Saturday, October 18, 2008---Waking up in New York City, NY!

I did not sleep very well Friday night as my entire body was running on adrenaline and the excitement of being in this glorious town. Friday night after I got in, my room mates were all zonked. I quietly got changed into PJs and got into bed, and laid there in awe of the situation. I could not believe what I had just done. I had walked a good 5 miles with two people who had come from Germany to experience NY and see one of our beautiful cities and it's sites. It was wonderful. I was on Cloud 9 and wasn't coming down anytime soon.

It was 6:30am local time (5:30am STL time) and I was awake. No one else was. I took all of my stuff to the bathroom and got showered and dressed. I was downstairs by 7am ready for my site seeing trip into Manhattan. My first stop of the day was to find Rockefeller Center so I could see NBC Studios. I walked to the Subway on 96th Street figuring I could take the #1 down to 59th and then walk over to 49th Street.
When I got to the subway station, I found this.....




Instead of reading the signs, (duh) I walked into a construction site. The Subway did not run downtown on 96th. The only recourse in such a situation was to take the #1 uptown to 103rd (my usual stop anyway) and then take another train downtown from that location. I felt like a total tourist at that point. ARGH! So when I finally got to my destination of 59th and Broadway, it had taken me an hour instead of 15 minutes. At this point, I got onto 59th Street and started walking. I ended up at Columbus Circle. I don't know how I got there but I am glad I did. I had seen it Friday night with my friends and neglected to take pictures of it so I was grateful that I had found it by accident.



The Famous Tycoon, Donald Trump walks these streets. Here is his building, Trump Tower....that was cool!



Standing there, I found I was at the entrance to Central Park. Famous Central Park of New York City. AMAZING!!!!








I turned around and took this picture that a native New Yorker pointed out to me....



I asked that nice man how to get to my destination of Rockefeller Center and he led me to 6th Avenue. Thank you, kind sir.

I walked an awful lot this trip and took pictures of places that I knew and had heard about. Here are some of those pictures.





Christies Auction House




New York City Streets on an early Saturday morning.



A ticker calculating our National Debt....Being in the financial arena of my career, that was a depressing thought but I also thought the picture would be appropriate. We are in deep doo doo when it comes to our economy....



Subway Entertainment. When you are in the subway system underground, the talented citizens (or some not so much) of New York have a captive audience so that is how many performers make some of their money. By being the entertainment. Cool to experience.



I saw Radio City Music Hall several times but can't remember when or where so it goes in the misc stack of pictures.



Look at this clock. You have to almost tilt your head to understand it. I saw this Friday night, actually before the Elmos, so it started off weird. But very cool for a tourist....LOL!

Finally I get to where I want to be. I hit Rockefeller Center. Now, mind you, this is only one hour into my day. And I have been walking most of it. About 3 miles worth. It's only about 8:30am.
















This was a thrill for me to be standing outside of these windows. I have been watching NYC talk shows for years now and the Today Show and to be standing here in the audience was a thrill beyond words. I had a shout out for St. Louis Missouri when the camera went off(crap!) but it was still so worth it to stand there. I am all for watching what goes on behind the scenes. I took the NBC Tour but have no pictures because the tour guide says that everything is copyrighted and NBC have heavy duty lawyers just waiting to slam a lawsuit on anyone so I was not about to take a chance of getting caught. We went into studios. It's really sneaky how the cameras can fool the audience into how it "looks" versus how it really is....I'll never watch Saturday Night Live or the Conan O'Brien Show the same way again.

After the tour, I shopped a bit, got my picture taken for posterity sake and left without much fuss.




Next stop was taking pictures of the ice rink and the surrounding areas.




The next step is fuzzy and I can't remember much of it. I can't remember if I ate lunch or not. No, I didn't. I went back to the subway (don't remember how) and went downtown to the Staten Island Ferry. It's the last stop downtown. Then the subway stops and then goes back uptown. The Staten Island Ferry is free where as the boat to Ellis Island costs so I took the free way.

The ferrys run every half hour and the ride to Staten Island is about 25 minutes. There is one going to Staten Island and one coming back so it works out well.









Being on the boat was an awesome experience. As she got closer you could feel the excitement of the passengers building. You can't help but become a little patriotic and love America a little more as you see this vision of an American Icon.



We disembarked and walked into town. Staten Island is a huge community. I thought it was a small island but it has it's own government, school district and is it's own entity, seperate of NYC. Who would have thunk it???



Staten Island even has it's own baseball team and a huge stadium.



