They always say that your thirties are better than your twenties, and it has definitely been true for me. I'm smarter, wiser, emotionally more aware and stronger, and am able to make better choices. I'm better off financially and though not currently (!), have been healthier physically than I was in my twenties.
My twenties were fraught with poor decisions, bad relationships and crappy finances with a little bit of positive mixed in. It IS when my career took off, it IS when I made the move to Arizona, and it IS where I learned my biggest life lessons.
Since I turned thirty (a handful of years ago), I eliminated a lot of the negativity and bad decisions in my life, and they instantly became positive things with very little work on my part. I lost 15lbs very quickly, I moved to Los Angeles on my own to start a new adventure, my career took off even more, I experienced single life, spent hours and hours and hours outdoors hiking and at the beach and met some incredible people who will always remain in my life that I wouldn't have met otherwise. I became more financially secure than I've ever been and made more money than I ever had. And when I moved back to Arizona, I met the most amazing person in the entire world just seven months ago.
So now, I am buying a home. Despite my screw ups financially in my 20s, I was able to bounce back quickly and qualify to buy a home when a lot of people can't these days. We wait to hear what the answer is on the bid we placed, and hope to be moving in at the end of October.
I am truly very lucky. Lessons learned, better decisions made, no looking back. My thirties are barely halfway complete, and I'm looking forward to the rest if they are THIS good!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
How Life Can Change...
Six months ago, I was a happily single, busily working girl who didn't have a lot of time for distracting things. I was going to the gym, hiking several times a week, working over 50 hours some weeks, and readjusting life in Phoenix (again) while missing all the fabulous people I left behind in LA.
Cut to today, where I am actually BUSIER than I was six months ago, with someone hugely important in my life, and who is as busy (or busier) than I am! Between the two of us, there have been 7 trips outside of Phoenix just since April. And there are 7 more still to go before the end of the year. Whether its to Canada for work, Texas for a conference, up north to see my parents or his in California, we feel as if we are never home. And when we are...
We are busy making more plans, searching for the perfect house, working on all my articles, my chats, my classes (both for me and to teach), and my book reviews, resume updating, job searching, taking care of his mother and meeting more people from his family. We try to squeeze some camping in there too, but whew....so busy.
But this weekend we get to head to California to spend time with his sister...and we are very much looking forward to it!
Meanwhile, I have been running chats on VSPN.org almost every month this year, and took a position as a Course Assistant (paid!) which starts in September. I have also completed 5 book reviews for them, with 2 more in the works, and am now writing them for NAVTA also. I was writing as the Phoenix Dog Health Examiner for a while, but I just have not found time (or the reward) to write them. In the midst of all this, trying to get some personal reading done, being horribly ill (still!) for 2 weeks, and getting prepared to sit for my Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) exam in 2 years (next year requires a LOT of prep work) is making spare time look completely out of reach. How people do all of this with children I will never understand!
Needless to say, my poor cats have been a tad neglected, and may be moving to better digs soon. The gym has been neglected as well as my volunteering, so those have added some guilt on top of the huge pile already!
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer a bit more than I have been able to....though I love being so busy! Now if it would just rain already!!
Cut to today, where I am actually BUSIER than I was six months ago, with someone hugely important in my life, and who is as busy (or busier) than I am! Between the two of us, there have been 7 trips outside of Phoenix just since April. And there are 7 more still to go before the end of the year. Whether its to Canada for work, Texas for a conference, up north to see my parents or his in California, we feel as if we are never home. And when we are...
We are busy making more plans, searching for the perfect house, working on all my articles, my chats, my classes (both for me and to teach), and my book reviews, resume updating, job searching, taking care of his mother and meeting more people from his family. We try to squeeze some camping in there too, but whew....so busy.
But this weekend we get to head to California to spend time with his sister...and we are very much looking forward to it!
Meanwhile, I have been running chats on VSPN.org almost every month this year, and took a position as a Course Assistant (paid!) which starts in September. I have also completed 5 book reviews for them, with 2 more in the works, and am now writing them for NAVTA also. I was writing as the Phoenix Dog Health Examiner for a while, but I just have not found time (or the reward) to write them. In the midst of all this, trying to get some personal reading done, being horribly ill (still!) for 2 weeks, and getting prepared to sit for my Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) exam in 2 years (next year requires a LOT of prep work) is making spare time look completely out of reach. How people do all of this with children I will never understand!
Needless to say, my poor cats have been a tad neglected, and may be moving to better digs soon. The gym has been neglected as well as my volunteering, so those have added some guilt on top of the huge pile already!
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer a bit more than I have been able to....though I love being so busy! Now if it would just rain already!!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Oh My Lord, Where Have I BEEN?!
If you haven't noticed that I haven't blogged for awhile, its either because you are bored with my blog (I understand why!) or i've been gone so long, you forgot I exist!
In fact, these two barely get to see me anymore :( and miss me like crazy!--->
At any rate, my mom berated me a bit for not blogging in awhile, so I figured I'd at least give you an update.
Work has been very busy for me. I've been working on average of 45 hours or more a week...nice for the pocketbook, less for my personal well being. That being said, I start at a new facility and with a new schedule in 2 weeks. Should be good. In addition to actual work, I have several projects going on OUTSIDE of work, but professionally related, including a bunch of chats I do for VSPN.org every month, articles for vettechlife.com and examiner.com (yeah, I need to write more for them!) and a BIG project for IVECCS which will require me to attend that conference again this year. It may very well be my first foray into lecturing on the national circuit...whoohoo!
Hiking, well, yeah, now its hot outside. Two days ago it hit 100 degrees for the fist time. A bit late for us here in Phoenix, but we'll take it! So I haven't hiked since mid-April. But I have been going to the gym at least once a week- more when I have the energy, and am really enjoying yoga and working with my trainer. In fact, I'm hoping to get to two yoga classes here this morning......
Traveling- been doing a little bit of it. Every weekend has been jam-packed since late April, and it appears that it will slow down in June- whew! The 'rents are coming in 2 weeks (yippeee!) and we will be spending some time up north together before they head to Portland. Its been over a year since I've seen them :( In the last month I've been to two weddings, in California and Nevada, and will be traveling again next weekend.
Have also had an amazing time keeping up with friends....either old friends at weddings or making new ones at work and parties, its been a busy month in both arenas. Just last night I went to dinner with two of the most amazing people in my life and had some great laughs! Trying to keep up with everyone becomes challenging with everyone's work schedules and locations, so have also had to put some catch-ups with some people on hold.....in due time! Have even had friends from High School in town that I was able to catch up with- how fun!! (seeing as how I went to HS in Chicago!)
And speaking of family, my baby sister got engaged last weekend to a great guy! I'm so very happy for her...this year will be one of her best on record with school, work, internships and now her engagement. They will be married in fall of 2011 and I can't wait for her new life (personal and career!) to begin!
And of course, the most IMPORTANT thing you've been waiting to hear about...YES, we are still together...which explains hugely why I haven't been here lately. We've been so busy with plans and things and life that sitting down to type a few paragraphs seems exhausting! But things couldn't be better. Everything is perfect, amazing, and wonderful.
