OK - How many blogs have you/will you read about the end of the year and the beginning of the next year? Tons! I am sure. Well, the same as some of my past entries, this was is mostly just for me. Here goes -
This year was better than 2007, which was my worst year on record so I should be thankful for that. However, I don't know that it was good.
My Dad's round of shots for his hepatitis did not work, but he is able to function now so that's good. He went back to driving trucks so that he didn't have to do as much manual labor. (He is getting pretty old!) On the other hand, he was laid off from that job this week. Ummfff!
Emotionally, this was the worst year for me. Physically, this was the best year. Although, both are slowly changing. I have not been keeping up with my running and/or exercising through the holidays. No excuses, I am just a slacker. Some days are good and some are horrible emotionally, so maybe I have not made as many changes as I thought or as I needed to.
Financially, this was one of the worst years for national economics. For our family, it has been good though. Not the best, by far, but good.
So after reading this back to myself, I have come to the conclusion that really, nothing is any different than any other year. Yesterday was the same, and even though tomorrow is a new year, it too, will be the same.
Too bad we can't really wipe the slate clean and start over at the beginning of the year! No, we really can't. We just change how we handle things and change the things we think need changing. For now, that will have to do.
Here's to 09!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Fall From Grace
I ran yesterday! I only ran around the block at home, not at the park therefore, I only went 2 miles, AND I didn't run the whole way. Yeah, no kidding. I am so out of it. It really took a lot for me to go out too because when I got home my husband had made roasted lamb with fresh green beans. YummM! On top of that, he asked me twice, "Are you sure you want to go run?" Do you know how hard that is??? Oh well. It was not great, but I did it. I wonder if I will get back into things either after the first of the year or this spring. I really hope so.
I have the same little sob story for my strength training. I can't remember the last time I did strength training. I weighed myself yesterday and realized that over the holiday season I have actually only gained maybe 5lbs, but my body looks the same as it did when I weighed 25lbs heavier because I have not done strength training. I bet that with the inches packed onto my waist and thighs I am probably still an extra large at Victoria's Secret, which if you remember right, that is what prompted me to do all of the fitness stuff to begin with. I was sad and depressed and was going to buy myself something to make me feel better, but the yoga pants I wanted depressed me even more because according to the waist size chart, I needed the biggest size they offered.
What is the point of doing all this if I am going to have the same body? I am way far off from the half marathon that I wanted to do so that is not a benefit right now. I don't look good for the New Year's party so there is no motivation there. I don't look better than any of my friends and my husband doesn't think I am the best thing since sliced bread.
But, no matter. I am going to keep going at it. Hopefully, my motivation will return full force with all the talk of New Year's resolutions and the bikini season coming up. If not, I will keep doing maintenance stuff sporadically to at least keep my weight under control. One day it will come back.
And one day I will go a full day without eating chocolate. (No, it still has not happened!)
I have the same little sob story for my strength training. I can't remember the last time I did strength training. I weighed myself yesterday and realized that over the holiday season I have actually only gained maybe 5lbs, but my body looks the same as it did when I weighed 25lbs heavier because I have not done strength training. I bet that with the inches packed onto my waist and thighs I am probably still an extra large at Victoria's Secret, which if you remember right, that is what prompted me to do all of the fitness stuff to begin with. I was sad and depressed and was going to buy myself something to make me feel better, but the yoga pants I wanted depressed me even more because according to the waist size chart, I needed the biggest size they offered.
What is the point of doing all this if I am going to have the same body? I am way far off from the half marathon that I wanted to do so that is not a benefit right now. I don't look good for the New Year's party so there is no motivation there. I don't look better than any of my friends and my husband doesn't think I am the best thing since sliced bread.
But, no matter. I am going to keep going at it. Hopefully, my motivation will return full force with all the talk of New Year's resolutions and the bikini season coming up. If not, I will keep doing maintenance stuff sporadically to at least keep my weight under control. One day it will come back.
And one day I will go a full day without eating chocolate. (No, it still has not happened!)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Update
Wow, it feels like it has been a long time since I wrote - or did anything productive, for that matter!
I only ran twice since we spoke last. This winter running is not working out the way I planned! I am back up to 120 +lbs. I literally ate so much on Christmas day that I made myself sick.
Seriously. We got up and made breakfast, then, started cooking the dishes we were going to take to the in-law's house for lunch. Of course, I had to snack while we were cooking! I can't take a chance on the food not being good! Once we got over there, I snacked on some of the things other people brought until it was time to actually eat. I think I ate 2 plates of food and then sat there for about 3 hours still picking at stuff.
When we got home I felt so nasty and nauseous. I think I was running a fever, my skin was so hot to the touch! I really over did it and I could feel every pig-in-a-blanket that night.
On another note, everything else went really well. (see? This pattern of being happy and having a good time and being unproductive and fat??? Not just my imagination...) My Mom and Dad brought my nieces over to open everything on Christmas Eve. They got everything they ever dreamed of, I am sure because my living room floor was covered from one end to the other.
