New Year's Eve, one of my least favorite holidays. Today has been good so far. I'm at the office, getting lots done because it's so quiet. Also, I get to leave at 12:30 for the holiday yay! I love my bosses. I'm hoping to get some errands done, go to the gym and maybe nap if I actually plan on doing anything tonight. I still haven't decided on my plans...still need to call Claire and see what she's up to.
Today I had something fabulous in my inbox: an email from BILL! I wrote him a while ago to tell him about my new job and then sort of forgot about it. But I must admit I was pretty thrilled to see his name in my emails! Maybe its time to rekindle my obsession--its no fun not having anyone to obsess over anymore. Ooh Bill, maybe there's hope for us yet;)
I have been doing so well with my healthier life lately: salad bar for lunch the last 2 days and probably today too, and I went to the gym yesterday and will definitely be going again today. I feel so much better already and I like the idea of starting off the new year already on the right foot.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Art on Park Avenue
Aggie's living and dining rooms. Gorgeous, and I love the Roy Lichtenstein.In March I was lucky enough to go on a free trip to NYC with my Visual Arts Management class--a highlight of my four years at Wake. We toured artist's studios and homes and Chelsea galleries, had behind the scenes meetings at Christie's and MOMA, and other completely unheard of all-access type things. But the absolute best part was visiting two private residences: the 5th Ave apartment of our trip's sponser, full (and I mean FULL) of Picasso and Matisse pieces that you couldn't hope to see in one museum, and the Park Ave palace of Ms. Agnes Gund, former president of the MOMA and frequent society page fixture. She has more modern and contemporary art in her home than I personally had every witnessed before. Beautiful and unusual things that I will remember for a long time. The only down side: of course we couldn't take pictures in these people's homes!
On the plane to Raleigh last week, I opened up my W magazine and there was a huge feature story on "Aggie" and her apartment full of things. And pictures! So all of you can finally see what I saw in person. And I can't really say how surreal it was to open up W and say that I have been standing and sitting in all the pictures in this gorgeous house. Probably won't happen again:)
bye bye 2008
Today is a very exciting day in my new career: I got my first box of business cards! I feel very official and will probably send them out in the mail to everyone I know just because I can.
Last night I went out to the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Atlanta. It was my first time taking the train by myself to really go out at night, and it was surprisingly fun. I was meeting a friend from Wake and some of her friends, but I got there about a half hour before they did, so I sat at the bar and had a "purple haze" drink--pretty amazing. I love the fact that I've gotten comfortable enough to hang out like that by myself. Once the group got there we had dinner and hung out watching the awesome music videos around the restaurant (including: Will Smith and the Cranberries. Awesome). I feel proud of myself for navigating my way there and back by myself and for getting out of the apartment on a weeknight. Progress!
Friday night I have plans to go out for a celebration/engagement dinner. I am so excited! I also can't wait to try the french brasserie that we're going to. Should be delicious.
Still no real plans for New Years Eve. It is one of my least favorite holidays. To me, it's like going to the Prom. Too much anticipation and too high expectations--no one ever has as good a time as they expect. I may call my one friend in Atlanta and see what she's up to. She was talking about going to the Peach Drop (gotta love the peach obsession) downtown, and I may go with her. Otherwise I'll be having a low key night by myself, which actually might be preferable. Definitely more relaxing and warmer!
Last night I went out to the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Atlanta. It was my first time taking the train by myself to really go out at night, and it was surprisingly fun. I was meeting a friend from Wake and some of her friends, but I got there about a half hour before they did, so I sat at the bar and had a "purple haze" drink--pretty amazing. I love the fact that I've gotten comfortable enough to hang out like that by myself. Once the group got there we had dinner and hung out watching the awesome music videos around the restaurant (including: Will Smith and the Cranberries. Awesome). I feel proud of myself for navigating my way there and back by myself and for getting out of the apartment on a weeknight. Progress!
Friday night I have plans to go out for a celebration/engagement dinner. I am so excited! I also can't wait to try the french brasserie that we're going to. Should be delicious.
Still no real plans for New Years Eve. It is one of my least favorite holidays. To me, it's like going to the Prom. Too much anticipation and too high expectations--no one ever has as good a time as they expect. I may call my one friend in Atlanta and see what she's up to. She was talking about going to the Peach Drop (gotta love the peach obsession) downtown, and I may go with her. Otherwise I'll be having a low key night by myself, which actually might be preferable. Definitely more relaxing and warmer!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Fresh Air
Its amazing what one lap around my building does to get my blood moving. I feel so much better already. I hope this weather keeps up so I can go out walking more!
Just found out the news that one of my favorite people from Wake is newly engaged eek!! Congrats to the lovely couple (I won't post names since I don't know if she has told everyone she wants to yet). I am so excited for them:)
Just found out the news that one of my favorite people from Wake is newly engaged eek!! Congrats to the lovely couple (I won't post names since I don't know if she has told everyone she wants to yet). I am so excited for them:)
Back to reality
I flew back to Atlanta last night--about an hour delayed, so I didn't get in until about 9:30 (this is late for a person who is usually in PJs by 9:30!). But the traveling was safe and easy, so I can't complain. It wasn't easy to come back here yesterday, nor was it as hard as I expected. I loved being at home. I can't explain how good & comforting & natural it felt. But at the same time, I didn't dread coming back to Atlanta. I looked forward to getting back to my job and my apartment and my new life. It's strange how things become normal so quickly.
NC was fabulous. Five wonderful days of seeing friends and family and all the places I love. As you already know from the past couple weeks, I wasn't feeling the Christmas spirit this year, but I was excited to get home for Christmas Eve--my official favorite day. I have to admit, even while I was sitting at my grandparents' house that night eating (tons of) amazing food and opening gifts, I still didn't feel it. I was happy, to be sure, but not giddy as usual. I think that there was just too much happening this year for me to focus. But, I still had a wonderful time.
Christmas Eve and Day, I spent time with my parents and other family, eating way way way too much. The day after Christmas, mom and I braved Crabtree mall for the sales. It was a mad house. Probably waited 15-20 minutes for a parking space, and then even longer than that to leave the mall once we were done. Insanity. I got some great clothes and shoes (spent too much money again, but at least I didn't pay full price for anything!). I ran into Jess and her husband there too--blog shout out! I love seeing people I know around town. It's something I took for granted until I moved to a place where I know practically no one. I got to catch up with a friend from high school, and with Erin, my old roommate. So good to see the people who know me best. I also received some very nice gifts for Christmas: my washer dryer from my parents (early present, because I already have them, thank goodness), some scarves, Twilight books (K!), a george forman grill, a crock pot, a necklace from Tiffany's and a great new wallet. I'm a lucky girl.
This week should be a quiet one in the office--there's no one here. Maybe 4 people total on my side of the floor. Hopefully this means getting lots done, plus some relaxing. It's sunny today, so I'm hoping to walk outside at lunch! Tonight I'm hopefully having dinner with one of my favorites who is still at Wake. It'll be nice to go out in the middle of the week--a rareity for me!
NC was fabulous. Five wonderful days of seeing friends and family and all the places I love. As you already know from the past couple weeks, I wasn't feeling the Christmas spirit this year, but I was excited to get home for Christmas Eve--my official favorite day. I have to admit, even while I was sitting at my grandparents' house that night eating (tons of) amazing food and opening gifts, I still didn't feel it. I was happy, to be sure, but not giddy as usual. I think that there was just too much happening this year for me to focus. But, I still had a wonderful time.
Christmas Eve and Day, I spent time with my parents and other family, eating way way way too much. The day after Christmas, mom and I braved Crabtree mall for the sales. It was a mad house. Probably waited 15-20 minutes for a parking space, and then even longer than that to leave the mall once we were done. Insanity. I got some great clothes and shoes (spent too much money again, but at least I didn't pay full price for anything!). I ran into Jess and her husband there too--blog shout out! I love seeing people I know around town. It's something I took for granted until I moved to a place where I know practically no one. I got to catch up with a friend from high school, and with Erin, my old roommate. So good to see the people who know me best. I also received some very nice gifts for Christmas: my washer dryer from my parents (early present, because I already have them, thank goodness), some scarves, Twilight books (K!), a george forman grill, a crock pot, a necklace from Tiffany's and a great new wallet. I'm a lucky girl.
This week should be a quiet one in the office--there's no one here. Maybe 4 people total on my side of the floor. Hopefully this means getting lots done, plus some relaxing. It's sunny today, so I'm hoping to walk outside at lunch! Tonight I'm hopefully having dinner with one of my favorites who is still at Wake. It'll be nice to go out in the middle of the week--a rareity for me!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Official Best Day of the Year
Merry Christmas Eve! Today has been my favorite day of the year for as long as I can remember. Mostly because tonight i'll be going to my grandparent's, where I get to open the majority of my gifts! Also, its when most of my family will all be together, eating the most amazing food you can imagine. Bascially, its just a great family time, and thankfully has not really changed at all since I was little. This is one of the things I'm most grateful for.
Right now i'm at the office, but getting ready to leave in about an hour. I came in early this morning--still dark on my train ride. I was definitely not the only person with luggage either. The train wasn't packed (it was super early), but there were lots and lots of people heading out to the airport, hopefully going home for the holidays. I am SO excited to be going home today!! Yay! I am finally feeling Christmasy--legit now.
The blog will be taking a vacay for the next few days--Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a fantastic holiday wherever you are. Safe travels!
Right now i'm at the office, but getting ready to leave in about an hour. I came in early this morning--still dark on my train ride. I was definitely not the only person with luggage either. The train wasn't packed (it was super early), but there were lots and lots of people heading out to the airport, hopefully going home for the holidays. I am SO excited to be going home today!! Yay! I am finally feeling Christmasy--legit now.
The blog will be taking a vacay for the next few days--Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a fantastic holiday wherever you are. Safe travels!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Resolutions 2009
I don't usually have a resolution, but I figure now that I'm living alone, whole new fresh start, I might as well make some real goals for myself. And it'll help to write them down--make myself more accountable.
1. Take better care of myself. This does not simply mean "diet", although that's a part of it. I want to eat healthy food. I want to go to the gym more, although I'm not going to set a schedule. The fact that I'm going at all is a big improvement!
2. Learn to cook (more). I already love to bake, but I really want to learn how to make other things--entrees, etc for myself. This goes right along with number one also. When I cook something myself, I know exactly what goes in it. Dieting isn't so much about restricting, but just being informed.
3. Seek out new relationships. I am completely new to Atlanta, and am lucky enough to have a couple people I can go to for hanging out, having dinner, etc. But I really want to a) make those relationships into more long lasting friendships or b) seek out new ones by joining groups, going out, meeting people. At this point I'm pretty content with being on my own, but finding a guy to share all this with might be nice too.
1. Take better care of myself. This does not simply mean "diet", although that's a part of it. I want to eat healthy food. I want to go to the gym more, although I'm not going to set a schedule. The fact that I'm going at all is a big improvement!
2. Learn to cook (more). I already love to bake, but I really want to learn how to make other things--entrees, etc for myself. This goes right along with number one also. When I cook something myself, I know exactly what goes in it. Dieting isn't so much about restricting, but just being informed.
3. Seek out new relationships. I am completely new to Atlanta, and am lucky enough to have a couple people I can go to for hanging out, having dinner, etc. But I really want to a) make those relationships into more long lasting friendships or b) seek out new ones by joining groups, going out, meeting people. At this point I'm pretty content with being on my own, but finding a guy to share all this with might be nice too.
Things I like about today
1. The delicious (free!) hot apple cider I had this morning (and every morning for past week and a half). I love that my office has its own catering!
2. The extra delicious chocolate chip pound cake that I made last night and brought in for my coworkers to enjoy today.
3. The fact that the office is quiet--practically silent. A good enviornment to actually get things done (and take plenty of mental health breaks).
4. Its cold outside, but nice and sunny. My cubicle is actually pretty bright, so I don't feel the need to fall asleep all day.
5. The fact that the day is more than half over already!
6. In less than 24 hrs I'll be on a plane back to the beautiful Raleigh, NC.
7. Tonight I plan on doing nothing but eating dinner, packing, and watching Love Actually.
8. I took advantage of my special music channels on my cable and listened to Christmas music as I got ready this morning.
9. I am wearing a red sweater and red shoes today.
10. Christmas Eve is tomorrow yipee!!
2. The extra delicious chocolate chip pound cake that I made last night and brought in for my coworkers to enjoy today.
3. The fact that the office is quiet--practically silent. A good enviornment to actually get things done (and take plenty of mental health breaks).
4. Its cold outside, but nice and sunny. My cubicle is actually pretty bright, so I don't feel the need to fall asleep all day.
5. The fact that the day is more than half over already!
6. In less than 24 hrs I'll be on a plane back to the beautiful Raleigh, NC.
7. Tonight I plan on doing nothing but eating dinner, packing, and watching Love Actually.
8. I took advantage of my special music channels on my cable and listened to Christmas music as I got ready this morning.
9. I am wearing a red sweater and red shoes today.
10. Christmas Eve is tomorrow yipee!!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas week, for real.
Today is the end of a lovely weekend. I was secretly sort of dreading the weekend, because that's the time when I have more than 48 hours to be by myself. Totally. And while weekends are nice, its hard to enjoy that much alone time, without being face to face with anyone. But, alas, I didn't have to worry about that this weekend:) Friday night Claire called me and we went out for dinner at this great bar/restaurant in Atlanta called the Vortex. Really weird place--blaring music, tattooed and pierced waitress, and any kind of crazy hamburger that you can possibly imagine. One was called the "double bypass burger": 2 fried eggs, 3 pieces of cheese, 5 slices of bacon, the hamburger patty and instead of 2 buns, its held together with two grilled cheese sandwiches. EWW. Also, the "Elvis burger": peanut butter, bananas, mayo and the hamburger patty. Just, wow. We had something less exciting, but it was really good. Afterwards we walked around the neat little area of town and went into a couple crazy thrift shops. So much fun. I can't wait to go back there in the day time some weekend so I can actually get into all the stores before they close.