This is the sight from the stadium looking at the NYC Skyline. After deciding against eating on the island, I got back on the boat and headed back into Manhattan.

On my way to the subway I ran into a woman who had her tourist sight seeing book out. I took a sneak peek and asked about getting to Ground Zero. She had no clue so I asked one of the subway officers how to get to the site. It was the next stop uptown, Rector. I was intrigued and the WTC site was on my "Must Do List", so off I went. I got off at the Rector stop and headed up three blocks.






There was a tour already in progress so I just listened in as the guide was talking. It's a self tour too so I took advantage of both.







It was a sobering experience to be there. Many of the buildings have been restored and repaired after they were damaged by the 9-11 disaster. I was there about a half an hour and then I decided that it was lunch time. Actually it was closer to 3pm so I was really getting hungry. I stopped by a restaurant called "O'Haras". It is an irish pub all decked out with irish flavor and tradition. As I walked in, I was asked by a group to take their picture of them and the (I guess) wonderful bartender. I snapped the picture, smiled, and sat down to order my meal. I ordered a salad and a drink when the bartender came up to me and told me that the group I had taken the picture of was offering to buy me a drink for my kindness. Sweet! To bad I don't drink....They still bought me my Sprite and they left happy. It was cool! While I was eating, I was inspired to ask about the area and if there was any damage to the restaurant due to the blast. He showed me the picture that hung on the wall behind him.



He told me that the building front was blown to bits and the windows were all shattered. The reopened about 6 months after the blast and from what I see, are doing great at business.

After lunch, my feet had pretty much had enough and I was somewhat tired, so I decided to take the subway back to the hotel and take a bit of a rest before joining my friends later that night.

I got back to the hotel, dropped off my souveniers, and just relaxed a while. At around 6pm, I changed clothes and went to 42nd Street to do some more shopping for the family. I had time to kill before the play so I also ran into McD's and grabbed a fruity yogurt treat so I would not starve in the play. I met my friends and I enjoyed being together with them again. After the play, it was cold outside but we waited around in hopes of seeing one of the stars come out. No such luck! After a half hour, we gave up and took the subway back uptown. It was very late so we were all a bit tired. Made plans to meet the next morning to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. My aching feet. Ok, sure, so long as we are together before I had to leave the next day in the afternoon. Hugs and then they were gone again. I dragged myself upstairs to my room, quite content with the days activities.

TO BE CONTINUED......

Here is my trip in brilliant technicolor. If I remember wrong or mistakenly label something wrong, Please tell me so I can fix it. Thanks!



Friday morning, on October 17, 2008, I flew Delta Airlines from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH to New York City, New York. The excitement was unbearable and eating me alive. I could not sleep the night before and letting you know from the experience, my body had an adrenalin rush that lasted until Sunday after I left JFK. Then it was all down hill and I still have not recovered emotionally from the trip. It was that wonderful and great and awesome...Need I say more???



I was amazed at how beautiful the city was from above.



I could see Central Park from the air but the Statue of Liberty was too tiny for me to make out. Until later....



From the airport I went on the Air train to Jamaica Station and boarded my first NYC subway, the E Line into Manhattan. I got off at 42ND Street. The lights, people, and excitement is almost too wonderful to imagine.




I walked down the blocks of 42ND Street with my luggage still in my hands, amazed and thrilled that I was actually in the city that I had only seen on TV. Elmo was in the street taking pictures with people. There were actually two of them. Two Elmo's in the same street. Told this one to stand still and that I'd have to take the picture for my daughter. He waved and I was on my way to my hotel.



I heard rumors about NYC having a Starbucks Coffee House on every corner. They were not kidding!



I encountered a lively jazzed up version of McDonald's. Lights flashing, people dancing...it was a sight to see.




A few more shots of Times Square at night




Walking down 8Th and Broadway.



Finally, here is the subway stop I need to get off to head to my hotel. It was either 103rd and Broadway or 96Th and Broadway and construction was hampering 96th so the majority of the time, we took 103rd. We waited for a few minutes and then had to rush to get on so we would not have to wait again. It was the Red Line Number 1 running the west side of Broadway all the way down to The Staten Island Ferry. It was very convenient for what I had planned on my sight-seeing itinerary.

