tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54747521757401704292024-02-07T19:37:35.214-06:00Man, what a day...thoughts, reflections, diary, comments, lifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-89678056911263966262015-08-04T14:19:00.000-05:002015-08-04T14:19:16.178-05:00InspirationEvery time I hear the word "inspiration" I think of the Chicago song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrJSKvX0AcI" target="_blank">You're the Inspiration</a>" which is both a cool and sad take on the word. As I've gotten older, <i>inspiration</i> has become synonymous in my world with a precursor to greatness.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Inspiration for innovation</li>
<li>Inspiration for writing / singing / creating</li>
<li>Inspiration to be a better person / parent / lover / friend</li>
<li>Inspiration of others</li>
</ul>
<div>
The last probably being the greatest gift we as people can give - sharing our story, letting people know they aren't alone, reminding them they can accomplish greatness. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found inspiration for peace, trust, and faith reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0061122416" target="_blank">The Alchemist</a>. I read it while unemployed and in the serious throes of a <a href="http://jenn-coldfloor.blogspot.com/2014/07/its-not-you-its-me-just-kidding-its-you.html" target="_blank">discouraging job search</a>. It inspired (and reminded) me to listen to my gut, <a href="http://jenn-coldfloor.blogspot.com/2014/05/with-faith-comes-patience.html" target="_blank">trust in God's plan</a> (or the universe if you're so inclined), and my "plan" doesn't matter - the <a href="http://jenn-coldfloor.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-watched-phone-doesnt-ring.html" target="_blank">right thing will come along when it's supposed to</a> (in my case 3 weeks before my unemployment ran out, but I digress). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/547ae33ce4b066b3423c4e30/558a7c32e4b06e5cac175e7a/558a7c5ee4b002a4489ea8fc/1435139450221/best-inspiring-quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/547ae33ce4b066b3423c4e30/558a7c32e4b06e5cac175e7a/558a7c5ee4b002a4489ea8fc/1435139450221/best-inspiring-quotes.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What does inspiration mean to you?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-50713954957204076702015-07-30T14:39:00.004-05:002015-07-30T14:39:47.292-05:00"Worrying is the new candy"Day 3 and although I'm a little late to the posting party - it still counts :)<br />
<br />
Today's prompt is:<br />
<br />
"Choose your favorite blog and put the 4th and 14th words in the following phrase: ______ is the new ______"<br />
<br />
Are you freaking kidding me? Do you know how many 4th and 14th words in paragraphs before I got to something that made sense (because "<u>know</u> is the new <u>ear</u>" makes absolutely no sense - even in Oz!)?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to give commentary on why or how I feel about this phrase, but I'll give it a shot.<br />
<br />
Worrying is bad.<br />
Candy is bad.<br />
Worrying makes you anxious.<br />
Candy makes you anxious (and hyper).<br />
Worrying is not yummy.<br />
Candy is SO yummy.<br />
Worrying < Candy<br />
So worrying can't be the new candy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.davidmansaray.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Mr-worry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.davidmansaray.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Mr-worry.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I worry this candy may haunt my dreams later. Mmmmmmmmmm CANDY!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://assets3.thrillist.com/v1/image/1327128/size/tl-horizontal_main/14-of-the-world-s-best-non-american-candies" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets3.thrillist.com/v1/image/1327128/size/tl-horizontal_main/14-of-the-world-s-best-non-american-candies" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-89824612939746781482015-07-29T09:58:00.002-05:002015-07-29T09:59:42.166-05:00Simply the Best<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://textmessageraleigh.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/yay-happy-dog.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://textmessageraleigh.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/yay-happy-dog.png" width="200" /></a></div>
It's my second day in a row to post! Not a record, but YAY I'm back for another day (don't worry I'll only celebrate for a few more days).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote>
Today's prompt courtesy of <a href="http://www.dailypost.wordpress.com/">www.dailypost.wordpress.com</a> is:<br />
<i>NASA is building a new Voyager spacecraft that will carry the best of modern human culture. What belongs onboard?</i></blockquote>
I prefer to answer this in list format (because I love lists!) and in no particular order:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/614rCkPYJEL._SX450_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/614rCkPYJEL._SX450_.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Paderno World Cuisine Rouet Spiral Slicer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li>cheese</li>
<li>spiral veggie cutter (because seriously, who doesn't love noodle veggies?)</li>
<li>microwave (hopefully, whoever finds it will have electricity)</li>
<li><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit;">refrigerator</span></li>
<li>air conditioner / heater</li>
<li>indoor plumbing & shower</li>
<li>music player (be it a cd or mp3 player)</li>
<li>crop irrigation system</li>
<li>sewing machine</li>
<li>industrial manufacturing machines</li>
<li>dry erase markers</li>
<li><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit;">velcro</span></li>
<li>sleep machine</li>
<li><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit;">books</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.prepareforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/basic-family-needs-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.prepareforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/basic-family-needs-1.png" height="263" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, WiFi is pretty important too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok - I don't want to make an exhaustive list because I don't know how big this spacecraft is. I love technology, but I don't think that it's necessarily the "best" of modern human culture. While it makes information more accessible and daily life easier - I feel lucky for some of the "given" things we take for granted (indoor plumbing, temperature regulators, mass manufacturing technology). While I could (and did) go without a phone / smartphone in my pocket, I don't think I would last too long in a world where I had to go outside and dig a hole to relieve myself. Plus technology fails - books are forever :)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What would you add or remove? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-79946857860610876112015-07-28T10:34:00.000-05:002015-07-28T10:34:49.246-05:00It's been awhileWait... I think I have a post with this title already. Oh well, I'm not feeling too original today. Ha!<br />
<br />
I've decided that I need to write more and you 4 subscriber people get to benefit (or be tortured) by this decision. Thanks to my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jenniliz/writetastic/" target="_blank">Writetastic Pinterest board</a> I have no shortage for ideas (fair warning) so buckle up and ride along with me. I'd love to hear your super extra positive feedback :)<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Today's prompt:<br />You get to spend a day inside your favorite movie. Tell us which one it is and what happens to you while you're there.</i></blockquote>
