Sure, I'll lead start a running group!

There's a run coming up that my work is sponsoring. I am the lone runner in my office, and as an Official Marathon Runner, that means I'm basically an Olympian.

I believe I'm the only person in my entire department who runs. I know one lady is interested in starting, and another might go on light jogs, but I doubt any of them know what distance a 5k is. Not that a 5k is a choice in the run we're sponsoring.

Because two or three people have asked me about it so far, I sent out an email today about the upcoming run.

I volunteered to start a running group.

Most of the people in my department are in their 40s and up.

Which means I just volunteered to teach 20-something 40-somethings (OK, like 3 are in their 30s) how to run up to a half-marathon (there's a shorter distance that's a run/walk) in less than 4 months.

Yikes.

I'm overwhelmed

Why is that so hard to say?

OVERWHELMED.

Ugh.

It's a good question

Will I last here?

I'm starting to wonder.

At this point, I'm also not sure if I care.

Maybe I had an influence on her?

I was talking to my boss this morning when something caught my attention: Her nails were painted purple!

When I complimented her on the color, she told me she'd decided to treat herself to a manicure, and she wanted to do something other than the standard pink or red.

Even though last week was my first week of work, I had braved it and wore my purple polish all week. Since she's a member of the Purple Polish Fan Club, I told my boss how I'd repainted mine twice for the callbacks because I was worried they'd give the wrong impression in my interviews.

My boss, who is probably in her 40s, told me she'd actually worn hot pink tights and black boots to her interview! She said she realized it was inappropriate when she arrived, but it was too late to change (I guess her interview was last-minute?).

Anyway, I really think I'm going to like this job. I had a really busy day today, and tomorrow promises to be the same, but I'm excited about the projects I've got coming up. It's still early, obviously, but I really think this is going to be a really great fit! 

I guess the interview did go well

They called today to offer me the job. I start on Monday.

After almost five years of editing, I'm a little nervous about switching gears to writing. I used to be good at it before I became an editor.

Here's hoping I don't suck at it now!

********************UPDATE********************

OK, now I'm stressed. Here's why:

1. I haven't written -- really written -- in years. What if I suck at it?
2. I only get 10 vacation days. I know that's standard, and that would be fine if my husband didn't get like 2 or 3 weeks off in the summer and 2 weeks at Christmastime -- in addition to several four-day weekends and every national holiday.
   
   The company I'll be working for has to work a lot of the holidays. Where I worked in Dallas was similar, so they compensated by giving us 20 personal days (vacation/sick/personal/whatever) to use as we pleased over the course of the year. And we could work from home. I can't do that at this job.
3. My stepsisters are visiting me in May. I feel bad that I'm going to be at work during their visit, but it's partially their fault for booking it Monday through Saturday (when the dates they'd asked about were a Wednesday through Sunday).
4. I only get 10 vacation days. I don't know if you noticed, but we're gone a lot. In the next few months, I have: (a) a best friend giving birth to her first child [not that I'll be there for that, obviously, but I'd like to visit], (b) a shower to cohost for said best friend and her first child, (c) a close friend getting married, (d) a shower to throw as maid of honor for said close friend, (e) a family reunion in Oklahoma in July, (f) a wedding in Niagara Falls in July, (g) a honeymoon to take in September [finally], and (h) family to visit for Christmas in both PA and OK. Not to mention the fact I'd really really like to make it back for an OU football game next year.
   
   That's way more than 10 days. Granted, a lot of that will happen on the weekend, but at the same time, a lot of it requires a fair amount of traveling (and sometimes even preparation). I can't squeeze all of it into two days each!
5. [Yes, I'm aware this one is pretty stupid to be stressed about.] I love being able to eat lunch with K most days. This job will be in the opposite direction from where he works, so no more lunch. Bummer.
6. What if I suck at it? What if I disappoint them?

Isn't finding a job supposed to make the stress go away?

Boo .....

The low-down on interview #4

I had my fourth interview with the potential job last Friday. This time, I met with the director. I think it went well, but not as well as the previous three interviews. After all, I'd pretty much answered all the same questions three times before in the previous interviews. My answers were starting to feel canned.

The woman who had given me the phone interview has actually been through every single interview with me so far. I found myself saying more and more, "I've already told [woman] this, but ..." I really think she could just do the interview FOR me by this point!

When it was all finished (this one only lasted about 20 or 30 minutes), my interview buddy told me she thought it had gone well. We'll see.

I had lunch with her and the man I'd had the second interview with. It was nice and relaxed. They asked me if I had any questions about the job.