I should have taken a picture of my hotel but I forgot in all the excitement. I checked in and saw the room. I stayed in a hostel (shared a room with 7 other strangers) but that was fine because I wasn't planning on spending to much time in there anyway. Sleep, take shower and then leave again. So it was fine. Plus the price could not be beat. $38 a night 10 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. Dream come true and it was so worth it. I was going to stay over near JFK in a Comfort Inn and have to pay for transportation and $150 a night. I changed my mind twice before deciding to go for the hostel. I 'll never regret that change in plans. The doorman, Julio is this big brawny guy who has the heart of a marshmallow. He and I hit it off quite well.
After I got into the room and settled, I called my NYC friend, Stef who informed me that my other two companions, Kate and Lena were on their way to my hotel to pick me up. I had only seen them in pictures and online so I knew what they looked like, but meeting them was going to be a weird experience. It took them close to an hour to get to me but when I saw Julio open the door for them, I recognized them immediately and ran into their arms in friendship. It was such an amazing experience finally meeting poeple that you had only talked to online. They flew in from Germany so English is their second language but their grasp of the english language was so extensive, it would have been hard to tell that they were not Americans. We took off together to see the sights of New York, and that we did.

We first went to a nearby Starbucks and sat down and got to know each other a bit. They had been there since Tuesday and I wanted to hear about what they had experienced so far. It was a wonderful conversation. We left after about a half an hour and then went for a "stroll around town". We took the subway down to 42nd Street and they showed me the real 42nd Street. Apparantly I had not seen it all. We walked past Broadway theatres and then walked some more down to Columbus Circle and then up again. I figure we had walked about three hours at a fairly brisk pace so when we got in at midnight, I was done for the night. We planned to meet up the next night after they did some shopping and I took in the sights that I had always wanted to see. We said our good byes and I went up to my 5th floor hotel room.




.......TO BE CONTINUED....

The dam has finally broken....

and it took this video to finally have it happen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWYn2k4IaPY&NR=1

Leaving New York City was so depressing. I had so much fun and saw so many things that I never wanted it to end. But it did and I was left with a feeling of loneliness and anger at having to leave and sadness at leaving and regret for not doing more in the time I had. Taking more pictures, making a video of every minute with the people I shared this experience with. Taking pictures of the friendly people of New York. Julio, thanks for caring. Thanks for taking the image of a rough West Side guy out of my head. You're a sweet, kind, and gentle man who made the stay at the hotel very pleasant. I only wish I had taken a pic of you. :)

My next post will highlight my stay in New York City!

Posting pictures

I'll post pictures when I hear from my friends and get the pictures that they have. I am missing the group picture of us and the trip walking across the Brooklyn Bridge the day I left.

See ya later....

I LOVE NEW YORK!

Need I say more?

Yeah, but later while I go cry because I really love New York!

My last day in NYC!

I am waiting for my friends to get to my hotel so we can have one last special time together. It has been SO WONDERFUL here with them, I am dying inside because I have to say good bye to them later today.

We have laughed, loved, talked, and had an amazing time. The NYC subway system is...interesting, to say the least. But most of the New Yorkers that we have encountered were super friendly and very eager to help in any way. The food was spectacular and filling. The accomodations were warm and friendly! I don't want to leave!!!!!!

I will be filming most of the day since my memory fades and my digital images are far more reliable.

I'll upload pictures tomorrow after work. I love NEW YORK and I love the friends that brought me here to begin with. Hugs and kisses to you three. It was an *amazing* lifetime experience.

Last post before I go!

I am packing, doing one last load of laundry (washed at laundromat, then brough it home to dry), making sure that I have absolutley everything I need in case of...and yet still pack little enough so I do not have to check my bag at the airport. Talk about hard!

I'll sleep on the plane. No, I won't I'm afraid I'll miss anything exciting!

My excitement is through the roof!!!!


See you all on MOnday when I update with pictures and stories!

Bye St. Louis! Hello, New York!

Getting Ready

I talked to 2 of the 3 friends in New York City. They are there and are enjoying being together. I am so ansy to go and be there with them. Hearing their voices is so much better than IM or any email. I can't wait to be there. Less than 60 hours. Ah, the intensity of it all is going to kill me before I even get there.

Catching up with new friends and old ones...

I have a facebook account. If you know my name, you can find me.

I like it better than myspace. I didn't think I would but I do. I just spoke to one of my friends from high school. That was cool!

The internet is one of the most wonderful inventions (thanks Al!) that has come to light in the past 30 years. Talking to people from other countries is amazing! My three friends who I am going to NYC with, are all from Germany. I am going to speak german almost all weekend long. At least that is my plan....(we'll see how that goes).

I have many more friends on the internet than I have in real life. I'm too busy for real life but I can certainly sit and get a few emails out or catch up on someone's life just by reading their blog or reading their wall on facebook. I absolutely love it! Friends move away and you don't have to lose touch with them just because they move. If they have internet access, webcams, skype, IM, it's all so simple to keep connected to those people or find those who you have lost contact with.