I will wrap this up with an update on selling cars. From the day after Christmas until New Year's, dealerships have the '13th month.' We call it this because in those few days we sell as many cars as we do in a normal month. Let me tell ya, I think we are more at 12 1/2 months! Business has picked up some but I don't see that we are quite on our way to selling that many cars. I guess I will keep crossing my fingers for now!
Hope everyone had a nice holiday. Here's to New Year's! I guess I will be one of the millions of people with the resolution to exercise more and get into shape. I was hoping to stay in shape and not have to be like everyone else! Oh well, just have to keep going.
I only ran twice since we spoke last. This winter running is not working out the way I planned! I am back up to 120 +lbs. I literally ate so much on Christmas day that I made myself sick.
Seriously. We got up and made breakfast, then, started cooking the dishes we were going to take to the in-law's house for lunch. Of course, I had to snack while we were cooking! I can't take a chance on the food not being good! Once we got over there, I snacked on some of the things other people brought until it was time to actually eat. I think I ate 2 plates of food and then sat there for about 3 hours still picking at stuff.
When we got home I felt so nasty and nauseous. I think I was running a fever, my skin was so hot to the touch! I really over did it and I could feel every pig-in-a-blanket that night.
On another note, everything else went really well. (see? This pattern of being happy and having a good time and being unproductive and fat??? Not just my imagination...) My Mom and Dad brought my nieces over to open everything on Christmas Eve. They got everything they ever dreamed of, I am sure because my living room floor was covered from one end to the other.
I will wrap this up with an update on selling cars. From the day after Christmas until New Year's, dealerships have the '13th month.' We call it this because in those few days we sell as many cars as we do in a normal month. Let me tell ya, I think we are more at 12 1/2 months! Business has picked up some but I don't see that we are quite on our way to selling that many cars. I guess I will keep crossing my fingers for now!
Hope everyone had a nice holiday. Here's to New Year's! I guess I will be one of the millions of people with the resolution to exercise more and get into shape. I was hoping to stay in shape and not have to be like everyone else! Oh well, just have to keep going.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tis the Season
I have gained 8lbs in the last few days. Humph. I have been eating worse than I did when I was not calorie conscience! I have not done any cardio or strength training whatsoever. Let me tell ya, I am going to be so hot for the New Year's pajama party! Good Lord, please! Give me my willpower back! the bad thing is that during my eating fests - yes, I eat enough for these to be fests at this point - I think about the consequences of eating whatever I am shoveling into my face at the time and still don't have the control enough to stop. I am also letting my husband influence me on not exercising or running. Not necessarily that he talks me out of it, but he has other things for us to do while he is around.
This had become so much a part of who I am (was) and I was so proud of myself! I still think that I can't be mentally happy and physically healthy at the same time. If I get depressed again I know that it will be right back to spinach salads (which I love!) and running twice a day. Hopefully, I can get back to the self control without the sacrifice of my sanity!!!
I know that this is the same rant and rave of every female about this time of year, which is one reason that I hate to even let the words spill out. I know that I am no different. But, if I don't write it here then I would have to say it out loud and annoy all of my friends and family.
This post is the perfect example of why I write here. No one reads this or knows about it so I can rant and rave all I want! As always, dear diary, thanks for listening!
This had become so much a part of who I am (was) and I was so proud of myself! I still think that I can't be mentally happy and physically healthy at the same time. If I get depressed again I know that it will be right back to spinach salads (which I love!) and running twice a day. Hopefully, I can get back to the self control without the sacrifice of my sanity!!!
I know that this is the same rant and rave of every female about this time of year, which is one reason that I hate to even let the words spill out. I know that I am no different. But, if I don't write it here then I would have to say it out loud and annoy all of my friends and family.
This post is the perfect example of why I write here. No one reads this or knows about it so I can rant and rave all I want! As always, dear diary, thanks for listening!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Not Good...
I did not run last night. My husband called right before I left work and I was on the fence at that point. So he said rather than starting dinner he was going to take a nap. I was exhausted myself so I just went home. I know that if I would have ran, I would have probably felt better. Instead, I went home and took a nap with him, which I have not done in a long time.
This morning my alarm went off and I drifted back to sleep, but only for a few minutes. I was too tired to put in an effort to make breakfast so, of course, I went to McDonald's. My breakfasts for the past 2 mornings have been a sausage biscuit and about 12ozs of milk. That's right, add it up! Almost 800 calories just for breakfast. Both mornings I have also had about 5-8 cookies, a huge lunch and just as big of a breakfast. Tomorrow will be 1 week since I have done any running or cardio of any kind and 2 or 3 weeks since I have been full throttle with it.
I knew this was going to happen. I am in no shape for a pajama party on New Year's Eve, no shape for running at all really. I am flabby and uncomfortable, yet again, right before an event that I wanted to look nice for. I am loosing my motivation because the running has been so bad. I can't get my eating under control. This is the hardest time I have had with food in my entire life.
