Christmas morning was relaxing as we all slept in a got up around 9:30am. I still had a few more things to pack into my suitcase for my trip to Salt Lake City. I left the house at around 1pm to attend our Christmas luncheon at my brothers' in-laws.
About 1:45 pm I received a blackberry message from one of my friends in Utah, who told me they had blizzard conditions and no power. I thought, I have to get out, so hopefully everything will be cleared up by the time I'm to arrive in Utah. I check my flight status and everything was on time.
We had a delicious dinner of prime rib, BBQ ribs, squash casserole, homemade roles and sweet potatoes. After a couple of hours my brother and sister-in-law took me to the airport and I checked in with ease.
We loaded the plane and took off early to Minnesota. When we arrived I had to book it from one terminal to another, which also involved getting on a tram. I quickly arrived at the gate only to find out that we were delayed. We continued to wait for almost an hour and then we loaded the plane and headed for Utah. When we were approaching Salt Lake the captain continued to warn us of freezing fog, low visibility and keeping our seat belts securely fastened. I always sit in the window seat and as we were about to touchdown, I realized that the white below was the actual runway. We touched down and fortunately didn't slide off the runway.
As we approached, the tarmac was filled with hundreds of planes and our gate had to be reassigned, but there was one catch. The gate we were transferred to was not made for our type of aircraft. So they had to move quite a bit of heavy machinery, which ended up taking over an hour. We were literally 10 feet away from the gate, but we started to slide, so we had to wait for someone to tow us in. Back and forth and back and forth several more times until we finally made it into the gate. Cheers and applause could be heard throughout the cabin.
We deplaned and it was 2am. Several stranded passengers were scattered throughout the airport sleeping or playing on their computers. We ended up deplaning in Terminal 2, but our luggage was sent to Terminal 1. We were directed to carousal 4 where we waited for another 1 1/2 hours, until the luggage started to spit out on to the carousal.
After retrieving my luggage, I hopped on the bus to the economy parking lot. When I arrived at my brother and sister-in-law's car, there was tons of snow on the car and it was up to my calves. It only took about 20 minutes to clear off. I said a quick prayer and started my journey to my friends house.
None of the roads had been plowed and it was quite slippery. I fortunately made it to my friend's home in safety at 4:20 am.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Subzero Weather
Last Sunday I woke up early to prepare to go to the Sunday Christmas program. As I started to prepare the weather advisory said that it was 32 below zero windchill and that we would not reach even zero degrees. I was not thrilled with the idea of going outside. Unfortunately, I'm the organist and choir pianist, so I had no choice of skipping out.
I put on my dress and decided to put on my sweatpants and boots to keep my legs warm. I did remove them before church, but couldn't help but get a picture of me all bundled up.
I put on my dress and decided to put on my sweatpants and boots to keep my legs warm. I did remove them before church, but couldn't help but get a picture of me all bundled up.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Quilting 101
I was on my way out of work after a stressful week in the office, when I received a text message from one of my guy friends asking if he could use our sewing machine. At first, I chuckled wondering what he needed to use it for, but then he explained that it was for a t-shirt quilt.
I headed home, picked up the sewing machine and arrived at his house around 6:30pm. We went to dinner and then went to Wal-Mart to pick up some things for this quilt. I am not domestic in any form of the word. I can cook well, but sewing is absolutely out of the question.
We headed back to his house and started on our adventure. We realized we had forgotten some things for the quilt, so we had to leave again and ended up at Joann's. It was literally the blind leading the blind. Fortunately, we found some clear grid plastics that we took two and taped together to make a 16" x 16" square. We didn't think that we would need any more than one fabric cutter, so the last of the 36 squares were quite fun to cut out with a dull blade.
We began a process that he would cut, I would iron and this went on for a couple of hours. Towards the end of the cutting of the squares, we realized we had to thread the bobbin. I started on my attempt to thread the bobbin, which turned out to be disastrous. I resorted to watching a video on YouTube, which I have to admit was extremely helpful. I can now say that I'm a professional bobbin threader.
Threading the entire machine was another adventure. I had my guy friend thread the sewing machine as I cut out some more squares. He fortunately took Home Economics in the 7th grade, so he's much more experienced than me. After we laid out the squares in the order of the blanket, he started sewing the rows together. As he would finish a row, I would have the next row ready to sew and this took a couple more hours.