Friday night my parents called me to tell me they were coming down for the weekend too. I was really surprised that they wanted to drive all this way--especially when I'll be home in two days for Christmas. But, they are great, and they drove down early on Saturday morning. Even better, they showed up at my door with takeout from the Varsity for lunch. Yummy. I finally got my couch on Saturday, too! Now I have an actual living room. My parents helped me put up my giant photo of Paris from Ikea behind my couch, so everything looks really great now. I'll have to take a couple new pictures to post.
Yesterday I went to the grocery store for supplies to make my chocolate chip pound cake for my coworkers tomorrow. Also, we braved the weekend-before-Christmas crowds and went to the mall. It was pretty packed, but not as bad as I would've thought. It was even better because we took the train and didn't have to fight for a parking space. I got some really pretty Christmas decorations on sale at Crate and Barrel, so now my place is slightly more festive. I can't wait to go back to mall for what I'm hoping will be great after Christmas sales. I've been so good--no clothes shopping for over a month! So i'll definitely deserve some gifts for myself after the holiday.
Time to get back to work. Only 2.5 days in the office, then on a plane back to NC!
Friday night my parents called me to tell me they were coming down for the weekend too. I was really surprised that they wanted to drive all this way--especially when I'll be home in two days for Christmas. But, they are great, and they drove down early on Saturday morning. Even better, they showed up at my door with takeout from the Varsity for lunch. Yummy. I finally got my couch on Saturday, too! Now I have an actual living room. My parents helped me put up my giant photo of Paris from Ikea behind my couch, so everything looks really great now. I'll have to take a couple new pictures to post.
Yesterday I went to the grocery store for supplies to make my chocolate chip pound cake for my coworkers tomorrow. Also, we braved the weekend-before-Christmas crowds and went to the mall. It was pretty packed, but not as bad as I would've thought. It was even better because we took the train and didn't have to fight for a parking space. I got some really pretty Christmas decorations on sale at Crate and Barrel, so now my place is slightly more festive. I can't wait to go back to mall for what I'm hoping will be great after Christmas sales. I've been so good--no clothes shopping for over a month! So i'll definitely deserve some gifts for myself after the holiday.
Time to get back to work. Only 2.5 days in the office, then on a plane back to NC!
Friday, December 19, 2008
New layout and TGIF
I just changed my layout to be more festive. Its green and has some leafy stuff at the top...not that Christmasy, but that's my valiant effort.
Its Friday! This would be more exciting if I was actually doing something exciting this weekend, but alas, I am not. I think i'm going to be very brave and venture out to the mall or at least do a little shopping somewhere. I just heard that there is an "Off Fifth" Saks outlet nearby, so I might just go there:) Also on the list, IKEA to return my too long curtain rod, and to pick up a new one that actually fits. Hopefully they'll have my living room curtains in stock this time too! Also, the awesome couch that I bought the day after Thanksgiving is finally being delivered to me YAY! No more sitting in my one lonely chair, and my blue fold up chair can finally go onto the patio where it belongs. Hooray! Also might go to the library to rent some free dvds, and one of my friends from Wake might be coming to visit on Sunday! Should be a good weekend overall.
And only a 2.5 day work week next week--I'm flying home on Christmas Eve!
Its Friday! This would be more exciting if I was actually doing something exciting this weekend, but alas, I am not. I think i'm going to be very brave and venture out to the mall or at least do a little shopping somewhere. I just heard that there is an "Off Fifth" Saks outlet nearby, so I might just go there:) Also on the list, IKEA to return my too long curtain rod, and to pick up a new one that actually fits. Hopefully they'll have my living room curtains in stock this time too! Also, the awesome couch that I bought the day after Thanksgiving is finally being delivered to me YAY! No more sitting in my one lonely chair, and my blue fold up chair can finally go onto the patio where it belongs. Hooray! Also might go to the library to rent some free dvds, and one of my friends from Wake might be coming to visit on Sunday! Should be a good weekend overall.
And only a 2.5 day work week next week--I'm flying home on Christmas Eve!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Countdown to Christmas
This is what I wish my tree looked like:)Maybe watching the minutes tick by will help get me (and anyone else in need of a holiday kick in the butt) in the spirit!
6 Days Left!!
Fa La La La La
I love Christmas, but I have to admit that this is the least "Christmas-y" I have ever felt. I'm pretty sure it a combination of not being in Raleigh doing my usual Christmas shopping and holiday get togethers with friends, the fact that its 75 degrees in Atlanta, and the fact that my Christmas tree in my apartment is all of one foot tall. Hah. Also, I rarely drive here, so I don't get to listen to the fabulous Christmas music all the time. Mental note to turn on the radio in my house more often.
With that being said, I am thrilled that Christmas is only one week from today. So in 6 days i'll be flying back home on Christmas Eve--yay!! Christmas Eve is officially my favorite day of the year, so hopefully mine will go smoothly this year (even though i'll be at the airport for the first time ever at the holidays).
I'm hoping to do something fun this weekend...maybe braving the mall, or maybe baking something festive. I've promised my co-workers one of my famous chocolate chip poundcakes next week, so i'll definitely need to buy supplies. Like a pan to cook it in:) Otherwise, I'm going to force myself to go to the gym tonight instead of sitting around watching holiday lifetime and ABC family movies (much preferable to the gym). But with all the holiday eating at work, I need it!
With that being said, I am thrilled that Christmas is only one week from today. So in 6 days i'll be flying back home on Christmas Eve--yay!! Christmas Eve is officially my favorite day of the year, so hopefully mine will go smoothly this year (even though i'll be at the airport for the first time ever at the holidays).
I'm hoping to do something fun this weekend...maybe braving the mall, or maybe baking something festive. I've promised my co-workers one of my famous chocolate chip poundcakes next week, so i'll definitely need to buy supplies. Like a pan to cook it in:) Otherwise, I'm going to force myself to go to the gym tonight instead of sitting around watching holiday lifetime and ABC family movies (much preferable to the gym). But with all the holiday eating at work, I need it!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I suck at blogging
My new city: Atlanta!
So, I know it has been absolutely FOREVER since my last entry. I apologize. Lots of craziness has been going on in the past month, which I will now quickly recap.
1. Worked at that bank job in Raleigh (that I was so thrilled to get) for all of 1 month. 4 whole weeks of my life, and then I quit my very first real person job to accept my very second real person job. Bigger and better things. I like to think of this as sprinting up the corporate ladder.
2. Uprooted (fairly abruptly) from the only city, and the only state I've ever lived in, to move 7 hours away by myself. Scary!
3. Managed to move into my new apartment and get settled in about 4 days while my parents were here. Then started my new job the very next Monday (a week and a half ago now).
Luckily i'm really loving it here so far. I ride the train to and from work everyday (i'm a city person now!), and my commute takes all of 15 minutes. I've met so many new people in my co-workers, a couple of my neighbors in my apartment complex and friends of a friend from Wake. It has definitely been a somewhat lonely adjustment to living alone, but it has gone surprisingly better than I would have guessed. Maybe i'm more brave and independent than I like to give myself credit for? I like to think so:) I love working in the city, and looking out my high up window view to see the tall buildings all around me. I love eating in the cafeteria in my building and grocery shopping just for me. And, although I haven't ventured out to the amazing malls here by myself yet, i'm pretty positive i'm going to love that too. Next on my to do list: buy a membership to the fantastic High Museum of art so that I can go whenever I want and see all the special exhibits anytime. Art museums make me happy, and I really think that's something i'll enjoy doing on my own.
Now i'm enjoying some delicious apple cider at my desk and taking a quick break from my work. Sorry it took me so long to update, but i'll definitely be more regular about it from now on!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
finally a new post!
Sorry that its been so long since i've updated. I hate the fact that my no fun internet at work doesn't let me get on blogger to update mine or even read others! Sheesh. I can't even get onto gmail at work. Do they expect me to actually work all day long? I don't think so, haha.
Anyway, lots has been going on in the past week and a half. I started my new job last Monday, which is going well so far. Today I actually got to do a couple of things by myself! there is lots of learn and lots to remember--i've been taking a lot of notes and praying that they make sense later. My co-workers have been pretty helpful though. Its strange--they are very friendly, but I just don't get the same vibe from them as I did with my last group of co-workers. I realize I've only been there for a week, but I don't think i'll ever be close friends with these people like I was with my old group. Sigh. I like them all (for the most part), but I guess its just hard being in the same big, locked room with the same people day in and day out. We'll see how it goes. I like the location, the work, and the building is really nice. My cubicle has a nice window view and I can walk across the street to panera, target and many other fabulous places. Now that, I like.
Complicating my situation: the interview (last one for REAL) that I had in Atlanta last week. I had scheduled it before I was offered this job, and its a reeeeally amazing opportunity, so of course I still went. I left for Atlanta last Wednesday night after work, spent the night in SC, got up the next morning and did some outlet shopping. I finally had my interview in downtown Atlanta Thursday afternoon. I literally sat down for the interview and they had no questions for me! They said they had already asked me so many things on the phone, and they just wanted to meet me in person to get a feel for me. I think this means they really liked me--I doubt they would've had me drive 7 hours to the city if they didn't even have any questions for me. I liked the city and the job a lot more than I had expected. So, if they do end up making me an offer, i'm not totally sure what i'll do. Obviously, i'm happy to have my job now, and i'd hate to quit after just a couple of weeks. But at the same time, this might really be the opportunity of a lifetime. Its my one chance in life to be totally selfish and make this move just for myself. I'm single, can go wherever I want anytime I want. The job would be lots of travel and great pay, and Atlanta is such an exciting place. I'd hate to turn something like this down and end up regretting it. I definitely don't want to miss out on the adventure if its meant to be. But alas, no offer has been made yet (knock on wood), so there's no decision yet! i'll keep you updated.
This weekend is homecoming at Wake and I am sooo excited to go back to Winston for the first time since I graduated. I know it'll be depressing to realize that I don't really belong there anymore, but a couple of my best friends are coming down from MD for the occassion, so I know we'll have a fabulous time. And of course i'm looking forward to getting out of the house for a weekend!
And of course, there is the election. To say i'm disappointed is probably an understatement, but at the same time I am not surprised. None of the top offices I voted for were winners--not the president, governor or NC senator. Its funny because this is only the second election i've ever voted in, but the first time all of my candidates won. So its a strange feeling to be a loser (in all the categories) for the first time. I am very skeptical about Obama, but i'm definitely open to hearing what he has to say and what he does about all of the issues he is faced with. He has a tough road ahead of him--I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But I'll be cheering him on and I hope that he does the best job he can do. Side note: what was Michelle Obama wearing last night?? Honestly?!
Enjoy--hopefully the next post won't take quite as long!
Anyway, lots has been going on in the past week and a half. I started my new job last Monday, which is going well so far. Today I actually got to do a couple of things by myself! there is lots of learn and lots to remember--i've been taking a lot of notes and praying that they make sense later. My co-workers have been pretty helpful though. Its strange--they are very friendly, but I just don't get the same vibe from them as I did with my last group of co-workers. I realize I've only been there for a week, but I don't think i'll ever be close friends with these people like I was with my old group. Sigh. I like them all (for the most part), but I guess its just hard being in the same big, locked room with the same people day in and day out. We'll see how it goes. I like the location, the work, and the building is really nice. My cubicle has a nice window view and I can walk across the street to panera, target and many other fabulous places. Now that, I like.
Complicating my situation: the interview (last one for REAL) that I had in Atlanta last week. I had scheduled it before I was offered this job, and its a reeeeally amazing opportunity, so of course I still went. I left for Atlanta last Wednesday night after work, spent the night in SC, got up the next morning and did some outlet shopping. I finally had my interview in downtown Atlanta Thursday afternoon. I literally sat down for the interview and they had no questions for me! They said they had already asked me so many things on the phone, and they just wanted to meet me in person to get a feel for me. I think this means they really liked me--I doubt they would've had me drive 7 hours to the city if they didn't even have any questions for me. I liked the city and the job a lot more than I had expected. So, if they do end up making me an offer, i'm not totally sure what i'll do. Obviously, i'm happy to have my job now, and i'd hate to quit after just a couple of weeks. But at the same time, this might really be the opportunity of a lifetime. Its my one chance in life to be totally selfish and make this move just for myself. I'm single, can go wherever I want anytime I want. The job would be lots of travel and great pay, and Atlanta is such an exciting place. I'd hate to turn something like this down and end up regretting it. I definitely don't want to miss out on the adventure if its meant to be. But alas, no offer has been made yet (knock on wood), so there's no decision yet! i'll keep you updated.
This weekend is homecoming at Wake and I am sooo excited to go back to Winston for the first time since I graduated. I know it'll be depressing to realize that I don't really belong there anymore, but a couple of my best friends are coming down from MD for the occassion, so I know we'll have a fabulous time. And of course i'm looking forward to getting out of the house for a weekend!
And of course, there is the election. To say i'm disappointed is probably an understatement, but at the same time I am not surprised. None of the top offices I voted for were winners--not the president, governor or NC senator. Its funny because this is only the second election i've ever voted in, but the first time all of my candidates won. So its a strange feeling to be a loser (in all the categories) for the first time. I am very skeptical about Obama, but i'm definitely open to hearing what he has to say and what he does about all of the issues he is faced with. He has a tough road ahead of him--I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But I'll be cheering him on and I hope that he does the best job he can do. Side note: what was Michelle Obama wearing last night?? Honestly?!