I am feeling like pure crap today for the first time that I can remember in about 10 years. I am at work and I do have to go to my second job today, Saturday and Sunday. If I can make it until then, I am off from both places for the rest of the week.
On the other hand, I am very happy with my life at this moment in time. That just goes to show you that my theory is true and I am having a hard time turning it around. I am the opposite of an emotional eater. When I am sad, I eat right, I exercise, I am the epitome of focused. But, if I am happy with my life then I don't care.
I hope - I HOPE that I can turn this around next week. Maybe all the talk about New Year's Resolutions and weight loss challenges that always comes up around this week of the year will motivate me to get moving again. I am sure if I step on the scale I would get some of that motivation! I can't imagine how much I have gained back!
This morning my alarm went off and I drifted back to sleep, but only for a few minutes. I was too tired to put in an effort to make breakfast so, of course, I went to McDonald's. My breakfasts for the past 2 mornings have been a sausage biscuit and about 12ozs of milk. That's right, add it up! Almost 800 calories just for breakfast. Both mornings I have also had about 5-8 cookies, a huge lunch and just as big of a breakfast. Tomorrow will be 1 week since I have done any running or cardio of any kind and 2 or 3 weeks since I have been full throttle with it.
I knew this was going to happen. I am in no shape for a pajama party on New Year's Eve, no shape for running at all really. I am flabby and uncomfortable, yet again, right before an event that I wanted to look nice for. I am loosing my motivation because the running has been so bad. I can't get my eating under control. This is the hardest time I have had with food in my entire life.
I am feeling like pure crap today for the first time that I can remember in about 10 years. I am at work and I do have to go to my second job today, Saturday and Sunday. If I can make it until then, I am off from both places for the rest of the week.
On the other hand, I am very happy with my life at this moment in time. That just goes to show you that my theory is true and I am having a hard time turning it around. I am the opposite of an emotional eater. When I am sad, I eat right, I exercise, I am the epitome of focused. But, if I am happy with my life then I don't care.
I hope - I HOPE that I can turn this around next week. Maybe all the talk about New Year's Resolutions and weight loss challenges that always comes up around this week of the year will motivate me to get moving again. I am sure if I step on the scale I would get some of that motivation! I can't imagine how much I have gained back!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Christmas Cheer
Last night was our company Christmas party. We went to a prime steak house in town and it was the first time I had ever eaten there. The waitress painted a very vivid picture of their Tomahawk Steak. I don't remember her exact words she used to describe this mammoth of a heavenly steak; I quit listening at the words 32ozs. WOW. She made me taste the steak with her description. I know, that's how they get ya. She was very good at her job!
I ordered the steak and ate a pretty good portion of it! I was proud of myself for putting a pretty good dent in it after the drinks...the appetizers...the drinks...the side dishes...the drinks.... you get the point! After that, I split a brownie a la mode too!
This ranked up there on my list of Christmas parties. It was pretty awesome. It was kind of like the family sitting down for dinner. There was plenty of good food, and drinks, er, I mean, Christmas cheer!
I ordered the steak and ate a pretty good portion of it! I was proud of myself for putting a pretty good dent in it after the drinks...the appetizers...the drinks...the side dishes...the drinks.... you get the point! After that, I split a brownie a la mode too!
This ranked up there on my list of Christmas parties. It was pretty awesome. It was kind of like the family sitting down for dinner. There was plenty of good food, and drinks, er, I mean, Christmas cheer!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Reflections of 2008
As we all know, 2008 is wrapping up and we are falling fast for 2009. Over the past few days I have been thinking about some of the things that have happened in my life this year.
At this time last year, I was sure that 2007 was the worst year of my life. I still believe that and hopefully, I will not ever have a year to contend with 2007 for the Worst Year award. Due, in part, to spill over from 2007's disasters, 2008 has been a rough year also. Looking back, I think that I had things and people in my life that I depended on and routines that I was too comfortable with and when those things were not there anymore, I did not handle the changes well. Because of my inabilities to adapt, the adjustments were harder than they had to be.
However, I made it through with some dignity, anyway. Sometimes I feel like I am fighting and clawing my way each step, but at least I still have claws to gain traction with. People always come out on the other side of whatever tragedy or darkness they go through, but I am a firm believer that it is your condition when you reach the other side that matters. Mine is a total mental battle and I am nowhere near a tragedy, but this is the worst time I have had, therefore, to me, if not to anyone else, it has been a big deal. I feel that 2007 was the bottom of the hill. I spent 2008 going up the hill and I expect 2009 to be holding fast at the top and not going over the other side.
Not everything is grim, I have made some improvements this year and I am looking forward to holding strong on those improvements into 2009. I have dropped a couple of bad habits and picked up a couple of good ones. No doubt, I need to do more of the same and I will get around to it.