Just wanted to express my happiness! See you later. Watch the counter....can't wait for it to hit 0 days!~

Til later...

COUNTDOWN TO NEW YORK CITY!!!

This time next week I will be with my girlfriends walking the streets and enjoying the sites of NYC!

I picked up my travelers checks at the bank and I am packing and getting everything ready for the trip. I won't have time to do it this week so I have to do it now.

I just talked to my friend who is meeting me and she is as excited as I am. We wil meet Friday night at Grand Central Station and then go eat at a fancy establishment at the station.

Can't wait!!!! 6 Days and counting....less than 140 hours....

The World Today.....

is just sad. We will get through this just like any other. If the world learns a lesson from what we are going through now, then so be it. Everything happens for a reason and I, for one, have found that out in a number of ways the past 5 years.

I pray that it doesn't last long and that we all get out of it a smarter mindset and better thinking on how to handle our lives, personally, professionally, socially, and spiritually.

God Bless the Entire Planet!

Well, now this is a test of my will and strength....

Lovely tree roots in a place they should NOT be...


Friday morning as I was getting ready for work, I was in the shower and I heard gurgling in my toilet and sink. Gurgling is not good in my house when it comes to my plumbing. I have learned from experience that when you hear that particular sound, you better stop what you are doing and pay close attention to unexpected water blow ups. I quickly got dressed and called my local plumber. I have been dealing with these guys for the past 2 years on past plumbing issues (tree roots) and they have always helped.

My house was built in 1952. The plumbing outside the house is clay tile and has serious root infestation. So, because of school and money issue problems, I have delayed the serious task of replacing all my pipes outside to the city drain with PVC pipe, a cost of about $5000. Well, now that I have a job and have money rolling, Heavenly Father has blessed me with the task of actually taking care of this little annoyance. It won't wait until Spring. I have to do it now....and the cost will bite into Christmas and other luxuries that I have been wanting to do.
My trip to NYC is still on (non-refundable airline tickets) but I have to be careful with the money I do take so I can still afford to pay the plumber when he does his job. This just sucks! Seriously! Oh, the kicker is that I have no clothes washer til it gets fixed either. I have to go to the laundromat to do loads of laundry since the pressure from the sump pump in the basement, makes the plumbing back up in to the house and cause more problems. Oh, and I haven't mentioned the worst part, the plumber, while he was digging cut my satellite wires and now the satellite can't be repaired until Tuesday.....when it rains, it pours.

My work schedule prohibits me from being home through all this to supervise and it makes me crazy that way. There is a control issue there and I know it. If I am there, they can't screw anything up and even if they do, I can correct it before they leave. That's the news. I'll update later with more as it comes *into the station*

Till later!

HAPPY OCTOBER!!

And Happy First Payday at my new job! Yes! It was bigger than I had expected or anticipated and the extra is going into savings. Already been transferred for semi annual bills I have to pay in December.

I am so happy, even with the economy being as it is. I work at a financial firm and we have seen clients move thier money around but we have not seen the clients take the money out. The market is doing weird stuff but if you stay the course and leave the money where it is, it'll eventually even itself out. The stock Market is set up for the long term, not hiddly piddly when things get a little tough. That is what an emergency fund is for...the everyday tough stuff.

I bought milk last night and some groceries and the milk prices were almost down to normal. I was pleasantly surprised. So with the kids home this weekend, I bought up a few gallons in anticipation of Bubba drinking lots of milk. I am also going to mkae their favorite treat this weekend and that takes up a lot of milk.

Time to get ready for work. Catch up time again. We had a lot of updates in forms yesterday so I have to get the new forms ready and replace the old ones.

Have fun today. I know I certainly will. I love my life, my loves and my job!!!! I wish your life is as blessed as mine is right now.

Feels really good!

Til later!

Getting ready for NYC!!

Black clothes=check
memory card for camera=check
finding luggage=check
little soap, shampoo, body gel=check (airport security, bite me!)
cash=check
maps=check
subway directions=check

Hmmm......Can you tell I am just a little excited....

20 more days!!!

My itinerary for New York....

I'll be there for 2 half days and 1 whole day so I have this in mind...

Central Park
Rockefeller Center
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Ground Zero
Empire State Building
NBC Studios
1 Broadway Play (Probably Wicked)
Food, ummm...we'll see about that.....


