Reports Cards

When going through all those years of school, the one thing I dreaded the most was report cards. You always knew how you were doing, but this was the time you actually had to face it. And when those grades weren't so hot, you knew you weren't going to have a good weekend. However, you kept telling yourself, once you grow up, you never have to deal with that any more. Little do you know there are these things called annual reviews!

The email goes out during lunch that today is the day, starting at 1:00pm people would be called into the EVP's office for their review. Now if you look at my past....I have never really had a review where you are called into an office. EJK, my VP handed me the review paperwork and told me to fill it out and he would sign it. Not much of a review. WJ, I was emailed my review and asked to review it and to let my boss know if I had any questions. Not this time, this time I had to sweat it out and wait to be called into the bosses office.

My heart was racing, I was thinking back through the three months I have been here...have I done well? Did I do what was expected? You know, all the things you don't think about on a typical day. About 2:00 my phone buzzed and sure enough, the boss was calling me in. Now my heart was really racing. As I was walking down the hall, all I could do was work on placing one foot in front of the other and think "don't trip!". (Yes, I was a bit nervous.)

My review went well. The boss smiled at me when I walked in...which was reassuring. But as I sat there, I brought me back to report cards. I don't have to bring it home to my parents anymore, but I am still being graded. Am I worth keeping around? Is my work satisfactory or above average? Thankfully, I am worth keeping around, and my boss likes my work! But it just shows you, school...even though you may have graduated, it doesn't mean it gets any easier. School is just the beginning of what life holds. It is the stepping stones to your future. And yes, I get all this from report cards.

I still don't like them!

Where are you Christmas?

Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play

My world is changing
I'm rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too


It's one of those years, one where you just can't seem to place things. I am here looking at my desk...there is a contract that I am needing to review with my boss, one I am needing to pay, one I am needing to see through and my calendar. Everything neatly together, so I know what is what, and just the way I like it.

What I don't have is that Holiday Spirit. Everyone else has their office's decorated. Then there is mine. I am the one that turns the station when a Christmas song comes on. I have moved so much, that if I wanted to go "home" for Christmas, where would I go? It is all part of growing up and moving forward with your life and goals. Things change, home changes.

I could go back to Rochester, where most of my family resides as well as my friends. As for my immediate family, it is only my brother there. It would be Christmas with my brother, but not the parents.
I could go to DC, where my parents reside. However, if I go there, I get to see my parents, but my brother won't be there.
I could go to Phoenix and see Anita. She is family to me now, after all, she is who I spent so much time with when I was there. But then there would be no parents and brother.

What do I choose - I choose to stay in Texas. Why? I guess this is where I think I will be happier. If I go to either place, it won't be Christmas with out the missing half (parents or brother). If I stay in Texas, it will kinda be like just another day. I will still go to Christmas Service on Christmas Eve, but other than that, it will be Bart boy and I.

As I sit here, going through these contracts, maybe Christmas will find me. Maybe all the changes I have made in my life means I have to find a new Christmas. But what is that Christmas, and will I like it?

First Board Meeting

Well my weeks are back to normal. What ever normal is! Last week was my first Board Meeting, and it seemed to go extremely well. My favorite part was the cruise of Newport Harbor on the Wild Goose which is John Wayne's former yacht.

Le'Ann, one of my co-workers, and I ran around take numerous pictures so that the day would not be forgotten!

All in all, the weekend seemed to be a great success. The weather was a bit chiller than expected. But then that seems to be likewise every where, Dallas was getting snow while we were in California. The trip gave me a chance to get to know Le'Ann better and well as meet some great board members! It is a good reminder of why I love my job!

Every time you travel, at least for me, my favorite part is returning home. I was able to catch an earlier flight home, which made my day. Even if I was stuck sitting next to a guy wearing Patchouli Oil that made me gag the entire flight. (Sorry to those that like it, but it makes me so sick to my stomach.) I get home to a wonderful dinner Tony made (Chicken and sausage!) while we watch Sunday Night Football. It doesn't get better than that, now does it?! Yes, I threw on my Fitzgerald jersey just to help cheer on the Cardinals!

Well, I best get back to work. Time to start planning the next meeting. :) Louisville, Kentucky here we come!

Whirwind

Thanksgiving weekend flew by, as did today. This weekend I was able to spend some time with a good friend of mine. Watch some great movies, and caught up on some sleep. It was the perfect weekend.

