The Latest

I guess it's time for an update!

My AmeriCorps term has come to an end, so today is my first official day without a job. I'm really glad I decided to serve with AmeriCorps. No, I didn't make a lot of money ($12,300 living stipend over 11 months + $5,000 education award), but I met tons of cool people and learned a lot about water quality and other environmental issues.

Now that I have tons of free time on my hands, I started watching The Vampire Diaries. It's so cheesy, but it's fun. There are 7 seasons with about 22 or so episodes each, so this will fill my free time quite nicely. :) If you have any other show recommendations for me, let me know!

I am 35 weeks now and will hit 36 on Thursday. I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday. Not sure if the doc will check to see how far I'm dilated and effaced or not. I do know they'll do the strep b test. Vaginal and butt. :oP Wonderful. If I'm positive, I have to go on antibiotics so I don't pass it to the baby when I deliver. After Thursday I'll be going to the doctor weekly. I'm due September 3rd - we're ridiculously close. Sometimes I'm excited and anxious for the big day(s) and other times I freak out a little and just want time to suspend. I'm hoping those are normal feelings to have!

I'm feeling pretty good. I can't sleep on my right side anymore because my hip will hurt for several days afterward, so I'm strictly left side sleeping now. TMI FOREWARNING: I started having diarrhea yesterday. It's like anything I eat is immediately...let go. I think if it continues into tomorrow, I'll call my OB.

Here's my latest picture:

35 weeks

 It's pretty crazy to look back and see how skinny I was in the beginning:

5 weeks

We had our family baby shower at my grandmother's house the other day:

Isn't this frog so fun?!

We had red velvet, coconut, and peanut butter/chocolate cakes.

I think 'boy' won.

We also took some maternity photos after the shower. This is my favorite:

I need to crop Chris' Fitbit out. :)

Another thing I wanted to share because I think it's so cute (and I love that Chris thought of it) is what we decided to do above the crib. By the way, we got the crib at our shower and Chris was so excited he put it together that night. Love him. My mom made the crocheted mobile (sun, moon, stars, cloud), those are leftover "clouds" from our wedding, and from the clouds we hung the dragonfly finger puppets that my aunt gave us. In case you're curious, my grandmother made the quilt hanging over the back of the crib and my mom made the crib bedding.

And that's what's going on in my life right now. Many thanks to my mom, aunt, and grandmother for their tireless work on the shower. It was very fun and emotional for me since it's been a long road to this point.

Love,

A Little Bit of This...A Little Bit of That

So there really has only been two things that have occupied my time lately. The job search and fertility stuff.

I was really surprised that it took me as long as it did to find a job. I guess it's a sign of the times. The first job I got was working as a cage cashier at the local casino (graveyard shift). At this point, I didn't care what it was, I just wanted a job. I'm not going to go into detail, but let's just say it wasn't a good fit and I quit.

The next one I got was as a server at a pizza place with the initials of PH. That one was okay and I would've stayed had I not been offered my next two jobs. I was there for such a short amount of time that I never got to serve on my own.

Fast forward through all the boring details and I now have two part-time/temporary jobs: one at the university here and the other at a university in Asheville. I also took a midnight to 7:30am donut making job, but I quit that one after I realized it wasn't going to be what I was hoping.

I have something lined up for the fall, so I'm okay with having temporary positions for the moment. I'll let you know what happens with that when that time comes.

As far as the fertility stuff goes, we decided to do one more IUI. This will be our 3rd and the doctor recommends 3 or 4 before you move on to IVF. Just to give you an idea of the expense, here's what we've wracked up:

• $75 copay (2)
• $75 letrozole (causes more mature eggs to develop; interestingly, also used to treat breast cancer)
• $300 gonal-f injection (stimulates the development of follicles and eggs)
• $450 intrauterine insemination
• TOTAL: $975

The day of my cycle day 12 ultrasound, I had a positive ovulation test. Because it was positive, I technically didn't have to have an ultrasound, but I decided to anyway just to see how many mature follicles I had. Unfortunately, all of the follicles in my left ovary were immature, but I had 3 - possibly 4 - mature ones in my right. The nurse couldn't get a good view of the 4th one to measure it. The maturity is measured by how big the follicles appear in the ultrasound. So TECHNICALLY I could be pregnant with quads, but the odds are very very slim. I mean, I've had two other IUIs and didn't get pregnant so I'm not that concerned. 