This is one of those entries where it is meant more for me than for you so please look over me, yet again, dear readers. Take some time to reflect on your own year. I hope it has been a good one for you.
DISCLAIMER: I make no promises that this will be the only blog related to 2008, the New Year, good/bad, reflections or any related material. But, you already knew that, right? I mean, you're the one reading the neurotic blog of an inexperienced manic/depressive chick!
At this time last year, I was sure that 2007 was the worst year of my life. I still believe that and hopefully, I will not ever have a year to contend with 2007 for the Worst Year award. Due, in part, to spill over from 2007's disasters, 2008 has been a rough year also. Looking back, I think that I had things and people in my life that I depended on and routines that I was too comfortable with and when those things were not there anymore, I did not handle the changes well. Because of my inabilities to adapt, the adjustments were harder than they had to be.
However, I made it through with some dignity, anyway. Sometimes I feel like I am fighting and clawing my way each step, but at least I still have claws to gain traction with. People always come out on the other side of whatever tragedy or darkness they go through, but I am a firm believer that it is your condition when you reach the other side that matters. Mine is a total mental battle and I am nowhere near a tragedy, but this is the worst time I have had, therefore, to me, if not to anyone else, it has been a big deal. I feel that 2007 was the bottom of the hill. I spent 2008 going up the hill and I expect 2009 to be holding fast at the top and not going over the other side.
Not everything is grim, I have made some improvements this year and I am looking forward to holding strong on those improvements into 2009. I have dropped a couple of bad habits and picked up a couple of good ones. No doubt, I need to do more of the same and I will get around to it.
This is one of those entries where it is meant more for me than for you so please look over me, yet again, dear readers. Take some time to reflect on your own year. I hope it has been a good one for you.
DISCLAIMER: I make no promises that this will be the only blog related to 2008, the New Year, good/bad, reflections or any related material. But, you already knew that, right? I mean, you're the one reading the neurotic blog of an inexperienced manic/depressive chick!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Back in Business
Last we spoke, I was on my way to the company Christmas party for my second job. I was hoping to win an IPod or NotPod (MP3 Player) of some kind. I am sorry to report that I did not win one like I wanted to. BUT - I did come home with one! I won a Garmin GPS system and traded for a Phillips NotPod. Whoo hoo!
I am so happy because I went there hoping to come home with one, but when we got there I realized that people brought their kids and grandkids and friends and next door neighbors, and basically, there were too many people there for me to have any hope of winning one of the 3 grand prizes. But, YEAY!
Anyway. Enough bragging. Looks like by the end of this week at the latest I will not have an excuse not to be running. My leg is only a bit sore. After running Saturday, I decided not to run again until I am sure it is healed. I am tired of not being able to make a full effort and I am probably making it worse and definitely extending my down time. Now that I have new tunes I can't use that as an excuse either. Well, as long as I can figure out how to use it!
I am so happy because I went there hoping to come home with one, but when we got there I realized that people brought their kids and grandkids and friends and next door neighbors, and basically, there were too many people there for me to have any hope of winning one of the 3 grand prizes. But, YEAY!
Anyway. Enough bragging. Looks like by the end of this week at the latest I will not have an excuse not to be running. My leg is only a bit sore. After running Saturday, I decided not to run again until I am sure it is healed. I am tired of not being able to make a full effort and I am probably making it worse and definitely extending my down time. Now that I have new tunes I can't use that as an excuse either. Well, as long as I can figure out how to use it!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Anita Baker
I spent a good part of the weekend trying to make cake pops made popular by bakerella. I stole the idea from Crystal Chick, who did a great job on them. But, she does a great job at pretty much everything.
At least 5 hours over the course of 2 days, 6 trips between the grocery store, Michael's and Hobby Lobby and about $30 worth of supplies, and I determined to leave the cake pops up to Bakerella and Crystal Chick. Here is a picture of what I ended up with...
I don't know what in the world possessed me to do this! I am not a baker or a cook of any kind. These are the cutest things when you find someone who knows how to pull it off and they are delish! It doesn't seem hard. My problem was getting the melted candy on the balls. If you try this, send me some feedback on how you did it.
Other things I did this weekend...
At least 5 hours over the course of 2 days, 6 trips between the grocery store, Michael's and Hobby Lobby and about $30 worth of supplies, and I determined to leave the cake pops up to Bakerella and Crystal Chick. Here is a picture of what I ended up with...
I don't know what in the world possessed me to do this! I am not a baker or a cook of any kind. These are the cutest things when you find someone who knows how to pull it off and they are delish! It doesn't seem hard. My problem was getting the melted candy on the balls. If you try this, send me some feedback on how you did it.
Other things I did this weekend...
- Went to the mall 4 times, but only went in twice (I was unable to find a parking spot the other times)
- Tried on men's underwear in the middle of Macy's
- Tested out my calf muscles on a new trail at Shelby Farms. Turns out I was not quite ready to run. Sorry for wasting your time, Kayla! That was the worst 4 miles I can remember
- Found my brother-in-law a pretty pimp pajama set for the New Year's Eve party
- Hung out with my larger than life friend, Heckmat
- Researched the band Kings of Leon and found that I really like them!
