20 Questions

Well, maybe not 20, but a few...

I've reached the point that I can't sleep because I'm so exhausted and my brain refuses to be quiet, so I thought I'd answer a few questions. I know I'm supposed to reference where I got the questions, but I don't know how to from the blogger app. 

What is the last thing you watched on TV?  Grey's Anatomy. I came home at 7 tonight and refused to work any more. 

When did you last step outside? What were you doing? I brought the garbage can in. Otherwise, I have only gone from my garage to the parking deck at work and back since Tuesday. The colder weather really didn't bother me since I wasn't out in it.  

What is on the walls of the room you are in? Paintings by family members I never met. One over my bed and two over my chest of drawers. 

If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy? I might hire a driver. I don't enjoy driving. 

Tell me something about you that most people don’t know. I can be very insecure. I'm constantly afraid of disappointing people. 

Who made the last incoming call on your phone? Some automated message trying to "give" me a free home security system. 

What was the last book you read? No clue. 

If you could change something about your home, without worry about expense or mess, what would you do? I'd remodel my kitchen--new countertops, backsplash, appliances and finally get rid of the awful white porcelain sink. 

What was the last thing you bought? Drive through at Wendy's. I was too hungry to cook. Forgot I had cereal. 

If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be? After watching the Oscars recently, I have actresses on my mind. Maybe Meryl Streep or Dame Judi Dench? They seem like real people...

Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? None. I'd rather live debt-free.

Is the glass half empty or half full? Depends on the day. 

Name something that took you by surprise. Totally random--one of my coworkers and I came to work with our hair nearly the same yesterday. Neither of us wear our hair up to work, but we both did yesterday. 

Name one TV show you will watch every time it's on - The Big Bang Theory.

Name a movie you will watch no matter how many times you've seen it. National Treasure used to be the movie I turned on when I had to study and needed background noise, but didn't want to get distracted with something I hadn't seen before. I've probably "watched" it 50 or more times. 

What's your favorite musical? Hard question...maybe Wicked or Phantom of the Opera? I love do many!

What’s the farthest-away place you’ve been? Australia 

What’s under your bed? The cords to my electric blanket. 

What is your favorite time of the day? Lately, the few precious minutes I'm not working. 

What Inspires You? My fear of failure. 

Resolutions

I don't think I've ever made a "real" New Year's resolution. Of course, I'd like to lose weight and eat better like practically anyone else who makes a resolution, but those are such generic ideas. 

I found this list on another blog and thought these might be specific enough to be realistic for me. 

A bad habit I'm going to break--I have a tendency to be very whiney when I get stressed out. I want to do better managing my stress. My new job leaves me feeling like a small fish in a big pond frequently, but I need to trust in my skill and not worry so much. I might not be successful at this goal, but I want to give it a real try. 

A new skill I'd like to learn--I'd love to learn how to block the Japanese spam I receive daily. I have received at least one spam email from the same address every day for over four years. It's not that annoying since it goes to my Auburn email that is not my primary account, but enough really is enough. Thousands of emails later, it's time to put a stop to this nonsense. 

A person I hope to be more like--I have a friend whom I have looked up to for many years. She's one of the best at all she does--professionally and personally. She's experienced adversity in her life, but has grown from her experiences rather than being hindered by them. She's a person I always want to spend just 5 more minutes with and a person I always laugh with no matter the circumstances. It would be an honor to be considered even a little like her. 

A good deed I'm going to do--I'd love to get Emma certified as a therapy pet. I'm not sure if she can satisfy all the requirements, but I'd like to find out more and start the process, if possible. 

A place I'd like to visit--I haven't been to New York City since college. I'd love to go back and see as many shows as possible. (hint, hint...you know who you are)

A book I'd like to read--I'd like to read the (not so) new Dan Brown book. I've enjoyed the other books in the Robert Langdon series and I'm sure I'll enjoy Inferno as well. 

A letter I'm going to write--I love to receive letters from friends and family. I'm going to send one (or more) letters to people that are dear to me every month. It's so nice to get "real" mail instead of junk and bills!

A new food I'd like to try--I've recently learned that butter lettuce does not upset my stomach--in small quantities at least. I'd like to (carefully) sample other foods I avoid to see if I can expand my "safe" foods list. 

I'm going to do better at--Realizing when I know what I'm doing and asking for help when I don't. I think doing a better job at the "asking for help" part will go far in lowering my stress level. 

I'm sure I won't succeed at all of these items, but I'm going to give them a try. Here's to a great 2014--hopefully, the best year yet!

A Post I Don't Want to Write

I hoped that I had longer before writing this post. I hoped we had more happy days together. However, it was not meant to be. My precious Grandaddy was welcomed to Heaven on December 3. He suffered a serious fall the morning of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and it was such as grevious injury that he could not recover from it. 

