more often. Other than when a very select few people call me beautiful, I tend to rankle and not believe them. Somewhere along the line, I started believing you could either be smart or you could be beautiful, but that the two were mutually exclusive.
Given that I'm smart (I mean, not to brag too much or anything, but I did get all A's in grad school...), I've just assumed beautiful was not part of the equation for me. So unless certain people (those who love me dearly) say I'm beautiful, I tend to not believe it when I'm called "beautiful". As such, I have a hard time accepting compliments on my looks.
In our conversation, without knowing all that I've just explained, my friend scolded me. He said, "You're a looker and you don't even know it. You're beautiful, but you don't believe it. You need to start accepting that, and start being able to graciously accept compliments on your looks."
After giving me a minute or two to mull that over, he continued, "You have this spark that's just incredible. When it gets captured in a picture, your picture just becomes absolutely captivating."
Wow.
That's a hell of an awesome compliment.
Challenge one, to accept that compliment graciously. I think I did quite well.
Challenge two, to start accepting compliments on my looks graciously and without suspicion. (And no, I'm not going to start fishing for compliments to practice challenge two.)
Challenge three, to start believing that being smart and being beautiful are not mutually exclusive (without blowing my ego out of proportion either).
11 September 2008
One Tired Puppy
That's me!
I went into work today. I even made it for the full eight hours! Then, of course, I crashed out hard once I got home, just like pup there.
P.S. I have spent way, way too long trying to upload an adorable video of a puppy falling asleep, only to have it corrupt my beautiful webpage layout. I give up. You can see the video when I'm not a tired puppy.
I went into work today. I even made it for the full eight hours! Then, of course, I crashed out hard once I got home, just like pup there.
P.S. I have spent way, way too long trying to upload an adorable video of a puppy falling asleep, only to have it corrupt my beautiful webpage layout. I give up. You can see the video when I'm not a tired puppy.
Down for the Count
I really, really planned on feeling well enough to go back to work today. However, as the day went on yesterday, I started feeling worse and worse.
I went to bed fairly early last night, and decided I'd get up for work whenever I woke up.
Alas, when I woke up, I felt even worse. So I had to suck it up and beg my boss for permission to work from home again. I hated staying home - I wanted to get out of the apartment, I wanted to feel healthier, and I needed to take care of some actual paperwork at work.
I went to bed fairly early last night, and decided I'd get up for work whenever I woke up.
Alas, when I woke up, I felt even worse. So I had to suck it up and beg my boss for permission to work from home again. I hated staying home - I wanted to get out of the apartment, I wanted to feel healthier, and I needed to take care of some actual paperwork at work.
Sweet Sheets
I worked from home again today. I started off the day feeling pretty decent (for having mono) and was hoping to be back at work on Wednesday.
I took a break today while I was working and spent ten minutes changing the sheets. Sweet, soft, wonderful jersey knit sheets are now on my bed. And then I needed an hour long nap to recover before resuming work. Pathetic, ain't it?
I took a break today while I was working and spent ten minutes changing the sheets. Sweet, soft, wonderful jersey knit sheets are now on my bed. And then I needed an hour long nap to recover before resuming work. Pathetic, ain't it?
08 September 2008
Slurpees and Sleep
I made it!
I managed to get a slurpee this afternoon! Such a sweeter treat has never been so thoroughly enjoyed.
It also managed to wipe me out, again. Sigh, you win some, you lose some.
I managed to get a slurpee this afternoon! Such a sweeter treat has never been so thoroughly enjoyed.
It also managed to wipe me out, again. Sigh, you win some, you lose some.
07 September 2008
Slurpee Cravings
Whenever I get sick, which, normally isn't all that often, I always wind up watching the movie Annie (something about singing how the sun will come out tomorrow always makes me feel better), and I always crave slurpees.
Now, today, I was hoping that with the blue skies and sunshine, and 2.5 full days of bed rest, I'd be able to muster up enough energy to get semi-dressed (i.e. gym clothes at least) and walk the block to 7-11 for a glorious cherry-coke combo slurpee.
Instead, I've only managed enough energy to wander from the couch to the bed and back again. And given that I live in a studio, the distance between the two is about six feet. Hmm. Maybe tomorrow?
