Growing up in Upstate New York, there are things you learn that people in other parts of the country never have the opportunity to. Such as driving in the rain, snow, sleet, and on black ice. To an Upstate New Yorker, being able to do this, and do it well is a must. Places such as D.C., Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth - not so much.
I am now living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and have learned rather quickly that people, to put it nicely, are morons. When you are told there is black ice on the roads, that doesn't mean slam your foot on the accelerator. Really people! Let's use some brain power here. Before getting up this morning, I called my boyfriend, and he said wait till the crazy's are off the road before heading in. Growing up, I never recall my parents saying "what until the crazy's are off the road." That and it could snow three feet and school still wouldn't be canceled!
Well sure enough, as I lay in bed, schools were closing left and right due to slick roads. My drive to work - 40 minutes. (Same as a typical day.) Roads were find. Yes, there were some slick parts, but when you know what to look for, you know how to drive.
Growing up, at least when we had a snow day, we actually had a good amount of snow to occupy our day. I am pretty sure both, kids and parents, were thankful for that!
As I continue to live on the places other than Rochester, I will have to watch out for the crazy's out there. I strongly urge everyone else to do the same. (Now I am not saying I am a saint, I am just a step above moron!)
After all - as my father very appropriately quoted a great country song: "God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy!"
Song: People are Crazy by Billy Currington
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, December 14, 2009
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?
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?
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, November 30, 2009
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? :)
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? :)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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!
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!
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