And that, folks, is your BS news report. :D
In fact, these two barely get to see me anymore :( and miss me like crazy!--->
At any rate, my mom berated me a bit for not blogging in awhile, so I figured I'd at least give you an update.
Work has been very busy for me. I've been working on average of 45 hours or more a week...nice for the pocketbook, less for my personal well being. That being said, I start at a new facility and with a new schedule in 2 weeks. Should be good. In addition to actual work, I have several projects going on OUTSIDE of work, but professionally related, including a bunch of chats I do for VSPN.org every month, articles for vettechlife.com and examiner.com (yeah, I need to write more for them!) and a BIG project for IVECCS which will require me to attend that conference again this year. It may very well be my first foray into lecturing on the national circuit...whoohoo!
Hiking, well, yeah, now its hot outside. Two days ago it hit 100 degrees for the fist time. A bit late for us here in Phoenix, but we'll take it! So I haven't hiked since mid-April. But I have been going to the gym at least once a week- more when I have the energy, and am really enjoying yoga and working with my trainer. In fact, I'm hoping to get to two yoga classes here this morning......
Traveling- been doing a little bit of it. Every weekend has been jam-packed since late April, and it appears that it will slow down in June- whew! The 'rents are coming in 2 weeks (yippeee!) and we will be spending some time up north together before they head to Portland. Its been over a year since I've seen them :( In the last month I've been to two weddings, in California and Nevada, and will be traveling again next weekend.
Have also had an amazing time keeping up with friends....either old friends at weddings or making new ones at work and parties, its been a busy month in both arenas. Just last night I went to dinner with two of the most amazing people in my life and had some great laughs! Trying to keep up with everyone becomes challenging with everyone's work schedules and locations, so have also had to put some catch-ups with some people on hold.....in due time! Have even had friends from High School in town that I was able to catch up with- how fun!! (seeing as how I went to HS in Chicago!)
And speaking of family, my baby sister got engaged last weekend to a great guy! I'm so very happy for her...this year will be one of her best on record with school, work, internships and now her engagement. They will be married in fall of 2011 and I can't wait for her new life (personal and career!) to begin!
And of course, the most IMPORTANT thing you've been waiting to hear about...YES, we are still together...which explains hugely why I haven't been here lately. We've been so busy with plans and things and life that sitting down to type a few paragraphs seems exhausting! But things couldn't be better. Everything is perfect, amazing, and wonderful.
And that, folks, is your BS news report. :D
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sedona, Flagstaff...Our First Vacation/Camping Trip!
So we spent the night in Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon at Manzanita Campground, which sits right next to Oak Creek....which was flowing very nicely and noisely! :) Though a tad bit chilly, with the fire going and a few mixed drinks, the night stayed warm! Before we set up camp, we wandered around some trailheads and caught view of a GORGEOUS double waterfall across the creek and up probably a good 1,000 feet from where we were! Did some off trail hiking up a creek bed a couple times and came up with this awesome picture:
That may actually be where I got caught up on my facial tan! :)
Here is a picture of our campsite right next to the creek:
And this is a view from the hike we took around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock:
After camping in Sedona/Oak Creek for one night, we headed up to Flagstaff and got this beautiful picture of the San Francisco Peaks with all the snow on them!
Since I had never been to a ski resort, we made a side trip toward Humphrey's Peak and stopped at Snowbowl to play in the snow-
And then made our way to the Grand Canyon where there was still snow that we could play in....we weren't able to hike down Bright Angel trail because there was some serious ice on it, and required crampons to get down, of which we did not have. Instead, we are planning to hike down and camp overnight in the canyon in July...can't wait!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Got to hike today...whooohooo!
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Just did a quick 2.5 miler around a few small mountains at Squaw Peak. GORGEOUS though a bit cool today....after 3 days of pouring rain and wind. A very nice change!
Here are some pictures!
Meantime, I'm getting some last minute things together for a party this weekend, and our first camping trip. Going to try to get some time in at the gym, a yoga class and some side projects out of the way! :) Busy day off!!
Just did a quick 2.5 miler around a few small mountains at Squaw Peak. GORGEOUS though a bit cool today....after 3 days of pouring rain and wind. A very nice change!
Here are some pictures!
Meantime, I'm getting some last minute things together for a party this weekend, and our first camping trip. Going to try to get some time in at the gym, a yoga class and some side projects out of the way! :) Busy day off!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
WOW, Have I Been Missing For Awhile!
And for good reason!
Between work, and this new relationship, I have been a very, very busy girl.
In between those two time consumers (one is great, the other pays great!), I am also spending time with my personal trainer, spending time at the gym and volunteering 4 hours a week for the library. Oh yeah, and I've been busting my hump with some professional side projects (chat host, article writer, book reviewer) and was just offered another position as an article writer for a national news website....haven't decided if there is room in my life for that yet! Unfortunately the solo hiking has been cut WAY back :(
When he and I hang out, it has ranged from throwing darts at the local bar to hiking with friends, to checking out some new restaurants, to the recently very domesticated night at Home Depot and Target :) Not only did we make dinner TOGETHER last night (and it was mighty delish!), he made breakfast this morning AND packed my lunch for me today....NEVER in my wildest dreams......:D He also recently dumped my computer and set me up with all new software....very awesome!
Meanwhile, we are preparing for a friends wedding in a month in a half in Vegas, a hiking trip to Utah in June (in addition to or in place of Yosemite) and another wedding in November. I'd also still like to fly home at some point (and perhaps introduce him to the fam?!) as well as fly to Portland to see my sisters new hometown. My parents are also coming to visit in May/June and I will hopefully be getting new digs of my own in a month or so. Plus there are conferences I'd still like to get to for work, and small weekend trips and things we'd like to do and see....I'm not sure when we'll get it all done, but we will sure try!
Whew....just writing all the things I need to do (or attempt to do) has exhausted me...perhaps there is room in here for sleep somewhere!?
Between work, and this new relationship, I have been a very, very busy girl.
In between those two time consumers (one is great, the other pays great!), I am also spending time with my personal trainer, spending time at the gym and volunteering 4 hours a week for the library. Oh yeah, and I've been busting my hump with some professional side projects (chat host, article writer, book reviewer) and was just offered another position as an article writer for a national news website....haven't decided if there is room in my life for that yet! Unfortunately the solo hiking has been cut WAY back :(
When he and I hang out, it has ranged from throwing darts at the local bar to hiking with friends, to checking out some new restaurants, to the recently very domesticated night at Home Depot and Target :) Not only did we make dinner TOGETHER last night (and it was mighty delish!), he made breakfast this morning AND packed my lunch for me today....NEVER in my wildest dreams......:D He also recently dumped my computer and set me up with all new software....very awesome!
Meanwhile, we are preparing for a friends wedding in a month in a half in Vegas, a hiking trip to Utah in June (in addition to or in place of Yosemite) and another wedding in November. I'd also still like to fly home at some point (and perhaps introduce him to the fam?!) as well as fly to Portland to see my sisters new hometown. My parents are also coming to visit in May/June and I will hopefully be getting new digs of my own in a month or so. Plus there are conferences I'd still like to get to for work, and small weekend trips and things we'd like to do and see....I'm not sure when we'll get it all done, but we will sure try!