Now, today, I was hoping that with the blue skies and sunshine, and 2.5 full days of bed rest, I'd be able to muster up enough energy to get semi-dressed (i.e. gym clothes at least) and walk the block to 7-11 for a glorious cherry-coke combo slurpee.
Instead, I've only managed enough energy to wander from the couch to the bed and back again. And given that I live in a studio, the distance between the two is about six feet. Hmm. Maybe tomorrow?
You Know You Have Mono When....
....you finally take a ten minute shower (after almost 48 hours of no showering), and it wears you out so badly that, ten minutes after finishing that shower, you nap for the next three hours.
Somehow, I suspect these daily challenges are going to be pretty minor for a while....
Somehow, I suspect these daily challenges are going to be pretty minor for a while....
8 Hours
On Friday, I pushed myself to stay awake long enough to get my 8 hours in for work. As much as I wanted to nap, I also didn't want to be working until 7 or 8 at night, even if it was from the couch. 8 hours. Doesn't sound like a lot, but man, oh man, it was hard (I don't think I'll do that again tomorrow).
No Luck But Bad Luck
So, my summer streak of no luck but bad luck continues....
On Thursday, once again, I was having a horrible time waking up. Since I had to head into the city for a conference, rather than around the block for work, I had no choice but to drag myself out of bed. As I was getting ready for the day, two thoughts popped into my head: Was I having trouble waking up because I am now on the sunset side of my building (as opposed to waking up with the sunrise for the last two years)? Maybe - but I doubt it would be this bad. Could it be mono again? Oh hell, I hope not.
As I sat in the conference, I started mentally cataloging my symptoms. Exhaustion (trouble waking up in the mornings, long naps after work every day), swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, a general feeling of feeling like crap, and a wicked awful sore throat. At the first coffee break, I sent my Mom a text: "Think I have mono again - I have all the same symptoms as before."
At lunch, I gave up. I called the doctor's office and got an appointment for that afternoon. I called my boss and got permission to skip out of the conference early.
Turns out, you can get mono again.
It also turns out, you can gross your own doctor out. He made a face when he looked at my throat. Yeah, it was that bad.
So, despite wanting to just go home and have myself a little pity party after the doctors, I dragged myself to work. I wanted to pick up my laptop and forward my desk phone to my work cell so my client doesn't know I'm working from home.
Then I dropped off my computer at home, went to CVS for meds, picked up chicken soup and a slurpee for my sore throat (the slurpee was gone before I finished the two block walk home). I realize running a few errands doesn't sound like a lot, but it is mighty challenging when you've got mono. (In fact, it's now Sunday evening and I haven't left the apartment since I got on Thursday).
Thankfully, I have several things in my favor this time around. The last time I had mono, I got sick the first week of a new semester in grad school - I was taking four evening classes and working part time. So, back then, I took a week off of work, went to classes every night and during the second week, I started a routine of working mornings, napping afternoons, and going to classes at night. (My only saving grace for classes that semester is that they were all term papers and no exams - had there been an exam, I'd have failed) It was too much too soon, but I had no other choice. Also, I was dating a guy who had a horrible habit of telling me about five minutes AFTER he'd been kissing me that he was getting sick again. I swear, he was the main reason I was sick for almost six months.
This time around, I get to work from home. I have no classes. And the man I love is on the other side of the world (which only counts as a blessing in this case because there's no temptation of kissing...)
On Thursday, once again, I was having a horrible time waking up. Since I had to head into the city for a conference, rather than around the block for work, I had no choice but to drag myself out of bed. As I was getting ready for the day, two thoughts popped into my head: Was I having trouble waking up because I am now on the sunset side of my building (as opposed to waking up with the sunrise for the last two years)? Maybe - but I doubt it would be this bad. Could it be mono again? Oh hell, I hope not.
As I sat in the conference, I started mentally cataloging my symptoms. Exhaustion (trouble waking up in the mornings, long naps after work every day), swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, a general feeling of feeling like crap, and a wicked awful sore throat. At the first coffee break, I sent my Mom a text: "Think I have mono again - I have all the same symptoms as before."
At lunch, I gave up. I called the doctor's office and got an appointment for that afternoon. I called my boss and got permission to skip out of the conference early.
Turns out, you can get mono again.