Right now I am getting ready to go to the Christmas party for my part time job. Hopefully, I will win an IPod or some kind of MP3 player because my NotPod keeps telling me there is an internal error. Damn it! I will let you know how it goes.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Awesome Reading
If you like reading and you have never checked out http://www.freshyarn.com/ I highly recommend it. The website boasts
Welcome to FRESH YARN -- the first Online Salon for Personal Essays. Part
literary publication, part virtual spoken-word, all personal essays
Basically, it is a bunch of essays and short stories from actors/actresses, producers, anyone in TV, magazine editors and contributors, novelists and other writers - well, you get the point, a group of highly talented people. It is very sporadically updated based on contributions and the free time of the person who runs it. However, it is very worth it. Plus, there are tons of back editions to look at to keep you busy until they post a new edition.
I love this website. Of course, I love reading about pretty much anything and I admire quite a few of these people. If anyone knows of similar websites, please let me know. I love this stuff!
Welcome to FRESH YARN -- the first Online Salon for Personal Essays. Part
literary publication, part virtual spoken-word, all personal essays
Basically, it is a bunch of essays and short stories from actors/actresses, producers, anyone in TV, magazine editors and contributors, novelists and other writers - well, you get the point, a group of highly talented people. It is very sporadically updated based on contributions and the free time of the person who runs it. However, it is very worth it. Plus, there are tons of back editions to look at to keep you busy until they post a new edition.
I love this website. Of course, I love reading about pretty much anything and I admire quite a few of these people. If anyone knows of similar websites, please let me know. I love this stuff!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Dessert!
We are having a dessert contest at one of my jobs. I love to eat dessert, but I am not a baker. Cooking in general is not something that I am the best at. I love to do it when I have time and for special occasions, but desserts are not my specialty by a long shot. I can, however, follow a recipe quit well so I asked around for ideas and here are a few of the recipes I got:
Charlie Brown Cake - By Ruth Dean
First Layer: 1 3/4 c flour
3/4 c nuts (pecans or walnuts)
3/4 c oleo, room temp
Blend mixture and put into the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 min. Then cool
Second Layer: 8oz pkg cream cheese
1 c powdered sugar
1 1/2 c Cool Whip
Whip cream cheese & sugar together. Add Cool Whip. Spread over 1st layer
Third Layer: 2 pkgs instant chocolate pudding
3 c milk
Mix pudding with milk. Pour over cream cheese layer
Fourth Layer: Spread Cool Whip over top and sprinkle with nuts. Refrigerate overnight!
Saucepan Brownies - By Candi Brown
1c Butter 1c cocoa 3c sugar 6 eggs 1 1/2 vanilla
2 1/4c flour 2 1/4c flour 3/4t salt 1 1/2 chopped nuts
Place butter and cocoa over low heat in 4qt saucepan. Milt, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in, in this order: Sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, salt and nuts
Pour into greased and floured 10 x 15 1/2 x 1 pan and bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes
Cool and cut into squares or bars
Fresh Fruit Dip - By Jackie Hallen
1 16oz cream cheese
1 small jar of whipped marshmallow
Mix ingredients together. Refrigerate for a couple of hours, if preferred. Dip strawberries, bananas, and apples or any other fruit
All of these look like really yummy recipes. I went from not having a good recipe to enter with, to having too many to choose from! That's OK though. I love it. I will make all of these at some point with so many functions going on between now and New Years!
If anybody has any good dessert recipes, feel free to hand them over!
Charlie Brown Cake - By Ruth Dean
First Layer: 1 3/4 c flour
3/4 c nuts (pecans or walnuts)
3/4 c oleo, room temp
Blend mixture and put into the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 min. Then cool
Second Layer: 8oz pkg cream cheese
1 c powdered sugar
1 1/2 c Cool Whip
Whip cream cheese & sugar together. Add Cool Whip. Spread over 1st layer
Third Layer: 2 pkgs instant chocolate pudding
3 c milk
Mix pudding with milk. Pour over cream cheese layer
Fourth Layer: Spread Cool Whip over top and sprinkle with nuts. Refrigerate overnight!
Saucepan Brownies - By Candi Brown
1c Butter 1c cocoa 3c sugar 6 eggs 1 1/2 vanilla
2 1/4c flour 2 1/4c flour 3/4t salt 1 1/2 chopped nuts
Place butter and cocoa over low heat in 4qt saucepan. Milt, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in, in this order: Sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, salt and nuts
Pour into greased and floured 10 x 15 1/2 x 1 pan and bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes
Cool and cut into squares or bars
Fresh Fruit Dip - By Jackie Hallen
1 16oz cream cheese
1 small jar of whipped marshmallow
Mix ingredients together. Refrigerate for a couple of hours, if preferred. Dip strawberries, bananas, and apples or any other fruit
All of these look like really yummy recipes. I went from not having a good recipe to enter with, to having too many to choose from! That's OK though. I love it. I will make all of these at some point with so many functions going on between now and New Years!