Whew....just writing all the things I need to do (or attempt to do) has exhausted me...perhaps there is room in here for sleep somewhere!?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
So much to discuss, so little time to do it!
Wow.
That's all I can say about this last week.
I think we've all been in that relationship that just seems meant to be from the first moment, and yet feel like that isn't something that is possible until you actually know the person.
That's where I am. And him as well.
We met on Monday the 1st. There has only been 2 days since then that I haven't seen him.
We've tried. We've sworn off seeing each other for 24 hours to make sure this remains healthy and new and exciting.
But we can't do it. Haven't been able to, not even close.
Even if its only for a stolen hour from work for Starbucks or a quick lunch...I've been with him almost every moment since our date last Friday...in fact, we stayed up so late on Friday, I only had 1 hour of sleep before work on Saturday...and broke my old record of 36 hours on 2 hours of sleep by staying up 43 hours (UGH!) on ONE hour of sleep.
Adrenaline does some amazing things.
We talk. A lot. About how crazy all this is...how can you be THIS comfortable with someone you barely know...How is it that it feels like I know everything about him when really I don't know more than 10 days worth of stuff....
I find myself giggling in yoga class...grinning when I see him, sighing when we are just chilling on the couch.
Could it be ....?
That's all I can say about this last week.
I think we've all been in that relationship that just seems meant to be from the first moment, and yet feel like that isn't something that is possible until you actually know the person.
That's where I am. And him as well.
We met on Monday the 1st. There has only been 2 days since then that I haven't seen him.
We've tried. We've sworn off seeing each other for 24 hours to make sure this remains healthy and new and exciting.
But we can't do it. Haven't been able to, not even close.
Even if its only for a stolen hour from work for Starbucks or a quick lunch...I've been with him almost every moment since our date last Friday...in fact, we stayed up so late on Friday, I only had 1 hour of sleep before work on Saturday...and broke my old record of 36 hours on 2 hours of sleep by staying up 43 hours (UGH!) on ONE hour of sleep.
Adrenaline does some amazing things.
We talk. A lot. About how crazy all this is...how can you be THIS comfortable with someone you barely know...How is it that it feels like I know everything about him when really I don't know more than 10 days worth of stuff....
I find myself giggling in yoga class...grinning when I see him, sighing when we are just chilling on the couch.
Could it be ....?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
New hike today and some other stuff..
MapMyHike.com | View 8A Alternate Loop in Phoenix, Arizona
Posted using ShareThis
Got up early today to enjoy this hike. Well, honestly, was going to go to a class at the gym, and in my head, I thought the class was at 8:45, when it was actually at 8:30. So by the time I realized it, it was too late to get there in time :( So that crappy moment turned into this pretty hike. Was a different route than I've taken before. Even had time to sit on a big old rock and soak all the sounds, smells and sights in...since very few other people were there to ruin the moment :)
Meanwhile, we're gearing up for our trip to Yosemite. If you haven't yet seen where we are headed, read my previous blog. Will be a fun and exciting, accomplished trip!
Yesterday I started my volunteerism for the Friends of the Phoenix Library. and was a great time. I was thinking that this would save me from my book addiction, but, I think it may make it worse! My job is to scan every single book that comes in on donation to see if it is worth them posting online for some money, or selling in their used book stores or warehouse sales. So I more or less touch every.single.book. that comes in. Weeheee. BUT, this also means I have direct access to all these books before anyone else does!!!! Yikes!
And last night, went on my first date in SEVERAL months...was very very nice with awesome company! :) Ate a restaurant near downtown Phoenix called Switch. Had a horribly yummy blueberry martini and some delish food. And did I mention that the company was awesome (and cute!) :)
Off to work! :D
Posted using ShareThis
Got up early today to enjoy this hike. Well, honestly, was going to go to a class at the gym, and in my head, I thought the class was at 8:45, when it was actually at 8:30. So by the time I realized it, it was too late to get there in time :( So that crappy moment turned into this pretty hike. Was a different route than I've taken before. Even had time to sit on a big old rock and soak all the sounds, smells and sights in...since very few other people were there to ruin the moment :)
Meanwhile, we're gearing up for our trip to Yosemite. If you haven't yet seen where we are headed, read my previous blog. Will be a fun and exciting, accomplished trip!
Yesterday I started my volunteerism for the Friends of the Phoenix Library. and was a great time. I was thinking that this would save me from my book addiction, but, I think it may make it worse! My job is to scan every single book that comes in on donation to see if it is worth them posting online for some money, or selling in their used book stores or warehouse sales. So I more or less touch every.single.book. that comes in. Weeheee. BUT, this also means I have direct access to all these books before anyone else does!!!! Yikes!
And last night, went on my first date in SEVERAL months...was very very nice with awesome company! :) Ate a restaurant near downtown Phoenix called Switch. Had a horribly yummy blueberry martini and some delish food. And did I mention that the company was awesome (and cute!) :)
Off to work! :D
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Hiking, Drop Them Pounds!!
First of all, I had this post all typed up, and then it somehow erased itself! So I'm starting all over again...surely won't be as witty as the original! :(
So I went hiking at Squaw Peak Park today, first time in a while. I had my hike all planned out, but then noticed 4 side trails on my way up the mountain that I'd never seen before. (I must have some major tunnel vision when I hike!) so I ended up taking one of these back. This trail took me past some HUGE houses off of Lincoln drive and I could hear a baby hawk of some sort crying for his momma :) I just couldn't find which saguaro he was hiding in!
So this is part of my attempt to lose some serious weight this year. I am still sore from my personal training session the other day, but have been at the gym every day since Monday. I've done several yoga classes, a step class, and a hip hop class (which was TONS of fun!). I haven't done much weight lifting because I'm waiting for our training sessions to really get underway so I can see what I'm supposed to be doing. Yoga has been very relaxing, and you'd be amazed at how much strength it takes to do some of these poses (and flexibility) and it is very easy to break a sweat in there!
I also found an awesome Calorie Counter app for my phone...it keeps track of what I eat (you can scan the barcode and it knows exactly what the product is and its nutritional value!) by fat, calories, carbs and protein. It then keeps track of what exercise I do for the day and how I burn calories, then totals everything to make sure I'm taking in less calories than I'm expending. There is also a weight chart that keeps track of your weight, and actually graphs it out for you. Has been a HUGE help!
Anyway, these are the pictures from today's hike:
My trail:
Downtown Phoenix in the overcast skies:
And Squaw Peak with one of my favorite trails in the right distance:
Go Colts!
(Don't get me started on how stupid it is that the ProBowl is the weekend before the Super Bowl....!!)
So I went hiking at Squaw Peak Park today, first time in a while. I had my hike all planned out, but then noticed 4 side trails on my way up the mountain that I'd never seen before. (I must have some major tunnel vision when I hike!) so I ended up taking one of these back. This trail took me past some HUGE houses off of Lincoln drive and I could hear a baby hawk of some sort crying for his momma :) I just couldn't find which saguaro he was hiding in!