It also turns out, you can gross your own doctor out. He made a face when he looked at my throat. Yeah, it was that bad.
So, despite wanting to just go home and have myself a little pity party after the doctors, I dragged myself to work. I wanted to pick up my laptop and forward my desk phone to my work cell so my client doesn't know I'm working from home.
Then I dropped off my computer at home, went to CVS for meds, picked up chicken soup and a slurpee for my sore throat (the slurpee was gone before I finished the two block walk home). I realize running a few errands doesn't sound like a lot, but it is mighty challenging when you've got mono. (In fact, it's now Sunday evening and I haven't left the apartment since I got on Thursday).
Thankfully, I have several things in my favor this time around. The last time I had mono, I got sick the first week of a new semester in grad school - I was taking four evening classes and working part time. So, back then, I took a week off of work, went to classes every night and during the second week, I started a routine of working mornings, napping afternoons, and going to classes at night. (My only saving grace for classes that semester is that they were all term papers and no exams - had there been an exam, I'd have failed) It was too much too soon, but I had no other choice. Also, I was dating a guy who had a horrible habit of telling me about five minutes AFTER he'd been kissing me that he was getting sick again. I swear, he was the main reason I was sick for almost six months.
This time around, I get to work from home. I have no classes. And the man I love is on the other side of the world (which only counts as a blessing in this case because there's no temptation of kissing...)
03 September 2008
Paitence is the Name of the Game
I ordered a necessary item two weeks ago. Since it is so specialized and utterly neccessary, I could only order it directly from the producer (as opposed to shopping around for something cheaper elsewhere online).
Since it was a second day delivery, I was shocked when I looked at the calendar and realized it had been two weeks already. So I called the company to inquire into the status of my package.
I was a bit irritated that I had to call. My frustration level about went through the roof when I found out that the package had indeed been delievered - 1.5 weeks ago.
So I called the front desk of my building and asked them to look in box A (my current apartment). No go. Please look in box B (the number the company said it was delievered to). No go. Box C (my old apartment)? Aha! Damn tools.
However, instead of getting all irritated and bitchy, I just smiled, thanked the girl for looking for it, told her I'd pick it up later, and chalked it up as a learning lesson. Next time a package I'm waiting for is delayed in arriving, I'll have the front desk check other boxes first.
Since it was a second day delivery, I was shocked when I looked at the calendar and realized it had been two weeks already. So I called the company to inquire into the status of my package.
I was a bit irritated that I had to call. My frustration level about went through the roof when I found out that the package had indeed been delievered - 1.5 weeks ago.
So I called the front desk of my building and asked them to look in box A (my current apartment). No go. Please look in box B (the number the company said it was delievered to). No go. Box C (my old apartment)? Aha! Damn tools.
However, instead of getting all irritated and bitchy, I just smiled, thanked the girl for looking for it, told her I'd pick it up later, and chalked it up as a learning lesson. Next time a package I'm waiting for is delayed in arriving, I'll have the front desk check other boxes first.
Up and Out of Bed You Sleepyhead!
Yesterday's challenge sounds simple enough. But in reality, it was practically impossible to execute.
I went to bed fairly early Monday night (ten-ish to be precise) and had set my alarm early enough to get in a work out and still get to work early.
I am one of those people who, normally, when the alarm goes off is either already awake or instantly awake once it goes off. Occasionally, I might reset my alarm for five or ten minutes later, but that's pretty rare. And, if I do so, I only reset my alarm once.
Yesterday. Heh. I would up walking into work about 15 minutes later than my normal start time. I can't say I was late for work since we have flextime (i.e. as long as we give them 8 hours a day, they don't care how I work those 8 hours), but given that I snoozed for about an hour and a half, and kept resetting my alarm, it was, no pun intended, alarming.
And, I was tempted to keep sleeping even later. This morning seemed like it was going to be a repeat, but I pulled myself out of bed after one alarm reset.
I went to bed fairly early Monday night (ten-ish to be precise) and had set my alarm early enough to get in a work out and still get to work early.
I am one of those people who, normally, when the alarm goes off is either already awake or instantly awake once it goes off. Occasionally, I might reset my alarm for five or ten minutes later, but that's pretty rare. And, if I do so, I only reset my alarm once.