Enjoy--hopefully the next post won't take quite as long!
Monday, October 27, 2008
New job has begun!
Today was the first day of work at my new office, and I really think i'm going to love it there! I'm officially a bank employee--dream come true, haha! The building is nice, the people are nice, and its literally walking distance from North Hills in Raleigh so I can go to Panera or Target or shoe shopping on my lunch break yay! Tomorrow my two bosses are taking me out to lunch--should be fun.
Today was mostly boring, orientation-type stuff, but I got to shadow a few people in the department to start learning what they do. I think it'll be really interesting. Tomorrow i'm going to take a couple of pictures and my coffee mug to make my new work home a little more cozy.
Blogging is officially off limits at the office, so my posts will probably become less frequent. But, judging from the fact that I didn't go online at all today, i'll probably actually be motivated to turn my computer on at home, so hopefully i'll update then!
Today was mostly boring, orientation-type stuff, but I got to shadow a few people in the department to start learning what they do. I think it'll be really interesting. Tomorrow i'm going to take a couple of pictures and my coffee mug to make my new work home a little more cozy.
Blogging is officially off limits at the office, so my posts will probably become less frequent. But, judging from the fact that I didn't go online at all today, i'll probably actually be motivated to turn my computer on at home, so hopefully i'll update then!
Friday, October 24, 2008
lovely friday
My week of vacation is officially over today--boo. Its amazing how much faster the days go by when I'm not doing much of anything and not sitting in an office. Although, I am pretty excited about starting my new job on Monday! I will definitely miss the getting up whenever I want and going wherever I want. Sigh.
I've got a couple of errands to run today--opening a new bank account at my new bank(!), and tonight i'm going out in downtown Raleigh for margaritas with my other Brittany. I'll probably spend the night downtown with her too--yay! I haven't been "out" in a looong time, so i'm looking forward to it. I baked some really delicious banana bread this morning, curtesy of Paula Deen, and she didn't let me down. It was fabulous. Hopefully i'll also get to vote early this weekend yay!
I had a major shopping trip on Monday, which included buying this dress from Forever 21. Its very unlike me to buy anything thats not a solid--or bascially anything exciting at all while shopping alone, haha. But I think I made a good choice. Mine is green instead of pink, with smaller flowers and little black and gold striping around the side.
I've got a couple of errands to run today--opening a new bank account at my new bank(!), and tonight i'm going out in downtown Raleigh for margaritas with my other Brittany. I'll probably spend the night downtown with her too--yay! I haven't been "out" in a looong time, so i'm looking forward to it. I baked some really delicious banana bread this morning, curtesy of Paula Deen, and she didn't let me down. It was fabulous. Hopefully i'll also get to vote early this weekend yay!
I had a major shopping trip on Monday, which included buying this dress from Forever 21. Its very unlike me to buy anything thats not a solid--or bascially anything exciting at all while shopping alone, haha. But I think I made a good choice. Mine is green instead of pink, with smaller flowers and little black and gold striping around the side.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Currently: watching The Golden Girls and eating breakfast. I love days off.
Yesterday I went to the fair for the second time with my mom and grandpa. We had a pretty good time looking at all the exhibits again, and, of course, eating. I had a footlong hotdog, a ham biscuit and a HUGE cup (more like a tub) of cookie dough ice cream. Yumm. Of course, this means that since my fair visits are officialy over, my post cruise & post fair diet begins. Nothing drastic, I just need to lose a little bit and shape up before the holidays. We'll see how it goes.
Its finally cooling off here--the high today is 59! I love fall. Today I have no plans--maybe some de-cluttering of my room. I desperately need to continue cleaning out my closet. I've also got plenty of paperwork to fill out for my new job! I found out that I only get 1 day off for Christmas and Thanksgiving, which isn't great. Its very strange, because I get off Veteran's Day and President's Day, but not Christmas Eve. Oh well. I'll have earned some vacation days by then, so maybe i'll be able to take off anyway.
Pretty fall in NC picture just for fun:
Yesterday I went to the fair for the second time with my mom and grandpa. We had a pretty good time looking at all the exhibits again, and, of course, eating. I had a footlong hotdog, a ham biscuit and a HUGE cup (more like a tub) of cookie dough ice cream. Yumm. Of course, this means that since my fair visits are officialy over, my post cruise & post fair diet begins. Nothing drastic, I just need to lose a little bit and shape up before the holidays. We'll see how it goes.
Its finally cooling off here--the high today is 59! I love fall. Today I have no plans--maybe some de-cluttering of my room. I desperately need to continue cleaning out my closet. I've also got plenty of paperwork to fill out for my new job! I found out that I only get 1 day off for Christmas and Thanksgiving, which isn't great. Its very strange, because I get off Veteran's Day and President's Day, but not Christmas Eve. Oh well. I'll have earned some vacation days by then, so maybe i'll be able to take off anyway.
Pretty fall in NC picture just for fun:
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Pics from vacation
Here's a few very belated pictures from my cruise at the beginning of the month--enjoy!
New York City from the cruise ship!
Me on the "titanic", haha.
Our cruise ship in St. John, Canada.
Chocolate midnight buffet!
A piece of the Berlin wall at the JFK museum in Boston!
New York City from the cruise ship!
Me on the "titanic", haha.
Our cruise ship in St. John, Canada.
Chocolate midnight buffet!
A piece of the Berlin wall at the JFK museum in Boston!
I heart time off from work.
Since I got my new job last week (yay!), I have this entire week to do anything I want/absolutely nothing, and its amazing. The fair was great on Friday--in almost 6 hours there, I managed to ride 5 rides, collect zillions of free pens, pencils, stickers, and ate a turkey leg, fudge elephant ear, pork loin sandwich and some hish puppies. Delicious. I'm probably going back tomorrow to take my grandpa--fair overload!
Nothing too exciting this weekend--mostly stayed around the house, and then went to the parade of homes with Erin. We toured so many amazing houses--we didn't bother with anything under $1M, haha. So, whenever we make our fortunes, we'll know exactly what kind of enormous house we want to buy.
Yesterday I had to get drug tested and finger printed for my new job--pretty intense! Thank goodness i'm not a criminal. Went out to lunch with my mom, then did some marathon shopping at the mall. I'm so proud of myself--not only did I use 4 coupons that I had gotten in the mail, but I got a good chunk of Christmas shopping done because the sales we so great! I just hope I don't forget about all of this stuff under my bed in 2 months.
Nothing too exciting this weekend--mostly stayed around the house, and then went to the parade of homes with Erin. We toured so many amazing houses--we didn't bother with anything under $1M, haha. So, whenever we make our fortunes, we'll know exactly what kind of enormous house we want to buy.
Yesterday I had to get drug tested and finger printed for my new job--pretty intense! Thank goodness i'm not a criminal. Went out to lunch with my mom, then did some marathon shopping at the mall. I'm so proud of myself--not only did I use 4 coupons that I had gotten in the mail, but I got a good chunk of Christmas shopping done because the sales we so great! I just hope I don't forget about all of this stuff under my bed in 2 months.
Friday, October 17, 2008
I got the job!!
I just found out that I got the job in Raleigh that i've really been hoping for--YAY! So excited, to say the least. Today is my lucky day! Hooray!
Last Day
This will be the last blog from my office! Very strange since I bascially only blog from here when i'm sitting at the computer endlessly. And i'm not sure if i'll be as able to write at my new job (whichever job that may be...), so i'll keep you updated on that.
Today is definitely bittersweet. My co-workers surprised me with breakfast this morning--Panera bagels and cream cheese anf fresh fruit, and a balloon for my chair! They are so great and I really will miss them a lot. But, if I end up staying in Raleigh, it'll be easy for me to keep in touch. And thank goodness for email.
Today is definitely bittersweet. My co-workers surprised me with breakfast this morning--Panera bagels and cream cheese anf fresh fruit, and a balloon for my chair! They are so great and I really will miss them a lot. But, if I end up staying in Raleigh, it'll be easy for me to keep in touch. And thank goodness for email.
Otherwise, today is finally one of my favorite days of the year--State Fair day! Yipee! I'll be leaving here in a couple of hours, dropping off my suit at the cleaners, then i'm off to begin my afternoon-long feast. So excited. I just hope the rain/weird cold weather will hold off until later tonight when i'm exhausted and in bed by 10pm on a Friday. This weekend i'm finally going to make it to the Parade of Homes with Erin, so we can go to giant gorgeous houses and pretend like we live there, then go to tiny condos that we may actually be able to afford one day. And I have Monday and Tuesday off before I start my new job in Cary on Tuesday! I might be going to Winston with Sara sometime before next Wednesday, too. I'm looking forward to going since I haven't been there since May, so we'll see what happens:)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Almost the end
Today is my last full day at work! I am pretty thrilled about this right now:) Its funny--I always complain about boredom and the lack of steady work to keep me busy, but then when they do ask me to do things (particularly things that require me to leave my desk), I feel bitter and put out, haha. I'm just strange.
Went to lunch at a really cute outdoor garden center/giftshop/outdoor cafe today. I had chicken salad with pineapple and almonds in it, which was absolutely delicious. I desperately want to nap because i'm so full--hopefully i'll recover in the 1.5 hours before I leave work.
I'm also still waiting around for the phone call about the job that I really want in Raleigh. Supposedly they'll call me today or tomorrow. If I get an offer before next week when I start my less desirable job, then I can quit before I start, haha! But alas, whats meant to be will be. Tomorrow is the state fair yipeee! Also, today's is Kristin's 24th B-day! Yay!
Went to lunch at a really cute outdoor garden center/giftshop/outdoor cafe today. I had chicken salad with pineapple and almonds in it, which was absolutely delicious. I desperately want to nap because i'm so full--hopefully i'll recover in the 1.5 hours before I leave work.
I'm also still waiting around for the phone call about the job that I really want in Raleigh. Supposedly they'll call me today or tomorrow. If I get an offer before next week when I start my less desirable job, then I can quit before I start, haha! But alas, whats meant to be will be. Tomorrow is the state fair yipeee! Also, today's is Kristin's 24th B-day! Yay!
Stuff White People Like
I found this blog a few weeks ago, and it is actually very funny and true. I looked through the entire list of "stuff that white people like", and probably identified with more than 80% haha. I especially enjoyed the David Sedaris entry (number twenty-something)...I have even seen him read his books in person. Typical white person I guess?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
How to avoid drunk emailing, or not?
This is hysterical. A couple of weeks ago, I heard about Mail Goggles--something Google came up with to keep people from totally embarassing themselves. It activates between 10pm and 4am on weekends, and is designed to keep people from drunk emailing by making them answer 5 math questions before the mail is sent. Sort of genius, but I definitely have doubts about it. This girl's "test" for Time magazine is pretty hilarious--i'd love to try it too, but it could be dangerous!
very good days
Yesterday I found out that I get to go to Atlanta week after next for an in person interview after 2 rounds of phone interviews! Yay! I never expected to make it even to the second round, so I'm pretty thrilled that they called and I made it to the final round of interviews. The prospect of moving to Atlanta and doing all of the travel that the job would require scares me a little bit, but it would be an amazing opportunity. Other good things: my current food coma after the pot luck lunch at my office, Britney Spears is going on tour again next year!, my interview this afternoon and, of course, the fair is on Friday (i'm obsessed).
Not so good things: said goodbye to Julie yesterday for the next two years. It wasn't as emotional as I expected--mostly because I wouldn't let myself get ridiculous, but its still sad and exciting at the same time. I'm very proud of her. Also, the fact that I have to spend the next hour or so at work studying finance and the economy for my interview this afternoon. Boo. And, i've heard at least 4 Obama radio commercials today already. I will be so thrilled when this election is finally over. I think i'm going to vote early this weekend!
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Because the blog looks boring, here are pictures of a few places other than Raleigh where I'd like to be right now:
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
On Economics
I bought my fair tickets last night, so now I am eagerly anticipating Friday at approximately noon! I plan on eating all of the following: a turkey leg, fudge elephant ear, footlong hot dog and fried pickles. And if someone offers me a bite of deep fried candy bar, I definitely wouldn't turn that down either. Today: post office to mail the bday box, since Columbus closed the PO yesterday, and saying goodbye to my bff for two years:(
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One of my best friends is a 7th grade math and social studies teacher, and she asked me to answer a bunch of questions about the economy for her curious students. Here are my replies, to share my love of economics with the leaders of tomorrow! Hahaha. (Notice the interspersed exclamation points).
What is the economy?
The economy is made up of all the things that we buy and sell within our country and throughout the world (different markets). Every country has its own economy—made up of its own money and industries. The economy is made up of money—from taxes, people’s savings and the money that companies make by doing business. The general economy also includes factors like inflation (rise in prices of things you buy everyday), the stock market and unemployment rates, as well as many other things!
What is North Carolina’s economy based on?
Our economy is made up of many different parts. We have a lot of agriculture in our state, and many people make a living by farming and selling the food that they grow. The majority of our economy is made up of people who work in “private industry”—that can be anything from banks and other big companies, to grocery stores and gas stations. All of these businesses are “for profit”, and that is how the majority of people in NC earn their money, and contribute to the economy. Also, our current unemployment rate is 6.9%. That means that 6.9% of people in the state who are looking for a job cannot find one. That number is a little higher than usual because of all the problems you have been hearing about in the United States’ economy.
What is the stock market, how do you buy a stock and what is an average price for stock?