So this is part of my attempt to lose some serious weight this year. I am still sore from my personal training session the other day, but have been at the gym every day since Monday. I've done several yoga classes, a step class, and a hip hop class (which was TONS of fun!). I haven't done much weight lifting because I'm waiting for our training sessions to really get underway so I can see what I'm supposed to be doing. Yoga has been very relaxing, and you'd be amazed at how much strength it takes to do some of these poses (and flexibility) and it is very easy to break a sweat in there!
I also found an awesome Calorie Counter app for my phone...it keeps track of what I eat (you can scan the barcode and it knows exactly what the product is and its nutritional value!) by fat, calories, carbs and protein. It then keeps track of what exercise I do for the day and how I burn calories, then totals everything to make sure I'm taking in less calories than I'm expending. There is also a weight chart that keeps track of your weight, and actually graphs it out for you. Has been a HUGE help!
Anyway, these are the pictures from today's hike:
My trail:
Downtown Phoenix in the overcast skies:
And Squaw Peak with one of my favorite trails in the right distance:
Go Colts!
(Don't get me started on how stupid it is that the ProBowl is the weekend before the Super Bowl....!!)
Monday, January 25, 2010
I'm Gonna Get Soooo Skinny
Today I marched right into LA Fitness, plunked down my debit card, and said "Make me skinny!" Okay, it didn't quite go that way, but I did go in, they did swipe my card, and I became a member. I have never been a member of any gym because the apartments I've lived in always had one. And for those of you who don't know me, after the big breakup 2 years ago, I dropped 15 pounds extremely fast from the reduced stress and my ability to remain on a treadmill longer than 15 minutes. That's also when I had started hiking again as well.
But then I moved to LA. And my apartment did not have a gym, but I did still hike. And while some of those were challenging, and I did go as much as 5 days a week, it was just maintaining me, and not helping me lose more, and in fact, I gained it all back about a year and a half later :( Sucks, because I was mega happy being so skinny!
But, I know how easy it was before, so it will be just as easy again.
So at 10:30 am, I walked out of LA Fitness a new member and walked back in at 5:30 for my first class. I did a step class, which also had some abdominal stuff for the last 10 minutes (which was awesome!!!)...but the step instructor sucked :( so I probably won't go back to hers. I putzed around on the treadmill for a little while, and 30 minutes later, went to my very first yoga class. Now, I've done yoga in the comfort of my own home and own half-dressed state and I always liked how calm and flexible I felt afterwards. But this instructor was great! And the other participants as well...I never expected to see so many MEN in this class...probably close to half. The instructor was very calm, and yet threw some jokes in there once in a while and a few things to try to challenge us with. I will DEFINTELY go back to her class again.
I also spent 2 hours lounging at Barnes & Noble this afternoon (secret joy!!) finishing The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien.
If you haven't read it, DO! Its sort of a collection of short stories about Vietnam, but every story has the same characters in it, and they are based on O'Brien's actual experiences in Vietnam, though it IS mostly fiction. It is a VERY fast and powerful read, and makes you feel like you were there...in invoked in me all the images of all the Vietnam movies (remember We Were Soldiers with Mel Gibson?! GREAT movie!). Now, I'm not a huge fan of war-related fiction, but I'm very glad I read this, and am interested in reading more of his stuff. My dad seems curious about it, so this copy is headed out to him. And what made this book distractingly better? The person that owned it before wrote all over it and made notes and circled and underlined things...until page 52. More than anything else, I want to know why she stopped......
And last but not least, I did finish the shrug. And, its too small. Which was another reason I went to LA Fitness. I figured if I drop this 15 pounds again real fast, I'll be able to wear it! Here it is with Tula before I finished sewing it all together:
And here is another picture sans Tula just before I added the ribbing around the collar:
When I get skinny again, I'll show that off...in my new completed shrug. :)
But then I moved to LA. And my apartment did not have a gym, but I did still hike. And while some of those were challenging, and I did go as much as 5 days a week, it was just maintaining me, and not helping me lose more, and in fact, I gained it all back about a year and a half later :( Sucks, because I was mega happy being so skinny!
But, I know how easy it was before, so it will be just as easy again.
So at 10:30 am, I walked out of LA Fitness a new member and walked back in at 5:30 for my first class. I did a step class, which also had some abdominal stuff for the last 10 minutes (which was awesome!!!)...but the step instructor sucked :( so I probably won't go back to hers. I putzed around on the treadmill for a little while, and 30 minutes later, went to my very first yoga class. Now, I've done yoga in the comfort of my own home and own half-dressed state and I always liked how calm and flexible I felt afterwards. But this instructor was great! And the other participants as well...I never expected to see so many MEN in this class...probably close to half. The instructor was very calm, and yet threw some jokes in there once in a while and a few things to try to challenge us with. I will DEFINTELY go back to her class again.
I also spent 2 hours lounging at Barnes & Noble this afternoon (secret joy!!) finishing The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien.
If you haven't read it, DO! Its sort of a collection of short stories about Vietnam, but every story has the same characters in it, and they are based on O'Brien's actual experiences in Vietnam, though it IS mostly fiction. It is a VERY fast and powerful read, and makes you feel like you were there...in invoked in me all the images of all the Vietnam movies (remember We Were Soldiers with Mel Gibson?! GREAT movie!). Now, I'm not a huge fan of war-related fiction, but I'm very glad I read this, and am interested in reading more of his stuff. My dad seems curious about it, so this copy is headed out to him. And what made this book distractingly better? The person that owned it before wrote all over it and made notes and circled and underlined things...until page 52. More than anything else, I want to know why she stopped......
And last but not least, I did finish the shrug. And, its too small. Which was another reason I went to LA Fitness. I figured if I drop this 15 pounds again real fast, I'll be able to wear it! Here it is with Tula before I finished sewing it all together:
And here is another picture sans Tula just before I added the ribbing around the collar:
When I get skinny again, I'll show that off...in my new completed shrug. :)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
MapMyHike.com | View Canal Ride in Phoenix, Arizona
MapMyHike.com | View Canal Ride in Phoenix, Arizona
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So instead of hiking today, I took a ride on my roommates bike! I haven't ridden a bike in at least 5 years...since my prized bike was convieniently "stolen" for I know exactly what (bitterness slipped in...oops!)
I only rode about 3.5 miles, but felt like forever. The path along the canal is sandy/gravel, so after 4 days of heavy rains, it was a bit soft, making the ride that much more difficult. Plus it was a bit chilly still too! I'm hoping to add biking to my routine when I need to get the miles in but with less time...though I still prefer hiking. By the time I got done today, my legs felt like jello! No pain, no gain!
I also started a new knit project, this fisherman's shrug that I got started a few days ago and will hopefully finish in the next day or so! I'll take a picture of the finished project as soon as its done!