Of course I do: What's the salary? How many vacation days do you get? Is telecommuting OK from time to time? Are there still others in the running at this point?

I wasn't sure if either of them was the appropriate person to ask, and if so, whether it would be a bad idea to ask in front of the other person. I stuttered around for a minute about how I had questions, but I wasn't sure if they mattered yet (or something like that). I said I felt I had a good grasp of what the expectations and responsibilities of the position are. They were pleased with that response.

When lunch was over and we parted ways, they said they'd be in touch early this week. We'll see what that means. I haven't met the janitor yet, so maybe interview #5 is in my near future. :)

Best holiday ever! (and some blurbs)

Today is G___ Day. It's the first one K & I have spent together since we got engaged, so it's nice to have our own little holiday tradition. We celebrated by enjoying two things that had been on our minds since our trip to Hawaii: Forgetting Sarah Marshall (since it takes place in HI) and pizza (since we didn't eat it while we were on the island).

We mixed some champagne and strawberries with it. Nice, laid back, and completely awesome.

*****************************

A couple weeks ago, I discovered kettlebell classes at our gym. They're fantastic. I actually missed them while we were on vacation. I went tonight. Awesome workout. According to my heart rate monitor, I burned 592 calories. I'm totally going to be a regular to that class! 

*****************************

K & I have a 10-mile run to do in just 9 days. I'm worried I'm going to keel over & die in my attempt to finish. I dragged myself out for a quick 2-mile run today. My first mile was done in 7.5 minutes. Granted, I was at a faster pace when I started that first mile, but whatever. My time for the entire run was 16:40. I thought I was going to die; I have no idea how I didn't. (Burned a couple hundred cal there too!)

*****************************

Tomorrow's my big 4th interview. Hopefully it goes well, although at this point, it seems that just qualifies me for another interview. We'll see!

I couldn't make this crap up

My interview yesterday afternoon went well. I managed to find another interview-appropriate outfit, and for the second time, I removed my purple nail polish and went for a springy coral.

The guy I had to meet this time was very nice. Not too much older than me. He kind of grilled me, but in a nice, pleasant kind of way. It was clear he just wanted to make sure I had relevant experience and would be able to handle the responsibilities the position comes with.

I think I actually passed. The line of questions made me a little worried about the fact my professional experience is primarily with editing, since this is a writing position, but I think I did a good job of playing up my writing experience and the range it covers.

I learned more about the position in the interview. The commute isn't quite as bad as I thought it would be (25 min instead of 30, but it's under half an hour, right?!), and I left feeling so excited about the possibility. I think I'd really enjoy the work, so my previously blase attitude about the outcome has changed. I do want this job.

The guy asked me for some writing samples. I was surprised that hadn't come up before. I sent them as soon as I got home.

The woman I had the initial phone interview with (she's sat through all 3 interviews I've had, actually) told me I probably wouldn't hear back from them until after K and I get back from vacation, since things are pretty hectic for them right now. She seemed really positive, and it was nice because she was basically telling me I could enjoy my vacation without having to worry about waiting by my phone.

So imagine my surprise when this afternoon, I had an email back from her. And somehow, I was even more surprised when I finished reading it:

They want me to come back AGAIN after we get back from vacation so I can meet another person!!! This time, they'll take me to lunch as well.

I'm confused.

It was at this point that I quit going back to Hooters. This job is a little different, obviously. I plan on going to this 4th meeting, but I haven't answered the email yet. I want to say something more than, "Sure! See you on Thursday!" (or whatever day we meet), but I don't quite know where to go.

I guess I should be honored I've made it through this many rounds, but I'd like to know if there are still others in the running at this point. It would be kind of nice to know how many more rounds there will be. (By the way, I still have no clue what the salary is -- or even if it's salary -- but I actually would rather like to know the first two most.)

I'm just not sure if it's OK to ask.

This isn't the first time I've had 3 callbacks to get a job

Today's the day of the big 3rd interview for the potential job. I'm surprised it's taking this many interactions for them to make a decision, but it's not the first time I've been in this situation.

My junior year in college, I had an evening class. One of my friends and classmates came in and took her usual seat beside me. We talked about our days, and she told me She'd had a test run late earlier in the day, and it caused her to be late. She had gotten the "crappy section" at work, so she was annoyed. "Oh well," she said, "I still made $100."

What?!

I whipped my head toward her. "Where on earth do you work that -- on a Thursday afternoon -- you make $100 waiting tables in the crappy section?!!"

Clarece was smart, professional, put together. She was classy. She was always dressed up in nice, trendy boots or heels for class. She was nice. Sophisticated.