The stock market is made up of all different stocks of companies in the United States (every country has its own stock market). When a company wants to raise money to expand its business, it will offer stock in the company for sale. People like us can buy shares (individual pieces of stock) in the company to help them raise their money, and in turn, we get to own a little piece of that company and are called a “shareholder”. You can buy a share from someone called a stock broker—it is their job to help people buy and sell stocks, and sometimes manage people’s “portfolios”, a combination of all the different stock they own. The value of the shares changes all the time depending on how many people are buying and selling their shares. If a lot of people want to buy the shares at one time, then the price will go up because there aren’t enough shares to go around, and people are willing to pay more for them. The opposite is true if lots of people want to sell at one time, then the value goes down. There is no average price for stock—it all depends on the company. For example, a share of Google right now costs $371, while a company like Wal-Mart costs $54. A company called Berkshire Hathaway has shares that cost $120,000 each!
What happens when the economy goes down too much, what happens when the economy is good, and what will the economy look like in the future?
When the economy is bad, like it has in the past few months, a lot of things go on in our country. Often, more people will be unemployed and prices will be inflated, so people generally don’t have as much money to spend on unnecessary things like clothes and going out to eat. That also makes the stock market go down because people do not have as much money to spend in their communities, and the companies in the stock market do not make as much profit and not as many people want to buy shares of stock. When the economy is good, the opposite is true! There is less unemployment, people have more money to spend on the fun things (like shopping and going out to eat), and companies make profit because all those people are spending that extra money in their communities. There is really no way to know for sure what the economy will be like in the future, but it does have patterns of recessions (the bad times—we are in one now) and expansions. Recessions usually last about a year, and then the markets will slowly start to recover. This means that more jobs will be created and companies will start making profit again. Sometimes the government will cut taxes to try to stimulate the economy.
Will we go into another “Great Depression”?
There is no certain answer, but I think that we probably will not. Even though the economy is bad right now and we are in a recession, we have a lot of laws and government regulation in place to help prevent another Great Depression. For example, banks are insured by the government so that your money is guaranteed up to $100,000 in any one bank—that wasn’t true in the Great Depression of the 1930s!
How will other countries be affected by our economy?
Our economy is definitely a global one! The United States has the biggest economy in the world, and lots of other countries look to us for signs of how good or bad the world’s economy is doing. They even lend us money when we need it by buying our “treasury bonds”. Many companies who do business in the US also operate in countries around the world. The US also lends money to other countries very often, so when we do not have as much money to lend, it hurts other countries too.
What is the bailout plan, will it put the government into debt and will taxes go up?
The bailout plan is a $700 billion plan to rescue many of the banks in the US that are in financial trouble. The current financial “crisis” began mostly because of something called sub-prime mortgages. This means that banks were lending money to people to buy houses that they could not afford—these people did not have enough money to pay back their loans in the long run, and many of them could not even make the first payment. Many banks had lent out most of their money to people who could not pay them back, and then ran out of money all together. The bailout plan will help to refund those loans to the banks, so that they can start to function normally again (lending money and collecting interest from people who can actually afford to pay them back). Yes, the bailout plan will put the government into more debt and yes, taxes will go up because the government is funded by tax payers. This doesn’t mean that taxes will go up a lot right now and we will pay it all back very fast! Most likely taxes will increase in very small amounts and the $700B will be paid back over time.
Why are there so many foreclosures?
Like I mentioned above, many of the people in the sub-prime mortgage crisis attempted to buy homes that they could not afford, and then could not repay their home loans. When a person does not pay their mortgage (for a certain period of time—usually a few months to a year), the bank steps in a takes the house because the bank is the real owner and the person who took out the loan is repaying the bank. A foreclosure happens when the bank takes over the home and tries to sell it to someone else (usually at a discounted price) so they can make the money back on the original loan.
Does the economy influence healthcare?
Yes, the economy does influence healthcare. Unfortunately when the economy is bad, more people go without healthcare insurance because they cannot afford it. Also, the cost of many supplies or medicines may go up as well, because of inflation.
Why has the cost of groceries gone up over time?
There are lots of reasons for this. The first is that, with inflation, the cost of living has gone up over time, so the farmers that grow produce have to sell their goods at a higher price to be able to earn a living. Second, the cost of gas has gone up a lot recently, so it costs more to transport groceries from farms and companies who make other products, to your grocery store. And, again, inflation in general has caused prices of lots of different things to rise, and the same is true for groceries.
I think I definitely have a future as a children's author about economic issues! Not.
____________________________________________________
One of my best friends is a 7th grade math and social studies teacher, and she asked me to answer a bunch of questions about the economy for her curious students. Here are my replies, to share my love of economics with the leaders of tomorrow! Hahaha. (Notice the interspersed exclamation points).
What is the economy?
The economy is made up of all the things that we buy and sell within our country and throughout the world (different markets). Every country has its own economy—made up of its own money and industries. The economy is made up of money—from taxes, people’s savings and the money that companies make by doing business. The general economy also includes factors like inflation (rise in prices of things you buy everyday), the stock market and unemployment rates, as well as many other things!
What is North Carolina’s economy based on?
Our economy is made up of many different parts. We have a lot of agriculture in our state, and many people make a living by farming and selling the food that they grow. The majority of our economy is made up of people who work in “private industry”—that can be anything from banks and other big companies, to grocery stores and gas stations. All of these businesses are “for profit”, and that is how the majority of people in NC earn their money, and contribute to the economy. Also, our current unemployment rate is 6.9%. That means that 6.9% of people in the state who are looking for a job cannot find one. That number is a little higher than usual because of all the problems you have been hearing about in the United States’ economy.
What is the stock market, how do you buy a stock and what is an average price for stock?
The stock market is made up of all different stocks of companies in the United States (every country has its own stock market). When a company wants to raise money to expand its business, it will offer stock in the company for sale. People like us can buy shares (individual pieces of stock) in the company to help them raise their money, and in turn, we get to own a little piece of that company and are called a “shareholder”. You can buy a share from someone called a stock broker—it is their job to help people buy and sell stocks, and sometimes manage people’s “portfolios”, a combination of all the different stock they own. The value of the shares changes all the time depending on how many people are buying and selling their shares. If a lot of people want to buy the shares at one time, then the price will go up because there aren’t enough shares to go around, and people are willing to pay more for them. The opposite is true if lots of people want to sell at one time, then the value goes down. There is no average price for stock—it all depends on the company. For example, a share of Google right now costs $371, while a company like Wal-Mart costs $54. A company called Berkshire Hathaway has shares that cost $120,000 each!
What happens when the economy goes down too much, what happens when the economy is good, and what will the economy look like in the future?
When the economy is bad, like it has in the past few months, a lot of things go on in our country. Often, more people will be unemployed and prices will be inflated, so people generally don’t have as much money to spend on unnecessary things like clothes and going out to eat. That also makes the stock market go down because people do not have as much money to spend in their communities, and the companies in the stock market do not make as much profit and not as many people want to buy shares of stock. When the economy is good, the opposite is true! There is less unemployment, people have more money to spend on the fun things (like shopping and going out to eat), and companies make profit because all those people are spending that extra money in their communities. There is really no way to know for sure what the economy will be like in the future, but it does have patterns of recessions (the bad times—we are in one now) and expansions. Recessions usually last about a year, and then the markets will slowly start to recover. This means that more jobs will be created and companies will start making profit again. Sometimes the government will cut taxes to try to stimulate the economy.
Will we go into another “Great Depression”?
There is no certain answer, but I think that we probably will not. Even though the economy is bad right now and we are in a recession, we have a lot of laws and government regulation in place to help prevent another Great Depression. For example, banks are insured by the government so that your money is guaranteed up to $100,000 in any one bank—that wasn’t true in the Great Depression of the 1930s!
How will other countries be affected by our economy?
Our economy is definitely a global one! The United States has the biggest economy in the world, and lots of other countries look to us for signs of how good or bad the world’s economy is doing. They even lend us money when we need it by buying our “treasury bonds”. Many companies who do business in the US also operate in countries around the world. The US also lends money to other countries very often, so when we do not have as much money to lend, it hurts other countries too.
What is the bailout plan, will it put the government into debt and will taxes go up?
The bailout plan is a $700 billion plan to rescue many of the banks in the US that are in financial trouble. The current financial “crisis” began mostly because of something called sub-prime mortgages. This means that banks were lending money to people to buy houses that they could not afford—these people did not have enough money to pay back their loans in the long run, and many of them could not even make the first payment. Many banks had lent out most of their money to people who could not pay them back, and then ran out of money all together. The bailout plan will help to refund those loans to the banks, so that they can start to function normally again (lending money and collecting interest from people who can actually afford to pay them back). Yes, the bailout plan will put the government into more debt and yes, taxes will go up because the government is funded by tax payers. This doesn’t mean that taxes will go up a lot right now and we will pay it all back very fast! Most likely taxes will increase in very small amounts and the $700B will be paid back over time.
Why are there so many foreclosures?
Like I mentioned above, many of the people in the sub-prime mortgage crisis attempted to buy homes that they could not afford, and then could not repay their home loans. When a person does not pay their mortgage (for a certain period of time—usually a few months to a year), the bank steps in a takes the house because the bank is the real owner and the person who took out the loan is repaying the bank. A foreclosure happens when the bank takes over the home and tries to sell it to someone else (usually at a discounted price) so they can make the money back on the original loan.
Does the economy influence healthcare?
Yes, the economy does influence healthcare. Unfortunately when the economy is bad, more people go without healthcare insurance because they cannot afford it. Also, the cost of many supplies or medicines may go up as well, because of inflation.
Why has the cost of groceries gone up over time?
There are lots of reasons for this. The first is that, with inflation, the cost of living has gone up over time, so the farmers that grow produce have to sell their goods at a higher price to be able to earn a living. Second, the cost of gas has gone up a lot recently, so it costs more to transport groceries from farms and companies who make other products, to your grocery store. And, again, inflation in general has caused prices of lots of different things to rise, and the same is true for groceries.
I think I definitely have a future as a children's author about economic issues! Not.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Only in NC
I just found this Sweet 16 bracket (NCAA tournament style) of the 16 best state fair foods. I love North Carolina!
Also, the Dow has finally cracked 9000 again. Hooray!
Also, the Dow has finally cracked 9000 again. Hooray!
Fair countdown begins!
Today is my last Monday at my current job. As much as I complain about boredom or being ready to move on, I am really going to miss this office. I love the people I work with and do enjoy the work. But, its definitely time for a change--and i'm excited that this is my last week! Should go by quickly.
This weekend was nice. Friday I spent the night with Sara. We went out for dinner, came back and ate loads of funfetti cake while we watched the Sex and the City movie. Pretty fabulous evening. Saturday I went into a cleaning frenzy after I got back home. I went to dinner with the whole fam for my cousin's birthday on Saturday night--I had an amazing crab burger. So good. But unfortunately I got an awful headache on the way home and couldn't get rid of it all night. So, I missed Acree's birthday party, which I was really looking forward to:( Oh, well. We'll just have to plan another night to go out and have fun since I missed out this time. Yesterday I did absolutely nothing. I didn't leave the house all day--just watched tv and read my new book. I love relaxing days like that.
Of course, today it was back to work, but there's lots to look forward to this week. Last week at the office. Seeing Julie one last time before she leaves. Pot luck lunch at work on Wednesday with lots of yummy homemade food (i'm making my world famous chocolate chip pound cake). And most importantly--the STATE FAIR on Friday!! I don't care how greasy/dusty/crowded the fair might be, I look forward to it every year and I know it'll be just as amazing as it always is. So excited.
To do this week:
1. Mail K's birthday box (boo Columbus Day and the closed post office).
2. Grocery store for cake supplies.
3. Bake cake for Wednesday.
4. Mall to buy advance fair tickets.
5. Yet another interview on Wednesday (yay!).
This weekend was nice. Friday I spent the night with Sara. We went out for dinner, came back and ate loads of funfetti cake while we watched the Sex and the City movie. Pretty fabulous evening. Saturday I went into a cleaning frenzy after I got back home. I went to dinner with the whole fam for my cousin's birthday on Saturday night--I had an amazing crab burger. So good. But unfortunately I got an awful headache on the way home and couldn't get rid of it all night. So, I missed Acree's birthday party, which I was really looking forward to:( Oh, well. We'll just have to plan another night to go out and have fun since I missed out this time. Yesterday I did absolutely nothing. I didn't leave the house all day--just watched tv and read my new book. I love relaxing days like that.
Of course, today it was back to work, but there's lots to look forward to this week. Last week at the office. Seeing Julie one last time before she leaves. Pot luck lunch at work on Wednesday with lots of yummy homemade food (i'm making my world famous chocolate chip pound cake). And most importantly--the STATE FAIR on Friday!! I don't care how greasy/dusty/crowded the fair might be, I look forward to it every year and I know it'll be just as amazing as it always is. So excited.
To do this week:
1. Mail K's birthday box (boo Columbus Day and the closed post office).
2. Grocery store for cake supplies.
3. Bake cake for Wednesday.
4. Mall to buy advance fair tickets.
5. Yet another interview on Wednesday (yay!).
Friday, October 10, 2008
Damn, it doesn't feel so great to be a banker...
The Dow closed around 8500 yesterday. For those of you who aren't as obsessive about finance as myself, this is NOT GOOD. Actually, its REALLY REALLY BAD. It really pains me that something I love some much, finance (pronounced fih-nance), has gone from the top of the world to crumbling right in front of me in the matter of 6 months. I know that things weren't looking great a year ago when I was sitting in International Finance with my very most favorite professor as we watched the dollar plummet day after day, but who knew it would get this bad? My fellow finance-lovers and I would sit around talking about the markets and how we'd be making tons of money in the not so distant future, and being general assholes as was to be expected. But then it became harder for us to get jobs as the year went on. Some who actually had job offers on Wall St. had those offers taken away from them before they even got the chance to move to New York. I graduated without an offer, but didn't think much about landing one by the end of summer. September came and went, and here I am still without a job that 2 years ago I could've eaily gotten. Sigh. Lehman Brothers failed, AIG failed, Fannie and Freddie failed, and then even Wachovia...no one saw this coming. I definitely picked the worst time in history to graduate with a degree in finance--a field that in 2004, the beginning of my time as Wake, everyone thought was the smartest pick I could've made. I'd have a job before I graduated and would never be unemployed! If only that were still true. In the end, I wouldn't change anything. I love my field--it never ceases to amaze me and fascinate me in new ways, and the market will turn around again eventually. Its just sad to see something I enjoy so much and something seemingly unbreakable be reduced to nothing.