Today was back to the grind. For this week is my first board meeting with my new job. Today I spend the entire day putting the shipment together. Printing badges, rosters, tent cards...you name it. When it is all said and done, the stuff is packed and ready to head off to California. Thankfully, I don't leave until Thursday. That provides me a couple more days to figure out what I forgot. After all, once the shipment is gone, there is no way for me to go back and double check that it is correct. Makes for a couple sleepless nights, but hey, it is par for the course. :) Hopefully a good workout will help calm some nerves.

Tony taught me some new exercises to help work on my stomach. And one nice comment - no more milkshakes. That I was not too fond of. I have one freakin milkshake a year, and I am getting crap for it! But then, I guess it is good, for it makes me work out. Other than that, I have been running. Trying to get my speed up. Not sure I will make it today, allergies have been tough on the whole breathing thing, and the office smells like stain due to new cabinets going up in the kitchen. That isn't good to breath in either. Excuses...I know!! :)

Well, I best go change to workout. After all, even if I only run for 15 minutes, it beats not running at all. Right? :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Since it is the time of the year to be thankful, I decided to share my list. And I hope others do as well.

1. I am thankful for the love of my family. Through all the changes and new obstacles that arise throughout the year, my family has always been there for support and encouragement.
2. A wonderful brother who keeps me under his wing. To this day, if I call him to say hello and he is busy - he will still answer his phone and ask "are you okay?" My answer is always yes, and he indicates he will call me later. He is a good brother.
3. My job. I was provided an opportunity to take a new adventure and it was one I took with much excitement. My boss is tough, but kind. My co-workers...they are opening up to me.
4. My Father. For he gives me the strength when I feel as if I have none left. He drove with me from Phoenix...not many father's do that anymore. He has encouraged me to be the person I am today. Now, I may not be perfect, but I am me.
5. My friends. Kelly #2, for we keep each other in line. Anita - for we have many things to laugh about and she provides lots of wisdom. Bobby - well...for being him. Tony - for all the laughs. Kacey - for being the best kid sister a girl could ask for - i am proud of you!
6. My my faith, for with out my faith I would be lost. For the love of our Lord keeps me going, even when you feel there is no one to talk to, you have One that will never leave your side. How can you not love that!
7. For my health. So many people have been sick this year, and I am blessed to have a pretty much healthy year.
8. For shelter - I am grateful to have a roof over my head, and a refrigerator full of yummy food!
9. Freedom. We have so many wonderful young men and women who keep fighting for our freedom, one thing we should never take for granted. Every day we should be thanking them for doing when I can not do. Not everyone has that courage!
10. Bart. Now he may be big boned, but he sure is fun to have around. :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with the people they care about. Please take time to give your thanks and remember what we have been given, and how spoiled we really are. We all live amazing lives, yes we have those trying times, but when it boils down to it, we are all lucky to be living they way we do.

Just another day

Things are continuing to go well, it has only been about a month and a half, but things are going well. I am still enjoying where I live, enjoy my job, and so far, I have had a little bit of a life. Now remember this, for we are coming up on the holiday's and I am staying in Texas. So when I write and say I miss my friends and family - it is primarily due to the holiday season. Don't get me wrong, I miss them and all, but I am not sitting here depressed missing them!

I have it all planned out. This weekend, I am going to get my oil changed (exciting I know), and look at fun recipes I can make for the Thanksgiving weekend. Little odds and ends items that I can munch on through cheesey movies, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and football games. Since it is just me (and Bart boy) I will try to make it a good one.
Last Thanksgiving, my friend and I started it off with a hike. Maybe I will do something similar, before the parade (depending on when it starts) get a workout in. That way it is done, and I can proceed to eat what I want.

No good stories to tell. Mom was in town this past weekend. It was a quick trip - flew in Friday night and left Sunday morning. Quick. However, we did manage to get my place decorated...just not my bedroom. I will probably play with that over Thanksgiving weekend as well. Move things around. That and reorganize some closets. Any who, back to mom's visit. We spent quite a bit of money, but we just lucked out with finding a lot of great items. Bart Boy is still trying to get some of the new hangings off the wall, but luckily no success yet. He will be in BIG trouble if/when he succeeds!

Well I best get, lots to do. Although I do wish it was the last half of the day rather than the first half!