I still have one more visit to the doc to get my progesterone level tested this Tuesday. And actually, this is pretty cheap compared to what we paid in Kansas City. Also pretty cheap compared to IVF. At any rate, I take a pregnancy test Tuesday after this and if it's negative, we'll need to look over the IVF packet the doctor sent home with me and make a decision.

Sometimes I get annoyed that we're going through this, but then I realized there are worse things. Like this woman who did 26 IUIs. 

Some Updates

As I imagine you've probably already guessed, the pregnancy test came back negative. Not much else to say about it except I've accepted we might not have kids and that's okay. My husband and I have discussed what that means to us and basically it means a lot of fun (big) vacations and less stress. In going through this infertility journey, I found out about Resolve: The National Infertility Association. Under their "Family Building Options" section, they have information about "living childfree". I haven't yet read through it but plan on it at some point. It's interesting that information about this option exists; but when females are raised EXPECTING to have children and it's ingrained in your head that that's what you're SUPPOSED to do and you're not NORMAL if you don't, it's nice to know it's okay to live childfree and it can actually be quite liberating. I'm not ruling out trying again at some point, but I think a break is in order. It's hard on the pockets and hard on the emotions.

We're back in our house in North Carolina and it feels great! This is where we're meant to be for sure. Unfortunately, I don't have a job yet. It gets stressful at times, but I want the next job I take to be something I can see myself doing long-term.

I started working out again. Thank goodness! It's not even about the weight or fitting into clothes anymore Who am I kidding? It's totally about the weight and fitting into clothes! But...BUT...it's also about just feeling good about myself again. I didn't feel bad about myself before, I just didn't feel energized and happy. I signed up for this program called the Whole Life Challenge that starts on May 3rd, so hopefully that'll be another kick in the butt. It'll be starting at a good time for me...just about the time I'll be starting to slack off on exercising. ;)

Until next time!

Not So Brief Life Update

Hello friends!

So a lot has gone on in the last six months.  I don't think I mentioned it but we moved to Missouri in August for a job my husband took.  Unfortunately, the job hasn't worked out, so we'll be moving back to North Carolina in...oh, about a month.  I'm excited but still sad to leave all of the friends I've made here.  There are some nice folks in the Midwest!

There are really only three major items taking up my thoughts right now.

1. Jobs
I was able to get two part-time jobs here.  One at REI and one as a froster at Nothing Bundt Cakes.  I have to say, the best thing about moving out here was that I was allowed to try some things I hadn't had the opportunity to try before.  One of the things I really enjoy is when I get a little sick of REI, I have NBC to break things up.  And vice versa.  Frosting has been really fun.  The people I work with are great and it's nice to just chill at work and frost up some cakes!

2.  Our Fertility Journey
Many people already know what's been going on so I'm not going to shy away from this subject.  I'm also of the opinion that these things should be talked about.  Well, let me clarify.  If you prefer to keep it to yourself, great.  But for me, it's helpful to talk to people about what we're going through.  And I hate having this feeling that I shouldn't talk about it because it's one of "those" subjects.  I don't know...maybe it's just all in my head.
Anyway, I realized last night that this month (assuming I'm doing my math right) marks three years of us trying to conceive.  We were seeing a specialist in NC (did one IUI that didn't work) and now we're seeing a specialist here.  We're set to do another IUI soon.  I'm currently taking fertility pills (letrozole) and an injectable (gonal-f).  That was pretty scary...injecting something into myself.  Never had to do that before!

It's been interesting to note the differences between the two specialists.  The one in NC is all about getting you pregnant as inexpensively as possible.  Seriously.  The doctor said that.  The doctor here, however, is very thorough.  Which is good and bad.  Good: they've covering all of the bases.  Bad: it's costing WAY more.