Here's Radar's wrapup of all the major paper's financial headlines today. Priceless.
__________________________________________________
Finally Friday--my second to last one at my office! Today i'll leave around lunch time as usual, go to the bookstore, finish reading Chasing Harry Winston, buy a couple gifts for Julie and K then most likely go home and laze around until my sleepover with Sara tonight. Pretty great Friday. This weekend I have 2 birthday events to attend, and its the Parade of Homes time--when I get to go and tour around all the gorgeous new $1M+ homes in the area and pretend like I could live there:) Maybe this year i'll actually take in a few condos too--something slightly more realistic but much less exciting.
Deacs won last night! Go Wake!
Here's Radar's wrapup of all the major paper's financial headlines today. Priceless.
__________________________________________________
Finally Friday--my second to last one at my office! Today i'll leave around lunch time as usual, go to the bookstore, finish reading Chasing Harry Winston, buy a couple gifts for Julie and K then most likely go home and laze around until my sleepover with Sara tonight. Pretty great Friday. This weekend I have 2 birthday events to attend, and its the Parade of Homes time--when I get to go and tour around all the gorgeous new $1M+ homes in the area and pretend like I could live there:) Maybe this year i'll actually take in a few condos too--something slightly more realistic but much less exciting.
Deacs won last night! Go Wake!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Politics
I don't hide my political views at all, but I've been so tired of the election coverage lately that I never want to talk about it, and I certainly don't want to write about it here. I'm sick and tired of one-sided media and many of the absolutely ridiculous things they broadcast on a daily basis. But I am certainly still interested and I read as much news (unbiased--hah!) as I can. I really like this that I read on Kristin's blog today. It is well put and eye-opening. No matter your views, please read this on her blog.
Also, I think Sarah Palin is fantastic and I don't apologize for that! There, I said it!
Also, I think Sarah Palin is fantastic and I don't apologize for that! There, I said it!
reunited, and it feels so good.
I finally made a hotel reservation and ordered my homecoming football tickets this morning! I'm really looking forward to going back to Wake for the weekend and seeing a few friends and the football game. In a way, i'm also dreading it a little because I haven't been back to Winston since graduation. I know its going to feel strange when I finally do go back--everyone else's lives (who are younger) have been going on just like normal there, and I really don't belong anymore. Alas..getting older is a pain. But it should be fun and i'm excited that its less than a month away. Plus, I have another reunion planned for the weekend before Thanksgiving with even more friends there. Still need hotel for that weekend...one step at a time! Lots to look forward to.
Thank goodness I managed to get through my phone interview yesterday without losing my voice or coughing up a lung. And my voice is semi-back to normal today so I can finally talk on the phone again! I think the interview went well--the next step would be for them to fly me to Atlanta for a face to face--exciting! I need to go by Border's today or tomorrow to pick up a couple of things. I want to get Julie a going away present, but i'm not sure what to buy. I figure a book is good and not too big so she can carry it overseas with her. I also want to buy Clinton Kelly's (from What Not To Wear) new book Freakin Fabulous. He's going to be at a cocktail benefit in Raleigh in a couple weeks, and I'm on the verge of buying tickets just to meet him. I adore him on the show and think that we could be best friends haha. But thinking of what to wear to the party is very intimidating!
edit: GO DEACS tonight!! Beat Clemson!
Thank goodness I managed to get through my phone interview yesterday without losing my voice or coughing up a lung. And my voice is semi-back to normal today so I can finally talk on the phone again! I think the interview went well--the next step would be for them to fly me to Atlanta for a face to face--exciting! I need to go by Border's today or tomorrow to pick up a couple of things. I want to get Julie a going away present, but i'm not sure what to buy. I figure a book is good and not too big so she can carry it overseas with her. I also want to buy Clinton Kelly's (from What Not To Wear) new book Freakin Fabulous. He's going to be at a cocktail benefit in Raleigh in a couple weeks, and I'm on the verge of buying tickets just to meet him. I adore him on the show and think that we could be best friends haha. But thinking of what to wear to the party is very intimidating!
edit: GO DEACS tonight!! Beat Clemson!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
La Di Da
I had a delicious dinner of mall food court chinese food with the bff last night, then walked around the mall and tried on teeny bopper "prom dresses", if you consider something that barely covers the butt a prom dress, and took crazy pics of ourselves in the dressing room. Thats the kind of stuff i'll probably miss the most:) Luckily I told her that I have to see her at least once more before she leaves next week, so last night wasn't the last night, yet.
Other good news is that i'm finally feeling more normal, although i've got a really scratchy deep voice thing going on today--should be lovely for my very important phone interview. Oh life! I know that today is going to be a good day, because one of my co-workers brought in a box of Krispy Kremes, and its physically impossible for me to say no to one of those. Also, i'm desperately trying to finish my current book Chasing Harry Winston, by the chick who wrote the Devil Wears Prada--its overdue at the library so I might just be doing a little reading at the office today, which is okay by me.
Things that make me happy today:
1. Green Tea to go honey and lemon flavor
2. Krispy Kreme donuts
3. My newly framed watercolor of the Krispy Kreme in downtown Raleigh (noticing a theme..)
4. Phone interviews with important people
5. The fact that now that i'm in the "real world", I can read crappy beach reads like Chasing Harry Winston all the time!
6. Sleepover this weekend
Things that make me unhappy:
1. The Dow closed at 9447 yesterday. Honestly, I could never have picked a worse time to try and get a job in finance. Haha.
2. My scratchy gross voice for my phone interview.
3. BFF moving away.
Other good news is that i'm finally feeling more normal, although i've got a really scratchy deep voice thing going on today--should be lovely for my very important phone interview. Oh life! I know that today is going to be a good day, because one of my co-workers brought in a box of Krispy Kremes, and its physically impossible for me to say no to one of those. Also, i'm desperately trying to finish my current book Chasing Harry Winston, by the chick who wrote the Devil Wears Prada--its overdue at the library so I might just be doing a little reading at the office today, which is okay by me.
Things that make me happy today:
1. Green Tea to go honey and lemon flavor
2. Krispy Kreme donuts
3. My newly framed watercolor of the Krispy Kreme in downtown Raleigh (noticing a theme..)
4. Phone interviews with important people
5. The fact that now that i'm in the "real world", I can read crappy beach reads like Chasing Harry Winston all the time!
6. Sleepover this weekend
Things that make me unhappy:
1. The Dow closed at 9447 yesterday. Honestly, I could never have picked a worse time to try and get a job in finance. Haha.
2. My scratchy gross voice for my phone interview.
3. BFF moving away.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Links Galore
A few funny things to check out today:
Kate Moss golden statue/"art"
Good luck selling that sucker for anywhere near the $18M asking price.
"How to become a Playboy Bunny or one of Hef's girlfriends"
Maybe if the whole banking thing doesn't work out...
A little something from Paris fashion week
I particularly enjoyed the tall pink mohawk on the end.
Kate Moss golden statue/"art"
Good luck selling that sucker for anywhere near the $18M asking price.
"How to become a Playboy Bunny or one of Hef's girlfriends"
Maybe if the whole banking thing doesn't work out...
A little something from Paris fashion week
I particularly enjoyed the tall pink mohawk on the end.
good tuesday
Yesterday my interview went reeeally well. At least, I think it did. Let's hope so! Its the first job i've interviewed for in a while that I really want. Badly. So fingers crossed everyone! Today I finally talked with someone from the bank I interviewed with in Richmond, and she offered me the job, which I turned down. Its really a shame because I think I could've gotten used to moving up there, and I actually enjoyed the bank atmosphere and all the people I met. The salary just wasn't really enough to justify the move to live alone in a new city--very expensive. Alas...another right choice, I think. Let's just hope someone else comes through for me this week!
Life is good. My bff is back in town for a mere two weeks before leaving for overseas for the next two years. I already had to say goodbye to her for 3 months for her training, but this is obviously going to be even worse. We're not best friends in the sense that we spend every moment together--we never have been. But she has been there for me since middle school, whenever I wanted to pick up the phone or sing random Broadway songs, whatever. I'm used to going periods of time without seeing her, but just the fact that I know I can't for the next two years is rough. Not looking forward to the permanent goodbye, but hopefully we'll be having dinner tonight which I'm excited about. Otherwise, i'm trying to be positive and happy about all the crazy job stuff thats going on in my life. I'm really looking forward to getting something--almost anything--at this point just to have some stability and something to look forward to. This weekend i'm having another lovely sleepover with SCD and then a belated family birthday celebration on Saturday night and yet another birthday party to attend. Hopefully i'll be germ-free by then.
Life is good. My bff is back in town for a mere two weeks before leaving for overseas for the next two years. I already had to say goodbye to her for 3 months for her training, but this is obviously going to be even worse. We're not best friends in the sense that we spend every moment together--we never have been. But she has been there for me since middle school, whenever I wanted to pick up the phone or sing random Broadway songs, whatever. I'm used to going periods of time without seeing her, but just the fact that I know I can't for the next two years is rough. Not looking forward to the permanent goodbye, but hopefully we'll be having dinner tonight which I'm excited about. Otherwise, i'm trying to be positive and happy about all the crazy job stuff thats going on in my life. I'm really looking forward to getting something--almost anything--at this point just to have some stability and something to look forward to. This weekend i'm having another lovely sleepover with SCD and then a belated family birthday celebration on Saturday night and yet another birthday party to attend. Hopefully i'll be germ-free by then.
Monday, October 6, 2008
the blog is back!
I'm finally back from my fabulous vacation, so I thought i'd update all of my very eager and numerous (hah) readers about my life for the past 10 or so days!
Friday night before I left I had a great birthday dinner with friends from Wake and from Raleigh. We had a nice time even though the band was cancelled, and its always good to see friends--we need to start doing it more often. Saturday morning we got up early and hit the road for New Jersey (eww). We made a couple of stops along the way and finally got to the hotel about 45 mins from NYC around early evening. The next morning, we got up and drove into the city. It didn't take very long, and I actually managed to get my family to Central Park and Times Square without using the GPS! I didn't know I had that much directional knowledge in me (and I know Kristin will be proud)! We finally parked at the pier, got on the ship and immedaitely began eating (the overall theme of the week). Sunday night and Monday were at sea, so we mostly just continued eating, went to the casino a little, played trivia and shopped on board the ship. Luckily we managed to completely avoid the hurricane. The radar looked like it was going to hit us really hard (first hurricane in the Maine/Canada region in 17 years...what are the odds?), but I guess there wasn't enough warm water to sustain it, and we really didn't have any bad weather at all thank goodness!
Tuesday we docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and walked around the town for the morning. We went to the Titanic museum there and saw lots of cool things from the ship and other shipwrecks. Halifax was a much bigger city than I expected. Lots of big downtown buildings and pretty waterfront condos. We did a little shopping and then went back to the ship, of course, to eat. Wednesday we went to St. John, New Brunswick in Canada. This was a more typical coastal Canada town. Lots of ship building and pretty gingerbread style houses in different colors. We took a tour bus around town and to the Bay of Fundy--a place where two waters (the north Atlantic and something else) meet, and the water actually changes directions right there. That was pretty interesting, and the town was really pretty. Almost enough to want to live there, if there wasn't 10 ft of snow in the winter:)
Thursday we got back to the US and went into Boston for the day. I sadly didn't get a chance to meet up with Em because of having to go through customs on the ship that morning, but she did give me excellent T directions to the JFK museum. We spent most of the morning at the beautiful museum by the harbor. Then we went back into the city and toured around the Freedom Trail and other places in downtown Boston. Friday morning we got to Martha's Vineyard a little late. The water isn't deep enough there for the ship to dock right by the shore, so we had to take smaller tender boats to land. This was probably the most eventful part of the trip--the water was so choppy that the waves actually went all the way over the top of the little enclosed boat! Thank goodness I didn't get seasick! We finally made it to shore, and took a bus tour of the island. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but Martha's Vineyard was not exactly what I had pictured. It actually reminded me a lot of Beaufort near the good old Emerald Isle, NC. It was nice, and I enjoyed walking around the little shops by the harbor to see the beautiful sailboats, but I guess its the type of place you have to grow up around to really appreciate it enough to pay millions for real estate there. It definitely seemed more like a status thing (obviously) than the fact that the island was just so spectacular. But it was nice and I enjoyed the day there. I enjoyed it even more once we finally got back to the ship on a bigger ferry boat (the wind was up to 50 knots so that small boats were'nt even allowed out by the afternoon eek!). Saturday we docked back in NYC and finally made it back home to NC by 7ish that night.
Overall the week was fantastic. I really enjoyed getting away for a little while, not hearing about the election and turning my cell phone off for a few days. I would have liked a couple more days of sleep, but alas:) I'm unfortunately a little sick right now--my sinuses started going crazy by the end of the trip, but hopefully i'll be back to normal soon. I've got an interview in person for the job I reeeeally want this afternoon(!), so let's hope I don't sneeze all over the person--and wish me luck!