Hey Y'all!

So much has changed since I last wrote. The biggest change of all, I have taken a new job and moved to Texas. I have been here for a little over a month now, and my routine is shaping up rather nicely.

So far, I have kept busy. Which is for the best, might I add. Moving to a location where you know few people, and those you know are your old co-workers...it can be tough. The old co-workers are not true friends that you can call when low or call at any point just to say hi. It is as if you are starting fresh, even with them. When it boils down to it, no friends and no family, yet here I am...happy.

My boss is incredible. He is kind, yet stern. Certainly not the guy that will sugar coat a mistake when you make one! Straight and to the point. It never leaves you guessing, so that is a plus. My boss invited me along with 10 other people to the Dickies 500 (Nascar) at the Texas Motor Speedway - needless to say, I was thrilled. Any car big car race (Nascar, Indy Car) they are all day events, and they are what you make of them. Boss knew I am an Indy Car fan, reason for the invite, and I was grateful. The Dickies 500 was my first Nascar race, and I was delighted to be there. It is tough to beat a full day of entertainment along with fried chicken and a frosty beverage!

My job is great. What I am doing is similar to what I did when I lived in DC, with a twist. Instead of planning conferences and inviting speakers, I help plan board meetings. Find the locations, plan the food, activities - the "fun" stuff. Yes, it has only been a month or so, but I am happy. Even though 95% of the office does not like me. Two people like me. The accountant and my boss. When it boils down to it, that is all I need, and I am happy.

Bart, you might be wondering how Bart took the move. He is a trooper, that's for sure! In our new apt, he has something he hasn't had before - a patio. Yes, I have had patios in past apartments, however, Bart was not allowed on them without being roped up and supervision. This patio, he can see through the railing, so I don't have to worry about him jumping up and over the railing on accident. He LOVES that patio. If he could spend all his days out there, watching birds, dogs, people - you name it - he would be in heaven!

I am still getting used to all the adjustments, but I am getting there. Slowly, but surely.

Leaving Phoenix was tougher than I thought it would be. It was quick. My friends found out that I was leaving after I gave my two week notice - for my friends/family in Phoenix were co-workers. Telling Anita, the person I saw more than anybody else, that was beyond tough. And telling her I was going to be gone...like really leave for TX my last day of work in Phoenix, that sucked. We still talk, and email just about every day. But I miss having someone around like her. We knew what foods eachother liked and how we liked them, what we did when we were stressed/mad/sad, how to make each other laugh, we knew when to make the other person take a break. Anita probably knows me the best, of any person I know due to how closely we worked together and how much time we spent together due to work. That type of friendship is rare, but I am glad I found it.

Anywho. Many changes have taken place, and now I am starting over. New location. New identity. It will be interesting to see how Texas is after a year.

New Roomie

So, it's come at last. At last it's come, the day I knew would come at last has come, at last. I am moving in...with a roommate.

You heard that right. Yep, I have gone and got myself a roommate. I have been living by myself since 2003. Lived with William, gave him a nice little nickname (which he had always hated all nicknames, but he allowed mine) of Willy. Now, not many people could call him that, mainly me...but he had a nickname. Willy. Willy was my first and last roommate. Last due to moving to a place I knew no one. First, well, now that was because I begged! He gave in. :)

Willy and I had a good year. Ended not so well, but we recovered. And here I am 6-7 years later moving in with a roommate. Here's the shocker for those that know me, it's a girl. Yep, found me a girl roommate. I will admit, that I never saw coming. 8 years ago, I swore I would never room with a girl. Broke that promise to myself. HA.

Her name - Kelly. No I am not moving in with myself. I am moving in with another girl named Kelly. For the longest time we heard "it's the Kelly's!" - yea we are over that. We actually really dislike it. So be it. She is nice. We are both stubborn, hard working, stubborn...yea - bound for trouble. We are already disputing who gets the "other" bedroom. Sad I know. Neither of us want the room with the walk in closest. No Sir. And I have to say - I will even say, since I have a cat, I can't have the master...with the master there is no place for me to put the litter box. But that is a whole other story.

We move a week from today. This is my last week to listen to MY music, watch what I want to watch, do what ever I want to do. And what am I doing, writing to who ever reads this! haha...that is how awesome i am!