If anybody has any good dessert recipes, feel free to hand them over!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Prosperity
In these times, I think everyone is nervous about one aspect or another of their financial stability. Or, maybe not. I have to admit that I have always been supremely confident in my career and my job - almost to the point where I am foolishly confident. But, I won't lie. I am rattled.
Exactly a year ago in December I changed jobs, doing the same thing just for a different company and a little more specialized. So specialized that I have been working in my field of insurance for almost 10 years and I started something I was not familiar with. I have gotten more acclimated over this past year and I am better with what I am doing.
However, I do not really have a close relationship with anyone I work with, which is not a big deal. I don't get jobs for social status, but it helps to be in close enough with someone that you can get their perspective on things that happen. I was also the last person to be hired, so I will definitely be the first person to go if it gets to that point. As far as I can see in the year I have been here, my position is not really necessary, which is scary in itself.
On the other hand, I do work for a great guy. It seems like it would be a last resort, but I could be looking through frosted glasses and not see the whole picture. Just in case I am going to do everything I can to make myself lucrative in every aspect of my life. I will be the cream that rises to the top, not the grit that falls to the bottom.
Granted, I do have a second job - but it is selling cars, which as we know is not doing extremely well right now. I do work for a dealership that is not hurting as much as others. but, my husband's income is derived solely from this dealership, so we might both be in trouble soon.
So, the worst scenario for me is to lose my day gig and be holding on with 1 1/2 half assed incomes. I guess that's better than some I know at this point though.
What irritates me is that the media is perpetuating the majority of this crises and what is not true today might be true tomorrow because the media pushed the rumor. When Obama takes office in January I believe the media will push for the sunny outlook and things will appear to be getting better, when in reality, it isn't as bad as they are making it out to be right now and it won't be as good as it looks then, but that's the media for ya. Hopefully, more people will be able to adjust to these hardships and we can even out and go back to middle ground and rebuild.
In any case, I wish everyone luck and prosperity in the days/months/years to come.
Exactly a year ago in December I changed jobs, doing the same thing just for a different company and a little more specialized. So specialized that I have been working in my field of insurance for almost 10 years and I started something I was not familiar with. I have gotten more acclimated over this past year and I am better with what I am doing.
However, I do not really have a close relationship with anyone I work with, which is not a big deal. I don't get jobs for social status, but it helps to be in close enough with someone that you can get their perspective on things that happen. I was also the last person to be hired, so I will definitely be the first person to go if it gets to that point. As far as I can see in the year I have been here, my position is not really necessary, which is scary in itself.
On the other hand, I do work for a great guy. It seems like it would be a last resort, but I could be looking through frosted glasses and not see the whole picture. Just in case I am going to do everything I can to make myself lucrative in every aspect of my life. I will be the cream that rises to the top, not the grit that falls to the bottom.
Granted, I do have a second job - but it is selling cars, which as we know is not doing extremely well right now. I do work for a dealership that is not hurting as much as others. but, my husband's income is derived solely from this dealership, so we might both be in trouble soon.
So, the worst scenario for me is to lose my day gig and be holding on with 1 1/2 half assed incomes. I guess that's better than some I know at this point though.
What irritates me is that the media is perpetuating the majority of this crises and what is not true today might be true tomorrow because the media pushed the rumor. When Obama takes office in January I believe the media will push for the sunny outlook and things will appear to be getting better, when in reality, it isn't as bad as they are making it out to be right now and it won't be as good as it looks then, but that's the media for ya. Hopefully, more people will be able to adjust to these hardships and we can even out and go back to middle ground and rebuild.
In any case, I wish everyone luck and prosperity in the days/months/years to come.
Weekend Stuff
I have been carrying my camera around for about a week now, just waiting to snap a picture at something inspiring or funny or whatever. I have yet to find it. This could out a damper on my project!
No, honestly, I have been off track for a few days ... or a couple of weeks, whatever! I am not focused on anything - my food, my strength training, running or any special projects. It is actually kind of scary because I am not really focused on work either. But, I will get back there soon. I am making an honest effort to pull everything back together again.
This weekend I was supposed to go out and buy garland to put up around the office, but I didn't go. I have a partial excuse. I have had a severe problem with the calf muscle in my left leg. I hobbled around for Friday and all of Saturday so Sunday I stayed home from work to see if staying off of it would help. It actually did help quite a bit.
I can't lie, I did go out to a couple of stores even though I called in to work. I felt like I was skipping school again! I actually wondered what I would do if someone I knew spotted me. I looked at Target and they had garland, but it was cheap looking with lights on it and I was not going for it.