I guess I should back up here.  I haven't explained why we haven't been able to get pregnant.  That's partially because I don't really know.  The only thing that's popped up in all of the tests is that I have low ovarian reserve.  From the time I saw the doctor in NC to the time I saw the doctor here, my AMH level dropped from 0.98 to 0.74.  If you're interested, check out this site: http://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/information-for-gps/amh-explained.aspx.  You can see from the graph that I'm in the red zone.  EEK!

*Side note: I just read this..."Very low AMH, usually considered AMH below 1.05 ng/ml, has been associated with extremely low pregnancy chances and many IVF centers flat out deny treatment to women with such low levels of AMH."* 

Oh such a rollercoaster.

I had an ultrasound on Monday and they saw 4 resting follicles in my right ovary and 6 in my left.  For an average woman, they like to see 12 in each.  So that gives you another comparison.

I go back on February 3rd for another ultrasound and more blood work.  Keep your fingers crossed for us that the IUI works this time.  I'm not sure I can emotionally handle any more procedures so this might be our last shot.

And funny thing.  It just goes to show that you never know what life has in store.  Expected to get married straight out of college...got married at 28.  Expected to have kids fairly easily...might not have any.  I think the faster I can come to terms with that, the easier things will be.

3.  Athena      
My rottweiler turns 11 on Friday.  WOO!  But she hurts and basically hobbles to her next spot and lays down.  It breaks my heart.  I love that girl.

So that's my life in a nutshell right now.  I didn't intend on leaving on a sad note.  And really, it's not.  We're going to have a party for her and we're all going to have lots of treats to celebrate her turning 77.  ;)

Take care all!

The Ho-Hum Lunch

Lately I've gotten kind of tired of the same ol' stuff I bring to work for lunch everyday.  Sandwiches = boring.  Leftovers = blah.  But really, I just don't feel like I'm getting the nutrition I need.  Nor am I creative enough to do it on my own.  Thank goodness for Pinterest.  ;oD  I know, I know. "Here she goes about Pinterest again.  *sigh*"

But seriously, I get some wonderful ideas and find great new (to me) websites on this site.  One of which is this one:

Source: easylunchboxes.smugmug.com via Nicole on Pinterest

It seems like it started as a site for lunch ideas and then grew to where they're now selling lunchboxes.  I don't know.  What I care about is the variety of lunches.  And yes, obviously some (most?) of these are geared towards kids, but I think they can be great ideas for adult lunches too.  What I plan on doing is going through them starting with the first one.  The first one has cherry tomatoes...I don't particularly care for tomatoes (on their own) but I figure I need the great things tomatoes can give me that Fruit Roll-Ups cannot.  I don't buy Fruit Roll-Ups but I'm sure you understand the point I'm trying to make.  I also need to use up the rest of my grilled tofu, so I'll be packing that instead of the chicken strips.

Anyway, enough of that.  I just thought I'd share this site with my wonderful readers.  :)

Have a good lunch break!

Career Path

It's sad when you want to stay away from Facebook because all of your veterinarian friends are posting about animals.  It makes me sad for what could have been.  And then I think, 'could have been'??  It makes me wonder if I should still try.  Yes?  No?  It's a big decision.  I'd have to be 200% sure it's what I really want and worth all of the cons.

On your mark, get set, GO!

My place of work is going bonkers right now.  There's a half marathon scheduled for Sunday that we're co-directing and everyone's running around like crazy trying to get everything ready. 

I'm super excited because C and I are volunteering.  He'll be marking people's times as they finish and I'll be helping enter times into the database. 

I'm really just so thankful that I get to be a part of something like this.  This is the first half marathon held in our area and with 189 registrants (way more than we expected, btw), it's sure to be a successful one.

I can't say enough how much I love working where I work.  It stinks because no, I don't want to be an Administrative Assistant my entire life but I love the attitudes people have there (one of the few places people actually choose to go on campus) and the general feeling people have toward wellness.  I always feel like striving for more and if I've had a bad day (be it physically or mentally) there's always another one with loads of promise around the corner.