2am rolled around and we ran out of Navy thread. We decided that there was a 24 hour Walgreen's down the road, so we got bundled up and headed out to the snow covered streets. Luckily, Walgreen's did have spools of thread, but our options were limited to white or black, so we opted for black.
We then headed back to the house and began sewing the rest of the rows together. It was good having two people handling the quilt, because the quilt got extremely heavy at the end.
At 6am we were finishing the edges and extremely proud of our awesome accomplishment. We had one more edge to go and were finishing the corner, which were pretty tough, because of the thickness of the batting and material. The last stitch on the second to last edge, was extremely difficult and the needle ended up breaking. We called it quits, because by then it was 6:45am.
He fortunately finished the quilt yesterday!!! I definitely can say I feel much more domestic after our quilting marathon. Next time, I'll spend more than one day on the quilt.
I headed home, picked up the sewing machine and arrived at his house around 6:30pm. We went to dinner and then went to Wal-Mart to pick up some things for this quilt. I am not domestic in any form of the word. I can cook well, but sewing is absolutely out of the question.
We headed back to his house and started on our adventure. We realized we had forgotten some things for the quilt, so we had to leave again and ended up at Joann's. It was literally the blind leading the blind. Fortunately, we found some clear grid plastics that we took two and taped together to make a 16" x 16" square. We didn't think that we would need any more than one fabric cutter, so the last of the 36 squares were quite fun to cut out with a dull blade.
We began a process that he would cut, I would iron and this went on for a couple of hours. Towards the end of the cutting of the squares, we realized we had to thread the bobbin. I started on my attempt to thread the bobbin, which turned out to be disastrous. I resorted to watching a video on YouTube, which I have to admit was extremely helpful. I can now say that I'm a professional bobbin threader.
Threading the entire machine was another adventure. I had my guy friend thread the sewing machine as I cut out some more squares. He fortunately took Home Economics in the 7th grade, so he's much more experienced than me. After we laid out the squares in the order of the blanket, he started sewing the rows together. As he would finish a row, I would have the next row ready to sew and this took a couple more hours.
2am rolled around and we ran out of Navy thread. We decided that there was a 24 hour Walgreen's down the road, so we got bundled up and headed out to the snow covered streets. Luckily, Walgreen's did have spools of thread, but our options were limited to white or black, so we opted for black.
We then headed back to the house and began sewing the rest of the rows together. It was good having two people handling the quilt, because the quilt got extremely heavy at the end.
At 6am we were finishing the edges and extremely proud of our awesome accomplishment. We had one more edge to go and were finishing the corner, which were pretty tough, because of the thickness of the batting and material. The last stitch on the second to last edge, was extremely difficult and the needle ended up breaking. We called it quits, because by then it was 6:45am.
He fortunately finished the quilt yesterday!!! I definitely can say I feel much more domestic after our quilting marathon. Next time, I'll spend more than one day on the quilt.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Birthday Weekend
Wednesday in the middle of work, I had the thought that I should treat myself to a weekend in Chicago. I went on priceline and booked a Five Star hotel for cheap. I was so excited at the idea of spending some time in my favorite city.Friday morning I awoke around 8 am and headed to the gym for a two mile jog and then I attempted to get a little Christmas Shopping done on the way home. I have vowed I will never take my children the day after Thanksgiving to shop, because it's not fair to them or me, especially with all of the people.
I got home and started packing for my weekend adventure. I packed up my car and headed into the city around 3pm. I arrived at the hotel around 4:30pm, checked in, and relaxed in the room for a couple of hours.
I made my way down Michigan Avenue and hit Victoria Secret, which was having some awesome sales and found my mom and sister-in-laws presents. I was pretty excited and after shopping for a few hours returned to my hotel room. I headed out and found some yummy dinner and went back to the hotel and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Saturday, I woke up around 8am and got ready for the day. I left the hotel around 10am and headed to Millennium park. I ate a muffin and sat and watched people at the Bean for a couple of hours. I headed to Macy's on State Street where the windows are a disappointment, but they were having some great sales, so I went and shopped, but didn't find anything worth buying. I then headed to various other stores.
Around 3:30pm my family arrived into the city and we went to the German Market and they ate some Bratwurst, Strudel, and Hot Chocolate. It was all delicious. The German Market was very packed, since it was the first day, and my family had had enough after only about 45 minutes. A couple of my friends came into the city and we went and ate tapas at Cafe' Iberico. It was delicious.