After that I went to Petco and bought a bed for my doggies! My theory was that they will sleep on a comfy dog bed IN THE FLOOR, rather than on my legs IN MY BED. I tried, unsuccessfully, for hours to get the dogs to lay on it but they would not touch it. Ugh! I have to keep trying. I have to get my 100lbs + dog out of my bed! If anyone has any suggestions or ideas on how to get the dog to sleep on the fancy new dog bed on the floor, please rush your comments to me with lightening fast speed!
No, honestly, I have been off track for a few days ... or a couple of weeks, whatever! I am not focused on anything - my food, my strength training, running or any special projects. It is actually kind of scary because I am not really focused on work either. But, I will get back there soon. I am making an honest effort to pull everything back together again.
This weekend I was supposed to go out and buy garland to put up around the office, but I didn't go. I have a partial excuse. I have had a severe problem with the calf muscle in my left leg. I hobbled around for Friday and all of Saturday so Sunday I stayed home from work to see if staying off of it would help. It actually did help quite a bit.
I can't lie, I did go out to a couple of stores even though I called in to work. I felt like I was skipping school again! I actually wondered what I would do if someone I knew spotted me. I looked at Target and they had garland, but it was cheap looking with lights on it and I was not going for it.
After that I went to Petco and bought a bed for my doggies! My theory was that they will sleep on a comfy dog bed IN THE FLOOR, rather than on my legs IN MY BED. I tried, unsuccessfully, for hours to get the dogs to lay on it but they would not touch it. Ugh! I have to keep trying. I have to get my 100lbs + dog out of my bed! If anyone has any suggestions or ideas on how to get the dog to sleep on the fancy new dog bed on the floor, please rush your comments to me with lightening fast speed!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Boob Tube
I watched some of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show thing last night. I have to say that those girls are smoking hot and have absolutely gorgeous faces to go along with those nicely developed abs. To be honest, I think some of those outfits took away from the beauty of those girls! But, the show itself was to highlight the outfits and not the girls, after all.
I only watched some of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show because I was also watching basketball. Last night it was UNC at Michigan State. Let me start by saying that I HATE UNC!!! I am a DUKE fan, but I have to watch the UNC games too so I can see the competition. In the first part of the first half, Michigan State had an answer for everything UNC had to give. Then, they got tired. But, they started picking up the pace toward the end of the first half; they were only down a few points. Evidently, Roy Williams had a hell of a locker room speech during half time because it was all over within 2 or 3 minutes into the second half!
I guess I enjoyed watching TV last night. I have not been to my second job all week. I did jump rope and ran a little last night in addition to eating a Sonic Cheeseburger and Onion Rings. Ughhh. It was good though.
Hope everyone had a good night last night!
I only watched some of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show because I was also watching basketball. Last night it was UNC at Michigan State. Let me start by saying that I HATE UNC!!! I am a DUKE fan, but I have to watch the UNC games too so I can see the competition. In the first part of the first half, Michigan State had an answer for everything UNC had to give. Then, they got tired. But, they started picking up the pace toward the end of the first half; they were only down a few points. Evidently, Roy Williams had a hell of a locker room speech during half time because it was all over within 2 or 3 minutes into the second half!
I guess I enjoyed watching TV last night. I have not been to my second job all week. I did jump rope and ran a little last night in addition to eating a Sonic Cheeseburger and Onion Rings. Ughhh. It was good though.
Hope everyone had a good night last night!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Pictures of You....Pictures of Me....
OK - I finally did it. I have not only posted pictures on my blog now, but they are pictures of me, nonetheless. Nice to meet ya!
Now, one of the reasons I have never posted a picture on my blog is that I am not a photographer by any means and I have a bad camera. Notice the bathroom door in the background of the picture. Notice the blurriness and bad quality of the pictures. Lastly, notice the subject. I posted these pictures because of the hair cut mainly, but also because I do think I will be doing the blog where I take a picture of something that inspires whatever mood I am in that day. I may not post everyday, but at least once a week.
I have not decided if this will be a part of this blog or a new blog. More details to come. As you can see I am making this up as I go along so any suggestions are appreciated!
So, Am I everything you hoped I would be and more? HA HA That's OK. Please understand that there are many disappointments in life!
Ya'll have a good night!
Hair Cut Blues? Maybe.
Yesterday's call to work actually ended up being a false alarm. So, I left my first job and went to get my haircut. When I walked in I told my fabulous hairdresser that she could either just trim my hair and be done with it or she could do something drastic.
Let me tell ya, I am extremely picky about my hair. I always have been. All my life it has been the only thing I have like about myself so when I get a bad haircut it is a big deal. For me to tell Hair Lady that she has free will over my hair was a huge deal!
Understandably, she did not want the responsibility of my new look. Therefore, she suggested cutting some bangs.I have not even contemplated bangs since I was 6 years old. but, I must have been in some mood yesterday because I let her do it.
I went home and washed, blow dried and straightened my hair and.... (drum roll please!)