As my boss would say:  Make it a great day!

My Calling?

My husband and I went on a hike with a friend this weekend.  It was absolutely awesome to be back outside again.  I couldn't tell you the last time I went on a hike it's been so long.

After my field research was complete I shipped my hiking boots back to the manufacturer because the seams were coming undone and I only had them a couple of months.  I never did get new boots, however, because they're just so blame expensive.  I feel like once I get a new pair I'll feel whole again.

I went looking back through my pictures of Belize and the river work I did.  Such great times.  I miss it so much and really look forward to doing field work again.  A GREAT feeling to have considering I went through a long period of time when I didn't want to think about hiking or going into a forest or anything.

I love love love love love the work I'm doing in the rec center right now and the people with whom I'm working.  Everyone is very mindful of their "wellness" and generally upbeat.  I can't imagine my life without fitness and positive people now.

I'll have to try to find some way to meld the two together.

P.S. My friend over at Wandering Thoughts wrote about having a glass of wine while working on her prospectus.  I tried that tonight and it didn't work so well.  My written words have a certain slant and letters keep getting transposed.  Perhaps I should work up to a full glass?  :)   

String of thoughts

I got a guy kicked out of my place of work today.  Pretty stoked about it.  I knew he had been coming in without a membership or guest pass, but was finally able to catch him today.  I'm a stickler for rules.

Have lots planned tomorrow including shopping for fridge part 2.

My friend posted pics of her baby nursery she just finished.  Looks straight out of a magazine.  Pretty cool! 

I used to really want an awesome kitchen...now I think I'd be satisfied with a craft room.  Maybe it's time to do some Fall organizing.  I'm to the point where I'm even saving old clothes with the idea that I'll tear them up and crochet a rag rug.  Hm.  Wonder if that'll ever happen!!

Watched the season premieres of Biggest Loser yesterday & Grey's this evening.  I'm still amazed I get a kick out of BL because I know it's a crap show.  Grey's, however, I still love.  The season finale was cah-ray-zy!  I think I might actually go & rewatch it. 

On to the thesis...my deadline for "something" is today.

Feelin' guilty

I try to go above and beyond whenever something is requested of me, but today, I did quite the opposite.  I received a phone call this afternoon from a recent graduate requesting I fax her our health questionnaire for personal training.  This normally would have been a small task for me to complete, however, all of the circumstances surrounding this task led me to fax it right before I left work. 

1.  I know the back story...she's way over her head in the position she was hired into because her dad is a YMCA big-wig.  At least, that's what I've been told.  She calls every couple of days with questions.  Questions such as: What brands of equipment do you use?  (She should know this--I knew this just as a patron)  Could I get some interview questions from you?  Come on, at least try to look like you know what you're doing--Google it for goodness sake!

2.  When she called today she asked for "Bubbles" which is the nickname of my office assistant.  That just annoyed me because I hate that name.  ;o) 

3.  She then asks me if I know how to work the fax machine.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

4.  Why yes, I believe I do.  What number should I fax this to?  Her answer:  UM, THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION.  I THINK IT'S ***-***-****.  My brain:  Hm.  You call for someone to fax you something but you don'tevenknowwhatthefaxnumberis?!?!

5.  At this point I decide:  ya know what?  I'm not going to drop everything to fax this girl something she should already know or have prepared when she's not even putting in the effort to sound intelligent or act intelligent.  So I receive a phone call 1(?) hour later...did you fax that yet??  No, I haven't, we're closed this week, we've been crazy busy with cleaning and I just haven't gotten around to it.  Her: oh, well, we're opening our new facility tomorrow & I really need that form.  Me:  Okay, I'll be sure to fax it soon.

6.  4:50 pm, 10 minutes before heading home time, Nicole faxes the form.  And guess what...someone answers the call when I put it through the fax machine.  SHE GAVE ME THE WRONG DAMN NUMBER.  I threw my hands up in the air, walked out of the workroom, looked at my coworker and said, "You're my witness.  I tried to fax this to her."