I can't wait!!!! Notice there is no shopping involved. I don't shop for stuff, I sightsee and I can't wait!!!!! Take lots of pictures of sights and dream of not getting mugged, killed or maimed.....Bring on the fun!!!

*WOW* I just cannot wait!!!!!

NEW YORK CITY HERE I COME!!!!!

Flight is booked and accomodations are made, I'm coming! Watch out! I am so excited!!!!!!!

Details later!

My third (first real) week at work...

The first two weeks at my new job was training so I was learning and shadowing the people at work so I really physically was not working at all. My brain was hurting on overload by the weekends though. This week was all me doing the work and doing paperwork for my boss for the clients he was seeing. Monday was hard. I cried on my walk, called hubby and my sister to vent during lunch, and was generally just overwhelmed by the work. My sister told me that it is a genetic trait in our family to not want to ask for help. We want to do it all ourselves and be capable long before it is feasibly time enough to do the job correctly. So, Tuesday was better and I was ok with the work, asking for help if I needed it. I had to do pull paperwork from several sites and organize it into a presentation for the client. I looked at my notes and was pleasantly surprised that the time it took to do it, went amazingly slow and I was able to complete it within the time frame I needed. Wednesday time went amazingly fast. Computers went down for a spell and then came back again Thursday and Friday so time was spent waiting for them to come back online.

My office is fun to work at. I have said before that the people I work with are funny and inviting but I am here to tell you, they make life at the office a lot of fun! Staff meetings have an air of silliness to them even though they are also very informative and full of training materials. I have also resumed my walking schedule. I need to buy a pedometer today so I can track my steps throughout the day. There is a sidewalk surrounding the Office suites in our complex so I have been walking that for 20 minutes on my lunch break. We have had gorgeous days and it lets me calm down from a tough morning or settle my brain into what I have to do the rest of the day. Plus I get my activity points done at work.

Oh yeah, I lost another pound last week. 13 pounds and counting! YEAH!!!!!

Well, we were going to go to the airshow today but rain is in the forecast and I do not want to walk in rain with a 6 year old.

Have a great weekend and I'll update again when I have time.

Time Out For Women!

Here are some pictures we took at Time Out!


Here is the gang from our little group.



This is me with Hilary Weeks. Her songs are most inspiring. I had Hilary autograph the book that I bought. She writes like she talks. I could listen to her for hours!




Stephanie took my picture so I took hers with Hilary. We both bought the CD. Hilary signed Stephanie's CD.




I came to this conference initially wanting to meet Jane Clayson Johnson and she was a highlight of the day.



Barb was talking to Pam Hansen and I took this picture for her.

I spent entirely too much money on books and cds but it is all worth it if it brings out the feeling that I got this weekend. I feel wonderful! Uplifted and ready to conquer the world!

It was a wonderful two days of music, inspirational talks, laughs, love, bonding of friends and family. The presenters Saturday talked on a variety of subjects, including Finding Joy in the Mirror(Pam Hansen), Stop, Listen, I'm Here (Jane Clayson Johnson), Accents of Wonder (S. Michael Wilcox), and The Power of the Written Word (Jason Wright). Hilary Weeks and Cherie Call were the musical entertainment and they were awesome to listen to. Made me think of things going on in my life that have been buried for awhile. Music brings those emotions to the surface and makes me remember those emotional things that had long been forgotten or hidden away. That is what I love about music. It tickles the senses.

Friday night was also a forum for music and discussion. We were not sitting in seats that were picture productive so I only have my minds eye to remember the sights. Sorry. Michael Mclean was the musical entertainment along with Hilary Weeks and the presenter was Kim Nelson. He talked on the Golden Nuggets of Life and the differences between men and women in terms of communication. Truly makes you think about how you react to your spouse in any given situation. We're all doing it wrong, apparently. I learned something about how I act towards hubby. A real eye opening night. Oh, and we had a blast! I am so glad that we went as a group! So much more fun that way!

Til later!

Having a great weekend!

I am going to work today but then I am heading off to a womens' conference with three of my close friends from church. It's tonight and tomorrow. It's a spiritual uplifting experience that I have gone to every time it's been in St. Louis the past 5 years. After the past two weeks of training at work, I know the lift is badly needed because Monday I go to work and do it all myself. I know I can do a lot of what my job entails and my speed at doing it will be faster as I do more but right now the prospect of having that load on me is daunting. It scares me to know that I am expected to do it all. I know time will help me, but walking into that office Monday is really really scary, to say the least.