After dinner we wandered back to Millennium park and then started heading north on Michigan Ave. One of my friends asked what we should do. I thought for a moment and then suggested we go to the top of the John Hancock building. We walked a few more blocks and waited in line for about 20 minutes. We had an awesome view from our table and sipped hot chocolate. Honestly, the best view is from the Women's bathroom. I took a couple of pictures I'll post.
Sunday, I headed home early, because it started to snow. My family returned home from church and we had lasagna and pumpkin cheesecake for my birthday dinner. I got another kitchen gadget. It's a hot air popper which the top is a bowl! I look forward to using it soon.Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot
Last evening, I anxiously prepared for my first 5K. I went and stayed the night at Nalihda's, one of my coworkers, so that, I wouldn't have to get up as early. I arrived at her home last evening around 8:30 and worked on upper body and abs with her. It was my second workout of the day, so I went a little light on the weight.
After the workout, we watched Runaway Bride. I fell asleep in the middle of the movie. Then around 11:30pm I began getting ready for bed. Nalihda is an experienced runner, so I asked her for some advice on how to finish the race. 1st have goals, which I already had and 2nd to keep good form and focus on my breathing.
I woke up 20 minutes before my alarm and began to prepare for the adventure ahead of me. When we arrived at the high school where the race was beginning, there literally was a sea of thousands everywhere. I entered the gymnasium, found my name, what number I would be wearing, and quickly hurried to the table to get my number.
After receiving my number, I had to put a disposable chip on my shoe to record my time and pinned my number to my green pullover jacket. I had to continue to remind myself to breath before the race even started. I put in my headphones and began listening to Fall Out Boy. We were able to cross the start line about 2 minutes after the race began. The times reflected do not have the approximate 2 minutes removed. I quickly fell into my pace and hit the 1 mile marker at about 13 minutes. The 2nd mile marker I hit at 22 minutes and I finished around 38. The official scores will be in around 3pm this afternoon.
I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I had this Thanksgiving to run the race and make it to the finish line. I look forward to next year and the many more races I will run.
After the workout, we watched Runaway Bride. I fell asleep in the middle of the movie. Then around 11:30pm I began getting ready for bed. Nalihda is an experienced runner, so I asked her for some advice on how to finish the race. 1st have goals, which I already had and 2nd to keep good form and focus on my breathing.
I woke up 20 minutes before my alarm and began to prepare for the adventure ahead of me. When we arrived at the high school where the race was beginning, there literally was a sea of thousands everywhere. I entered the gymnasium, found my name, what number I would be wearing, and quickly hurried to the table to get my number.
After receiving my number, I had to put a disposable chip on my shoe to record my time and pinned my number to my green pullover jacket. I had to continue to remind myself to breath before the race even started. I put in my headphones and began listening to Fall Out Boy. We were able to cross the start line about 2 minutes after the race began. The times reflected do not have the approximate 2 minutes removed. I quickly fell into my pace and hit the 1 mile marker at about 13 minutes. The 2nd mile marker I hit at 22 minutes and I finished around 38. The official scores will be in around 3pm this afternoon.
I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I had this Thanksgiving to run the race and make it to the finish line. I look forward to next year and the many more races I will run.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Weddings, Reflections, and Thanksgiving
A week from today is my 29th birthday. Ever since my mid life crisis at 25, I have been enjoying my birthdays. In conjunction with my birthday, yesterday Lara, one of my high school friends, got married. Wonderful news came yesterday as Jenny announced that she is having twins in May! These events have ignited a myriad of memories to flood my mind.
I remember Jenny, Beth and I meeting one hot August day in Southern Illinois as we laughed and experienced band camp before our Freshman year. Lara came into the picture as we started our Freshman year. That early bond has lasted and been fortified, through all of our life-changing events.
One unique thing about this bond formed over 14 years ago is that we have never had a fight, not even a squabble. Life for the four of us was always healthy and uplifting. We made it through break ups, hook ups and every other kind of joy and/or disappointment.
I have looked upon these memories and realized the value of true friends. True friends will do anything for you and you will reciprocate to them in the like manner. I value those few friends that love and respect me even with all of my flaws and imperfections. I feel blessed for good friends who have stood by me throughout the years and will continue to do so for the rest of our lives.