You work with me, I'll work with you.  You're not working with me when you act like you know more or are better than me.  Part of me thinks maybe she thought she was talking to one of the student workers (not really an excuse) but then I remember that's how she always acted with me.

I had another "altercation" of sorts with the owner of a certain karate place in town.  Look buddy, it's not my fault you sent a quote titled 'invoice'.  It's also not my fault that I didn't receive the second document which you appropriately call the invoice.  Thirdly, it's not my fault you don't have access to a fax machine.  And finally, you may claim this is 'how it's always been done', but 1. I am new & I do things differently & 2. by differently I mean CORRECTLY.  Give & take, give & take.

That's my rant for the day.  Sorry about the numbered bullets...not exactly sure why I did that & now too tired to change it.  :o)

When I grow up I want to be...

I've been pondering my future lately. Lately as in, this afternoon.

As an Administrative Assistant at the rec center (btw, I started as a permanent employee on the 15th--benefits here I come!!), I am surrounded by people who majored/are majoring in Sports Management, Sports Administration, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Nutrition & Dietetics, etc. Because I enjoy my work so much, I ~naturally~ thought I might explore these majors a little more to determine if it might be a path I'd like to go down. The only one that remotely piqued my interest was Nutrition. After looking at the course descriptions, I thought, "Uh, maybe not." They just seemed so dry. And I'll be the first to admit that biology courses (Behavioral Ecology for example) seem really cool, but then two weeks into it you're thinking, "Seriously??" Perhaps it's just me.

Anyway, so as I'm sitting at my desk working on May's newsletter (& having tons of fun btw), I thought to myself, "Self, why don't you look into doing something like this??"

So long story short, what would making things look nice (be it newsletters, blogs, business cards, etc.) fall under? Graphic design?? Is that what this is called? How much money is in this profession? I hate to admit it, but yes, money does buy some happiness--NOT ALL, but definitely some. Would I enjoy graphic design?

I shall look into it & perhaps take a class or two to feel it out. If I continue down this road, I might just be a perpetual student--a "lifer" if you will.

*image from http://www.jbzarchitects.com/cms/news/

Oh yeah. Watchin' Lost tonight.

I've figured out how I work best.  Set small goals and reward myself when those goals are met.

Current goal:  1 page of Intro per day this week.
Reward:  I'll have the weekend to do whatever I want (that will obviously not be thesis related)

Mission accomplished (so far) got a page written last night & one tonight.  It's been a lot easier than I expected--probably because I've been copying a lot of text from other papers I've written on the subject.  And I've banished C from the office, so that helps.  It's far from perfect, but I'm taking my sister's advice & just plopping it down on paper--that's what editing is for, right?

Had the phone interview today for the job I currently have.  Noooooo, that wasn't awkward. *sarcasm*  But it went well and I'm looking forward to having health insurance soon.

Speaking of health insurance...wanna know something else that was awkward?  Received an email from my aunt with a bunch of jokes dissing Mr. President.  I guess she doesn't know I voted for him.  :o)

I shall end it there.

Fun at the CRC

My job position has been posted. Which means I need to reapply for my job & cross my fingers that I get it. :oP Chances are good, but one never knows. I just want benefits so I can finally go to the doctor!!

I did a cycle class today during lunch that KICKED MY BUTT. The regular instructor was out for some reason so the Associate Director of our department subbed--and she's super intense. I really did have a great workout...minus the almost passing out & throwing up part. I shall be sore tomorrow.

P.S. My stomach is so much better. Changing my diet is the best thing I've ever done. Never thought I'd get to the point where I would need to!

Women in Student Affairs

I really enjoyed my day today...and not just because I got out of work for a couple of hours.