Other news on the job front: I ended up accepting an offer from the crappy job I wrote about a few weeks ago. It really pained me to do it, but I bascially thinking of it as another temporary job, and will definitely keep looking in the meantime. Hopefully something will happen--fingers crossed--before I have to start there in a couple weeks, and I can quit before I even start haha! I just felt like I couldn't turn it down with the way the financial market it right now. I've got the interview today, and then another really great 2nd round phone interview for a job in Atlanta on Wednesday. I could use all the luck I can get! Whew, long post...hopefully i'll get a few pictures up soon!
Friday night before I left I had a great birthday dinner with friends from Wake and from Raleigh. We had a nice time even though the band was cancelled, and its always good to see friends--we need to start doing it more often. Saturday morning we got up early and hit the road for New Jersey (eww). We made a couple of stops along the way and finally got to the hotel about 45 mins from NYC around early evening. The next morning, we got up and drove into the city. It didn't take very long, and I actually managed to get my family to Central Park and Times Square without using the GPS! I didn't know I had that much directional knowledge in me (and I know Kristin will be proud)! We finally parked at the pier, got on the ship and immedaitely began eating (the overall theme of the week). Sunday night and Monday were at sea, so we mostly just continued eating, went to the casino a little, played trivia and shopped on board the ship. Luckily we managed to completely avoid the hurricane. The radar looked like it was going to hit us really hard (first hurricane in the Maine/Canada region in 17 years...what are the odds?), but I guess there wasn't enough warm water to sustain it, and we really didn't have any bad weather at all thank goodness!
Tuesday we docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and walked around the town for the morning. We went to the Titanic museum there and saw lots of cool things from the ship and other shipwrecks. Halifax was a much bigger city than I expected. Lots of big downtown buildings and pretty waterfront condos. We did a little shopping and then went back to the ship, of course, to eat. Wednesday we went to St. John, New Brunswick in Canada. This was a more typical coastal Canada town. Lots of ship building and pretty gingerbread style houses in different colors. We took a tour bus around town and to the Bay of Fundy--a place where two waters (the north Atlantic and something else) meet, and the water actually changes directions right there. That was pretty interesting, and the town was really pretty. Almost enough to want to live there, if there wasn't 10 ft of snow in the winter:)
Thursday we got back to the US and went into Boston for the day. I sadly didn't get a chance to meet up with Em because of having to go through customs on the ship that morning, but she did give me excellent T directions to the JFK museum. We spent most of the morning at the beautiful museum by the harbor. Then we went back into the city and toured around the Freedom Trail and other places in downtown Boston. Friday morning we got to Martha's Vineyard a little late. The water isn't deep enough there for the ship to dock right by the shore, so we had to take smaller tender boats to land. This was probably the most eventful part of the trip--the water was so choppy that the waves actually went all the way over the top of the little enclosed boat! Thank goodness I didn't get seasick! We finally made it to shore, and took a bus tour of the island. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but Martha's Vineyard was not exactly what I had pictured. It actually reminded me a lot of Beaufort near the good old Emerald Isle, NC. It was nice, and I enjoyed walking around the little shops by the harbor to see the beautiful sailboats, but I guess its the type of place you have to grow up around to really appreciate it enough to pay millions for real estate there. It definitely seemed more like a status thing (obviously) than the fact that the island was just so spectacular. But it was nice and I enjoyed the day there. I enjoyed it even more once we finally got back to the ship on a bigger ferry boat (the wind was up to 50 knots so that small boats were'nt even allowed out by the afternoon eek!). Saturday we docked back in NYC and finally made it back home to NC by 7ish that night.
Overall the week was fantastic. I really enjoyed getting away for a little while, not hearing about the election and turning my cell phone off for a few days. I would have liked a couple more days of sleep, but alas:) I'm unfortunately a little sick right now--my sinuses started going crazy by the end of the trip, but hopefully i'll be back to normal soon. I've got an interview in person for the job I reeeeally want this afternoon(!), so let's hope I don't sneeze all over the person--and wish me luck!
Other news on the job front: I ended up accepting an offer from the crappy job I wrote about a few weeks ago. It really pained me to do it, but I bascially thinking of it as another temporary job, and will definitely keep looking in the meantime. Hopefully something will happen--fingers crossed--before I have to start there in a couple weeks, and I can quit before I even start haha! I just felt like I couldn't turn it down with the way the financial market it right now. I've got the interview today, and then another really great 2nd round phone interview for a job in Atlanta on Wednesday. I could use all the luck I can get! Whew, long post...hopefully i'll get a few pictures up soon!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Vacation has arrived!!
Alas, its finally my last day at the office before I leave for a week's vacation! I'm leaving around noon today, going to get my haircut, home to pack, then out with my friends for belated bday celebration tonight! Lots of excitement--if only the Breakfast Club show hadn't been canceled because of the crazy weather we've been having. Oh well. Tomorrow morning my parents and I are leaving for a cruise to New England. The ship leaves from NYC (sadly not enough time to go up early and see Kristin..boo) on Sunday, and then we'll cruise to 2 cities in Canada on the coast, then back down to Martha's Vineyard and Boston before docking back in NY next Saturday. I'm SO excited to have a week off from work. I've secretly been hoping all summer that I wouldn't find a job before now so I wouldn't have to worry about someone taking my vacation away--thank goodness that didn't happen. So i'm going to enjoy it as much as possible, because I probably won't have another solid week off for a long while.So I hope you have a fabulous week without me, while the blog takes a few days off too! Bon Voyage!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
good times, for the most part
My birthday had a great finish yesterday. I got to leave my desk about an hour early to go to a retirement party, where I ate way too many party finger foods, but it was really yummy:) Then I picked up Mom and we went to Crabtree to pick out something for my bday before dinner. I was trying to decide between some adorable Coach tennis shoes and new rainbows--turns out they didn't have my size in the Coach, and they DON'T MAKE my favorite kinds of rainbows anymore!! Grr. The guy told me you can definitely still find them online, so my goal for today is to peruse the internet until I find them--and then i'll hoard as many pairs as possible! Hopefully i'll be successfull. Then we met my dad for dinner at McCormick and Schmick's--so delicious & really pretty interior/nice atmosphere. I had Alaskan salmon stuffed with a mixture of crab, shrimp and brie. I'm pretty much drooling right now just thinking about it. Afterwards my dad gave me a bunch of Wake Forest stuff (coffee mug, mouse pad, etc) for my "new office", whenever I finally get one. And I got lots of calls from my fabulous friends which I didn't have time to return, but hopefully will today:) Excellent day overall--and I can't wait for Friday to celebrate out with friends in Raleigh. I just wish everyone could make it, even though we're all spread out!
I just got back from an interview this morning with a bank in Cary, and I'm thoroughly disappointed. I actually had pretty high hopes for this one, and then I get there and they say "oh you'll be sitting out at the front desk answering 1000 calls per day". Great. NOT. I don't mean to be a snob or anything like that, but I didn't bust my butt for the past 4 years at a top 20 b-school to asnwer phones all day, thank you very much. Whatever...its just very frustrating. I'm sick of interviewing and ready to get a job--but i'm definitely not going to settle for just anything. I also got a message from the Richmond bank I interviewed with last week. I'm almost afraid to return the call, because if they offer me a job, thats going to throw me & my plans for a loop, but i'll give her a call this afternoon to see what she has to say. If I get an offer, i'm definitely not taking it on the spot--I have too many other irons in the fire right now that would be preferable for me. Sigh. The process is never ending.
But, I am determined today will be a good/non-stressful day! I've got a doctor's appt this afternoon, so i'm leaving work early, then i'm having dinner out with Sara. Tomorrow is a half day at the office, then going home, hopefully getting a haircut, packing for vacation(!) and going out with the girls tomorrow night as a belated bday celebration! All of these things are fabulous. Life is good.
I just got back from an interview this morning with a bank in Cary, and I'm thoroughly disappointed. I actually had pretty high hopes for this one, and then I get there and they say "oh you'll be sitting out at the front desk answering 1000 calls per day". Great. NOT. I don't mean to be a snob or anything like that, but I didn't bust my butt for the past 4 years at a top 20 b-school to asnwer phones all day, thank you very much. Whatever...its just very frustrating. I'm sick of interviewing and ready to get a job--but i'm definitely not going to settle for just anything. I also got a message from the Richmond bank I interviewed with last week. I'm almost afraid to return the call, because if they offer me a job, thats going to throw me & my plans for a loop, but i'll give her a call this afternoon to see what she has to say. If I get an offer, i'm definitely not taking it on the spot--I have too many other irons in the fire right now that would be preferable for me. Sigh. The process is never ending.
But, I am determined today will be a good/non-stressful day! I've got a doctor's appt this afternoon, so i'm leaving work early, then i'm having dinner out with Sara. Tomorrow is a half day at the office, then going home, hopefully getting a haircut, packing for vacation(!) and going out with the girls tomorrow night as a belated bday celebration! All of these things are fabulous. Life is good.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Turbolash Review
As I mentioned earlier, I won a new Turbolash mascara from the fashion blog at the Raleigh N&O. The fashion writer is giving away something from her stash of beauty and fashion freebies all week, so obviously I had to jump on the opportunity! Today I actually won again, and the prize is a Bobbi Brown makeup brush set. I'm pretty excited because those are expensive to buy! Anyway, on Monday I won the Estee Lauder mascara and tried it this morning after I received it in the mail. I kind of like it, but its really odd. The mascara wand actually vibrates as you apply. This is supposed to give a more even coat, with less clumps. I have to admit, my mascara looks great and clump-free today, but i'm not sure if its because of the vibration, or just the fact that its a brand new tube. Whatever...at least I didn't pay for it! Overall, I like it, but it felt very odd to have my eyelashes vibrating. We'll see if I actually get used to this. But I am really excited for my new Bobbi Brown brushes!
Best Day of the Year!
Happy birthday to me today! I'm finally the big 22, but I don't really feel terribly old (yet)! I've been having a great time so far. Yesterday when I got home I had a couple more cards waiting for me, a lovely package from my beautiful facebook wife Emily full of candy lotions and a dvd, and the weird vibrating mascara that I won from the N&O on Monday. My mom made a homemade red velvet cake for me--which i'll get to eat tonight!--and I chatted with Kristin:) Lovely evening. Today my mom sang the birthday song to me, and one of my co-workers gave me a singing electric birthday candle that also plays the birthday song. Pretty special. I'm actually having a great time at the office today, and there's a retirement party here this afternoon with lots of yummy finger foods! After work, i'm picking up my mom and we're going shopping before our dinner reservation at McCormick & Schmicks. Then i'll probably go home, maybe watch my new dvd and go to sleep. Pretty perfect day overall.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Oh, life.
The theme of my life lately has been 1. get a good job interview (yay!), 2. interview goes well--hopefully i'll get this one (yay!), 3. immediately get a call from another potentially better employer to schedule another interview 4. hope to God that the first people don't call for a while so I have time to work my options with the new potential job, 5. repeat, often.
And as usual, the past 2 days are no different. Last week I had a phone interview for a job i'd love to have in Raleigh. I'm giving the lady until tomorrow, then i'm going to call her back and harrass her to give me an in-person interview so that she cannot resist my charms and has to hire me immediately. But, of course, yesterday afternoon I get another call i'd really been waiting for about a job in Atlanta. The location wouldn't be my first choice, but I really do like Atlanta, plus I'd get to do a lot of traveling (in Miami, yes please). So, if this actually worked out, I'd be a fool not to accept. It has dream job potential. If this wasn't enough, today I get yet another call for a job with my bank here in Raleigh for an interview on Thursday. Sigh. Not that this is surprising at all--at this point I basically expect the unexpected. Its kind of like a mixture of dread and excitement every time I check my voicemail. Hah. But I must say, I definitely prefer too many calls to none at all.
So, this week has already had a great start. The work days have been flying by, I won a really weird vibrating mascara online from a fashion blog yesterday (more on that once I get it in the mail...), I got some fabulous b-day cards in the mail yesterday, I have dinner plans for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, RED VELVET CAKE tonight!, i'm leaving on my family vacation New England cruise in 4 days, and the week still has LOTS of potential.
And as usual, the past 2 days are no different. Last week I had a phone interview for a job i'd love to have in Raleigh. I'm giving the lady until tomorrow, then i'm going to call her back and harrass her to give me an in-person interview so that she cannot resist my charms and has to hire me immediately. But, of course, yesterday afternoon I get another call i'd really been waiting for about a job in Atlanta. The location wouldn't be my first choice, but I really do like Atlanta, plus I'd get to do a lot of traveling (in Miami, yes please). So, if this actually worked out, I'd be a fool not to accept. It has dream job potential. If this wasn't enough, today I get yet another call for a job with my bank here in Raleigh for an interview on Thursday. Sigh. Not that this is surprising at all--at this point I basically expect the unexpected. Its kind of like a mixture of dread and excitement every time I check my voicemail. Hah. But I must say, I definitely prefer too many calls to none at all.
So, this week has already had a great start. The work days have been flying by, I won a really weird vibrating mascara online from a fashion blog yesterday (more on that once I get it in the mail...), I got some fabulous b-day cards in the mail yesterday, I have dinner plans for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, RED VELVET CAKE tonight!, i'm leaving on my family vacation New England cruise in 4 days, and the week still has LOTS of potential.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Stunning
Definitely my favorite dress of the Emmy's. So awesome that Christina Applegate can come back from breast cancer looking so beautiful. Good for her!
Happy Fall!