At this time of Thanksgiving, I add a small list of things I am thankful for in no particular order: Family, Friends, Faith, Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, Love, Prayer, Career, Exercise, Food, Scriptures, Temple and Talents.
I remember Jenny, Beth and I meeting one hot August day in Southern Illinois as we laughed and experienced band camp before our Freshman year. Lara came into the picture as we started our Freshman year. That early bond has lasted and been fortified, through all of our life-changing events.
One unique thing about this bond formed over 14 years ago is that we have never had a fight, not even a squabble. Life for the four of us was always healthy and uplifting. We made it through break ups, hook ups and every other kind of joy and/or disappointment.
I have looked upon these memories and realized the value of true friends. True friends will do anything for you and you will reciprocate to them in the like manner. I value those few friends that love and respect me even with all of my flaws and imperfections. I feel blessed for good friends who have stood by me throughout the years and will continue to do so for the rest of our lives.
At this time of Thanksgiving, I add a small list of things I am thankful for in no particular order: Family, Friends, Faith, Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, Love, Prayer, Career, Exercise, Food, Scriptures, Temple and Talents.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Answered Prayer
Today I was feeling extremely sick in the morning. I received two phone calls letting me know that one of my friend's would be speaking in church. It was the first time this friend talked in church, so I got dressed and headed for Sacrament meeting.
Today's topic was Prayer. The message of the Hymn, "Did you think to Pray?" was used twice in two different talks. The line, "Prayer will change the night to day..." had great impact this day.
The message and testimony my friend bore was powerful. I have been praying for over two years that this individual would find joy in this life. It made me feel fulfilled. It also taught me again that Heavenly Father will answer our prayers in His own due time. Hearing that talk was worth getting up for today.
I hope that I will feel good enough to train tomorrow morning for my race.
Today's topic was Prayer. The message of the Hymn, "Did you think to Pray?" was used twice in two different talks. The line, "Prayer will change the night to day..." had great impact this day.
The message and testimony my friend bore was powerful. I have been praying for over two years that this individual would find joy in this life. It made me feel fulfilled. It also taught me again that Heavenly Father will answer our prayers in His own due time. Hearing that talk was worth getting up for today.
I hope that I will feel good enough to train tomorrow morning for my race.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
On the Trail again
On this cold, dreary November day in Chicago, I got up around 9am and then started preparing for my run outside. I arrived at the Old Plank trail and started my run. The first couple of miles were a breeze. The last mile is always the challenge, but I concentrate on my breathing, which keeps me focused. Today, in my last mile I had the Frankfort Grainery in the foreground to focus on. Millions of memories flooded my mind of being on the trail as a teenager. It was quite pleasant to finish my run with those thoughts. I have also discovered that Fall Out Boy is my choice of music to keep me going on a good pace between 10-11 minute miles. I'm hoping that it's not any colder than it was today on Thanksgiving morning or it could be an interesting run.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
hitting the pavement
Ok so I have never posted from my blackberry, but I have a few spare minutes before the soccer game, so here goes nothing. I have begun running outside. It is quite different than running on the treadmill or elliptical. It is wonderful to feel like I'm actually going somewhere. Thank goodness I've found my niche. I'm going to run 4 miles outside on Saturday. I'm sure I'll have quite a bit to say about that adventure.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Test of Commitment
Today started off wonderfully with little Auberita coming to our house and the opportunity to see her before I left for work.
Work was very productive. I was entering orders like crazy and I even stood up to one of my clients that has been a bully these last few weeks.
After work, one of the YSA regional reps needed help with getting all of the food for the Halloween dance tomorrow night, so I decided to help. We spent a couple of hours at the store, then headed for the church. We then began the process of washing and cutting all of the fruits and vegetables. After we finished, I headed to religion class for 1 1/2 hours.
By the time I finally left the church dressed for the gym it was 9:45pm. I was not very confident in myself that I would actually make it to the gym tonight. I purposely went the local route instead of going on the Toll road, so I would have to stop at the gym. Once there, I ran 11 minute mile and then got on the bike for 10 minutes and then back on the treadmill for 9 more minutes to get my full half hour of cardio.
It's now 11:37pm and I will be at the gym by 6am to start my regime of 30 minutes cardio, 30 minutes with my trainer. This exercise thing is extremely addictive. I'm so happy I'm finally succeeding at working out consistently.
Work was very productive. I was entering orders like crazy and I even stood up to one of my clients that has been a bully these last few weeks.