This one is a tough one - I have so many favorite movies. I guess I'd have to go with the one I use most often <u style="font-weight: bold;">Back to the Future</u>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9d_lBBx0xxB7_d4RP82MlRcK82lzT2W1ZavxhV39SSTZOofDX" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9d_lBBx0xxB7_d4RP82MlRcK82lzT2W1ZavxhV39SSTZOofDX" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'd love nothing more than to go back to November 5, 1955. My dad was 6 weeks old - nowhere near Hill Valley, California (I totally could've made it onto an Air Force Base in Panama, right?!). It would be awesome to see my grandmother again - especially as a young new mom - and meet my grandfather. Then I'd like to hurry up to Louisiana and to see my other grandparents. Although my mom wouldn't be born for 2 more years, getting to meet my grandfather (sadly, I never met either of my bio grandfathers - but I had a super awesome bonus grandfather) would also be pretty neat. Of course, I'd have to borrow the DeLorean but I could totally be low key in that, right?<br />
<br />
After meeting up with my grandparents, I'd probably just hang with Marty. (Michael J Fox was indeed foxy in1985). Of course, I'd have to go back as the age I'm at now because 6-year-old me (circa July 1985) wouldn't be near as much fun as 36-year-old me (Shit! I'm feeling old!!). I could help him defeat Biff and quite possibly even help him get his parents together sooner. Although my name IS Jennifer, I wouldn't want to play her part in the movie - she misses all of the action!<br />
<br />
Ok - I'm seriously rusty! I clearly missed the point of the prompt, but I don't feel like telling a story today so you get what you get. At least I'm writing something.<br />
<br />
Until tomorrow, friends!<br /><br />
xoxo<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-8271028286868884152014-07-29T09:52:00.000-05:002014-07-29T09:52:05.734-05:00It's not you... It's me... Just kidding - It's You!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most people hate awkward conversations. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not the exception, but I think I might be from this point moving forward.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://admit1mba.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/rejectsimoncowel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://admit1mba.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/rejectsimoncowel.png" height="320" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">He may be an ass, but at least you know where you stand.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you may know, I'm </span><a href="http://jenn-coldfloor.blogspot.com/2014/05/with-faith-comes-patience.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">unemployed right now</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://jenn-coldfloor.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-watched-phone-doesnt-ring.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">deep in the throes</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> of a </span><a href="http://jenn-coldfloor.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-search-continues.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">job search</a>. <i>I didn't realize how much I had chronicled in this sparsely kept blog... eek!</i> Before this time in my life, I had never ever been on a job interview and not gotten an offer. I've had LOTS of jobs (often 2 or 3 simultaneously) but I am by no means a job hopper.<br />
<br />
Professionally speaking, I've stayed with my employers no less than 4 years, with the exception of the last one that just laid me off. That being said, I am a firm believer in the adage <i>If you don't use it, you lose it.</i> So, in an effort to keep myself sharp I would apply for jobs here and there. The opportunity had to interest me to the point that I could see myself leaving my current-at-the-time wonderful job. Inevitably it wouldn't be enough money, or the supervisor was a megalomaniac helicopter boss so I stayed put.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I promise I have a point and I'll make it soon!</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.rapgenius.com/054aa742c4711b21a6e72eaa6131dd80.438x438x1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.rapgenius.com/054aa742c4711b21a6e72eaa6131dd80.438x438x1.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">In the event the person we hired <br />instead of you can't fulfil their duties...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This experience has been a real eye opener. I've met a lot of great people. Learned more about a few fabulous organizations. Interviewed for some amazing opportunities. And the ones that have had the awkward conversation / email / letter it's been shared that I've been named runner-up for those amazing opportunities at the fabulous companies with the great people more times than I care to admit. Honestly, I'm okay with that - there's some stiff competition out there and I know some of them are better than me! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My problem is with these fabulous organizations that don't bother to tell me that the job has been filled. Like it's some big secret.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the deal - If I schlep myself out to your place of business, give you a great interview (or a shitty interview for that matter), and take the time to write thank you note / email and I'm not chosen for the position - let me know! I'm a big girl, I can take it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/4463794_650/Good-Manners-Sketch-Gray_art.jpg?v=1391479380" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/4463794_650/Good-Manners-Sketch-Gray_art.jpg?v=1391479380" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Not only is it free, it's respectful</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are more than a dozen organizations right now that if I were called and offered a job today (mind you my unemployment benefits expire in 5 short weeks) I would say thanks, but no thanks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>It's about respect.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Respect for my time. Respect for my professionalism. Respect for me as a human being. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since good 'ol Bill Gates invented Microsoft Word and his buddy Al Gore gave us the internet it's never been easier to let someone know they didn't get a job. (Do you hear that HR people - it's called a mail merge?!? I'm willing to do a tutorial on it, just ask.). </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/images/blog/soapbox-259x194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/images/blog/soapbox-259x194.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I guess I should give this back now...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I might be crazy for putting this out there since I'm still job searching, but the thing is - who wants to work for an organization that can't be bothered to tell someone who's spent time <i>(the only truly non-renewable priceless resource we are afforded)</i> that they position they applied for is filled. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WOW! That was cathartic. I feel like I've just channeled Chevy Chase in the timeless holiday classic: <u>Christmas Vacation</u> - <i>Holy $H!7! Where's the Tylenol?</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-82568868371295123362014-07-28T12:44:00.000-05:002014-07-28T12:44:26.785-05:00What you think vs What you know<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I went to work with a bunch of engineers at a local university, I figured <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://chemicalengineeringnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/engineer_engineering_joke_poster-p228947508001448689t5ta_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://chemicalengineeringnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/engineer_engineering_joke_poster-p228947508001448689t5ta_400.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