Its finally the most wonderful time of the year--birthday week yay! I love celebrating my birthday (cake, presents, friends...whats not to like?), so this should be a fabulous week for me:)
Weekend: pretty boring and yet busy at the same time. Didn't end up going to casino night (THANK GOD), but instead stayed in and caught up on my What Not to Wear watching. Saturday, took my car to have it vacuumed, washed and waxed and now it looks stunning! Also, in the process of cleaning all my crap out from under the seats, I managed to find my Cravin' Melon cd that I thought was lost. Saturday night I went out with the former roomie to a sports bar/restaurant in Raleigh to have dinner and watch the Wake game. The food was yummy, and we both got accidentally drunk at 8 pm from ONE drink each. Granted, mine was something called the "mega-rita" (read: the largest margarita i've ever seen), and it was really delicious. But its still depressing that one drink can do me in now. Haha...the college days are obviously long gone. Anyway, Wake won and we had a really good time. Sunday: finally bought a new dvd player which I still need to set up, my grandparents came over to give me my bday present (lots of cool kitchin accessories & lush towels for when I finally move out, and cash--the best kind of gift), and then went to see my other grandpa and have dinner with him. Overall, pretty nice weekend, except I managed to get covered in mosquito bites. Ick.
Today the office is reeeally hot, which makes me want to nap. But i've got yummy leftovers for lunch & the morning is passing pretty quickly. And, today is the first day of fall--the best season of the year in my opinion!
PS-Kristin, I got your message and will call you back today:)
Weekend: pretty boring and yet busy at the same time. Didn't end up going to casino night (THANK GOD), but instead stayed in and caught up on my What Not to Wear watching. Saturday, took my car to have it vacuumed, washed and waxed and now it looks stunning! Also, in the process of cleaning all my crap out from under the seats, I managed to find my Cravin' Melon cd that I thought was lost. Saturday night I went out with the former roomie to a sports bar/restaurant in Raleigh to have dinner and watch the Wake game. The food was yummy, and we both got accidentally drunk at 8 pm from ONE drink each. Granted, mine was something called the "mega-rita" (read: the largest margarita i've ever seen), and it was really delicious. But its still depressing that one drink can do me in now. Haha...the college days are obviously long gone. Anyway, Wake won and we had a really good time. Sunday: finally bought a new dvd player which I still need to set up, my grandparents came over to give me my bday present (lots of cool kitchin accessories & lush towels for when I finally move out, and cash--the best kind of gift), and then went to see my other grandpa and have dinner with him. Overall, pretty nice weekend, except I managed to get covered in mosquito bites. Ick.
Today the office is reeeally hot, which makes me want to nap. But i've got yummy leftovers for lunch & the morning is passing pretty quickly. And, today is the first day of fall--the best season of the year in my opinion!
PS-Kristin, I got your message and will call you back today:)
Friday, September 19, 2008
at last
Finally Friday, which is always exciting. Tonight is doubly exciting because its casino night for my dad's school. Apparently this means there will be lots of fun times happening, teachers chatting, and fake money galore. Apparently, this also means that I will be spending this lovely friday night out with the parents. Oh the joys of being <16 all over again! Tomorrow i'm going to finally get my car cleaned/waxed/the whole nine. Very necessary. And hopefully i'll be going out for a little pre-birthday celebration with the Phi Mizzys in Raleigh. Should be a good time. Otherwise, fingers crossed for the job I had a phone interview for yesterday!
5 days til my birthday & 8 days until vacation yesss.
5 days til my birthday & 8 days until vacation yesss.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
yummy
I'm currently eating a rice krispie treat at my desk and i'm reeeally enjoying it:) I don't think i've had one of these since 9th grade. Nothing much new to report on. Last night I went home, helped make dinner, watched many episodes of Jon & Kate Plus 8 (I don't really like to admit this), and then went to bed. I mostly enjoy low key nights during the week, because I have to get up so early to come to work. Today has been passing by quickly which is always nice. Tomorrow i'll be at the office for a whole day (boo) because I was out on Monday, but I think my co-workers are taking me out for an early b-day lunch! Should be exciting..I just have to figure out where I want to go. This afternoon i've got a phone interview for a bank job here in Raleigh (obviously a first choice, if I don't have to move, so fingers crossed!). Hopefully it'll go well and something will happen soon!
Currently drooling over this: Christie's fall jewelry auction (The New York Sale). So gorgeous!
Currently drooling over this: Christie's fall jewelry auction (The New York Sale). So gorgeous!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
happy day
I woke up this morning feeling great for no apparent reason--always a good way to start the day! It also probably helps that I went to bed last night around 9:15, so I got some pretty fabulous sleep:) I also got to finally catch up with a couple good friends on the phone last night which was fun. I suck at returning phone calls on time and finally got a few minutes to chat, so hopefully i'm all caught up on my correspondance haha. AND, my birthday is exactly one week from today! Over all, lots of good things going on.
Last night I got a message from someone at a bank here in Raleigh, for a job I applied for randomly online a few weeks ago. Again, every time I really get going on something, it seems like something else (bigger/better?) pops up for me to think about. Crazy life. We'll see if anything actually happens with this one!
Last night I got a message from someone at a bank here in Raleigh, for a job I applied for randomly online a few weeks ago. Again, every time I really get going on something, it seems like something else (bigger/better?) pops up for me to think about. Crazy life. We'll see if anything actually happens with this one!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
le tired
Sorry I've been MIA on the blog for the past few days. Here's a recap.
Friday: After leaving work at lunch time, I had an appt at Clinique to have my makeup done because I was buying new foundation, etc. I love having other people do my makeup..it always looks much better than when I try! I shopped around a little at the mall & went to Old Navy, which had NONE of the cute things I saw online in the store. So disappointing, but probably a good thing because I shouldn't be spending money on clothes I don't need. I waited in line to get gas for $3.59/gal, and luckily I was able to fill up before everywhere started ridiculously jacking up prices above $4. The rest of the day consisted of being lazy, eating dinner and going to the The Women with Sara. Really good movie, lots of famous ladies in it. I recommend it, but its definitely a girls only kind of film:)
Saturday: Got up, went to my grandpa's house to start cleaning out some of the junk now that he has moved to the assisted living place. Its going to be quite an ordeal getting that place emptied out! Went back home to get ready for a bridal shower. The shower was really fun--in a gorgeous house in North Raleigh, lots of ladies sitting around chatting and eating pretty finger foods. Kim got some really great stuff for the new house too! That night I finally went over to Sara's for our long-planned sleepover. We went out to dinner and spent the night watching the Coco Chanel lifetime movie and wishing that we had a Chanel wardrobe.
Sunday: We caught up on plenty of girl chatting/venting/complaining, which is necessary sometimes. We also managed to learn how to use my dad's power drill to put up Sara's new curtains in her guest room. This was obviously a thrill! I went home later in the afternoon and went to my grandparent's house for dinner that night--yummy as usual.
Monday: Didn't go into the office because I had an interview in Virginia for the job I phone-interviewed for last week. Drove up in the morning with my parents, went downtown to try and find an apartment guide, had lunch, rode by a couple of (crappy) apartments, then had an interview at the bank's corporate headquarters. Everyone was really nice--a woman prayed with me in the elevator on the way to my interview hah!--and I think it went well. Then she sent me to a branch location for another interview that lasted almost 2 hours. Obscene. To me, this was complete overkill, especially for a job that isn't going to pay me that much in the first place! But I made it through finally, and was completely exhausted at the end of the day. We started home, went to Cracker Barrel on the way, and finally got back around 10 last night. Long day, but hopefully worthwhile in the end.
Needless to say today i'm exhausted and am planning on going to bed at 9 pm! I've got a few errands to run after work, but if its pouring rain like it is right now, i'll probably (thankfully) go straight home. At least Tuesday is almost over yay!
Friday: After leaving work at lunch time, I had an appt at Clinique to have my makeup done because I was buying new foundation, etc. I love having other people do my makeup..it always looks much better than when I try! I shopped around a little at the mall & went to Old Navy, which had NONE of the cute things I saw online in the store. So disappointing, but probably a good thing because I shouldn't be spending money on clothes I don't need. I waited in line to get gas for $3.59/gal, and luckily I was able to fill up before everywhere started ridiculously jacking up prices above $4. The rest of the day consisted of being lazy, eating dinner and going to the The Women with Sara. Really good movie, lots of famous ladies in it. I recommend it, but its definitely a girls only kind of film:)
Saturday: Got up, went to my grandpa's house to start cleaning out some of the junk now that he has moved to the assisted living place. Its going to be quite an ordeal getting that place emptied out! Went back home to get ready for a bridal shower. The shower was really fun--in a gorgeous house in North Raleigh, lots of ladies sitting around chatting and eating pretty finger foods. Kim got some really great stuff for the new house too! That night I finally went over to Sara's for our long-planned sleepover. We went out to dinner and spent the night watching the Coco Chanel lifetime movie and wishing that we had a Chanel wardrobe.
Sunday: We caught up on plenty of girl chatting/venting/complaining, which is necessary sometimes. We also managed to learn how to use my dad's power drill to put up Sara's new curtains in her guest room. This was obviously a thrill! I went home later in the afternoon and went to my grandparent's house for dinner that night--yummy as usual.
Monday: Didn't go into the office because I had an interview in Virginia for the job I phone-interviewed for last week. Drove up in the morning with my parents, went downtown to try and find an apartment guide, had lunch, rode by a couple of (crappy) apartments, then had an interview at the bank's corporate headquarters. Everyone was really nice--a woman prayed with me in the elevator on the way to my interview hah!--and I think it went well. Then she sent me to a branch location for another interview that lasted almost 2 hours. Obscene. To me, this was complete overkill, especially for a job that isn't going to pay me that much in the first place! But I made it through finally, and was completely exhausted at the end of the day. We started home, went to Cracker Barrel on the way, and finally got back around 10 last night. Long day, but hopefully worthwhile in the end.
Needless to say today i'm exhausted and am planning on going to bed at 9 pm! I've got a few errands to run after work, but if its pouring rain like it is right now, i'll probably (thankfully) go straight home. At least Tuesday is almost over yay!
RIP, TRL
This is tragic. I miss the good old days of TRL circa 1998-2002, when I watched religiously every day at 3:30 pm. I guess TRL has been going downhill since then--I sadly haven't seen it since high school. Long live the days of the BSB, NSync, Britney and, of course, Carson Daly! The Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus definitely don't even compare.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Honestly?
Lauren Conrad, fiction author? Seriously people...the world has obviously run out of talent if she has scored a 3-book deal. How did this happen?
Blah
Nothing new to speak of.
I've spent the morning prematurely researching apartments in Richmond. Mostly looking at pretty pictures of the ones I can't afford, and unfortunately writing down the info for the crappy ones that I can afford. I hate not having any money. Living at home and having no expenses is fantastic. 100% of my paycheck is expendable income! Bright side: moving out=adventure, independance, a little excitment in my life. Down side: no money, making new friends, no more shopping whenever I want. Sigh.
To do:
1. Make an appt to have makeup done tomorrow. I need new foundation, so i'm going to the mall to have them find my perfect shade for me because I suck at picking out makeup.
2. Email the bank I interviewed with in Chapel Hill/start harrassing them to give me a job.
3. Bed Bath & Beyond to get a bridal shower gift for this weekend.
Also, i'm definitely thinking about 9/11 today...very hard not to. Its a gray soggy day, and I think that's pretty appropriate.
I've spent the morning prematurely researching apartments in Richmond. Mostly looking at pretty pictures of the ones I can't afford, and unfortunately writing down the info for the crappy ones that I can afford. I hate not having any money. Living at home and having no expenses is fantastic. 100% of my paycheck is expendable income! Bright side: moving out=adventure, independance, a little excitment in my life. Down side: no money, making new friends, no more shopping whenever I want. Sigh.
To do:
1. Make an appt to have makeup done tomorrow. I need new foundation, so i'm going to the mall to have them find my perfect shade for me because I suck at picking out makeup.
2. Email the bank I interviewed with in Chapel Hill/start harrassing them to give me a job.
3. Bed Bath & Beyond to get a bridal shower gift for this weekend.
Also, i'm definitely thinking about 9/11 today...very hard not to. Its a gray soggy day, and I think that's pretty appropriate.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
washout
Just got back from lunch with a co-worker and now i'm sitting at my desk soaking wet from the thigh down becasue its POURING rain haha. Lovely. We went to a really cute little sandwich shop with pretty paintings on the wall and linen tablecloths. So pretty! And it was in an old area of downtown Raleigh which I love--maybe one day i'll actually have enough money to buy a house somewhere down there.
I had my phone interview yesterday with a bank in Richmond. It went really well, and i'm going up there on Monday for an in-person interview and a visit to one of their branches. The job actually seems like something I'd really enjoy, and it would be an awesome way to get my foot in the door in banking--which has been my goal all along. The only problem is that it would be base salary plus commission, and the base salary is reeeeally low. So i'm not even sure that I could actually afford the move. I don't really know anyone in the area, so living by myself would be expensive. And, in general, Richmond is more expensive than Raleigh anyway. Sigh. Nothing is ever perfect. I'm just going to go up on Monday and get a feel for it. If its actually fiscally possible, then maybe i'll go for it and finally be legitamitly employed! Its definitely exciting no matter what the outcome.
I had my phone interview yesterday with a bank in Richmond. It went really well, and i'm going up there on Monday for an in-person interview and a visit to one of their branches. The job actually seems like something I'd really enjoy, and it would be an awesome way to get my foot in the door in banking--which has been my goal all along. The only problem is that it would be base salary plus commission, and the base salary is reeeeally low. So i'm not even sure that I could actually afford the move. I don't really know anyone in the area, so living by myself would be expensive. And, in general, Richmond is more expensive than Raleigh anyway. Sigh. Nothing is ever perfect. I'm just going to go up on Monday and get a feel for it. If its actually fiscally possible, then maybe i'll go for it and finally be legitamitly employed! Its definitely exciting no matter what the outcome.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Birthday Countdown Begins
Nothing much to update on today. I've got an exciting phone interview in about an hour. Hopefully it'll go well and they'll want to see my beautiful self in person haha! I have a good feeling about this one. Otherwise, I've got to run a few errands tonight after work. Maybe the bank and Target. I'm going to save anything else for my Friday afternoon. I just hope its not rainy and disgusting this afternoon...I hate driving home in gross weather.