So I was shocked when she answered my question: "Oh, I work at Hooters."

She told me she'd worked there since she was in high school. She said the chain was trying to become more family friendly. She told me I should apply.

I thought about it. Why not, right? I told my roommates about it when I got home, and Rachel decided to apply with me. We laughed and joked about it.

We went the next week. Rachel had no waitressing experience, while I had a whole 3 months under my belt from my first summer back home after freshman year. Rachel was cute, and she had a fun personality. Surely they could train her.

The manager told Rachel they weren't hiring, and they (there were two on duty when we were there) asked me to come back the next day so I could meet another manager. When I returned the next day, Manager 3 looked over my application and asked me about my waiting experience. He asked me to come back one more time. I can't remember if Manager 3 was the summer hiring manager, or if the one I had to go back and meet was, but for whatever reason, I was going to have to come back a third time, the following Tuesday at 4:00.

In the meantime, my brother and dad were getting excited about my potential summer job. They were planning visits up to "see me" at work. My mom actually said to me, "You do know the reason people go to that restaurant?" (My response: "Sure! The chicken wings!") She told me she didn't care either way, as long as I knew people weren't really going for the wings. (Duh!)

My boyfriend at the time had a different take on it. He wasn't too crazy about the possibility of having a girlfriend who worked at Hooters. He'd talked about it with some of his friends, and a lot of people (girls especially) said it was one step above stripping.

But I had waited tables before. I had worked as a cashier for several years. I had dealt with flirting or come-ons in both. Sometimes guys are just guys. I knew Hooters had rules about touching the wait staff, so even though it's a much more laid-back environment than your average restaurant, it wasn't like customers would be allowed to be disrespectful or inappropriate.

So I found myself at the restaurant the following Tuesday just before my 4:00 appointment. I found Manager 4 (the final manager) leaning against the counter on the phone. "Oh, no!" he said. "They were supposed to call you." He had a conference call at that time, and he couldn't meet with me.

This restaurant was a good 20 minutes or so from my apartment, and gas was a ridiculous $1.75 a gallon. It was finals week, and I'd had to take off work just to drive up that day to meet the manager.

"Should I come back?" I asked him. "I'll just walk around the mall for a little bit or something. It's no big deal." The manager seemed reluctant, like he had a lot on his plate even after the call. But he started to agree. Me being me (and never wanting to inconvenience anyone), I said to him, "If another day is better for you, I can come back if I need to."

"Yeah ..." he said. "It's just really not a good day. As long as you come back by Saturday, we can start you on Monday."

Gah!

When I got to my car, I immediately called Clarece. "What's the deal?" I asked her. "How many times do I have to go for them to decide if my personality and looks make up for my lack of boobs?!"

It sounded like all I had to do was go back one more time, and I'd be ready to go. But I was tired of making the drive. Why did it take four times? Plus, Brad was against it, and all those "one step above stripping" comments were getting to me.

I didn't go back. Instead, I wound up doing a small stint at On the Border before leaving to become a carhop at Sonic (much less stress, and much better money!).

Who knows what would have happened if I'd gone back to Hooters a fourth time. I always get a kick out of the looks on people's faces when I tell them that story. What's most funny is that the only time -- well, times -- I've been to Hooters were those three times I was there to speak to managers about a job.

It's probably better that way. Besides, I've heard their wings aren't that great.

Update on the job

So I heard back about the job today ... sort of. They want me to come in again on Thursday. Evidently there's "one other person who needs to meet you." Hmm ... I'm confused.

Does this mean they'll be offering me the job, or does it mean they're still deciding? In the face-to-face interview, I met the person who would be my supervisor and the director. Who else would I need to meet?

I don't know the hours or salary of this job. I'd hate to drive there again, learn that information, and have it not be enough to justify the commute. Especially since I have to drive through traffic to one military base and one major tourist attraction on my way there. Yikes. I don't want to waste their time.

Also, all three of the references I gave them last week said they'd let me know if they were contacted. I haven't heard from any of them, so I'm guessing they weren't.

I'm planning on going to this additional interview, but the whole fact it's even an issue leaves me really confused. Considering they've already done a phone interview and an in-person interview, what else do they need to know?

And wouldn't you know I just repainted my nails to purple last Friday? Am I going to have to redo them in another color AGAIN?!

Job interviews: Like first dates, but with a little more on the line

My face-to-face interview was yesterday morning. This means I spent the weekend and Monday putting way too much thought into stupid things.

What should I wear? Do I need to bring writing samples with me, even though they didn't ask for them? Will this shirt be too feminine? Is it bad to wear sleeveless?