that I would be okay because my dad is an engineer and nothing can quite prepare you for working with an engineer like living with an engineer...</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I grew up with a very analytical father (an engineer), I too am quite analytical but I lack the scientific brain to back it up so most of the minutia that I word vomit tends to be more subjective and creative. This is where I got into trouble. Fast forward to the university job.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I worked for one of the (seemingly) most intimidating men ever put on the face of the earth. Picture a 70-something Westpoint grad / former military interrogator / all-around bad ass that knows everyone in the defense contracting world and is very politically connected. We shall call him "Mr. Westpoint". </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm in a meeting with lots of executives and very important partners / stakeholders and Mr. Westpoint asks me a question about the capacity of a room for an event I'm planning. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://twomillionmiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/thinking_21.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://twomillionmiles.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/thinking_21.jpeg" width="198" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I think it holds a maximum of 750 people for the set up we've been discussing." I reply in an innocent 27 year old wet-behind-the-ears fashion (becau</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">se, ya k</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">now... I am). </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mr. Wespoint leans in and says really quietly, sternly and for the sole effect (I believe) of making my blood run stone cold "You think or you know."</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">HOLY SHIT!?!?</span></i></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is one of those situations that makes or breaks a person; I can feel it. I calmly look down and flip through my notes where I see, that YES - the room will hold 750 people in a classroom style setting. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I know it will hold 750 people in a classroom-style setting, Mr. Westpoint." I feel my face turning the color of a ripe strawberry, but I hold his gaze and speak with as much confidence as I can muster. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Thank you." Mr. W replies and we move on.</span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4NR28njoXU/UnDHqvETv0I/AAAAAAAAY7M/ehE4Nsf62Is/s1600/Fotolia_35754864_M_Expert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4NR28njoXU/UnDHqvETv0I/AAAAAAAAY7M/ehE4Nsf62Is/s1600/Fotolia_35754864_M_Expert.jpg" height="181" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Professionally speaking - that was the last time I started a sentence with "I think...". I realized that when you are looked to as a subject matter expert you can't afford to <i>think</i> you have to <i>know. </i>You're hired for a job because you have the expertise in that arena, repeatedly responding with your opinion or like you're guessing systematically chips away at your expertise. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't want someone who <b>thinks</b> they know how to disarm a bomb - I want a freaking bomb disarming EXPERT! </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you agree? Do you have any similar stories? Did I leave anything out?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-47479133237457658622014-05-15T08:40:00.000-05:002014-05-15T08:40:10.814-05:00With faith comes patience<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My entire life, I've been told a few things... </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Patience is a virtue</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>You can't always get what you want, but you get what you need (Thanks, Mick Jagger)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>When you give your worries to God, you will find peace</i></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="http://www.aniotaoftruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Patience-allows-life-time-to-fall-in-place.8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.aniotaoftruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Patience-allows-life-time-to-fall-in-place.8x10.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do my best to "live" these things every day. Admittedly, I've had varying times of success and failure - now being one of those times of recent failure followed by a brief pity party and then re-realization that although "<i>I want what I want, when I want it</i>" (thanks Father John) life rarely gives us what we want when (and how) we want it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've <i>half-jokingly</i> posted on my Facebook that God is trying to teach me a lesson that (after 35 years) I still haven't learned. But more so, I think He's also trying to give me a gift. The lesson is patience; the gift is faith. Faith in Him. Faith in His plan. Faith that He will take care of me (because He <b><i>always</i></b> has / does).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://connectwithspirit.com.au/content/images/Hope_Faith_Pic_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://connectwithspirit.com.au/content/images/Hope_Faith_Pic_3.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this week, I've decided to stop acting like the <u><i>stalker ex</i></u> to the job I desperately want. I'm not calling, emailing, sending notes, popping by or devising some intricate and complicated code that probably wouldn't work anyway - I'm just stopping. I get it. No more praying for this job or that job. I will continue applying for the things that interest me. I will continue kicking ass at job interviews. I will continue helping myself and then let God take it the rest of the way. (I refuse to add any more song lyrics to this post - sorry <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm5AKvmtHk0" target="_blank">Carrie Underwood</a>).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I will ask for, and graciously accept, your prayers, happy thoughts, good mo-jo, good luck, positive juju and any other karmic universal fabulousness you are willing to throw my way. Happy begets happy. Positive begets positive. Faith begets faith. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here I am - Happy. Positive. Faithful. Ready.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-64854508234531490512014-05-12T10:21:00.000-05:002014-05-12T10:21:27.253-05:00A watched phone doesn't ring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In case you didn't know, <a href="http://jenn-coldfloor.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-search-continues.html" target="_blank">I'm unemployed right now</a>. For the last 2 months I've been running around like a crazy person trying to apply, interview and seem <strike>right</strike> damn near perfect for any job I might remotely be qualified for / think I could get excited about. I've met a lot of great people. I've also decided there are some companies, locations, and people I'd rather not work for / with / at / in. <i>This list will... <b>not</b> be published.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.wix.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Tweet-for-a-job.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wix.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Tweet-for-a-job.