One hilarious thing to share: I got my last Wake Forest yearbook in the mail yesterday, and magically opened up to the Phi Mu page. Not only is there a picture of just my head--not doing anything fun, or with other people, just me--but there is a full page blow up of Erin, my former roomie, and one other girl in our sorority. Hahaha. It was so amazing that I had to call Erin to inform her of it--she'll hopefully get her yearbook today and can enjoy her giant photo herself.
Birthday countdown: 15 days! Wooo! I'm thinking of going to the new Raleigh McCormick and Schmick's for my b-day dinner. I've heard really great things.
One hilarious thing to share: I got my last Wake Forest yearbook in the mail yesterday, and magically opened up to the Phi Mu page. Not only is there a picture of just my head--not doing anything fun, or with other people, just me--but there is a full page blow up of Erin, my former roomie, and one other girl in our sorority. Hahaha. It was so amazing that I had to call Erin to inform her of it--she'll hopefully get her yearbook today and can enjoy her giant photo herself.
Birthday countdown: 15 days! Wooo! I'm thinking of going to the new Raleigh McCormick and Schmick's for my b-day dinner. I've heard really great things.
Monday, September 8, 2008
shopaholic
Another Monday at the office. This past weekend was uneventful. Mostly just hung around my house, ate too much food, did more purging of my closet and read plenty of magazines. Luckily the tropical storm wasn't bad, and it just did a lot of raining..not too windy or scary. Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon with Sara watching Sex and the City dvds and complaining about men. Its always fun to have those days:)
This week shouldn't be too bad. Tomorrow I have my last scheduled interview--for now. It sounds really interesting and will hopefully go well! Bad thing about phone interviews: no facial expressions/body language to gauge how things are going. Good thing about phone interviews: no suit wearing required! Otherwise, I think i'm going out for lunch with a co-worker tomorrow. I've also already set aside Friday afternoon for some serious shopping. I've got to get another bridal shower gift for this weekend. Everyone needs to stop getting married! Also, I was browsing the Old Navy & Gap websites this morning, and there is some great stuff! I usually hate Old Navy, but I'm definitely going to go try some stuff on this week. It looks great online, but who knows once I get up close in the store.
From ON's new fall stuff:
Friday, September 5, 2008
Another list
Things I will most likely do this weekend:
1. Read Cosmo and/or my current book, I Was Told There'd Be Cake
2. Get rained on by mean Tropical Storm Hanna
3. Have a few phone convo catch-ups
4. Eat yummy food
5. Continue the excavation of my junk from my room/house
6. Go to a free concert tonight (if its not pouring)
7. Watch bad ABC Family channel movies
8. Try to get some exercize
9. Buy a new dvd player
10. Sleep!
1. Read Cosmo and/or my current book, I Was Told There'd Be Cake
2. Get rained on by mean Tropical Storm Hanna
3. Have a few phone convo catch-ups
4. Eat yummy food
5. Continue the excavation of my junk from my room/house
6. Go to a free concert tonight (if its not pouring)
7. Watch bad ABC Family channel movies
8. Try to get some exercize
9. Buy a new dvd player
10. Sleep!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
hurricane a'coming
Went to the grocery store last night, and loved the fact that the store had stocked up on bread, milk, and they had even moved cases of bottled water to the front of the store. Gotta love hurricane season in the South. Hopefully it won't actually be horrible, but I guess it is supposed to rain for the next few days. Blah. This morning I turned down that job offer I had mentioned earlier. After too much thinking about it, my gut feeling kept saying no. Even my parents agreed that I made the right decision in declining, so I definitely feel good about it. Yesterday afternoon I had a great interview with the place I'd LOVE to work. A few minutes after that, I got a call from a family friend who's the president of a bank in VA. He told me that his bank has an opening that i'd be great for, so now i've got another phone interview there next week. So, me being the fate-believer that I am, I took all that as I sign that there's definitely bigger and better things on the horizon. And now i'm a baller who turns other people down, instead of vice versa:)
Today i'm not feeling so hot. I'm sticking it out here at the day job as long as I can, but i'm not sure i'm going to stay all day. I might just need a sleeping/tylenol/hot chocolate afternoon, or if it gets worse I might drag myself to my favorite urgent care that brought me back to life after mono. We shall see.
Overall, i'm feeling pretty great about life. Lots of new possibilities, which could include moving out on my own to a new place, and maybe reuniting with some friends who I would absolutely love to see. And my birthday is in 20 days, and i've been thinking about what kind of spectacular celebration I want. Can't wait!
Side note: I definitely heard Darius Rucker's (aka Hootie) new country cong on the radio this morning...tear.
Today i'm not feeling so hot. I'm sticking it out here at the day job as long as I can, but i'm not sure i'm going to stay all day. I might just need a sleeping/tylenol/hot chocolate afternoon, or if it gets worse I might drag myself to my favorite urgent care that brought me back to life after mono. We shall see.
Overall, i'm feeling pretty great about life. Lots of new possibilities, which could include moving out on my own to a new place, and maybe reuniting with some friends who I would absolutely love to see. And my birthday is in 20 days, and i've been thinking about what kind of spectacular celebration I want. Can't wait!
Side note: I definitely heard Darius Rucker's (aka Hootie) new country cong on the radio this morning...tear.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
NO!!
I just read on wikipedia that Hootie & the Blowfish announced last week that they are no longer making new albums or touring so that Darius Rucker, the lead singer, can give his country music career a try! This is devastating news! My favorite band since 5th grade and my first concert ever. At least Matthew and I got to see them 2 years ago on their last major tour. Sigh...oh the memories.
Also, today is my very very important phone interview for a very exciting job! Eek so exciting/scary!
Also, today is my very very important phone interview for a very exciting job! Eek so exciting/scary!
Happy September!
I've been so preoccupied with my crazy life changes/new decisions, that I almost forgot its finally September, my favorite month of the year! Not only is it my birthday month (yay!), but its also the start of fall, cooler weather, and pretty fall clothes. I still get that sense of newness and anticipation from beginning a new school year--even though i'm definitely not in school anymore. But I still love this month and this time of year. There's something fresh and crisp about the start of this new season. And, I realize that fall doesn't officially arrive until a couple of days before my b-day, but I feel kind of like its coming early right now. If only the weather would actually start to cool...i'm definitely over the 90+ temps every day.
Obviously yesterday I received a job offer and wasn't really sure what I was going to do. I think i've made my choice, but i'm not going to write anything down to jinx anything. And i've also got some negotiating still going on in my brain, so who knows what the end result will really be. I'll definitely update whenever I finally decide for good!
Obviously yesterday I received a job offer and wasn't really sure what I was going to do. I think i've made my choice, but i'm not going to write anything down to jinx anything. And i've also got some negotiating still going on in my brain, so who knows what the end result will really be. I'll definitely update whenever I finally decide for good!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Job Offer
Just got back to the office and i'm definitely feeling more conflicted than ever. Shouldn't a long anticipated job offer feel better than this? I really hate all this thinking and planning and weighing options. This shouldn't be so hard! So, i'm sure this will be a long afternoon of me pro/con-ing and probably not making much progress.
Nervous/Excited
In my world, where little happens & even the smallest thing is reason for celebration, a LOT has been going on in the past 4 days. I've gone from being an unemployable loser to someone with lots of potential that's about to be realized(?), and i've actually been having a really good time. Weekend recap:
Friday. I was at the office in the morning as usual. Right before I left around lunch time, I read the news that John McCain picked first term governor of Alaska Sarah Palin to be his first mate..running mate, whatever. At first I thought that this was crazy and unrealistic, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. Gov. Palin seems like a great woman who truly and deeply believes in things that are important to her, and I can definitely respect that. She is more conservative than I am on some things, but I still appreciate her ideals. And I really like the fact that she's a wild-woods ex-beauty queen Alaskan with 5 kids and good hair. I'd really like to see her in the White House.
Also on Friday, I went to get my oil changed which took forever. But while I was waiting I got two phone calls: one for a second interview this morning at 10, where I think I may be offered a job. The other was from my dream job place of work, and I have a phone interview with them tomorrow. Normally I think options are a great thing, but my current options are stressing me out. I thought the day I was offered a job (finally), I would jump for joy and immediately sign on the dotted line. And now I might be in that situation this morning (knock on wood), and i'm not completely thrilled because I know that there's a small possibility that something bigger and better is looming out there. Still not sure what i'm going to do if i'm actually presented the options that I think I will be, but i've definitely got that nervous excitment going on right now. More updates to come i'm sure.
Saturday. Drove up to the mountains in Virginia with my parents for the world's biggest labor day weekend flea market. It didn't disappoint, as usual. I got a great Coach knock-off and some other odds and ends. I just love looking around at all the crap for sale and people watching. Needless to say I was exhausted by the time we got home and passed out in my bed until Sunday morning. Sunday was nothing too special. Went to church for the first time in a long while, did some closet reorganization with my fall clothes, and went out to dinner with the fam.
Monday. Lots of cleaning and organizing. Chick-fil-a was giving out free chicken strips to anyone wearing their favorite football team logo, so of course I went all decked out in WF stuff. The strips were very tasty. Last night I went over to Sara's boyfriend's new house to have dinner with them which was lots of fun. They are one couple that I don't feel totally third wheel-like when its just the 3 of us hanging out--definitely a good thing. I ate waaay too much chips and dip, but we had a really good time and I got to try this new kind of fruity beer which I actually liked!
So, today is Tuesday and its back to the office as usual. I've got to leave in a few minutes and go out for my interview. I hope I can bring my shrewd negotiating skills to the table (if I need them). Wish me luck!
Friday. I was at the office in the morning as usual. Right before I left around lunch time, I read the news that John McCain picked first term governor of Alaska Sarah Palin to be his first mate..running mate, whatever. At first I thought that this was crazy and unrealistic, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. Gov. Palin seems like a great woman who truly and deeply believes in things that are important to her, and I can definitely respect that. She is more conservative than I am on some things, but I still appreciate her ideals. And I really like the fact that she's a wild-woods ex-beauty queen Alaskan with 5 kids and good hair. I'd really like to see her in the White House.
Also on Friday, I went to get my oil changed which took forever. But while I was waiting I got two phone calls: one for a second interview this morning at 10, where I think I may be offered a job. The other was from my dream job place of work, and I have a phone interview with them tomorrow. Normally I think options are a great thing, but my current options are stressing me out. I thought the day I was offered a job (finally), I would jump for joy and immediately sign on the dotted line. And now I might be in that situation this morning (knock on wood), and i'm not completely thrilled because I know that there's a small possibility that something bigger and better is looming out there. Still not sure what i'm going to do if i'm actually presented the options that I think I will be, but i've definitely got that nervous excitment going on right now. More updates to come i'm sure.
Saturday. Drove up to the mountains in Virginia with my parents for the world's biggest labor day weekend flea market. It didn't disappoint, as usual. I got a great Coach knock-off and some other odds and ends. I just love looking around at all the crap for sale and people watching. Needless to say I was exhausted by the time we got home and passed out in my bed until Sunday morning. Sunday was nothing too special. Went to church for the first time in a long while, did some closet reorganization with my fall clothes, and went out to dinner with the fam.
Monday. Lots of cleaning and organizing. Chick-fil-a was giving out free chicken strips to anyone wearing their favorite football team logo, so of course I went all decked out in WF stuff. The strips were very tasty. Last night I went over to Sara's boyfriend's new house to have dinner with them which was lots of fun. They are one couple that I don't feel totally third wheel-like when its just the 3 of us hanging out--definitely a good thing. I ate waaay too much chips and dip, but we had a really good time and I got to try this new kind of fruity beer which I actually liked!
So, today is Tuesday and its back to the office as usual. I've got to leave in a few minutes and go out for my interview. I hope I can bring my shrewd negotiating skills to the table (if I need them). Wish me luck!
Friday, August 29, 2008
FRIDAY!
Definitely the best day of the week. Today i'm leaving the day job around lunch time, then i've got to get my car serviced and run a few other errands. Might take a trip to the mall somewhere in there too:) I love the fact that this is a 3 day weekend. I'm most likely going to the mountains for my usual trip to the "world's largest labor day weekend flea market". Thank God for the South. This place is actually where I get my supply of really good fake designer bags (or stolen...not so sure, but I do know you can't tell them from the real thing!). I'm sure i'll pick up some more there tomorrow even though that's basically the last thing in the world I should be buying. At least i'm not paying full price, as usual, though!
Happy Weekend!
Happy Weekend!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Insanity
Some people just have too much time on their hands. I love being up to date on the latest crazy art world news, and I just read this article on Radar. I've heard of the artist before--not for his overwhelming talent, but rather for his self portrait sculpture made from his own frozen blood. Weirdo. So this solid gold Kate Moss doesn't really come as a surprise, but it sounds like something for MOMA or the Tate Modern--definitely not the British Museum (a place that houses actual antiquities and valuable things). Ok, I guess that much gold is valuable, but still! People are ridiculous!
check out the hook
The first song I heard on the radio this morning in the car was "Ice Ice Baby", so I knew it was going to be a good day! Also, some of my coworkers were dancing in their offices earlier, so obviously something is going right. Happy Thursday, I guess!
Yesterday I got my new J Crew catalog in the mail, and I must admit that I want every single thing. There's just something about J Crew that I have always loved, and probably always will love. It probably has something to do with the fact that preppiness was bred into me from day one. Here are a few of the things that are definitely necessary for me to get:)
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