I had painted my nails purple over the weekend. They were nicely done, with no chips or anything, but I worried that they wouldn't be right for the interview.

It's funny how clothes that are just fine for work can be all wrong for an interview. I wanted something with color, but not too much. Something bright, but not crazy bright, and no stupid power colors. I chose black pants -- my older pair, rather than the newer pair that fits more snugly -- a bright blue sleeveless shirt, and a light gray cardigan. Enough color, but not overpowering. I chose basic black pumps and simple earrings. And even though K assured me the interviewers wouldn't judge me for my nail polish, I painted over it.

The interview went well. It lasted about an hour. I think the position is something I'd really like. It would be interesting, and I'd get to work with a team. I'm worried about switching gears to writing, since I've been editing for the last 4+ years, but I think I could do it.

The director told me they're interviewing a couple more people, but I'm a strong candidate. They asked if they made a decision this week, would I be able to start next week? (Of course! I did tell them I'll be gone for a week at the end of the month.)

Yesterday afternoon, they emailed me for references. They sent me a writing test. The ironic part? They wanted me to write headlines. I hate writing headlines! It was my least favorite part of my first job in Dallas (and it was a huge part of my job). It's actually what I have most trouble with in blogging.

They told me not to spend too much time on the headlines. I did, but I told them I didn't. In the end, I'm happy with one of them, and I think the other is kind of dumb. I was just ready to be done, though, so I sent them in.

We'll see what they think. I do tend to be my absolute worst critic when it comes to things like writing headlines. And what's even more annoying is that they're so damn subjective anyway.

If they offer me the job, fantastic. It'll be nice to have income and an actual purpose to my day (other than cleaning the house over and over and going grocery shopping). I'll get out of the house and meet people. I'll use my degree.

If not, then maybe some of the other resumes I've submitted will amount to something. After all, this job would be a 30-minute commute. It's a little longer than I'd like, but I'm willing to do it.

And if none of the resumes amount to anything, well, at least it's warming up. It'll be a lot more fun to be unproductive on the beach than it is to be unproductive in our living room. No matter what happens, at least I'm done worrying about how my nail polish will affect my future.

I made it to Round 3

My phone interview today went well. I learned a little more about the job, and I think it's something I might actually enjoy.

It's a writing position (which would require a bit of a complete gear switch after four years of editing), so I'm a little nervous about how long it'll take me to feel comfortable -- especially since my inner "you suck" voice is really strong when I'm not comfortable in my work.

It seems like I'd be working with a team on a regular basis, which is a huge plus. That's one of the things I missed most about editing -- working with people and truly feeling like part of a team.

The woman who conducted the phone interview said she felt a bit of a connection to me because I'm an OU grad. I guess when she was in school in NY, somehow a lot of her classmates were from OU. After we'd talked about 20 minutes, she asked me to come in for a face-to-face interview with the director.

When I told K about the interview, he congratulated me about getting a follow-up. "It's just a phone interview," I said. "What could I have said that would make them not want a face-to-face?" K told me I'd be surprised, that he's sat through plenty of awkward phone interviews that don't lead to in-person meetings.

I should be getting an email soon with different times to choose from for this face-to-face interview. Hopefully it goes as well as the phone one!

Jury's still out on the job

But I did overhear (and participate in) some interesting conversations on my first day.

Overheard

Twenty-seven-year-old girl discussing (all day long) boys and dates she's been on. Went on one date last week with a lawyer ("Oopsie!") who was decently cute. "We'd make pretty babies!" she said. And she couldn't figure out why she doesn't have a boyfriend. Two words, woman: SLOW DOWN! (She also talked about how she wanted to find a boy to pay off her debt. And if he was fun to look at too, bonus. I'm thinking she's not the most mature 27-year-old I've met.)

Participated

Coworker: "Is your husband in the military?" (looking at my ring while asking)

Me: "Yes."

Coworker: "Is he an officer?"

Me: " ... Yes." (I hate that question, since if a person is asking it, they probably will judge me in some way based on the answer. Never mind the fact that I'M not the officer, and I wasn't born an officer's wife, either. Not to mention the fact I've never lived on post, and my first experience being an officer's wife is at a post where my husband is surrounded by people who outrank him.)

Coworker: "Air Force?"

Me: "No, Army." (What made her pick Air Force?)

Coworker: "Dang it, I was on a roll!"

Participated

Coworker: (incredulously) "You're married?"

Me: "Yes."

Coworker: "How old are you? You look so young!"

Me: "I'm 26."

Coworker: (slightly relieved) "Oh, so you're old enough to be married. You look 21!"