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week, I waited by the phone to hear about a job that I <b><u><i>*REALLY*</i></u></b> want, at an awesome company, with (seemingly) fun and friendly people and it's right around the corner from my apartment (T<i>rifecta, right?!?</i>). I couldn't ask for anything more - except for them to <b>call me</b>. The candidate pool was narrowed to me and 2 others and I was interviewed last. I waited on pins and needles (not to mention the toilet - sorry for tmi) all week to hear back. I emailed a "thank you" on Friday after the interview. I dropped off personalized notes to the front desk receptionist on Tuesday. I emailed the decision maker on Thursday (just to make sure she got my note). All I've gotten?? Crickets. Now before I get flack for too much communication - it was all innocuous. Very quick, brief and to the point. I'm not trying to be annoying - just trying to find out if I got the job. <i>Have I mentioned how much I REALLY want this job? </i></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I called my HR contact. That was an hour and seven minutes ago... tick tock! My stomach is in knots. I can barely think straight, much less concentrate on anything <i>(it really is a good thing I don't have a full time job right now - although I doubt the pressure and anticipation would be at this level if I had a steady income)</i>. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://scientopia.org/blogs/bashir9/files/2012/10/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scientopia.org/blogs/bashir9/files/2012/10/images.jpeg" height="132" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So back to phone watching... at Starbucks. Trying to get some contract work taken care of and test my telekinetic powers to WILL my phone to ring. Damnit!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/filestorage/advance-annual-thanksgiving-ecard-someecards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/filestorage/advance-annual-thanksgiving-ecard-someecards.jpg" height="178" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Found this card and although I think it's geared towards a recent grad - I think it fits where I'm at right now. God help me if I'm still job seeking by Thanksgiving. Julian's bottom bunk - here I come!</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-66034310668427229042014-05-01T16:37:00.001-05:002014-05-01T16:39:14.524-05:00Coffee and Wine<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I saw this little gem on Facebook and I just had to share.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fe/c1/b7/fec1b7b6fccad7a87c5ab9fc910dc450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fe/c1/b7/fec1b7b6fccad7a87c5ab9fc910dc450.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have I mentioned how much I LOVE wine, coffee and encouraging words that can be summed up hilariously on an ecard? <!--3--></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-22836269393138191952014-05-01T16:10:00.001-05:002014-05-01T16:10:25.712-05:00The search continues...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realize that most people (<i>especially in this economy</i>) have experienced job loss. I've been on the search since March (<i>actually a little before</i>) and I've had TONS of traction, but still no luck. You'd think I'd do something constructive with my time - work out, eat right, write more... But alas, I'm two months into this unemployment thing with nothing really to show for it.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><div>
<a href="http://adausifo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Job-search-concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://adausifo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Job-search-concept.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wait... does an almost empty DVR count?</span></blockquote>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The good news is that my spirits are up and that I average at least one interview a week. Did I mention, I send out about 20 applications a week? Pretty much every interviewer asks "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" If you would've asked me that in September, I would've told you - I want to be an executive director of an alumni associaiton now... I just want a job... that pays... well.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow I have a third interview with an awesome employer that could be my dream job (at least at one point in my life). I know my friends are tired of me saying it, but I really want this job. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm314/ilovehdtv/Other/DTVPalDVR/conflict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm314/ilovehdtv/Other/DTVPalDVR/conflict.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, DVR shows anyone?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-89766472883664744672013-10-17T18:09:00.001-05:002014-07-28T11:55:47.108-05:00Sick Day<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday was a bad day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUgbXoI7atx9X1lPKCoTxMUKTv2AshDYSND7HZ48Tn5e0VJK-TakYqYrkyMe4lH6UoMpZve-QjeOMIChN6IHgAQCb0MI9ptTmBlB8ib4MvE7J55GULS5UIWdYty-G1DcgUGM4fACWGfw/s660/texas-mothership-tornado_403_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUgbXoI7atx9X1lPKCoTxMUKTv2AshDYSND7HZ48Tn5e0VJK-TakYqYrkyMe4lH6UoMpZve-QjeOMIChN6IHgAQCb0MI9ptTmBlB8ib4MvE7J55GULS5UIWdYty-G1DcgUGM4fACWGfw/s660/texas-mothership-tornado_403_600x450.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">F-5 Tornado - One REALLY MAD cloud!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now before you start trying to "out-bad-day" me - mine was bad because I was sick. Stomach bug sick. You know, the kind that feels like there's an F-5 Tornado or Category 4 Hurricane in your gut doing everything in its power to get out. The kind that makes you ask God over and over again to just go ahead and "finish you off" - because clearly, the alien in your body is going to make it impossible for you to have anything left to live for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That was yesterday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily, this week at work was going to be so overwhelming that I came in over the weekend to catch up and get a "jump start" on my projects. Guess who no longer is jump started? lol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXdX8aBeJ8iO0nKiyVStQVrByB08yEEoR0NRXf-9mz9ddj1q-WM_2v9m4-RHTiqw4nwKw4s-kAm2-gveHx9a6Wo4gNKNZ0rKFn7oABPAy3ZM15I3CEihmbMRaRacsJZtlLZrkBw2BzVM/s1600/Burrito+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXdX8aBeJ8iO0nKiyVStQVrByB08yEEoR0NRXf-9mz9ddj1q-WM_2v9m4-RHTiqw4nwKw4s-kAm2-gveHx9a6Wo4gNKNZ0rKFn7oABPAy3ZM15I3CEihmbMRaRacsJZtlLZrkBw2BzVM/s320/Burrito+Bowl.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seriously, WHAT THE HELL?!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, I did what any stomach-bug fearing adult would do, I waited to eat. I waited so long that by the time lunch rolled around, I had a different type of hurricane in my belly. This is where the adult part of me left for the day and the starving beast took over. Chipotle. <i>The very name has a zesty Mexican spice in the name. What the HELL was I thinking?</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, things ended happily - meaning no more dizzy, crying, vomiting trips to the toilet falling over myself just to make it. (<i>Yes, I realize that was WAY more than should ever be shared online, but oh well!</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How has your week been?</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXb6cZsR4ZFNEGN3q6b2aweMCC2jS8H_GU_BkK5j1LzRsjlELWNePFQ8I7DxsR54rZJmMULVZxoy81rwBu__1nCv2DiQw9qDo_nih3FVtEk0raSQso8S9AjMs6vCPtwT0_n6nHKSIGFmx/s1600/357397_460s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXb6cZsR4ZFNEGN3q6b2aweMCC2jS8H_GU_BkK5j1LzRsjlELWNePFQ8I7DxsR54rZJmMULVZxoy81rwBu__1nCv2DiQw9qDo_nih3FVtEk0raSQso8S9AjMs6vCPtwT0_n6nHKSIGFmx/s320/357397_460s.