Yesterday. Heh. I would up walking into work about 15 minutes later than my normal start time. I can't say I was late for work since we have flextime (i.e. as long as we give them 8 hours a day, they don't care how I work those 8 hours), but given that I snoozed for about an hour and a half, and kept resetting my alarm, it was, no pun intended, alarming.
And, I was tempted to keep sleeping even later. This morning seemed like it was going to be a repeat, but I pulled myself out of bed after one alarm reset.
01 September 2008
Alone Again
Damnit. That's the third time tonight I've lost my almost completed blog entry. New rule for myself: in addition to daily challenges, I must blog those challenges daily. Backlogs are getting annoying.
Anyways, what I was originally trying to say was, Mom left to go back home wickedly early this morning. I got used to have her here this past week and being the center of her undivided attention. I know, I'm horribly spoiled, but I appreciate every minute of it.
I spent the day readjusting to living alone again. I've lived alone before, but I got used to always having someone around last year. There are pros and cons to having a roommate and there are pros and cons to living alone. Neither is necessarily better than the other, but each require their own set of attitudes. And a transition from one living arrangement to another does require a readjustment period.
I'm social enough to always have options to meet with a friend, a crowd, or be alone when I need or want to be. However, I realize that I may have days where I feel lonely, and on those days, I'll have to challenge myself to find the right way to perk myself up again (would I be better going out with friends or merely distracting myself). But here's hoping, those days are few and far between this year.
Anyways, what I was originally trying to say was, Mom left to go back home wickedly early this morning. I got used to have her here this past week and being the center of her undivided attention. I know, I'm horribly spoiled, but I appreciate every minute of it.
I spent the day readjusting to living alone again. I've lived alone before, but I got used to always having someone around last year. There are pros and cons to having a roommate and there are pros and cons to living alone. Neither is necessarily better than the other, but each require their own set of attitudes. And a transition from one living arrangement to another does require a readjustment period.
I'm social enough to always have options to meet with a friend, a crowd, or be alone when I need or want to be. However, I realize that I may have days where I feel lonely, and on those days, I'll have to challenge myself to find the right way to perk myself up again (would I be better going out with friends or merely distracting myself). But here's hoping, those days are few and far between this year.
Brown Pants or Bust
Mama and I ran a bunch of errands yesterday.
A lot of our running around involved going to a ton of different stores trying to find a pair of brown pants for me. I have a ton of cute brown tops and lots of fab brown shoes, but no brown pants. Which means my work wardrobe is basically limited to black and things that can be worn with black.
The shopping spree from earlier in the week yielded a fabulously cute top, which looks great with jeans, but would, with the right pair of brown pants, also be cute for casual Fridays at work (we can't ever wear jeans to my work). So we ran from this store to that store, from this mall to that mall (hey, it helps when Mama has a car to drive me to places I normally can't get to on my own), to no avail.
I'll try my quest for brown pants again when I go home for Thanksgiving.
The good news is, I learned that I've dropped two pants sizes this summer. Oh, and I scored a fabulous pair of heels.
A lot of our running around involved going to a ton of different stores trying to find a pair of brown pants for me. I have a ton of cute brown tops and lots of fab brown shoes, but no brown pants. Which means my work wardrobe is basically limited to black and things that can be worn with black.
The shopping spree from earlier in the week yielded a fabulously cute top, which looks great with jeans, but would, with the right pair of brown pants, also be cute for casual Fridays at work (we can't ever wear jeans to my work). So we ran from this store to that store, from this mall to that mall (hey, it helps when Mama has a car to drive me to places I normally can't get to on my own), to no avail.
I'll try my quest for brown pants again when I go home for Thanksgiving.
The good news is, I learned that I've dropped two pants sizes this summer. Oh, and I scored a fabulous pair of heels.
Heart to Heart with the One Who Stole My Heart
Following the request I got in the reply email, I was choosing to not reply right away and consider our options and our future. I planned on calling him on Monday.
However, after a morning out with my Mama, who does such a great job of wearing me out, and a lazy afternoon nap, we were bumming around my apartment just gossiping and talking when I realized that my Facebook chat window was open. I was originally irritated to see I had a new message (I thought it was from someone who has been a bit annoying lately), but was delighted to see it was the one I'm in love with.