Overheard/Sat cautiously nearby but didn't participate

Nearest coworker strolled in at 10 this morning looking thrilled it was Monday (sense the sarcasm?). She was even more excited to learn that she had a new neighbor, since it meant that half her belongings, which she had arranged on my desk, would have to be confined to her own desk. She asked my boss whose idea it was to put me there. My boss said there was nowhere else for me to go. Coworker offered to move to another area of the building. I thought of telling her I don't bite, but I kept quiet in case she did. (Lucky for me, she's much nicer in the p.m.)

I can hardly wait for tomorrow (sense the sarcasm again?)!

I need a crystal ball to tell me what to do!

I started college as an instrumental music education major. My plan was to become a junior high band director. Soon into my classes, I became anxious about my choice. It didn't feel right.

After my freshman year, I finally got the nerve to change my major. It was a scary thing to do. What if I hated my new major? What if I sucked at it?

I switched to journalism. I loved it. I was going to be a TV reporter. I had some questions about it, so I interned at a TV news station. I loved it. There were things about the job -- the awful pay, the crazy hours, the scary and sad things you see on reports -- that I was unsure about. I spent a fair amount of my senior year talking to my TV news professor about them. She had actually been a TV reporter. She was honest, and she told me everything I was worried about was valid.

So after I graduated, I applied for a variety of jobs: TV news, newspaper, editing. I got an interview for an editing job.

Editing was something I always had enjoyed. It was part of my ultimate career plan. I was just bypassing the TV reporting part (which was only 5 years of my career plan, anyway).

I landed the editing job. Moved to Dallas. A year and a half later, I left my first editing job for a more exciting, more fitting, better paying editing job. I left there two months ago to come to VA with K.

I worked remotely with my Dallas company a few times. There is an opportunity for more work soon, but I haven't heard anything. It's been hectic lately, what with us getting settled and moved in, not to mention the visitors we've had the past couple weeks.

But I can't keep NOT working and stay sane. I have to find a job.

I'm tired of editing. Tired of not having control over my workflow. Tired of having to sacrifice my work because a writer hasn't delivered on his or her end of the deadline. I'm ready for a change. Something rewarding would be nice (the type of editing I did was not rewarding).

This move gives me the perfect opportunity to do something new. But now I feel exactly as I did my freshman year. What do I do?

There are things that interest me, and I think they'd all be rewarding jobs:

1) Photography. I love photography. I would be excited to learn about it. I always have my camera with me, and I love recording things.

Things to consider: I could have to sacrifice my weekends, which I'm not ready to do right now. Also, it seems like everyone and their dog is getting into photography right now ...

2) Personal training. I think it would be really neat to be able to help people get in shape. It would be doubly awesome because I'd know more about staying in shape myself.

Things to consider: I have no business doing anything like this yet -- so much to learn first! Would I even be able to learn enough without having to go get a degree in this field?

3) Esthetician. This would be such a relaxing job! It would be great to learn more about skincare, and this would definitely be a rewarding job.

Things to consider: Will I be able to move easily with this career? Definitely something to consider, since K is in the military.

4) (Honorable mention) Speech pathologist. For some reason, I have an ear for speech impediments. I hear them quite a bit in commercials. Also, when I was little, my brother had trouble saying quite a few letters. I taught him how to speak correctly. There are a variety of options with speech pathology, and every one of them would be very rewarding.

Things to consider: I'd have to go back to school to get my master's degree for this, and I'd be on the three-year program since I have no undergraduate experience in this field.

No matter what I choose, I'll have quite a bit of learning to do. Photography and personal training are both things I would want to independently. Both are things I think people consider luxuries, so I think it would be nice to offer both at more reasonable prices. I would be able to move with either easily, and the Army would make it easier for me to find and meet people who could become potential clients.

So much to think about ... and they all scare me a little bit. Yikes!

Bet HR's never seen one like this before!

Dear [Boss]:

Sadly, I would like to submit my resignation from [Wouldn't You Like to Know]. I have enjoyed my almost two and a half years here, but I’ve decided to make a brave move and finally live with my husband when he moves to Virginia Beach at the end of this month. I will miss the people and the environment at WYLK, but it’ll be nice to finally be able to spend weeknights with my husband doing exciting things like grocery shopping and folding laundry.

My last day at WYLK will be Tuesday, June 23, 2009. I will spend a large part of the month of July finding and settling into our home, but beginning Monday, July 27, I should be available for contract work if editing help is needed.

I wish many happy dog days, successful launches, and happy hour celebrations to you, WYLK health and wellness, and the company as a whole. I will forever be grateful for my time at WYLK and the friendships that have come out of it.