After work, one of the YSA regional reps needed help with getting all of the food for the Halloween dance tomorrow night, so I decided to help. We spent a couple of hours at the store, then headed for the church. We then began the process of washing and cutting all of the fruits and vegetables. After we finished, I headed to religion class for 1 1/2 hours.
By the time I finally left the church dressed for the gym it was 9:45pm. I was not very confident in myself that I would actually make it to the gym tonight. I purposely went the local route instead of going on the Toll road, so I would have to stop at the gym. Once there, I ran 11 minute mile and then got on the bike for 10 minutes and then back on the treadmill for 9 more minutes to get my full half hour of cardio.
It's now 11:37pm and I will be at the gym by 6am to start my regime of 30 minutes cardio, 30 minutes with my trainer. This exercise thing is extremely addictive. I'm so happy I'm finally succeeding at working out consistently.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Running...Running and more Running
This was an early morning with the trainer, who pushed me even further in my strength training. Then I went and did my run for 30 minutes. At first, I was dreading it, but by about the 10 minute mark, I was set in my pace and ready to roll.
Since I have been consistently running for 2 full weeks, I've dropped 3 lbs and I can see a difference in my size. I love seeing the results . November 7th will be my 2 month full body measure with the trainer. It truly makes a difference when you measure each month and then focus on areas that need improvement.
I have found my love for running. I'm excited for the upcoming Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning and some intense training to do a half marathon next summer.
Since I have been consistently running for 2 full weeks, I've dropped 3 lbs and I can see a difference in my size. I love seeing the results . November 7th will be my 2 month full body measure with the trainer. It truly makes a difference when you measure each month and then focus on areas that need improvement.
I have found my love for running. I'm excited for the upcoming Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning and some intense training to do a half marathon next summer.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
5K TRIAL RUN
This morning when I woke up, I doddled for a little bit dreading running a 5k this morning. Finally, I convinced myself and got dressed for the run.
Running is such a mental thing for me when I'm running for distance. I use some of my educational background on how the brain works and use chunking of 5 minute intervals to coach myself to the end. It seems to be working, because I coached myself to the end of the 5K and finished in 37:37! For being my first time ever running that distance, I felt it was ok. Now I have plenty of time to improve upon that time.
Running has become my new therapy. I was going to wait until Thanksgiving to run a 5K, but since I can already run the distance, I'm going to find some local races to run in the next couple of weeks.
Running is such a mental thing for me when I'm running for distance. I use some of my educational background on how the brain works and use chunking of 5 minute intervals to coach myself to the end. It seems to be working, because I coached myself to the end of the 5K and finished in 37:37! For being my first time ever running that distance, I felt it was ok. Now I have plenty of time to improve upon that time.
Running has become my new therapy. I was going to wait until Thanksgiving to run a 5K, but since I can already run the distance, I'm going to find some local races to run in the next couple of weeks.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Courtside Bulls Game
It was about 2:30 this afternoon when I looked at my Blackberry and saw my blinking red light inferring I had a message of some sort. There was a phone number that I wasn't familiar with, so I listened to the message. It was an old friend that I hadn't spoken to in about 2 years and I was being offered free court side tickets to the Bulls game this evening with 2 extra tickets to be used by whomever I wanted. Who could pass up that opportunity? I surely couldn't...
I quickly started getting in contact with people and soon had 2 other extremely willing individuals.
We all met up at around 6:45pm and headed into the city. When we arrived at the United Center we found parking across the street and walked straight into our seats. I've never sat that close in my entire life. You could see the perspiration on the players as they ran up and down the court. We were leading by about 20 points after the first half, but the Wisconsin Bucks quickly tied up the ball game, which resulted in overtime. Fortunately, the Bulls came back to win!
What a fabulous once in a lifetime opportunity! I'm grateful I was able to take advantage of it.
I quickly started getting in contact with people and soon had 2 other extremely willing individuals.
We all met up at around 6:45pm and headed into the city. When we arrived at the United Center we found parking across the street and walked straight into our seats. I've never sat that close in my entire life. You could see the perspiration on the players as they ran up and down the court. We were leading by about 20 points after the first half, but the Wisconsin Bucks quickly tied up the ball game, which resulted in overtime. Fortunately, the Bulls came back to win!
What a fabulous once in a lifetime opportunity! I'm grateful I was able to take advantage of it.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Long Day
Today wasn't very exciting, I don't even think I have a story to tell, but I'm trying to keep up my writing, so maybe something will turn out of nothing.