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm usually an "everyday is Friday" kind of gal - but this week I'm excited!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-25637360092042633692013-10-12T15:14:00.000-05:002013-10-12T15:14:04.811-05:00Fake it til you make it<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've all been there. Maybe a little nervous about a meeting or new experience... In my line of work, there's always a little pit in my stomach about going to an event and meeting a ton of new people - and it's MY JOB! I've been doing it for so long, you'd think I would be long over it by now - but people are unpredictable. Maybe that's why the nerves get going. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At any rate, I thought this little lion kitty was a great image to illustrate the importance of faking it until you make it.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/6084583680/h8265065C/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/6084583680/h8265065C/" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some things you shouldn't fake (am I right, ladies?) but when it comes to traits you feel like you need for success: Courage, Image, a Sunny & Bright Disposition. Those things don't happen for all of us overnight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Could you be depressed because you aren't telling yourself that you're happy? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you alone because you keep telling yourself that you don't deserve someone? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you missing out on a promotion at work because you "could never say your idea in front of all of those people" or to your "a-hole of a boss"? </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We <a href="http://jenn-coldfloor.blogspot.com/2011/02/worst-4-letter-f-word.html" target="_blank">hold ourselves back with our self-fulfilling prophecies</a>. What if you started telling yourself that you are happy and you chose to focus on all of the wonderful things in your life? Day after day, focusing on and making the choice to be happy would get easier and easier - until one day you aren't faking it anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Imagine that!</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.expatinfodesk.com/_furniture/images/inspirationalquotefour-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.expatinfodesk.com/_furniture/images/inspirationalquotefour-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess that's probably what professionals (or people much smarter than me) call building healthy habits. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ask yourself: Are Courage, my Image and a Sunny & Bright Disposition habits? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Maybe, maybe not - but they sure as hell are comfort zones and comfort zones breed habits.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What new habits are you going to start breeding when you let go your fear of change?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-59448135240978419982013-10-09T10:55:00.001-05:002013-10-09T10:55:30.922-05:00What day is it? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a1.s6img.com/cdn/0017/p/6299342_6354577_lz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a1.s6img.com/cdn/0017/p/6299342_6354577_lz.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You were gonna say Hump Day, weren't you?!?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nope - it's <u><i><b>New Car Battery Day</b></i></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't worry, we'll celebrate next week :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Price of a new battery: $126</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Years I don't have to worry about a new battery:5 </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Not having to replace the alternator today: Priceless</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-10410936291672988922013-10-08T20:32:00.000-05:002013-10-08T20:32:35.844-05:00First you're up, then you're down, then you're up again...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week, I was laid off from my job. I mean </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">really LAID OFF</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">! From my job. At a University. In a non-grant-funded position. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>L A I D O F F</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've worked for a couple of universities, I've even worked in one of those grant-funded positions that make you crap your pants in anticipation every time they re-apply / re-up the grant (or worse yet, when the government <strike>threatens to</strike> shuts down) but in all those years, <i>I always had a job</i>. </span><br />
<a href="http://www.elbowbeachcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/September.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://www.elbowbeachcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/September.gif" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until September 30th.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My co-workers and I knew something was happening when the president of our board called a meeting Monday afternoon, but it wasn't even close to what we thought. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I should probably mention that tension has run high in my office because our boss was on her way out (not really by her choice) and we all *knew* it without *knowing* it.</span></i> So 6 happy-go-lucky chumps walk into a meeting with members of our board and a couple of HR folks still thinking we were going to get an official statement about out boss. (Which did happen, as an afterthought.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://files.myopera.com/Baitfa/albums/12753612/surprised-baby-w18igv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://files.myopera.com/Baitfa/albums/12753612/surprised-baby-w18igv.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were even more surprised than this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever been in a meeting that you thought was going one way and you came out on the other end without a job? Yeah... it's like having the carpet pulled from under your feet (or at least what I imagine that would feel like). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever found out that your current job situation was illegal? Again... SURPRISE! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I should clarify - our jobs weren't illegal (this isn't Breaking Bad) but the whole administrative back end of our jobs became illegal because someone somewhere laundered some money or received a kickback or did something equally as heinous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I should also mention - I've NEVER been without a job, or at least a plan for a job. EVER. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Confusion. Day drinking. Tears. Fear. Tension. Stress. Anger. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt all of these emotions. Sometimes within minutes of each other, wondering what I was going to do. Hell, I even contemplated moving in with my parents!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://themastersofwhat.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/i-got-a-job.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://themastersofwhat.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/i-got-a-job.jpg" width="274" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily, the organization I was working for illegally - legalized and offered us all our jobs back within days. Exciting, right?! Absolutely. Until I realized that I'm starting a new job. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New Insurance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New PTO. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New Benefits. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New Paperwork. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No Longevity... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh & it wasn't my choice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong - I'm EXTREMELY grateful to have a job. MY JOB. (<u style="font-weight: bold;">I LOVE my job</u>). I'm just ready for the wind to die down and let me catch my breath. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-35933533894292783802013-09-23T21:35:00.001-05:002014-05-01T16:19:54.946-05:00The road to hell is paved with good intentions<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was taught that it is always better to tell the truth (it will set you free, so to speak). Recently (pretty much daily) I'm reminded, the truth doesn't always set you free - sometimes it restricts and punishes you.</span><br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VBuxnNvegqA/UkD984HZ06I/AAAAAAAAENg/S9iG2OhJwFg/s640/blogger-image--688894596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VBuxnNvegqA/UkD984HZ06I/AAAAAAAAENg/S9iG2OhJwFg/s400/blogger-image--688894596.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong - <i>I'm still advocating for the truth! </i>But sometimes I wish doing the right thing as an adult was as easy and arbitrary as when I was a kid. Yes, I'd much rather be able to sleep at night knowing I did the right thing, but now I'm in the throws of an all out extreme pissing match. Fun to watch (if you're a masochist), terrible to live!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Bottom line:</b> Doing the right thing is always the right choice - even if your situation SUCKS worse after all is said & done. At least there is light at the end of the tunnel instead of handcuffs, fire & brimstone.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HnsVVTPKTBA/UkD-jl0NvgI/AAAAAAAAENo/Wosi83cX4Bk/s640/blogger-image-1978162589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HnsVVTPKTBA/UkD-jl0NvgI/AAAAAAAAENo/Wosi83cX4Bk/s400/blogger-image-1978162589.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-25627170799258310722013-09-22T04:29:00.001-05:002014-05-01T16:29:28.459-05:00Lessons from the weekend...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Just because its been in the fridge, doesn't mean it's still good to eat.</span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z8HvPqyiLBY/Uj66WWaHb8I/AAAAAAAAENI/DHZh1TPBmWg/s640/blogger-image-962524854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z8HvPqyiLBY/Uj66WWaHb8I/AAAAAAAAENI/DHZh1TPBmWg/s400/blogger-image-962524854.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. $10 is NOT enough money to do laundry for one person.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yXz5fVn__yo/Uj657TCqndI/AAAAAAAAEMw/7AwC3xKEvk4/s640/blogger-image-2042513669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yXz5fVn__yo/Uj657TCqndI/AAAAAAAAEMw/7AwC3xKEvk4/s400/blogger-image-2042513669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Laziness DOES NOT pay off, but it DOES feel good.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-45iljaivpIE/Uj66VrxcIFI/AAAAAAAAENA/t1j9qrZwl4A/s640/blogger-image-1649535989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-45iljaivpIE/Uj66VrxcIFI/AAAAAAAAENA/t1j9qrZwl4A/s400/blogger-image-1649535989.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. It should not take 2 days for my chores.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fJEoECKUHZ4/Uj66Up2z9wI/AAAAAAAAEM4/PO_MFgQjfhE/s640/blogger-image--294541319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fJEoECKUHZ4/Uj66Up2z9wI/AAAAAAAAEM4/PO_MFgQjfhE/s320/blogger-image--294541319.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. I may have gotten dumber since I turned 35. Why, you ask? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because everything on the list, I already knew! (oh except for maybe #5)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YBLt1EkKrmc/Uj66gB5bo8I/AAAAAAAAENQ/acPImmVPr44/s640/blogger-image-2024115802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YBLt1EkKrmc/Uj66gB5bo8I/AAAAAAAAENQ/acPImmVPr44/s400/blogger-image-2024115802.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-29246841273031977622013-09-18T11:14:00.000-05:002014-05-01T16:30:57.471-05:00No one to crush on...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/2192/my_boys_tbs_header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/2192/my_boys_tbs_header.jpg" height="197" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">For a long time Bobby (the guy on the far left) was my big "My Boys" crush!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last month, while house / dog sitting I decided to resurrect one of my FAVORITE shows (Thanks Netflix) "My Boys", and up came an episode about being in a slump - and boy could I relate! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Everything in this show centers around how life mimics baseball, so when you aren't dating or crushing on anyone - you are in a slump. Couldn't agree more! My slump has lasted way longer than I'd like to admit but I digress...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What a difference a month makes!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
You know, the Morton Salt Girl and I have something in common...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.prowatersoftenerreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/morton-salt-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.prowatersoftenerreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/morton-salt-logo.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Except she gets salt. I apparently get boys coming out of the woodwork! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Notice I'm not complaining)</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
It's been so long since I've had a man actually courting me, that I forgot what it was like. I'm a little sad to report that it is not like riding a bike... okay well maybe it's like riding a bike you still remember the concept - but your center of balance has probably changed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
So for now, I'm plugging along. Trying to enjoy the attention. Trying to enjoy 35. Trying to make sure I don't end up holding an umbrella when the next dry spell comes along.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-26155124828085503632013-06-07T00:05:00.001-05:002014-05-01T16:31:41.922-05:00Well... What do you do when you're sick & can't sleep?!?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me? I do what any crazy unmarried 34 year old woman does:</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Design an engagement ring online while sitting on the can!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lcerQUHdHh4/UbFq-K1HnrI/AAAAAAAAECY/HdzXSjrcTkc/s640/blogger-image-230423940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lcerQUHdHh4/UbFq-K1HnrI/AAAAAAAAECY/HdzXSjrcTkc/s640/blogger-image-230423940.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See! Don't I have great taste?!?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now some of you are probably asking yourself... "Does Jennifer have a boyfriend? Is she even dating anyone?"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No. No, I do not.</span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps you think it may be bad mojo to design a ring before you have someone that wants to give you that ring. Well, I'll tell you like I told my ex when he found out that I had designed a ring: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did this long before you came along & will probably be doing it long after you leave. It makes me happy, so just deal with it.</span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here you were wondering why I'm still single! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-79234987006673277152013-05-18T23:23:00.000-05:002014-05-01T16:32:13.731-05:00New Apartment<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I've spent the last couple of days moving (way too much) stuff from my old house in Fort Worth to my new apartment in Grand Prairie. I've learned a few things:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have way too much stuff</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hate moving</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm still not done yet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My bicycle doesn't have a place outside</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I left my toiletry box at the old house and washed my hair with body soap. But it was still amazeballs</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now to finish unloading my car in the morning and take one last trip to get stuff in Fort Worth. Then I get to unpack! Woo hoo!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos / Video to follow soon!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-52789414112981013162013-05-15T16:15:00.000-05:002014-05-01T16:32:44.396-05:00The Blazing Race<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <strike>Amazing</strike> Blazing Race - or at least that's how we do it where I work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbmPnXKw-LI/UZP6lztX_OI/AAAAAAAAECI/d3uL-3uSkcY/s1600/slimsons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbmPnXKw-LI/UZP6lztX_OI/AAAAAAAAECI/d3uL-3uSkcY/s320/slimsons.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Slimsons BEFORE photo :)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, along with a couple of coworkers, I competed in a scavenger hunt of sorts all over the university where I'm employed. In an effort to become less fat-tastic, I have tried to become more active - which goes really well with this Slimdown Competition work is hosting. Our team, The Slimsons, is working on getting into our skinny jeans and this race was part of the goal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
We chose the low impact route and <u><i><b>DAMN</b></i></u> I'm out of shape! (Like it was that big of a surprise!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
As we went along though, I realized a couple of things:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you're too fat, your back hurts BAD when you walk.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The more active you are, the better you feel. DUH</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My coworkers are really fun people (I kind of already knew that...)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This campus is HUGE (and yes, I realize "That's what she said")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't care what that stupid piece of paper said - we walked more than 1.14 miles!</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My encouragement to you today is to get out there and walk or run or bike or whatever you do to be active. Looking down at the scale and tipping it to the highest you've ever seen it with your two feet standing on top is not a happy place, friends! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember: Fitness is FUN!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-88221291514881617822013-05-14T09:30:00.001-05:002014-05-01T16:33:16.753-05:00750 Words<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As some of you know, I teach computer classes at an organization that serves women looking to improve their situations by learning a new skill (e.g. computers). I came across this organization following the death of two of my co-workers almost two years ago. I'm on my 3rd class and last night we finished up the keyboarding portion of our course - which means we're a third of the way done with the program! <i>Time seriously flies!!!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><a href="http://writing.barnard.edu/sites/default/files/styles/inline_large/public/images/inline/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://writing.barnard.edu/sites/default/files/styles/inline_large/public/images/inline/writing.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anywho, a common thread among some of these women is that at some point they've been victims of domestic violence. Sometimes they suffer from low self esteem or self worth. They've never had someone tell them that they <i>could</i> do something - they've always been put down. This is where my 750 words comes in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Think back to a time when you were learning something... say keyboarding. I take for granted that (once we moved to Texas) the schools I attended had computers and we always had a computer in the house (<i>Thanks Dad!</i>) so keyboarding is a skill I never really put much thought into learning. Now, I can type upwards of 75 words per minute. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
One reason I'm a stronger typist than others is that I spend a lot of time writing / blogging / etc. So I've encouraged my students to start doing the same. <a href="http://750words.com/">750words.com</a> is a website developed on the idea of <i>Morning Writings. </i>The thought is that if you write three pages every morning (roughly 750 words) it frees your mind and allows you to think more clearly for the rest of the day. The added bonus is that if you're learning to type, you can get practice and comfort typing to your little heart's desire. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
The thing I L O V E about 750words.com is that it is completely private - unless you change the settings. They also give you fun statistics (<i>nerd alert</i>) about your writing and who doesn't love getting <i>into their subconscious</i>? The only downfall at this point, is that they're going to a paid only subscription to assist in offsetting the cost of running the site. It is very modestly priced but my point is that even if you don't use this particular platform - getting those pesky thoughts out of your head every morning really helps you become a more productive and creative person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Give it a try. You never know what you might find out about yourself. Even if it's just that you improve your typing speed :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-37288589783207466872013-04-22T19:38:00.001-05:002014-05-01T16:33:34.037-05:00The People You Meet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.okyday.com/images/quotes-sayings/if-you-allow-people-to-make-more-author-unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.okyday.com/images/quotes-sayings/if-you-allow-people-to-make-more-author-unknown.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my profession (even as it's morphed over the years) I'm always meeting new people. People are fascinating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_23481976_bhgxthtx24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_23481976_bhgxthtx24.png" height="224" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
But what I love is the stories we take away at the end of the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Just think, without people, you wouldn't have:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
1. Awkward 1st date stories </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_73937946_hyf76z8y4r.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_73937946_hyf76z8y4r.png" height="224" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
2. Lessons to take with you on that next job, relationship, purchase, vacation, day in court (lol)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_94509556_2rbf7q7q3n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_94509556_2rbf7q7q3n.png" height="224" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