Today there was a little get-together on campus to celebrate the women in the Student Affairs division. I get a kick out of celebrating the contribution of women. I also felt like I was part of a little family--sappy, I know. I've come to know a lot of people on this dear campus of ours and if I didn't know them, then they knew my husband. I also love being part of the fitness side of our campus. As I was talking to my husband about it I told him I felt thin just by hanging out with them--just as he was about to ask if I felt thin by association. It was a really weird feeling--two of them were arguing about who was skinnier (playfully) and instead of feeling horrible and self conscious, I felt healthy and confident.

After the celebration in our honor, we headed back over to the other side of campus to visit the tables our Wellness program set up for a "Safe Spring Break". We tried on the beer goggles and just had an all around good time. I guess the thing I'm happiest about is that I'm feeling more of a bond between my coworkers and myself. Makes me happy. :o)

An aside: I didn't eat anything at the get-together...and didn't even feel like I was missing out. I just kept thinking about how my stomach would protest afterward. How much you wanna bet I see some weight loss from this? Ha!

Time sure does fly

We got back from our honeymoon in Canada at 2am this morning. Had to go into work at 12 and was actually excited about it. Got good news that I can start full-time on Monday. Bad news: working on my thesis around my work schedule--I take full blame for that one. More bad news: even though I'm full-time now, I'm still temporary. To go from temporary to permanent, the position has to be re-listed & I'll have to reapply. My boss has to interview at least two applicants. I do have an advantage since I've been in the position for a while now, but it's still a little disconcerting. Especially since anyone who applies and was previously terminated due to budget cuts gets first dibs. Great.

I've forgotten the real reason for this post. Oh! Time flies...I noticed the bulbs popping up around the house. I exclaimed: oh my gosh! And then realized it is almost March. Where does it go?? I remember when a year was an eternity.

Job Update

My heart it overflowing with joy about my job. Kinda weird, and I'm sure it won't last, but I certainly hope it does.

We had lunch as an office today to say farewell to one of the employees and I realized just how wonderful it is to work with a group of people who are positive and so caring about health and wellness.

It's just such a nice reprieve from the countless negative thoughts that are seemingly constantly thrown at me (be it from people or media); and to top it off, their specialty is wellness, something I strive for in every part of my life.

Sometimes I feel a little inept (especially when they're eating salads or talking about the race they just ran etc), but they never make me feel that way--I do that to myself.

I spoke with the previous director of the department this morning (she got promoted) and it looks like they're going to try their hardest to keep me in February and bump me up to full-time. I might have to do the happy dance if that transpires. For one, more money; two, health benefits!!

The other thing she said was that she's heard good things about me. Yay! And last week the lady that has been training me said, "Well, we might just have to do one session since you pick everything up so quickly." Another yay!

Something I've learned recently is that I'm really hard on myself. I want to pick things up the first time & when I don't, I beat myself up over it. C says, "Oh, you're doing fine." But he doesn't know, he doesn't work in my office--he's just being the supportive husband. And I didn't realize until recently how instrumental it is for me to hear that I'm doing well.

The only thing I'm still having a hard time with is getting everything I need to get done in the amount of time I have to do it. I'm only working 20 hours a week, so it's definitely challenging.

Perhaps I chose the wrong major after all. ;o)

Last post was on 7/5

It's been a whole week since my last post. I tend to do my blogging while at work and the Internet has been out!


1. Mr. P found a robin's nest with 3 eggs in it today when he was trimming the redbud. They're so cute! I'll post a pic later. I'm worried he cut it back too much and now the nest will be easy prey. :o(

2. Went from a guest (when I suggested he could go to the BP station across the street to get shampoo if none of the housekeeper's carts had any) telling me "What you just said wasn't very nice." to a guest taking my name down for the bigwigs when I upgraded them to a suite for no charge when he got into a yelling match with the hotel in Hillsborough, NC. Apparently the online people made their reservation for Hillsborough instead of Dillsboro. You show me your military ID and you can have the penthouse for free. We don't have a penthouse, but if we did...

3. Speaking of work, today's my last day! Woo! Start the new job on Tuesday.

4. Made a huge eco-boo-boo when we bought pesticide & herbicide this weekend. Eek!

5. Got the invites printed and most are cut and embellished. Just need to do the backing and sash. Oh, and all the other millions of invites we're doing for other events.