I had a nice conversation with a friend last night that I really needed. She is my best friend here in town. I am so glad that I have her in my life. I was feeling down about friendships in general and she made me realize that I do have friends who care about me and want me in thier life. Perfect timing, kiddo. Thanks! You are the blessing I needed last night.

Til later....

September lows!

Ever wonder why a bad thing happening in your life can wreck your mood for the entire month? Having a death happen in a particular month can ruin your mood for a week before, a week during and a week after year after year. Oma died on September 30 of last year. She was 91 years old and had Alzheimers since 2003 so it was kind of a blessing when she passed. But I miss her like crazy, especially when my life is finally going the way I want it to. I know she would be so proud of me and happy that I am suceeding at a job that I love and loving life. I think she would have loved to meet hubby and see that I am finally happy. I miss Oma and this month is already getting hard. I can't imagine what my mom is going through. I just have to deal with it and move on. And I will....

Weight Watchers Update...

Yeah, I did it again. I lost another 1.4 lbs to make a total of 12 pounds since July 7.

Just wanted to update! Happiness keeps coming!


Till later...

The DVDs came in!

I had all the movies from the kids that I still had transferred to DVD from VHS tape. There are videos of Jessi at age 4, 7, 9, 13, and lots of pictures. I have video of Allen at age 3, 5, and 10 and Arielle at age 2, 4, and present. I have tons of pictures of happy memories that I have hidden away downstairs. I need to get all these out one of these days and go through them. I have a few of me when I was younger, 19-20 and I still look like a young, young, girl.

Amazing how life brings back memories when they are triggered by an outside stimuli. Watching these videos are so cool yet so sad because Jessi is not here to watch them with us as we enjoy them. I miss her so much and I know she is learning how to be an adult. She is 17 and this next year is going to bring her so much learning and trials. I remember splitting from my parents at that age. I just cry when I realize how much hurt I gave them both at that age. Time circles around and bites you in the butt in revenge for treating your parents badly. Shame no one tells you that until you are experiencing it with your teen and regretting those times. Not that they don't try but the teenager is so much smarter than the wise parent. LOL! Oh the joys of parenthood!

Oh well, I am so grateful that I do have these videos of the kids. I don't have the videos from Christmas time or of Jessi as a baby but I have pictures to cover those memories. I'll be watching videos for awhile and making homemade compilation videos in the near future....Maybe I'll put them up on youtube...who knows....

Til later....

Tuesday posts

This blog is having trouble keeping posts with it's day that I posted it. I posted the last one on Tuesday and today is Friday. Post says it was posted Wednesday. WRONG!!

And last week I got the job on Tuesday but it says I got the job on Monday. Nope, wrong there too.

Anywho.....job is good, job is wonderful, actually, I was able to create and print out a much needed document for a client and I did it right so I was really happy that I knew what to do there. The job atmosphere is professional but the group environment if friendly and happy and giddy. Our "crazy" employee just makes me laugh. She is so out there that it keeps the morale in the office at a non stress level that I have never felt before. There is no contention with anyone there except when the computers go down and then we feed off each other to keep it high, none the less. All of us in computer freeze hell makes for some wild conversations with each other and with "IT" until they can get the computers going again.

*PING* flies a rubber band over the cubicle. It's cool but we do still get our work done and it makes for a fast day at the office.

I officially move into my cubicle today and I am able to hang pictures of my loved ones on the wall and personalize it a bit. It's so cool! I am so happy now with this job and I am so glad that I stuck through with it so God could bless me this way. I truly am blessed with my life, and I love every part of it! It's about time!!!!

Job update...

Well, it's going to be a long road to know this job. It's a lot of information and lots to know but I know I am absorbing it at an amazing pace. This job is everything that I want and helping people too. My enthusiasm is a little overwhelming and my trainer and I got into a bit of trouble because she was doing every day work and she was leading me through it. I am on a 2 week training schedule and the boss, she's really strict but means well, doesn't want me deviating from it at all. I do like her, matter of fact, there is not a person there I don't like. I got to work on a training module on the computer late in the afternoon and I loved every bit of it.

I know this job is everything I could hope for and I am so happy I am there. The long hours could go away but I guess I have to get used to those. It's the first time I have worked 40 hours a week and it's a bit daunting coming from a part time or stay at home mom stand point.

Til later....

Happy Labor Day!

Well, since I ceased from my labors on Sunday, I had to double time it today since I have a very busy schedule coming up the rest of my life. I walked two miles this morning, mowed my lawn, trimmed all the bushes, cleaned the weeds out of the flower garden, picked a ripe tomato and ate it right there, cleaned out my patio, swept the front porch, made the garage somewhat more organized than before, and cleaned up the kitchen and living room to where I could walk through it again.