And of course, tomorrow is the last football playoff game before the SuperBowl! The Colts WILL win against the Jets for the AFC Championship and the Saints WILL win against the Vikings for the NFC Championship (because win the Saints win, I win $210 in the office pool!!!). I called this SuperBowl back in the fifth week of the season! :)
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So instead of hiking today, I took a ride on my roommates bike! I haven't ridden a bike in at least 5 years...since my prized bike was convieniently "stolen" for I know exactly what (bitterness slipped in...oops!)
I only rode about 3.5 miles, but felt like forever. The path along the canal is sandy/gravel, so after 4 days of heavy rains, it was a bit soft, making the ride that much more difficult. Plus it was a bit chilly still too! I'm hoping to add biking to my routine when I need to get the miles in but with less time...though I still prefer hiking. By the time I got done today, my legs felt like jello! No pain, no gain!
I also started a new knit project, this fisherman's shrug that I got started a few days ago and will hopefully finish in the next day or so! I'll take a picture of the finished project as soon as its done!
And of course, tomorrow is the last football playoff game before the SuperBowl! The Colts WILL win against the Jets for the AFC Championship and the Saints WILL win against the Vikings for the NFC Championship (because win the Saints win, I win $210 in the office pool!!!). I called this SuperBowl back in the fifth week of the season! :)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Ahhh..rainy days!!
So this week, it is supposed to rain every day, and worsening as the week goes by. It rained early this morning, but stopped early afternoon, and now it just smells wonderful outside. The only problem this is causing so far is the traffic...all these transplants forgot how to drive when it rains, so instead of TRYING to drive, they more or less CRAWL down the street 15 miles an hour less than the speed limit. It's great.
What else this means is that my hiking is a tad halted for a bit...its gotten a tad chillier, and while the rain itself doesn't usually stop me from hiking, the threat of flash floods does...the areas I hike often have dry washes that will fill extremely quickly and without warning. Drowning is one of my biggest fears.
So I will catch up on reading and finish some knitting. I did finish my nephew's blanket and it will be sent out by next week with a box of kids books to my sister's new home in Portland, Oregon.
I also finished a pair of socks (my first completed!)
No laughing at the cankles! :P
And now I'm on a mission to get as many projects finished this week as well!
Right now, I'm going to call my momma, and see how's she's holding up since my sister and brother-in-law moved last friday to Portland....the grandbabies aren't an hour away anymore :(
LOVE this weather!
What else this means is that my hiking is a tad halted for a bit...its gotten a tad chillier, and while the rain itself doesn't usually stop me from hiking, the threat of flash floods does...the areas I hike often have dry washes that will fill extremely quickly and without warning. Drowning is one of my biggest fears.
So I will catch up on reading and finish some knitting. I did finish my nephew's blanket and it will be sent out by next week with a box of kids books to my sister's new home in Portland, Oregon.
I also finished a pair of socks (my first completed!)
No laughing at the cankles! :P
And now I'm on a mission to get as many projects finished this week as well!
Right now, I'm going to call my momma, and see how's she's holding up since my sister and brother-in-law moved last friday to Portland....the grandbabies aren't an hour away anymore :(
LOVE this weather!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
MapMyHike.com | View Squaw Peak Perimeter/partial Summit in Phoenix, Arizona
MapMyHike.com | View Squaw Peak Perimeter/partial Summit in Phoenix, Arizona
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No pictures this time, only because I've done this hike a handful of times since I moved back. Though I did get a good friend to join me today, and we ran into some people he knew on the trail. And ANY time you get a parking spot at Squaw Peak Park on a Sunday without spending 20 minutes driving in circles is a GOOD day!
The weather was PERFECT! Some pretty wispy clouds, in the 70s, beautiful blue skies...not too smoggy. Supposedly there are several storms coming our way, so they are predicting it will rain for the next 5 days...we'll see...I've learned that Phoenix weather is pretty unpredictable!
In other news, GO COLTS! :) My boys played fantastically yesterday! And out of a possible 10 points on my work bracket for the playoffs, I have 9 and am on the way to 11 points out of 12....bring on the $210 winnings! :D
And am I the only one that does't agree with having the ProBowl the weekend before the Super Bowl?! I mean, who is actually going to play if the 2 teams in the Super Bowl have players in the ProBowl? They will sit them out of course, because why would your risk your top players (imagine Peyton Manning, if it makes it easier! ;) )....why would you risk letting him play in a game that DOESN'T MATTER for anything but is for the fans....when he could get injured the week before the big game?! Don't expect to see him play, or Brees for that matter, since it will be a Colts/Saints Super Bowl! :D
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No pictures this time, only because I've done this hike a handful of times since I moved back. Though I did get a good friend to join me today, and we ran into some people he knew on the trail. And ANY time you get a parking spot at Squaw Peak Park on a Sunday without spending 20 minutes driving in circles is a GOOD day!
The weather was PERFECT! Some pretty wispy clouds, in the 70s, beautiful blue skies...not too smoggy. Supposedly there are several storms coming our way, so they are predicting it will rain for the next 5 days...we'll see...I've learned that Phoenix weather is pretty unpredictable!
In other news, GO COLTS! :) My boys played fantastically yesterday! And out of a possible 10 points on my work bracket for the playoffs, I have 9 and am on the way to 11 points out of 12....bring on the $210 winnings! :D
And am I the only one that does't agree with having the ProBowl the weekend before the Super Bowl?! I mean, who is actually going to play if the 2 teams in the Super Bowl have players in the ProBowl? They will sit them out of course, because why would your risk your top players (imagine Peyton Manning, if it makes it easier! ;) )....why would you risk letting him play in a game that DOESN'T MATTER for anything but is for the fans....when he could get injured the week before the big game?! Don't expect to see him play, or Brees for that matter, since it will be a Colts/Saints Super Bowl! :D
Friday, January 15, 2010
Books...mmmm...books...mm...reading...
So I've already given up on my first book of the year. For the Yahoo Bookclub I'm a part of, we are currently reading Little Dorrit, by Charles Dickens. I've read Dickens before and enjoyed him, but for some reason, this book was dragging to me. Normally I'll give a book about 40-50 pages to pull me in before I give up, but this time I gave it 115 pages...mostly because I kept hearing how wonderfully funny chapter ten was. Still didn't grab me. Yep, its a tad witty...I imagine it being read outloud by a very droll englishman, but man...I dropped out. I can't, in good conscience, continue to read this when I have about 400 (yeah, I said 400!) other books to read. So I quit. The one thing I will ever quit at.
Instead, I am reading The Secret of Nimh by Robert C. O'Brien. This is still part of the book challenges I'm signed up for...this will be in my Flashback Challenge as the book I read as a kid.
I remember reading this, and for whatever reason, it had a profound effect on me. The copy I had was sans cover (which is supposed to be illegal or something) and I still remember the very first chapter to this day...but I'm not sure why. I've read SO many books over the course of my life that I don't remember anything about other than I read it, so why did this one stand out so much? THAT is why I'm re-reading it :) I'll let you know when I have my epiphany!
In other news, I finally got my last correspondence from LA today...I'm a little sad. I got a refund check from the gas company for a whole $12.55. My finances are no longer tied to Los Angeles, only my memories, the footprints I left in the sand and in the mountains, and the few great friends I made while I was there....