We had a few precious moments together over the last few days of his life. When we were waiting to be admitted to Hunstville Hospital, he continually pushed my bangs out of my face until I finally gave up and pinned them out of the way. Looking good didn't matter if it made him happy. He was in pain, but still making me laugh. 

His grip was so strong even until the end. He, Grams and I were always hand-holders, so I held his hand since there was nothing else I could do for him.  There's never been anything more peaceful than sitting on the swing on the patio holding his hand. When I couldn't take all the people in the house being loud and moving things around, I went downstairs to the swing and stayed until it got dark. 

He gave me the sweetest final memory of him the last day he was conscious. I was holding his right hand at his bedside when he reached out with his left hand, pulled my head down, kissed me and told me he loved me. I'm so grateful that he had the presence of mind to tell me he loved me one last time. 

I accepted the end result as soon as I knew how bad his injury was. As I told someone, I love(d) him enough to let him go. He wasn't going to get better and I didn't want to watch him suffer if it was in my control. I made sure that he was as comfortable as possible and made sure I told him I loved him--practically with every breath. 

I told him this and I've told others--If I was only destined to have one Grandaddy on Earth, I was given the very best. Even through the heartache of the past few weeks, I've been able to reminisce and share wonderful memories of time spent with my sweet Grandaddy. 

I couldn't be more grateful for 26 years with this wonderful man. God broke the mold when making him. 

Insert title here

I can't think of a title. Oh well...

Since I last posted, I spent some time with Mother and Daddy in Gatlinburg and in Florence. I drove down to Florence after a ridiculous morning involving my social security card, a safe and a locksmith. Needless to say, I have two keys now and a good locksmith should anyone in the Nashville area need one. 

We left Florence late since we had to wait on the sheetrock people to leave for the day. More on my parents' home renovation later...if it ever gets finished. It was right before midnight when we finally made it to the condo. We actually discussed whether it counted in the guest book if we arrived after midnight. We decided that if we sleep, it counts as a night. 

I didn't do much while we were in the mountains. Dad climbed Mount Le Conte with some neighbors while Mom and I went shopping for a second time. The first trip was one of my famous whirlwind trips where I spend far too much money in far less than an hour. If you've been on one of these trips with me, you know what I'm talking about. 

My second set of parents, Mother's best friend and her husband, also have a condo near ours and we had to invite them over for the infamous pizza night. It's so fun to cook for them and spend time with good friends. It's also fun to have my very own personal sous chef in Vickey!

The last day of our trip, we took a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railway. I'd definitely recommend this if you have the time and the weather is nice. 

I forced everyone in to taking pictures while we waited for the train to get moving. I had to try out the camera in my new 5S, right?

After we got back, I spent some precious time with Grandaddy. I know this is a blurry iPad picture, but he was in such a good mood that night and I love this picture. 

I started my new job three weeks ago today. My desk looks a little better than this now that my docking station came in. All the cords are somewhat in order and I've had requests to decorate other people's cubes since mine is so cute. Their words, not mine. I just brought a few frames and a couple special items, but it's starting to feel like home. 

I think I'm getting the hang of my new responsibilities and I don't have a feeling that I'm constantly drowning. I think organization and a daily to-do list are going to be key in getting acclimated. Of course, remembering I work downtown now helps. I haven't gotten off at the ring exit...yet. I'm sure it's just a matter of time. 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner as well as the delivery of my parents' new cooktop and refrigerator. I've been joking that they bought me new "toys" to play with. Definitely the kind of toys I like!

After Thanksgiving, it will be time to head back to Disney. I can't wait to go although I wouldn't mind a strong sleeping pill on the way down there this year. I learned my lesson and I'm bringing a real pillow this year instead of a travel one. 

I saw my first Christmas lights of the season tonight. I am just not ready for lights outside yet. I have to admit that I thought about putting up my tree last weekend, but I decided it was just too early. I've never put up a tree until after Thanksgiving and that's the way I want it to be. If that makes me Scrooge, so be it. 

I haven't been sleeping well lately, so I'm going to sleep while I'm feeling tired. Until next time...

New Adventures

I turned in my notice at my old job two weeks ago this past Monday.  My last day was last Tuesday. I start my new job next Monday. Now to recap the whirlwind that resulted in my new job!

I had met with recruiters previously, but I hadn't seen any opportunities that seemed right for me. Going to industry would mean better hours, but also sacrificing benefits such as time off. I didn't really see the benefit in going to a similarly-sized firm. I wasn't sure what was right for me, but in certainly hadn't considered making the move to a far larger international firm. Funny how things change...

I saw the job posting on LinkedIn and thankfully already had an "in" through a good friend of one of my best friends in Nashville.  I got a little more info on the job and was still interested, so I had a casual interview with my friend's friend over coffee. We both knew each other socially, so this was a great opportunity to talk a little more freely that typical in a first interview. 