Sincerely,
my life is brilliant
Medical Editor

All work and no play ...

Since I got promoted, work has picked up quite a bit. I've felt a little burned out lately, which is probably why I haven't blogged much lately. This four-day work week is coming just in time! It'll be four hellacious days of work, what with this project I've got to get moving on, but it'll be wonderful to have that Friday off! And it's the Fourth of July, which is my favorite holiday! Score!

When it's not projects keeping me super busy at work, I've had plenty of other things keeping me working extra hours.

I'm head of a committee at work that is sending car.e packages to sold!ers. Several weeks ago, we collected names and addresses of employees' friends and family members who are deployed with the military. We held fundraisers over the last month and a half or so, and it all came together this week when we assembled the packages and shipped them out. We sent 24 packages, and we'll probably be sending a couple more in a month or so. It feels good to know we did that, but it's also nice to know we're done. It took a lot of planning!

I got to talk to K last night for the first time in two weeks. The phones have been down for the last week, so we were really missing each other. It was good to get to catch up on things. K is doing well. They're doing a lot of good things where he is -- repairing schools, fixing up soccer fields, renovating neighborhoods to increase the standard of living.

Since he switched jobs in March, he's doing a lot more office-type work now. He's planning missions and things like that. He's doing good, important work, but I know he misses being out there with the soldiers. Unfortunately, it'll probably be a few years before his rank will allow the level of interaction he had for the last year and a half. He's climbing the ladder, though, and is constantly getting good remarks from his superiors, so that's good.

K is actually up for his first look at getting promoted to ma.jor. We won't find out anything until probably late August, though. It's really hard to get promoted on your first look, so we're trying not to get our hopes up too much. There are a lot of factors that go into the promotion, and only a small percentage can be promoted early. We'll see what happens.

K says we should also know where he'll be stationed next in August or September. That will be some exciting news. We probably won't start looking for a house or anything until after the deployment is over, but I can at least start researching neighborhoods and things. I can't wait for that -- it'll be so nice to get to live in the same place. We won't know what to do with ourselves!

We're still trying to figure out what our plan will be for K's R&R. It's going to be here before we know it. We had planned on Costa Rica, but I told K that I think we should just save that vacation for after the deployment. When K is on R&R, we'll be so excited to be together that we won't care where we are. It just doesn't make sense to me to spend thousands on a vacation when we'd be happy doing nothing.

We know we're going to PA for a week or so (no longer than a week, for both my sanity's sake and my selfishness at not wanting to share K for any longer than that! I get 18 days with him in 2008, and I want those 18 days!) to visit his family.

For a trip for the two of us, we talked about just going to Florida or something for a few days. We could just drive there and stay until we're ready to leave. That sounded like a good plan.

K and I decided to just keep our schedules open. We'd obviously have to get plane tickets for PA, but we would just see what we wanted to do when K got here. That was our plan. Until the very next day, when K talked to his dad. Evidently his dad has a week at a time share that he's not going to use. He wants to give it to us (it has to be used by November, so we can't save it for later) since we didn't really get a honeymoon (Yes, I know the wedding was in Florida, but we were there only 3 days -- the day before, the day of the ceremony, and the day after. One day is hardly a honeymoon.). We can choose from several different locations. It's really sweet and generous of K's dad to give us that. How can we turn it down?

So it's back to the drawing board planning for those 18 days. At least that's some work I don't mind spending a little extra time on!

There really are pictures, and they really are coming

I got back from Florida on Monday morning. I now owe you even more pictures than I did before. But because my computer freakin' sucks (dude, don't get a D.ell), you'll have to wait a little bit longer to get them. But they really are coming. I promise. And you know I'm good for it.

Since I last posted, Memorial Day came and went. I worked a bit on the weekend, but I also managed to find plenty of time for BBQs and time around the pool. Someone stole my sunglasses, which sucked. I didn't realize how much I loved them until they were gone. I bought them with K in October while he was on his R&R before the deployment. So whoever stole them? I'm pretty sure it'll bite you in the butt. Stealing sunglasses with pre-deployment sentimental value from an Army wife on Memorial Day weekend while her husband is deployed? Oh, karma will surely be bad.

Sunday, my boss had a pool party at her house. I hadn't been there 5 minutes when K called -- go figure. I was able to talk to him for a few minutes. The news about his cousin had hit him pretty hard, but he was doing well, considering. We only talked for a few minutes since the call was kind of at a bad time.