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Donate Donate Donate!!
So I've finally chosen which charity I will donate my time to. For 4 hours a week, I will be sorting books and scanning them in for the Friends of the Phoenix Library. These are books that have been donated that they will sell at warehouse sales, in their stores and online. I am very excited to help out and I go for my first training session on the third!
www.phoenixlibraryfriends.org
I used to volunteer for this charity:
http://in2books.epals.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fdefault.aspx
and it involved reading along with a child in another city. The child picked the book, and as their penpal, you asked them questions to get them thinking. I enjoyed it, but their communication fell through, and I was having trouble getting signed up for this year's session :(
I found out about these and the other charities I contemplated through this website:
http://www.volunteermatch.org/
and considering all the chaos in Haiti right now, they are looking for help like crazy!
So in the spirit of donating today, I decided I needed to FINALLY donate blood! I've never done it, don't know my blood type, and considering I do transfusion medicine in animals on a near daily basis, thought it was silly of me NOT to. It's just not something I think about. But since there is a catastrophe in the world right now, I thought that some of our blood would be shipped to Haiti, decreasing our available units. I asked the phlembotomist about this, and he said that yes, that was the case....so DEFINTELY donate if you don't or haven't already! Took about 1 hour of my day, and the actual blood draw only took 10 minutes! If you've never done it before, it was totally painless!!! And you walk out of there feeling like you've done something amazing. I was all proud of my little pint just rocking away while I filled it up....its going to save 3 people!!!
And if you are in Phoenix, right now if you donate through United Blood Services, they will give you a ticket to the FBR Open...had no idea when I went in, so what a nice suprise! :D Hope to see you all there! And I already have my appointment to donate again in March! :D
http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/herostatepage.asp?state=az
Now, for a quick nap before my shift starts at 11pm....ugh! :D
www.phoenixlibraryfriends.org
I used to volunteer for this charity:
http://in2books.epals.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fdefault.aspx
and it involved reading along with a child in another city. The child picked the book, and as their penpal, you asked them questions to get them thinking. I enjoyed it, but their communication fell through, and I was having trouble getting signed up for this year's session :(
I found out about these and the other charities I contemplated through this website:
http://www.volunteermatch.org/
and considering all the chaos in Haiti right now, they are looking for help like crazy!
So in the spirit of donating today, I decided I needed to FINALLY donate blood! I've never done it, don't know my blood type, and considering I do transfusion medicine in animals on a near daily basis, thought it was silly of me NOT to. It's just not something I think about. But since there is a catastrophe in the world right now, I thought that some of our blood would be shipped to Haiti, decreasing our available units. I asked the phlembotomist about this, and he said that yes, that was the case....so DEFINTELY donate if you don't or haven't already! Took about 1 hour of my day, and the actual blood draw only took 10 minutes! If you've never done it before, it was totally painless!!! And you walk out of there feeling like you've done something amazing. I was all proud of my little pint just rocking away while I filled it up....its going to save 3 people!!!
And if you are in Phoenix, right now if you donate through United Blood Services, they will give you a ticket to the FBR Open...had no idea when I went in, so what a nice suprise! :D Hope to see you all there! And I already have my appointment to donate again in March! :D
http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/herostatepage.asp?state=az
Now, for a quick nap before my shift starts at 11pm....ugh! :D
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
MapMyHike.com | View Lost Dog Wash Loop in Scottsdale, Arizona
MapMyHike.com | View Lost Dog Wash Loop in Scottsdale, Arizona
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This was the first time I have ever hiked in the McDowell Mountains, and there are TONS of trails, so I'm excited to go again. This loop was fairly easy and flat, not very challenging, but was over 4 miles, so nice moderate in length.
When I first got out of the car to prep for my trip, my waistpack broke :(. This is what carried 2 bottles of water, my cell phone and money, my Ipod, keys, gloves, bandaids, rubberbands, a handkerchief, and 2 granola bars....there was room for much more! The buckle in the front busted, leaving it unusable! Undetered, I hiked anyway, carrying my cell phone (works as my mp3 player too) and a water bottle...I hated this, because I'm used to walking hands-free. So I ordered a new one on ebay for hella cheap...can't wait to use my new one!
These are the pictures from the hike:
Hope you enjoy the views as much as I did! :D
Also, I emailed a handful of organizations the other day about volunteering. I've always wanted to help adults learn to read because I love it so much. I looked into helping a wildlife center pick up injured raptors. I looked into tutoring high school aged kids. But the two that look like they are going to work out the best (and of which I am SO excited!) is to list books on Ebay for a school organization and/or to help the Friends of the Library by scanning in and sorting books for their used book store. I meet with this girl tomorrow morning and am so excited to spend 3 hours a week just handling books...maybe that will ease my addiction a bit! I'll let you know what happens!
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This was the first time I have ever hiked in the McDowell Mountains, and there are TONS of trails, so I'm excited to go again. This loop was fairly easy and flat, not very challenging, but was over 4 miles, so nice moderate in length.
When I first got out of the car to prep for my trip, my waistpack broke :(. This is what carried 2 bottles of water, my cell phone and money, my Ipod, keys, gloves, bandaids, rubberbands, a handkerchief, and 2 granola bars....there was room for much more! The buckle in the front busted, leaving it unusable! Undetered, I hiked anyway, carrying my cell phone (works as my mp3 player too) and a water bottle...I hated this, because I'm used to walking hands-free. So I ordered a new one on ebay for hella cheap...can't wait to use my new one!
These are the pictures from the hike:
Hope you enjoy the views as much as I did! :D
Also, I emailed a handful of organizations the other day about volunteering. I've always wanted to help adults learn to read because I love it so much. I looked into helping a wildlife center pick up injured raptors. I looked into tutoring high school aged kids. But the two that look like they are going to work out the best (and of which I am SO excited!) is to list books on Ebay for a school organization and/or to help the Friends of the Library by scanning in and sorting books for their used book store. I meet with this girl tomorrow morning and am so excited to spend 3 hours a week just handling books...maybe that will ease my addiction a bit! I'll let you know what happens!
Monday, January 11, 2010
MapMyHike.com | View Camelback-Backside (chickened Out!) in Paradise Valley, Arizona
MapMyHike.com | View Camelback-Backside (chickened Out!) in Paradise Valley, Arizona
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So this was my hike today. I was all excited because I have never climbed up Camelback from this side before. For those of you familiar with the mountain, this was the NON Echo Canyon side, or the South/East side.
For those who don't know, Camelback is a famous landmark in Phoenix, as it is a mountain that simply looks like a camel lying on its stomach (great view from the airport!) The Echo canyon trail is difficult....many steps to start with, then some climbs with more than a 45 degree incline that require the use of a handrail cemented into the rock. Then towards the top, you are basically bouldering or scrambling (using hands and feet to climb up and over large boulders-there is no defined trail) for the last 1/2 mile or so. The Echo Canyon trail is about 1.2 miles to the top, with an over 940ft elevation change....not for the faint at heart or waterless!