Before I knew it (ie - less than four hours later), I had an office visit for the next day. They were interested and I was, too, so it was very exciting. At this point, only family and a few close friends knew I was interviewing. 

I got a phone call the night of my office visit that convinced me an offer was in the works. I sat on pins and needles for a day before getting my verbal offer. After a little negotiating, I had a new job! All in about a week!

I was scared about turning in my notice, but it went as I expected. I had a great experience at my old firm and made great friends, but it was time to say goodbye. 

I'm very sad about leaving one of my closest Nashville friends at my old firm, but we are determined to keep our friendship. We've been texting and emailing since I left and we have plans for a nice long dinner next week. Can't wait!!

Another great thing about this job is that the third member of our little "trio" at my old job is now working only one floor below my new office. Since I'll be working downtown for the first time, I'm so excited about having a lunch buddy when the people in my office don't want to go out!

I'm sure I'll be nervous Sunday night, but right now I'm very excited for the challenge!!

Lots of catching up!

Since I last posted, things have been quite eventful!

I went to Gatlinburg with Mother and Daddy for Labor Day weekend. I took off the Tuesday after, so we enjoyed a little more family time before heading home. We didn't see any bears in this trip despite this footprint the week before. 

Next, I had the September 15th deadline at work for extended corporate and partnership returns. As much as I wanted that deadline to pass, it also meant my last days working with one of my best friends. Melissa got a great new job and I'm very happy for her, but, at the same time, I'm very sad for me. 

September also marked my first Junior League meetings. I'm a provisional this year (with Melissa), so this year is about learning what the League does and how to get involved. 

Last weekend, I went home for a visit. Mother and Daddy are starting some major renovations to their house and I wanted to see the selections that have been made in person. Mom and I also needed to finally pick out glasses for her. I was able to relieve Mom and spent some of her weekend time with Grandaddy so she could rest. I'm always glad to see my sweet boy!! 

Also, Dad joined the iPhone team and I tried to help him understand how it works.  If he could just remember his Apple ID and password, we'd be golden!

Last Sunday, I rushed back to Nashville after church to go to a friend's Pampered Chef party. We had fun at the party, I ordered a few things and I ended up staying most of the evening. I brought Emma with me to play with my friend's kids and she was passed out that night from all the fun she had! They talked me in to hosting a party in October, so let me know if you want to come (or order online)!

This weekend, I've been pretty puny. I woke up Saturday with a terrible headache that hasn't completely gone away. I actually went back to bed for a while with a pillow over my head. I'm popping Tylenol every 4 hours and I'm able to function now. I had to work for a few hours yesterday, but I was alone and no one saw me without makeup! Today, I decided that getting up and going to church might make me feel better. It didn't, but I'm up anyway. I'm going to alternate resting with cleaning and laundry and see how that goes!

Changing Habits

If you know me well, you know I am most certainly not a morning person. I typically don't speak first thing in the morning. It's a struggle every day to get up and get to work on time. The only time I'm awake before my alarm goes off is when I'm looking forward to something going on that day and can't wait for it to happen--like a child on Christmas morning! Thankfully, I don't have to clock in or be in a classroom at a certain time, but I'm trying to improve my morning habits nonetheless. 

For the past few weeks, I've really been trying to get up when my alarm goes off. Doing so gives me an hour to get ready and thirty minutes (or less) to get to work with an additional thirty minutes to spare before I'm "technically" supposed to be at work. Getting up when my alarm goes off is the optimum situation. However, until recently, this never happened as I have a terrible habit of walking across the room, hitting snooze and going back to sleep. 

I've been so busy at work lately that getting to work early is the only way to survive. Somehow, my subconscious seems to know I need to wake up since I usually wake several times during the night and have to reassure myself that "No, you didn't turn off your alarm. It's still dark outside." It's really quite annoying. 

I'm trying to make an effort to be in bed relaxing or trying to sleep by 10PM. I can manage on less than 7-8 hours sleep, but the cumulative effect of sleep deprivation is not pretty. Exhibit A: How I look and feel on April 15th. 

I'm also trying to pick out my clothes for the next day the night before. That definitely saves time out of my morning routine. 

I always manage to get a little bit of extra restful time after my alarm goes off and I get up. One of my very favorite things about my house is that my bathroom has a large window and I can start getting ready in the mornings without turning on the lights. This is a weird quirk I've had since childhood, but was unable to do in college or in my apartment here. I don't ever turn on the lights until I start my makeup!

Let me know if you have any advice for getting up and going in the mornings. I'm all ears!

It's getting close to 10 o'clock and I can't keep my eyes open any longer. Lets hope I have good start to the day tomorrow and get up on time! I've got too much work to do to sleep in.