We chatted a bit - he's opted to continue his service with the Peace Corps and is being reassigned to Albania (ironically enough, his original number one choice of a country to serve in) - so we discussed the logistics of his transfer and his excitement about his new placement.
Then, thanks to modern technology and Mark Zuckerberg (or whatever his name really is), we had a long heart to heart and really opened up to each other. It was a conversation we probably should have had prior to his departure, but in this case, it was much better late than never at all. We don't have any answers yet for how we're going to handle the next two years; we'll figure it out as we go along. What matters right now, is we both know, finally, exactly how we feel about each other and how the other person feels about us.
It's horribly awkward to have such an intimate conversation via instant message and emails, but I can't even begin to imagine how awful the wait would have been had we had to carry out such a conversation via letters and snail mail from a developing country. Evidently, we both had a lot to say.
By the time we ended the conversation, knowing we'll try to figure out our relationship as we go along, that we love each other, and that we do have something worth fighting for, I couldn't believe two hours had passed.
I'm thrilled we were able to talk. I'm thrilled we were able to open up honestly. It was still difficult, even after opening up so much just a few days prior in an email, but I'm proud of myself. For as much as I wear my heart on my sleeve, I'm still pretty guarded once intimacies (with a friend, a lover, an accquaintance) reach a certain level, so to continue to open up so much made me quite proud of myself.
Of course, I'm delighted that being so open has worked out so well...
However, after a morning out with my Mama, who does such a great job of wearing me out, and a lazy afternoon nap, we were bumming around my apartment just gossiping and talking when I realized that my Facebook chat window was open. I was originally irritated to see I had a new message (I thought it was from someone who has been a bit annoying lately), but was delighted to see it was the one I'm in love with.
We chatted a bit - he's opted to continue his service with the Peace Corps and is being reassigned to Albania (ironically enough, his original number one choice of a country to serve in) - so we discussed the logistics of his transfer and his excitement about his new placement.
Then, thanks to modern technology and Mark Zuckerberg (or whatever his name really is), we had a long heart to heart and really opened up to each other. It was a conversation we probably should have had prior to his departure, but in this case, it was much better late than never at all. We don't have any answers yet for how we're going to handle the next two years; we'll figure it out as we go along. What matters right now, is we both know, finally, exactly how we feel about each other and how the other person feels about us.
It's horribly awkward to have such an intimate conversation via instant message and emails, but I can't even begin to imagine how awful the wait would have been had we had to carry out such a conversation via letters and snail mail from a developing country. Evidently, we both had a lot to say.
By the time we ended the conversation, knowing we'll try to figure out our relationship as we go along, that we love each other, and that we do have something worth fighting for, I couldn't believe two hours had passed.
I'm thrilled we were able to talk. I'm thrilled we were able to open up honestly. It was still difficult, even after opening up so much just a few days prior in an email, but I'm proud of myself. For as much as I wear my heart on my sleeve, I'm still pretty guarded once intimacies (with a friend, a lover, an accquaintance) reach a certain level, so to continue to open up so much made me quite proud of myself.
Of course, I'm delighted that being so open has worked out so well...
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
After Thursday's seemingly impossible challenge of opening myself out and holding my heart out in my hand, I didn't think it could get any harder. Yet, since I knew this email I sent was going halfway around the world, to a very different time zone, to someone who most likely was not expecting such an email and would need time to think about all the things I said, I had to put the thoughts and anxieties out of my mind.
I think I did a good job (Mama will have to weigh in on this) of putting my fears of saying the wrong things, or too much too late, or being badly hurt by being so open, out of my mind and enjoying a day of adventures with my Mama.
Then, I got home late Friday night and checked my emails.
For the dear readers interested in my personal life beyond the daily challenges, his reply basically was, "Wow, I didn't realize you felt as strongly as I did. You're right - we have something special, and we should give ourselves, our relationship, a fighting chance."
I think I did a good job (Mama will have to weigh in on this) of putting my fears of saying the wrong things, or too much too late, or being badly hurt by being so open, out of my mind and enjoying a day of adventures with my Mama.
Then, I got home late Friday night and checked my emails.
For the dear readers interested in my personal life beyond the daily challenges, his reply basically was, "Wow, I didn't realize you felt as strongly as I did. You're right - we have something special, and we should give ourselves, our relationship, a fighting chance."
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