Last evening I asked my Dad some questions about me. The most poignant part of the conversation was when he told me that, " I'm too hard on myself."
Ever since I was a little girl, I have felt that I need to be the best at everything that I do. For those of you who know me, understand my extreme competitive nature. When I don't quite succeed at what I'm trying to accomplish in my life, I feel as though I have failed and that I must overcome whatever obstacle or challenge is infront of me. Today has been a great day of reflection as I fasted and prayed about where I'm at in my life. The conclusion, I'm doing pretty well and I need to keep doing what I'm doing and I'll be okay.
Last evening I asked my Dad some questions about me. The most poignant part of the conversation was when he told me that, " I'm too hard on myself."
Ever since I was a little girl, I have felt that I need to be the best at everything that I do. For those of you who know me, understand my extreme competitive nature. When I don't quite succeed at what I'm trying to accomplish in my life, I feel as though I have failed and that I must overcome whatever obstacle or challenge is infront of me. Today has been a great day of reflection as I fasted and prayed about where I'm at in my life. The conclusion, I'm doing pretty well and I need to keep doing what I'm doing and I'll be okay.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Early Morning Exercise and Self Reflection
My days have been starting early this year and I've got the exercise bug. Today, I got up at 5:20 am and headed to the gym to meet my trainer. I just experienced buying my first pair of free weight gloves last night on my way home from the gym. I'm thankful that I bought them, because today was shoulders, biceps and triceps work. After signing in, my trainer tells me that we're going to the bench press. My first reaction was, "Are you kidding me? I haven't bench pressed since high school!!!" Fortunately, I've been working out for a couple of months and I bench pressed 60 lbs for 3 sets of 10. I know that's not a lot, but it's little by little.
These past few weeks as I have started training to run a 5k on Thanksgiving has taken me to mentally preparing before each run. Pace and distance have been my two concerns. Yesterday, I ran on the treadmill for 2.2 miles. I know it will be different when I'm out on the road running and conditions will be different. I'm going out Saturday to do my first test run around the neighborhood.
Thinking about life in general, we all need to think about pace and distance. I think too often, I don't pace myself and my goals. Training for running has given me a new insight to taking my time when new challenges and experiences are on the horizon. I often run away (figuratively speaking) whenever I get close to one of my goals, because I doubt that I really could fulfill it or am not worthy of the accomplishment.
I'm thankful for wonderful friends and family, who stand on the sidelines cheering me on and help me to meet and achieve my goals.
These past few weeks as I have started training to run a 5k on Thanksgiving has taken me to mentally preparing before each run. Pace and distance have been my two concerns. Yesterday, I ran on the treadmill for 2.2 miles. I know it will be different when I'm out on the road running and conditions will be different. I'm going out Saturday to do my first test run around the neighborhood.
Thinking about life in general, we all need to think about pace and distance. I think too often, I don't pace myself and my goals. Training for running has given me a new insight to taking my time when new challenges and experiences are on the horizon. I often run away (figuratively speaking) whenever I get close to one of my goals, because I doubt that I really could fulfill it or am not worthy of the accomplishment.
I'm thankful for wonderful friends and family, who stand on the sidelines cheering me on and help me to meet and achieve my goals.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Rain, Kohl's, and No Bosses
Yesterday was quite the day. It was full of customer quotes, calls and entering orders. I didn't even recognize that it was raining until about 4:45. I was informed it had been pouring for a couple of hours.
After work I went to Kohl's because I needed some new running shoes, and it was still drizzling. As I entered through the double glass doors and wiped my heals and headed straight for the shoes. As I stepped across the waxy tile floor and put my heal down, I started to loose my balance and slid right into a rack of men's clothing and breaking a couple of blood vessels in my thumb. I quickly walked onto the carpet and made my way to the shoes, hoping that no one saw my little mishap. Even if they did, I don't know them, so it doesn't really matter.
This morning brought early morning meetings with the sales manager and sales supervisor. While in our meeting we were reminded that all of management will be out for the remainder of the week starting tomorrow. The sales manager told us that he is "quite the proponent of slacking a bit when the bosses are out, but that we are not to get caught." The room exploded into laughter. Some of the ideas that were tossed around were drinks with umbrellas, extended lunch hours and breaks, etc.