Last week itself was kind of a blur. Every night was busy! Tuesday night, I did my standard workout, followed by a 4-mile run in 90 degree weather (that's the temp, not the heat index). Wednesday night, I hosted an Arbo.nne party for Miss Elle at my apartment. It was kind of funny to have so many worlds collide like that. Heather and Elle were there from Blogland; ER came; and Topeka, Brit, and AJ were there too. Many of them hadn't met before, so that was fun. Elle did such a great job!

On Thursday, I went to the movies with ER at 12:02 a.m. (so I guess it was technically Friday morning) to see Sex and the City. I had planned on waiting, but when ER's friend she was originally supposed to go with cancelled, I told ER I'd go. It meant that I only got a little over 3 hours of sleep since I had so much to do that night, but I'm glad I went. It was good to catch up with ER, and it was a good movie!

Friday, I got a small promotion. It came with a very welcome 6-plus percent raise. Sweet!

That afternoon, I flew to Orlando to meet two Army wife friends. Ry is from NYC, and she's married to one of K's former lieutenants. Katy is actually an Army fiance. She lives in Daytona. Her fiance came home on his R&R in March. He's getting out of the Army when they get back from Iraq, so he and Katy went house hunting while he was home. They found and bought a gorgeous house, so Ry and I had to go check it out!

Ry's flight arrived earlier than mine, so she and Katy met me at the baggage claim, and we immediately headed to see SATC, since they hadn't seen it yet. Saturday was spent lying around the pool for the first part of the day. Then, we headed to the beach to play in the water and see the shuttle launch. That night, we went out for dinner and then to a gay bar (my first time). The bar was OK, but there weren't many people there. There were also many more straight people than I'd expected. I'll have to give it another shot in Dallas, I guess.

After we got home, we got in the pool for a little bit. Ry was ready to call it a night at about 3:00 a.m. Katy got this crazy idea to stay up and watch the sun rise on the beach, so after some convincing, Ry and I climbed into the car and headed to the beach with her. We took a couple blankets so we could lie on one and use the other for cover. Ry and I definitely napped for a while! I woke up about 20 minutes before sunrise. I talked to Katy for awhile until it was time to wake Ry. The sunrise was gorgeous. Since I had gone all the way out there to watch it, I made sure it was very well documented.

We stopped off for some breakfast and then headed back to Katy's, where we promptly went to sleep. We spent the afternoon in the pool again. That night, we ordered Chinese takeout and watched cheesy TV shows and movies. It was crazy to see how quickly the weekend had gone. It was relaxing, though. I needed the getaway!

Monday was back to work and my regular schedule. I heard from K that night, so I got to tell him all about our trip.

The week isn't quite back to normal yet, though. I'm going to dinner with ER tomorrow night, and then I have to pack for the weekend. I leave Friday for Heather's wedding. Obviously since it's a wedding, it's not quite a vacation and I won't quite be by myself, but this will be the closest to a vacation that I've ever taken by myself. We'll see how it goes.

I'm looking forward to it, though. I'm excited for Heather and B, and I know the wedding will be gorgeous. I'm renting a car, so I plan on doing plenty of sight seeing -- and taking plenty of pictures.

I swear, when I finally get around to it, this is gonna be one hell of a picture post!

Time flies when you're swamped!

By the time I finished my work last week, I had worked about 60 hours. This included working until about midnight Friday, although that day was much better than the previous days, since the majority of Friday was spent waiting on other people to sign off on what I'd done through the week. I was able to step away for a bit that night to go to the gym and get in a decent workout, which felt awesome. I had missed my gym. And my sleep.

Saturday, I slept in until 10:15-ish. When I woke up, I looked at the clock, rolled over and made myself go back to sleep. I knew I needed it. At around 11:15, I got up. I sent K a care package and ran a few errands. I went to the gym in the afternoon, and then I cleaned up around my apartment. That night, I went to dinner with Brit (work friend), Jeremy, a couple other friends, and Brit's friend from high school, who we're trying to fix up with Jeremy. Their first meeting went pretty well. It wound up being a nice, relaxing night.

Sunday morning, I wanted to sleep in again, but I made myself get up and go to church. I'm so glad I did. It was a nice sermon, and we sang lots of really good hymns. The whole service for me just really had a good, positive feel, and I really enjoyed it. When church was over, the choir director approached me about playing with the orchestra in a couple weeks! I really want to, but I haven't played my clarinet since May of 2005. I'm pretty sure I'm going to sound awful. I'm excited about the thought of playing again, but I'll probably be out of town the weekend they play in church. I told the director that I'm really interested, but I'll have to let him know. He said if I can't this month, I can keep it in mind for March. Yay!