So I thought I would try the other side, had heard it was a little easier, but longer. After finding parking (any parking for Camelback is attrocious), I began the hike, and thought it WAS much easier...mostly vertical with a few small flat areas, but towards the middle of the hike, it jogs to the north and runs right along the ledge most of the way...so on my left is mountain, on my right is...nothing. No big deal unless you are trying to pass or someone is coming the other way. No big deal, was manageable.
Then I get to what I imagine was the last 3 tenths or so of the hike (this one is a bit longer...more like 1.5+ miles to the top) and it too required some bouldering. No biggie, I think. I pause to catch my breath, snapped the above picture of the McDowells in the distance, and watch some hawks fly right above my head. Gorgeous. I start the bouldering part, and it starts to get hairy really fast. The trail is marked by spray paint because you are literally bouldering up the crest of mountain. Nothing on either side. Some parts were manageable (mom, stop reading here!) and others made me question my sanity since A)I am in the market for new shoes and B)I get vertigo easily these days and C)I am health insurance-less right now. But I pushed on. There were people coming down, so it couldn't be that bad, right? Some of the men coming down were older than my parents, so it must get easier as you go. HA! I finally go to a spot where in order to get up the rock, I had to pull myself up with just my hands and arms, there was no place to put my feet...how the heck was I going to get back down?! At this point, I sat down and reevaluated the situation. I decided that yes, I need to do this hike to train for Half Dome (see previous posts) because of the "scariness" of it, but that I didn't need to do it completely unprepared. So, despite the nagging disappointment in myself for not making it to the top, I went back down. Meanwhile, the 60-70 year old men kept passing me on their way up.
I WILL tackle this again and WILL summit Camelback from this trail. I know I was near the top, I could see the people standing up there...I just simply chickened out. And knowing I was that close still irks me....that ONE spot was probably the only tricky spot in the whole hike...and it got me. Next time I go, I will evaluate the trail a little bit better, and see if there isn't a better way to get up this one area...and I will go a bit slower once to this point...I tend to think its a race in my mind and scurry to get to the top! I'm sure there is and easier way..hundreds of people make it to the top every day!
So Camelback kicked my ass and spanked me today, but not for long! Once I get new shoes and braven up a bit, I will kick ITS ass!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
MapMyHike.com | View From Street: 302/304 Big Loop in Phoenix, Arizona
MapMyHike.com | View From Street: 302/304 Big Loop in Phoenix, Arizona
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Thouroughly enjoyed this hike today, even though it ended up being almost 3 miles longer than I had planned! Squaw Peak Park gets very busy on weekends, but usually if you drive around a little, eventually a parking space opens up....not today....I don't think I have ever seen this many people at the park! While its great that so many people are out getting fresh air and exercise, I must admit, I go there for some solace and peace and quiet!!!
Anyway, I ended up having to park in the neighborhood at the opening of the park (which is frowned upon)...this added about 1.5 miles each way to the hike I had planned on...then I wondered why more people don't do this...I mean, aren't you going there to WALK around outside anyway? SO why do all these people sit and stalk people to their cars so they can park closer?! Seems like a contradiction a little bit!
The rest of the day was spent relaxing, watching the Cardinals/Green Bay game which is currently in overtime (GO Cards!). And I still promise to post a picture of the scarf....its still being blocked as we speak, though I don't think it will ever truly lie flat!
P.S As I was getting ready to publish this, Aaron Rodgers fumbled the ball and the Cardinals returned the ball for a touchdown. Game over, Cardinals win!!!!!!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
What to do, what to do!
Today was my last day of work after 7 days in a row...ahhhhh! Relaxing, and putting my feet up as we speak. So why do I get anxious about having a day off? Because of all the potential a free day has? All the stuff I need to get done? All the things I can cross off my 'to do' lists?!
I have done a little 'crossing off' in the last few days....
First, here is my review of Of Human Bondage, which I finished last night. Its no Amazon review, just a few of my thoughts:
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While I expected that Philip's deformity would play a bigger role in the story than it did, it didn't detract from the story. The love affair that the synopsis mentions does come into play multiple times during the book, and has a profound affect on him, but I didn't find it to be the central part of the story. To me, his search to be someone worthwhile, to make a place for himself and to just be happy (whether that was in a relationship or not) was what the story was about for me. The relationship they mention, though...wow! did I relate to that! Having been in a dysfunctional relationship, I related to how he kept returning to that mess, despite his brain telling him not to every time....struck a chord with me!
Definitely glad I read this book...had not heard of it prior to joining a book club. Will definitely be one I remember!
View all my reviews >>
Finishing this book took 4 spots off of all the Book Challenges I'm doing this year...sweet! Now I'm on to reading "Little Dorrit" by Charles Dickens. Has been yeeeaaarsss....since I've read some Dickens.
Next, I completed the scarf I was working on (it is being 'blocked' right now, so picture should be up tomorrow...its gorgeous!!), which means I gotta go back to working on that drasted blanket. Oh well....git 'er done!
And lastly, it is football playoff time. And is getting close to NCAA men's basketball tournament time. So I'm in my own little world of heaven right now...ESPECIALLY if I actually get to watch the games and ESPECIALLY especially if I get to see Purdue actually play. Those 14-0 boys are alllll mine!
To wrap up, I would like to say I really wanted to post some pictures out there today for the world to see of a case I had come into work today, but my current job is VERY VERY serious about us NOT posting that stuff, no matter how much we cover our asses, protect the innocent, don't let on where we work...which I understand, but this is educational to those of you in the field. Let's just say it was the disaster that resulted when a client refused a $9 elizabethan collar for her dog after it was spayed 2 days ago. Not pretty (but for those of us in the field, amazing!) If you really want to see them, or want more info, send me a message.
Anyway, got my hike planned for tomorrow, some errands to run, finalize the scarf, do some football watching and reading, and I will be a HAPPY happy girl! :)
I have done a little 'crossing off' in the last few days....
First, here is my review of Of Human Bondage, which I finished last night. Its no Amazon review, just a few of my thoughts:
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset MaughamMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
While I expected that Philip's deformity would play a bigger role in the story than it did, it didn't detract from the story. The love affair that the synopsis mentions does come into play multiple times during the book, and has a profound affect on him, but I didn't find it to be the central part of the story. To me, his search to be someone worthwhile, to make a place for himself and to just be happy (whether that was in a relationship or not) was what the story was about for me. The relationship they mention, though...wow! did I relate to that! Having been in a dysfunctional relationship, I related to how he kept returning to that mess, despite his brain telling him not to every time....struck a chord with me!
Definitely glad I read this book...had not heard of it prior to joining a book club. Will definitely be one I remember!
View all my reviews >>
Finishing this book took 4 spots off of all the Book Challenges I'm doing this year...sweet! Now I'm on to reading "Little Dorrit" by Charles Dickens. Has been yeeeaaarsss....since I've read some Dickens.
Next, I completed the scarf I was working on (it is being 'blocked' right now, so picture should be up tomorrow...its gorgeous!!), which means I gotta go back to working on that drasted blanket. Oh well....git 'er done!