I can't decide if I like them or not. I have swept them to the side so I don't look like a stuffy old Liberian or a 6 year old. They are not horrible but I know it can't be good because no one, not a single person, not even my husband has commented on my hair cut at all. That's how you know that it is not good. Maybe it just needs a couple of days to loosen up or something. Cross your fingers for me!
Oh yeah, after the hair cut, I went to the pet store to pick up the dog and fish food. I went to the store closest to my house because I had a gift card (yes, a gift card to the pet store... is this weird to anyone else?!) I got my stuff together and wavered on spending the entire gift card on a $50 doggy bed. I pulled out the card to see if it was worth $25 or $30 and how much in addition I would pay toward the $50 and realized that the gift card was to a different store!
Why do all these names sound the same? Petco/Petsmart? Someone needs to be original and name a pet store Animal Kingdom or something!
Today, I believe I will try to go to the correct store and by a $50 doggy bed!
Let me tell ya, I am extremely picky about my hair. I always have been. All my life it has been the only thing I have like about myself so when I get a bad haircut it is a big deal. For me to tell Hair Lady that she has free will over my hair was a huge deal!
Understandably, she did not want the responsibility of my new look. Therefore, she suggested cutting some bangs.
I went home and washed, blow dried and straightened my hair and.... (drum roll please!)
I can't decide if I like them or not. I have swept them to the side so I don't look like a stuffy old Liberian or a 6 year old. They are not horrible but I know it can't be good because no one, not a single person, not even my husband has commented on my hair cut at all. That's how you know that it is not good. Maybe it just needs a couple of days to loosen up or something. Cross your fingers for me!
Oh yeah, after the hair cut, I went to the pet store to pick up the dog and fish food. I went to the store closest to my house because I had a gift card (yes, a gift card to the pet store... is this weird to anyone else?!) I got my stuff together and wavered on spending the entire gift card on a $50 doggy bed. I pulled out the card to see if it was worth $25 or $30 and how much in addition I would pay toward the $50 and realized that the gift card was to a different store!
Why do all these names sound the same? Petco/Petsmart? Someone needs to be original and name a pet store Animal Kingdom or something!
Today, I believe I will try to go to the correct store and by a $50 doggy bed!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Man, I need a hair cut
My grocery List:
Chap stick
Dryer sheets
Toothpaste
Qtips
Lettuce
Apples
Vegetables
Bread
To Do List:
Get my hair cut
Go to the pet store and get dog food and fish food
Go to the grocery store & pick up the stuff on the aforementioned grocery list
Laundry
Jump Rope
Strength Training
Watch the Duke Game
Wouldn't you know it, in the process of me typing this, I received a call to come to work tonight. So much to to do lists. Ain't life grand?
Chap stick
Dryer sheets
Toothpaste
Qtips
Lettuce
Apples
Vegetables
Bread
To Do List:
Get my hair cut
Go to the pet store and get dog food and fish food
Go to the grocery store & pick up the stuff on the aforementioned grocery list
Laundry
Jump Rope
Strength Training
Watch the Duke Game
Wouldn't you know it, in the process of me typing this, I received a call to come to work tonight. So much to to do lists. Ain't life grand?
Monday, December 1, 2008
There is no mention of running or working out here...
Whew! I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. We did not have as many people this year, but to compensate we had more food! I don't know how this logic works out but it was good. I was disappointed that we did not have some of our regulars. I am a big family/friend person or maybe I just think it is all about me, but I like having everyone together. I think that is what it is all about.
Friday morning I did get up at the butt crack of dawn and go shopping. I went to Target, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Old Navy, and the mall. I have to say that I was disappointed in the retailers this year. The sales were lacking; I didn't find any super deals or anything. In fact, the only thing I did buy was clothes. I am always fine with getting clothes, so all in all it was good.
I had to be at work Friday afternoon, so after shopping it was showering and out the door. The previous 2 paragraphs were expressing my disappointment, however, I was not disappointed in work. We were surprisingly busy! I did not get a sale, but I did have a customer request to transfer in a vehicle. Whoo hoo! So, hopefully, that sets me up for a sale on the new pay period.
Saturday and Sunday were kind of the normals. Still, both good days. I hope everyone else can say the same.
Goodby Thanksgiving... Hello Christmas!
Friday morning I did get up at the butt crack of dawn and go shopping. I went to Target, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Old Navy, and the mall. I have to say that I was disappointed in the retailers this year. The sales were lacking; I didn't find any super deals or anything. In fact, the only thing I did buy was clothes. I am always fine with getting clothes, so all in all it was good.
I had to be at work Friday afternoon, so after shopping it was showering and out the door. The previous 2 paragraphs were expressing my disappointment, however, I was not disappointed in work. We were surprisingly busy! I did not get a sale, but I did have a customer request to transfer in a vehicle. Whoo hoo! So, hopefully, that sets me up for a sale on the new pay period.
Saturday and Sunday were kind of the normals. Still, both good days. I hope everyone else can say the same.
Goodby Thanksgiving... Hello Christmas!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