I am excited about tomorrow but I am also scared for the heavy load that I have to learn and remember. But I am also glad that I have the kids taken care of and they are in school while I am working and Angel is not at the babysitters too long. If she were at the sitters all day long, I'd also worry about the cost of the daycare and stuff like that.

I have to finish some other stuff around the house but I wanted to make a quick entry and tell some things on here.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day holiday.

Weight Watchers Update Week 8

I went to my last meeting with my friends on Thursday. The leader at that meeting is a long time friend of mine. I babysat her kids when they were babies who now are 12 and 10. That meeting is at 9:30am on Thursday mornings so with my new job, I obviously can't keep going there. I have the choice to go on Saturday mornings in a nearby town or go after work on a Tuesday evening. I am probaby going to go Saturday mornings since I weigh less in the morning (before breakfast) and I can wear less clothing to make the scales not so "heavy". Anyone who has done WW knows this is a fact. lol!

The past two weeks were incredibly stressful and my weight changes showed it. I gained half pound each weeks 6 and 7. That was discouraging because I was already stressed by the job hunt and the gain did not help matters. Week 8 was a good week since I lost the pound I had gained the previous two. I am now even again.

I am now on a good stretch to continue losing the weight that I gained these past two years. I am down 10.6lbs and I have about 15 more to go. The loss has made my clothes fit better and I am gaining muscles in my legs with my 2 mile walks every day. I do feel better and I am confident that as long as I follow the point plan, the rest will come off slowly but surely. It's amazing how my chocolate cravings have diminished. I'd rather have the veggies or salad or smaller portions. Crazy how the mind works.

See you later, I am off to enjoy my lazy Saturday...

Ever do something so great it just brightens up your whole day?

I just did and I am smiling from ear to ear.




A girl can never have enough people to surround her but when a certain friend makes it known that thier life is blessed from you being in it, it truly is a blessing for that same person to be in yours. Such friendships happen very seldom in a lifetime and I can count 1, 2, 3, 4.... so far in 37 years and I am so grateful that it happened again this summer! Thanks guys. You know who you are.

My new job area...

Here is a picture of my cubicle, my home away from home. Just had to post it. :)

About my first day at work....

hmmm...can you say exhausting??? I had 4 hours of learning the easy stuff and then after lunch (they ordered in chinese) they threw me into the lions den and were extremely happy when I walked out alive. I love this new job! The people there are kidders and funny and easy to get along with, a real easy job to love. The work.....it's a lot of doing and learning procedures and certain ways of doing things but when I learn the stuff, I'll do just fine. I just have to stick it out for that time and come out the other side smiling.

I am changing my clothes and relaxing. I have the next 5 days off so I can start the new week (9/2/08) with a whole computer training week so I can learn by doing instead of by watching.

I took home books (2 inch thick portfolios) that I am going to peruse throughout the weekend so I can be ahead of the game.

See you guys later....

I am going to work in a couple of hours...

...and I am so excited I just can't even stand it. I woke up about 4am and then couldn't fall back to sleep. My alarm just went off so it is time to shower and get dressed for my first full day of full time employment. Do you know how exciting it is to have graduated from college and know that today is the first day I am actually going to be using skills that I learned to get that degree??? I know it's old hat to everyone else but I am a 37 year old wife and mom of three and this is the first time in my adult career that I am able to do this so this is an incredible accomplishment to me.

Yeah for me and today. I know it's going to be a great, wonderful, hectic, mind-blowing experience!

See you all tonight for an update on this wonderful day!

I got the dream job that I have been wishing for....

Papers are already signed and fingerprints are being checked and I start tomorrow at 8:15 am. Mon-Fri 8-5 admin. asst. job for a financial advisor in a well known company where I live.

I actually got a job doing what my degree says I can. I am so thrilled but yet I am still in shock mode. Went to Kohls and bought some more dress pants as I have shirts hanging in my closet that will work with the office environment.

I didn't hold my breath on this interview last week and then he called last night and wanted to see me this morning. He said "I have good news and I have better news.." and that is when I shut down in disbelief. I barely heard the rest of the things he said until he had tax papers in front of me.

I will tell you how the first day goes. He says tomorrow will be like taking a drink of water from a fire hose. So much info given that I won't know which is up or down for the first week. I am hoping and praying that it is not that difficult and that I catch on really quickly.

I am psyched for the new opportunity and am blessed at having such great and wonderful people surrounding me with love and support when I was still unemployed.