6. I have renewed energy with regards to my gardening. I've never been able to successfully start plants from seed, but so far, the ones I just planted are doing great! The moonflowers are almost ready to transplant and the seeds I planted from the bridal shower favors (packets of various types of seeds) are good looking seedlings. I also transplanted a plant that wasn't doing well on one side of the house and planted some grape hyacinths under my maple tree. I cleaned out two flower beds in the backyard in hopes of making those beautiful soon.

6. My love of the outdoors is slowly but surely coming back to me (I came to despise it after my field work). I've been riding my bike with Mr. P and I just really have so much fun. The fireflies were awesome last night! I told him today that I hope wherever we move next has as good of biking as we have here.

7. Along the eco lines, homemade detergent still going strong. Next up: homemade fabric softener.

That's about it. Or all I'm willing to bore my readers with right now. ;o)

"New" job

Normally I'd be super excited, but I'm not for some reason. Not sure if it's just the mood I'm in or the circumstances surrounding my employment.

I got a rejection email on Monday from the place I really wanted to work. Poo.

And I think I pretty much had this new job before I even interviewed.

Two weeks from now I'll be working at the front desk at the Holiday Inn in Cherokee. That's about 20 minutes from where I live. It's a pay raise, so that's good. I'm still being paid well below what I feel like I should be earning as a soon to be Nicole M.S., but I'm rooted in reality and know that I won't start making that kind of money until I land a competitive job in my field.

I'm hoping it's a better fit for me. I hate leaving a job only a couple of months in, but when you combine late paychecks with people relieving me late and the feeling of being taken advantage of by the hotel owners, I think it's time to look elsewhere.

When I told my manager she got a little upset and asked if I couldn't give her 1 more month because she's still training the night audit person. No. Once she found out that I have something else lined up and I mentioned I'm giving two weeks while others have just up and left, she backed down a bit.

The end.

Preparation is key

Our buddy Dave is leaving town today for his new job in Boston, so there was a little get together at a local pub & grill (where I met my fiance btw) last night.

Mr. P & I walk into the patio to sit down and at that point, there were only 2 other people at our table and they commented on how nice I looked with my makeup and clothes. Apparently I don't normally look like that and the reason for the next question: why?

So I said I had had a second interview at a new dermatology clinic in town and we started talking about that for a little bit. A friend was saying it's great we have one now because it took her forever to get into the one in Asheville.

At any rate, I then noticed a little commotion behind my friends at another table. I look over, and there are the owners of the clinic, who just interviewed me, looking our way and laughing. We waved to each other, said hi, and I swiftly crapped my pants.

We all had a good laugh about it. After they left I leaned over to my fiance and asked, "I didn't say anything bad did I?" I really couldn't remember what I said before I noticed they were there.

Weird thing is that I had completely envisioned this happening as I was getting ready to go out. But what I envisioned was walking by their table, pausing, and politely introducing them to my fiance. Not what actually happened at all.

2 Notations

1. My veggies are growing! The watermelon plant has finally started growing, I have peppers (hot & bell), a real nice yellow squash (last year I had a problem with bugs, so I'm diggin' this nice looking squash), two big ol' tomatoes, some killer cucumbers (have never actually seen these suckers grow), and cilantro that's so potent it'll knock your socks off. My lettuce is still hanging in there--not doing much of anything really. And the strawberries are non-existant. Damn you birds! My fiance is in charge of making a scare crow, but I think that's not high on his priority list.

2. Had a job interview for a receptionist position at a new dermatology clinic in town. I'm super excited about this and have a second interview with the doctor on Monday. We discussed the possibility of me moving up in the clinic (because of my advanced degree--hardy har), so that's pretty frickin' awesome. Definitely better than the sporadic paychecks I'm currently receiving...or not receiving rather.

Need to go. Have to get up at 5:15a to go feed some people breakfast. Ugh. What one will do for money. I guess I should count my blessings.