Well, as I give up half of MY space..y'all pray for me, for I will need it! TRUST ME. This is a huge change for me.

g'night all - for it is time for me to get back to packing.

Oh bla de Oh bla da

Today is only Tuesday, wish it were Thursday or Friday, but it is only Tuesday. The week has already been full of headaches...but hey, I am still breathing and there is food in my belly, so I can't complain. Not in the mood to talk to anyone, and I owe calls to friends to catch up. Funny how that is. When you want to talk, you are too busy. When you have the time, you just want silence.

Silence is nice. I can sit here and look out the windows to Thunderbird Park Mountains, blue skies (not a cloud in site) and just space out. Let the mind wander off into Kelly Land. Or sit and read a book. Friday night and Saturday I read Every Little Thing About You by Lori Wick. I really enjoyed it. It was another book that made me look into my life and think about who I am and does that make me happy. Someday I would like to climb to the top of Squaw Peak or Camelback Mt and just sit for a while. Take it all in. Pray. Read a little. Just have some me time, i don't know. Whenever I sit here and look at the mountains, I think about being at the top just taking it all in.

Instead I sit here, glass of wine and typing. :) Maybe tonight i will read some more. After all, that is what I got a library card for. Oh yea, you heard that right - i went and got me one of those library cards. hehe. I haven't had one since I was a little girl. Lost that one and never wanted to pay the $1 to replace it! (that sounds more like me!)

Well I am off to...time for me to do something!

HERE WE GO CARDINALS, HERE WE GO!

HOW AMAZING WAS THE CARD'S GAME ON SUNDAY?! Was that not exciting?! Man, that last quarter my heart was racing. I couldn't even sit on the couch I was so nervous. And it was all worth it for that happy ending. :) The Arizona Cardinal's are going to the Superbowl for the first time!

If you are wondering, yes, I was one of many that ordered a jersey Monday morning. How can you live in Arizona, Phoenix for that matter, and not wear a Card's jersey for Superbowl?! My jersey was shipped today - so i have a chance to test it out before the BIG day. :) (it is important to test these things out, ya know.)

So - for those of you who are family and do not live in the area -when i ask you who you are rooting for. The CORRECT and ONLY answer is - "DUH! THE CARD'S!" The ONLY people I will accept Steelers from is Craig W. and The Harings. No one else. GOT IT!

GO CARDINALS!

Where am i?

It has been a long/short/huh? week. After returning from upstate New York, did some laundry, and headed off to a Cardinal's game at my friends house. A group of us went, so I guess you could call it a "party". I had been home a day, so was able to get some sleep. Cardinals were playing the Falcons - we had a great day. The gathering started at 2, and the amount of food in that place was AMAZING! Here is a group shot after the game where we were all very happy with "our" win (as if we had something to do with it! :)

Needless to say - it was a fun afternoon/night. Ending with Dale (the one sitting in the jersey) grabbing his huge blanket and pillow and falling asleep watching Monsters Inc. Yep - great day.

The following day, I left for Houston. It was a long week of work, but one of my fav sales guys was there (Dizzle) - so all was good. Long week of very little sleep. None of us slept, not sure why seeing we were all in bed by 9:30 every night. You would have thought, by looking at us all, that we were out painting the town red every night we were there. NOPE! In bed - tossing and turning. Show went well, don't care for Houston, but i left content. Got home around 1:30am and was at work the next day. Whoo hoo! Wish I could say I was bright eyed, but that I was not.

Saturday was the next Cardinal's game. This time we met at a dive bar and grill, for most of us were leaving for New Orleans (NOLA) the next morning. Cardinal's were playing the Panther's. Poor Panther's. Game started out well for them...for the first two minutes. After that, the Card's kicked a little tushy! Oh yea baby! Cards are now one win away from the Super Bowl! :) Sad to say, I was a poor sport and was home in bed watching the second half of the game. The no sleep in Houston and having to leave the next morning...yea, i needed to get some rest.

Sunday morning - Anita was at my place at 7:15 ready to head off to NOLA. We did the whole travel bit. Got there, hit the casino (my boss and I ate while the rest gambled. Why gamble away money when you can buy food with it? i just don't get it!) After an hour of that, it was time to get dressed to meet with our clients. The gathering in NOLA with our clients went well. We had rented a balcony off Bourbon St - threw some beads, had a hurricane (or two...but i was using the toddler size cup, not the big girl cup!) and did some client talk! After that, we hit a club two doors down as a group to say "see you soon!" and headed off to bed.