Having been in business world for over 5 years, it amazes me the productivity of some co-workers versus others, depending on how much management is around. My work ethic is to work as though every manager is present in the office every day. Hopefully this will eventually lead me into management.
After work I went to Kohl's because I needed some new running shoes, and it was still drizzling. As I entered through the double glass doors and wiped my heals and headed straight for the shoes. As I stepped across the waxy tile floor and put my heal down, I started to loose my balance and slid right into a rack of men's clothing and breaking a couple of blood vessels in my thumb. I quickly walked onto the carpet and made my way to the shoes, hoping that no one saw my little mishap. Even if they did, I don't know them, so it doesn't really matter.
This morning brought early morning meetings with the sales manager and sales supervisor. While in our meeting we were reminded that all of management will be out for the remainder of the week starting tomorrow. The sales manager told us that he is "quite the proponent of slacking a bit when the bosses are out, but that we are not to get caught." The room exploded into laughter. Some of the ideas that were tossed around were drinks with umbrellas, extended lunch hours and breaks, etc.
Having been in business world for over 5 years, it amazes me the productivity of some co-workers versus others, depending on how much management is around. My work ethic is to work as though every manager is present in the office every day. Hopefully this will eventually lead me into management.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Add or Find a Husband
After church today the singles congregation had a seminar on how to get started on the new.familysearch.org website. Each person entered their personal information and after completely registered, would look up their pedigree chart. The first screen that appears is "Add or find a husband/wife", which in a group of singles was quite humorous to hear the reactions to the prompt.
One women mentioned that she had tried adding a husband or finding someone that she could marry. Another was hoping that there would be a search button next to it. The best comment of the day was the slogan, "Add or find a husband, Isn't it about.... time."
One women mentioned that she had tried adding a husband or finding someone that she could marry. Another was hoping that there would be a search button next to it. The best comment of the day was the slogan, "Add or find a husband, Isn't it about.... time."
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Old Maid
Ok, so for many years, people have told me that I should start a blog, but I've just never had an interest until today. I was driving down the highway to begin some retail therapy when the thought occurred to me that I really needed to blog about my experience in the morning.
It was a wonderful fall morning in Chicago, and I thought I was going to get a ton accomplished, until around 9:30am in the morning when my Aunt called. I ignored her call, because I wasn't ready to talk to anyone. Then my mother's cellphone began to ring. It was my Aunt. I promptly handed the phone to my mother, who quickly gave it back to me.
My aunt began recounting her train experience the other day and how she had met my husband. It's never good when that is the reason for the call. She tells me how sweet and wonderful he is and what he is majoring in. The icing on the cake was when she told me how he looked like my brother. Who wants to marry their brother? I politely said that I wasn't interested and thanks for trying. Then she said, " Come on you don't want to be an old maid."
That line has been said twice in the last two weeks from two of my relatives. My first thought was the picture of those little cards we used to play with as children where the old maid had white hair and grandma spectacles. Fortunately, I don't fit that criteria as an old maid. Then I realized that I have become a great concern to my family that I'm not married, nor is there a prospect and am fast approaching my 29th birthday. I feel as though I'm Loula from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, who's parents set her up with several "matches" and the entire family is concerned for her. Luckily, her story had a happy ending. May mine do the same
It was a wonderful fall morning in Chicago, and I thought I was going to get a ton accomplished, until around 9:30am in the morning when my Aunt called. I ignored her call, because I wasn't ready to talk to anyone. Then my mother's cellphone began to ring. It was my Aunt. I promptly handed the phone to my mother, who quickly gave it back to me.
My aunt began recounting her train experience the other day and how she had met my husband. It's never good when that is the reason for the call. She tells me how sweet and wonderful he is and what he is majoring in. The icing on the cake was when she told me how he looked like my brother. Who wants to marry their brother? I politely said that I wasn't interested and thanks for trying. Then she said, " Come on you don't want to be an old maid."
That line has been said twice in the last two weeks from two of my relatives. My first thought was the picture of those little cards we used to play with as children where the old maid had white hair and grandma spectacles. Fortunately, I don't fit that criteria as an old maid. Then I realized that I have become a great concern to my family that I'm not married, nor is there a prospect and am fast approaching my 29th birthday. I feel as though I'm Loula from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, who's parents set her up with several "matches" and the entire family is concerned for her. Luckily, her story had a happy ending. May mine do the same
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