And lastly, it is football playoff time. And is getting close to NCAA men's basketball tournament time. So I'm in my own little world of heaven right now...ESPECIALLY if I actually get to watch the games and ESPECIALLY especially if I get to see Purdue actually play. Those 14-0 boys are alllll mine!
To wrap up, I would like to say I really wanted to post some pictures out there today for the world to see of a case I had come into work today, but my current job is VERY VERY serious about us NOT posting that stuff, no matter how much we cover our asses, protect the innocent, don't let on where we work...which I understand, but this is educational to those of you in the field. Let's just say it was the disaster that resulted when a client refused a $9 elizabethan collar for her dog after it was spayed 2 days ago. Not pretty (but for those of us in the field, amazing!) If you really want to see them, or want more info, send me a message.
Anyway, got my hike planned for tomorrow, some errands to run, finalize the scarf, do some football watching and reading, and I will be a HAPPY happy girl! :)
Working and....working.
So luckily (or un-luckily) I have been working every single day since last Sunday...which means tomorrow will be my 7th day in a row...hence a reason (read:excuse) for why I haven't been blogging much lately.
I shouldn't complain, really. A little over a month ago, I had been laid off, with no job yet. I was fortunate enough to find something within 9 days of being let go, but this week I long for those 4 and 5 days stretches of NOTHING on my daily agenda! I haven't even had time to hike...what with the lovely upper respiratory thing I fought a week ago and all this working...I snuck in a short one yesterday and it definitely helped.
Though I can't really mention WHERE I work, what I do want to say is for those of you who are faced with a lay off and are looking for work....be FLEXIBLE and go in with a plan to help THEM, not yourself. The place I am working for has 5 locations, and while driving all over town sucks sometimes, I offered to work at any of the locations as relief until their hiring freeze ends. This means they don't have to pay me any sort of benefits, which also meant I could ask for more money :) And wouldn't you know it....3 days after being hired as "relief" they were able to change my status to part time since I have one permanent day per week...this will help once I'm full time in getting my benefits faster.
Part time, you say? Then what is all this 7 day a week nonsense? Ahhh...the joys of relief. Since I don't know what my schedule will be aside from my one given day, I jump at the chance to pick up any shift I can. Which means some weeks its 1 or 2 days...and in others, like this week, its every day. This will change in February, as I will be given 3 days a week for sure.
And all this came about because I went in with a plan to help THEM (in order to help myself) and was flexible with what I was willing to do. :D
See you on my next day off!
I shouldn't complain, really. A little over a month ago, I had been laid off, with no job yet. I was fortunate enough to find something within 9 days of being let go, but this week I long for those 4 and 5 days stretches of NOTHING on my daily agenda! I haven't even had time to hike...what with the lovely upper respiratory thing I fought a week ago and all this working...I snuck in a short one yesterday and it definitely helped.
Though I can't really mention WHERE I work, what I do want to say is for those of you who are faced with a lay off and are looking for work....be FLEXIBLE and go in with a plan to help THEM, not yourself. The place I am working for has 5 locations, and while driving all over town sucks sometimes, I offered to work at any of the locations as relief until their hiring freeze ends. This means they don't have to pay me any sort of benefits, which also meant I could ask for more money :) And wouldn't you know it....3 days after being hired as "relief" they were able to change my status to part time since I have one permanent day per week...this will help once I'm full time in getting my benefits faster.
Part time, you say? Then what is all this 7 day a week nonsense? Ahhh...the joys of relief. Since I don't know what my schedule will be aside from my one given day, I jump at the chance to pick up any shift I can. Which means some weeks its 1 or 2 days...and in others, like this week, its every day. This will change in February, as I will be given 3 days a week for sure.
And all this came about because I went in with a plan to help THEM (in order to help myself) and was flexible with what I was willing to do. :D
See you on my next day off!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Did You Miss Me?
Just realized that over 7 days have flown by without a posting from me!
So here's an update:
Haven't been hiking much over the last week due to this lovely upper respiratory infection that has kept me hacking for 7 days, blowing pounds of goo from my nostrils and kept me bedridden for 36 out of 37 hours last week. Boo...I'm DYING to get back out there before I start to lose endurance!
Second, I had to work both eves and holidays...none of which were too horribly busy. Also found out that I will be less relief and more permanent in February....sweet.
New Year's Eve was spent with a great friend at her neighborhood block party. THIS year (unlike last when I worked) I got to have a champagne toast at midnight...woohoo!
Just realized that over 7 days have flown by without a posting from me!
One of my BFFs is in town this weekend, so for old time sake, we went to our old bar we used to haunt, but it is now owned by someone else and has a new name. It wasn't the same AT ALL...which makes us very very sad.
Have been trying to bust ass reading and finish Of Human Bondage. I'm 2/3 of the way through it after a 3 hour bout of lounging and reading at the Barnes & Noble...on the prowl for nerdy cute boys :) I need to finish it tonight (HA!) as we start Little Dorrit tomorrow for my book club.
And last but not least, I have TWO (yes, two) knitting projects I am working on now. One is my nephew's baby blanket...my mom picked out the pattern (which I will never let her do again!) and while its cute, it takes tiny needles, so it is taking FOREVER! I am very close to finishing it, however.
The other project I didn't intend to start until the blanket was finished, but how could I just let this gorgeous yarn just sit there?
I am turning it into a scarf (I've never made myself one, I always end up giving it away!) and this is how she looks so far :)
Anyway, off to the grocery (LOVE Fresh & Easy!) then off to work....its 6 of 7 days for me this week....bring on the dough!
So here's an update:
Haven't been hiking much over the last week due to this lovely upper respiratory infection that has kept me hacking for 7 days, blowing pounds of goo from my nostrils and kept me bedridden for 36 out of 37 hours last week. Boo...I'm DYING to get back out there before I start to lose endurance!
Second, I had to work both eves and holidays...none of which were too horribly busy. Also found out that I will be less relief and more permanent in February....sweet.
New Year's Eve was spent with a great friend at her neighborhood block party. THIS year (unlike last when I worked) I got to have a champagne toast at midnight...woohoo!
Just realized that over 7 days have flown by without a posting from me!
One of my BFFs is in town this weekend, so for old time sake, we went to our old bar we used to haunt, but it is now owned by someone else and has a new name. It wasn't the same AT ALL...which makes us very very sad.
Have been trying to bust ass reading and finish Of Human Bondage. I'm 2/3 of the way through it after a 3 hour bout of lounging and reading at the Barnes & Noble...on the prowl for nerdy cute boys :) I need to finish it tonight (HA!) as we start Little Dorrit tomorrow for my book club.
And last but not least, I have TWO (yes, two) knitting projects I am working on now. One is my nephew's baby blanket...my mom picked out the pattern (which I will never let her do again!) and while its cute, it takes tiny needles, so it is taking FOREVER! I am very close to finishing it, however.
The other project I didn't intend to start until the blanket was finished, but how could I just let this gorgeous yarn just sit there?
I am turning it into a scarf (I've never made myself one, I always end up giving it away!) and this is how she looks so far :)
Anyway, off to the grocery (LOVE Fresh & Easy!) then off to work....its 6 of 7 days for me this week....bring on the dough!
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