It was a great night! I had given my hotel room to Dizzle, who decided to come last minute, and I shared a room with Anita. Due to the last minute changes, we had a king size bed. Did we care? nope...we wanted sleep! The next morning, i roll over and ask for breakfast. She was looking through the breakfast options and saw "Breakfast for two" - I decided that was what I wanted! Anita refused to order, and she was wondering why i was mad. HELLO. But we still had our breakfast in bed. Anita with her eggs and bacon (hoping the grease would cure her hangover) and me with my waffles laughing at her. For I didn't drink as much as she did, and i ate...she didn't eat.

Besides the shower that morning, everything was done around that bed. Breakfast was in bed. We did our make-up in bed. We didn't leave that bed until we had to, even though we had plenty of sleep, we both could have slept longer.

Today Anita and I were both at work at 7 to workout to The Biggest Loser workout dvd. After work, we both hit the grocery store and bought as many veggies and fruit we think we can consume this week. Work has the biggest loser competition going and we want to show off how good we will look. (Since we are in Phoenix and our Corp. Office is in Dallas - they don't see us much!) Wish us luck. :)

Well I am off to bed. Gotta be up early to work out. :(

Cheers!

Happy New Year!

Time to start thinking about the upcoming year. What you want to get done, places you want to visit. The whole sha-bang!

2008 went extremely quick. Starting with a new company in April really took me out of my comfort zone. I went from job security to no job security - which was what I wanted. I wanted to prove myself. That I am still doing! The year ended well, I spent my last week of 2008 back in upstate New York with some close friends and Family.

This is Christmas Day, a great shot showing the love between my brother and I. While we were taking family portraits Kyle received a text and as he responded that was my opportunity for a swig (thanks Anita). Hey, the things you have to do to get through spending quality time with the fam. It can be tough!

Christmas morning, the rents and I went over to Kyle's for breakfast and Mimosa's. Can't have a family breakfast without Mimosa's! Right?! Breakfast was great! Kyle made corn beef hash, peppercorn bacon, eggs and pancakes. Talk about yum on a plate (or 3). Yep I used three plates. I don't like when my foods touch, especially with egg. Call me crazy!

Christmas Dinner the four of us picked up Gramma and headed to our cousin's house for dinner. We had a few good laughs and ended the day with the four of us back at the hotel, sitting by the fire with our hot chocolates. Oh, yes, we did have peppermint schnapps in our hot chocolate! We know how to make it right. :)

Shot of the fam on Christmas morning!

Christmas Day, Kari was supposed to fly in for Friday, the day after, was our 10 year High School Reunion. Yes, we are still that young! Due to illness, Kar was unable to make the flight...so I rounded up the troops (willing or not) and got started. Oh, the troops - who were they you ask?! Only the most dependable people, my lovely mother dearest, the handsome father, the loving Aunt Mary, and the caring Uncle Steve. Yep. The all pitched in and with out there help, I wouldn't have been able to get everything done in time. Dad and Uncle Steve hit music since we realized we had no music at all planned. Mom and Aunt Mary hit balloons and center pieces. Due to their help, the reunion was a great success!

Shot from the reunion - Laurie B., Justin L., Mike K., myself, and Sara T. (Even though I look preggo - I'm not! I just need to exercise a bit more. okay, more than a bit - lay off. geez!)

The rest of the week flew by quickly. I was able to see Matty and his fiance and their families for dinner. Hung out with the Provo's. Met some more of Kyle's friends. And my last night it town I was able to meet up with Jamie, Kacey and Kacey's boyfriend Bill. When it came time to leave, that was tough. When home, I was able to see some of my closest friends and spend much time laughing and picking up right where we left off. That and them asking "when are you moving back!?" Which is sweet if you think about it...that they want me home. But I have to be where my job is. As much as I love them all...Phoenix is where I work.

Now that I am back in Phoenix, I am thinking about the upcoming year. This year will hopefully be a fun one. Well, starting next Monday. This Monday I leave for Houston, get back Thursday night (technically Friday morning) and leave Sunday for New Orleans to return that next morning. Once those two trips are over...all will be good! Or so I hope.

I hope everyone had a great 2008 and is looking forward to their 2009!