Later that afternoon, I went running with Jeremy and a couple of his friends. We ran 4 miles. That's the longest I've ever run at one time in my life. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but if I'd been by myself, I'd have stopped WAY before we did.

I really just need to get used to running. I don't think my posture is quite right when I run because I don't feel like I get enough air, and sometimes (although not quite so much Sunday) my back hurts a little too. My ankles were definitely sore from running outside since I'm not used to it, but I was proud of myself for finishing. Even if I did announce to my three running buddies at about mile 3.25 that I hated them all. (I told them when we were finished that I didn't really hate them.)

Jeremy and I decided we hadn't tortured ourselves enough for the day, so we went to the gym that night to do a shoulder circuit. It was nice to just be in there for weights and the sauna, since we'd already done our cardio.

My day at work today was good. The workload is looking MUCH more manageable this week, which is not really a major feat, since last week's workload was absolutely impossible. It feels good to know that I made it through that hell week and that we probably won't have to one like it again. I can handle it from time to time, but it really starts to wear you down working such long days day after day. It was just so exhausting!

By the end of the week, I was starting to feel like I was trying to get sick. That was frustrating, since I'd managed to be around plenty of people who were sick over the last month and a half, but I'd managed to stay healthy. Completely steering clear of work and even my computer for the entire weekend, though, left me feeling so refreshed this morning.

We were also having a blood drive in the building, so I donated blood. It always feels good to do something like that. Today was also my one-year anniversary at work, so my supervisor celebrated by surprising me with some yummy brownies she made. They were very cake-like, complete with chocolate sprinkles. They were really rich -- and delicious!

After work, I went over to Jeremy's, where we watched one of our friends kick butt on Amer!can Glad!ator!!! It was so cool to see her on TV! I've never gotten so excited before watching a reality show!

Another cool thing about the past few days -- and a good part about them being so hectic -- is that the time has gone by faster. Sunday (the 27th) was the two-month marker of the deployment. That means it's now 13 months until K is home for good, although it's only seven before his R&R. Obviously there's still so much more to go, but these two months have gone by faster than I thought they would, which is a pleasant surprise. Plus, the second month proved to be easier overall than the first.

I've done well with sending K a care package every week. I'm getting his Valentine's Day care package ready now, though, so I can send it out Saturday and be sure he has it in plenty of time for the holiday. Just because he's deployed doesn't mean he gets to miss out on the mushiness!

Overdrawn

In every sense of the word -- mentally, physically, monetarily and patience-wise. Today sucks.

• I have -$64 in my checking account. It has been that way since Wednesday, and it will stay that way until Tuesday, when I get paid. All this is due to the post-Christmas crunch, in addition to a $190 carpet-and-couch cleaning bill (so glad it's done, though), a $90 dentist visit, a $65 follow-up dentist visit, a $40 eye exam and a $20 leash I had to buy since Piper chewed through her other one.
• Piper rolled in poop again today. This time, it was just a spot where some had been, but it was enough to get her fur icky and leave her smelling gross. I had to give her a quick spot-bath, since I knew I would be too busy at work today to come home to let her out at lunch. So I was a bit late to work. We don't have to be in at a certain time, but it means I'll be here that much later today because I have so much to do.
• I am stressing out about this extra project at work. I feel like I'm doing everything but sending a singing telegram to my boss saying, "Promote me!" I like the project I'm working on, but it's more stressful than my actual job. Hopefully it all pays off when we have our reviews in a few weeks.
• One of our two microwaves at work is broken, so when I went to heat up my lovely frozen food for lunch, two other people hopped in before me. Awesome. (I threw my lunch back in the freezer and walked off. I feel that semi-tantrum was perfectly logical.)
• I haven't sent K a care package yet this week, which means I'll have to get one ready tonight or tomorrow. I just feel better when I always have one en route to him. Especially since our entire relationship right now is me sending care packages and emails and him calling when he can.
• I had an awesome workout on Wednesday that I'm totally glad I did, but when you add to the above list the soreness I feel on the back of my thighs and my butt with every step I take, it's not as great anymore.

Good things:

• It's Friday.
• K called yesterday. He's doing well and sounded good, but tired (it was 1:15 a.m. for him).
• I will be watching chick flicks and drinking champagne tomorrow with one of my work friends.
• It's Friday.
• It's Friday.
• It's Friday.

Reason #492 why I love my job

At work this afternoon:

In case you can't tell, the fine print on the "Goodie Two Shoes Punch" card reads "(not spiked)." The fine print on the "Rebel Punch" card reads "(spiked)."