3. Entertaining stories to tell at cocktail parties</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_66895390_nq88p5zvkm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_66895390_nq88p5zvkm.png" height="224" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
4. A kick-ass stand-up routine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvjXFi8EVbA/UXXXejrdJVI/AAAAAAAADzE/0XZu28RLw18/s1600/Rottenecards_38886899_hdz36k5j95.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvjXFi8EVbA/UXXXejrdJVI/AAAAAAAADzE/0XZu28RLw18/s320/Rottenecards_38886899_hdz36k5j95.png" height="224" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
5. Finally, who could do without those stories that are so crazy - they bond us together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GU7SZI9hzc/UXXXm8ujBSI/AAAAAAAADzM/82jYh57ChlM/s1600/Rottenecards_4828850_6hdccjnd59.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GU7SZI9hzc/UXXXm8ujBSI/AAAAAAAADzM/82jYh57ChlM/s320/Rottenecards_4828850_6hdccjnd59.png" height="224" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
I love that people - all kinds of people - make the world go round. Without them, I'd laugh WAY less than I do now :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-68365333326873038272013-04-17T09:40:00.002-05:002013-04-17T09:41:55.358-05:00Spellstravaganza<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I mentioned <a href="http://jenn-coldfloor.blogspot.com/2013/04/spelling-anxiety-aka-spell-ziety.html" target="_blank">yesterday</a>, I participated in the <a href="http://www.tarrantliteracycoalition.org/involved/bee.html" target="_blank">2013 Tarrant Literacy Coalition Corporate Spelling Bee</a> along with my fellow teammates from Mayor Betsy Price's young leader initiative SteerFW. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We came in 9th.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were one of the last 2 teams on our "side" of the stage (out of 11)!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm proud of our team. I'm also proud that we didn't know the word <i>gallimaufry</i> - which I had NEVER heard before yesterday. In case you're like me, and didn't have a freaking CLUE what the word meant it means: <i>hodgepodge</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first inclination was to think: <i>why not just use the word hodgepodge?</i> but that's not what spelling bees are all about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, let's talk about our costumes! We were the "Stellar SteerFW Spellers". Originally, we wanted to have an aviation theme, but since Lockheed Martin was also participating, we went starry. As you can see - we mean <b>business</b>! Shelly (on the right) was gracious enough to raid Party City for all of their star-themed paraphernalia We got so many compliments and comments on our costumes - it was well worth it.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAfVxBLm-4I/UW6zEmAeJAI/AAAAAAAADy0/L19DBhAQdck/s1600/912230_10200829632531966_771757978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAfVxBLm-4I/UW6zEmAeJAI/AAAAAAAADy0/L19DBhAQdck/s320/912230_10200829632531966_771757978_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-31271510386371388602013-04-16T16:04:00.001-05:002013-04-16T16:04:24.420-05:00Spelling Anxiety (aka Spell-ziety)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm participating in a Corporate Spelling Bee for the benefit of the <a href="http://www.tarrantliteracycoalition.org/involved/bee.html" target="_blank">Tarrant Literacy Coalition</a> and I fear I'm in over my head. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The competition is tonight, I've studied (yes, I use that term <i>extremely</i> loosely), I've worried, I've quizzed, I've indulged in spelling juice (aka wine). Now the time has come for me to bite the bullet, get up in front of a ballroom of professionals and leaders in my community</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://dcslv.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Spelling-Bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://dcslv.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Spelling-Bee.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and make a complete and utter ass out of myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, friends. I'm probably the most nervous I've been about an activity in quite some time. I've spoken to crowds, performed in plays, played an instrument, sang both alone and with a choir - but today I'm a little north of mortified. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did I mention, I'm on the team sponsored by Fort Worth Mayor? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did I mention that last year her team came in 2nd place? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did I mention, I'm the team captain?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did I mention, I have a SEVERE ISSUE with saying No?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, well with all that - it's time for me to leave work and go get ready (Did I mention, I'm wearing a costume?). Yes it's all in good fun. Look for the <strike>horrifying evidence</strike> photos tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh and if you're looking to contribute to a worthwhile organization that believes in parading community members around and making fun of them through spelling, might I suggest <a href="https://tarrantliteracycoalitionorg.presencehost.net/involved/donate.html" target="_blank">Tarrant Literacy Coalition</a>? :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474752175740170429.post-49644491283030117232013-03-26T09:51:00.002-05:002013-03-26T09:52:13.308-05:00Nutrition Counseling<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago my employer held a benefits fair. All sorts of banks, insurance companies local businesses and doctors eagerly showed up to share with my fellow employees about how great and wonderful they are. I go for the free stuff. I'm not even trying to front. I usually get a couple of <i>work</i> toothbrushes, some fun <strike>crap</strike> giveaways and a bunch of business cards I don't want or need (it would be rude not to take them, right?!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I was going down the last aisle, I noticed a brochure for <a href="http://www.alcat.com/" target="_blank">food intolerance testing</a>. I have a good friend that did an <a href="http://www.precisionnutrition.com/elimination-diet" target="_blank">elimination diet</a> (and as seen all over <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/358247345328697460/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=347843558629325&set=a.347843551962659.81053.347843265296021&type=1&theater" target="_blank">Facebook</a>) <i>Ain't nobody got time for that!</i> so a blood test seemed perfect for a lazy-ass like myself. A quick call and I was in the next week. </span><br />
<a href="http://shopluminositees.com/sites/default/files/dynamic/garment-design-image-view-1fc88da0a7400e648d3cefdb7368c575.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://shopluminositees.com/sites/default/files/dynamic/garment-design-image-view-1fc88da0a7400e648d3cefdb7368c575.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This doctor claims he can cure everything that ails me (including a couple of auto-immune disorders) and get me off all of my prescription medications in 12 - 18 months. I'd be crazy if I didn't take him up on it, right? So here I go. Setting off on the journey of eliminating (probably) everything I've ever loved from my diet. BUT the prospect of feeling good (not even great) regularly is an enticing carrot. I can do anything for a year, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will chronicle my journey on my other blog: <a href="http://jennewilson.wordpress.com/">jennewilson.wordpress.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Come on over and see how I'm holding up!</span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066251321321673262noreply@blogger.com0