Yeah, I am not unemployed anymore!!!!!!!! I have a job and that is a wonderful thing in this day and age and economy.

Friday Night...

Things are ho hum around here. I worked a couple days this week, which was nice and I already have a job lined up to work on Monday so I can get out of the house by 7 am to go teach. The money is slowly coming in. I had a job interview on Tuesday and should here something this week. I am not holding my breath for this one. I'll be very surprised if I get it.

The kids are at the neighbors house and I am alone at home surfing the internet. Tomorrow we are going up to a town where my inlaws live to see them. Should be fun. I'm going to bed early. Too much internet and you'll end up believing what it says. Can't do that, now can we??

Til later!

I worked today

I worked at my daughter's high school today. You know the one that won't talk to me. Ha, I knew she was in the building and although I never saw her, I knew she was there which made my day. I spent 7.5 hours earning money and I had a blast. I loved being in that environment and would love to do it full time. There are no jobs currently open there so I just have to wait on a job.

I had fun and earned money so that was a fantastic day! I felt close to my girl and she didn't even know it.

Woke up early in anticipation

of maybe getting a work phone call today from the school district but I think it's not happening today. Hope for tomorrow. I woke up this morning to a song that I now can...wait I just got a call to a work at school!.



YEAH!!!!!!!Details later!!!

School Starts Again....

I just sent my little one to school again. Now in 1st grade, she still loves it and was up very early this morning wishing it was time to go already. I drove her to the school since I did not get called to work (?!?!?) and walked her in. Talked to the teacher and got some things straightened out for the year concerning a new allergy that she has developed.

Angel has developed an allergy to cats and dust mites. She had a fever for 9 days back in June and she has had the sniffles and sneezies since then. The fever must have broken something in her immune system so that she is now allergic. It's in the family so she was bound to be allergic eventually. She is on an OTC pill that helps her with it. The hardest part of it is that she loves our cats and before June she was not allergic. We have had Patches and Rascal since 2006 so it's heartbreaking to tell her she can't pick them up anymore.

School is on the move again and I have a feeling that it is going to be a great year!

Til later....

Thursday happenings..

I spent the last two days spending lots of time with my kids. Or should I say my littlest one. The boy (13) doesn't want to spend time with mom but Angel is more than happy to oblige mommy with some time. We went to see two movies this week. We saw Mamma Mia! and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. Both movies were good to see with family and we enjoyed the time together immensely. We went to matinees so the cost was cheaper and we bought the Soundtrack to Mamma Mia! so we have ABBA music in the car at all times. That was a childhood favorite of mine and I am thrilled to know that Angel likes it as much as I did then and still do now. She has the CD in her room and I can hear her dancing and singing in there in the afternoon. It's a hoot!

Bubba has been playing the last of the video games since school starts this week. His playing time will be curtailed a great deal when he is not home anymore. He has also been hanging out with friends and with his skateboard so I am glad he is spending some time outdoors. The weather has been mid 80's all week so it is wonderful to be out in.

School starts for the kids and I will be awaiting phone calls at 6am for sub calls. I am on the district substitute list so jobs are out there but I am so much better than the minimum wage they pay. That is why I need a permanent position somewhere where benefits are also offered.

Update on Weight Watchers-Since my body went into starvation mode this past week due to the stress, it also held onto every morsel I did put in my mouth. Thus a .6 pound weight gain. I am at an even 10 pound loss from July 7th, so I can't really complain. I'll eat more so my body realizes that it's supposed to be losing the fat, not adding to it. Maybe next week will be better.


Til later,

Still no job!

I am recovering from the blow I got when she told me that I was number 2 on the list of getting the job. THe only reason I did not get the job was that the interviewer was pressured by a coworker to hire her friend who also had the qualifications but I had better ideas to make website changes and such. So..I am getting my resume submitted again to another company who also needs an admin. Assistant. I am not going to talk about my job hunts anymore until I actually am hired somewhere. It's too hard to handle emotionally and still harder to tell everyone that I did not get it. I'll talk about my job hunts when I do finally get a job!

The creative side in me has also been released....

I have become aware of my softer side opening. A special friend has awoken a trait in me that I had far forgotten and lost. I used to write poetry in my youth and write stories too about things in my life. I have, in the past week, let my senses go and explored some of those talents again. I like what I see and I feel a sense of accomplishment when I read my new work. I am telling this here since it is a very personal matter. I write for people and for the situation that is in front of me. I can't whip out a poem or story on a whim. It has to be set in a dream or felt in the pit of my stomach. When I do put pen to paper, I let go and my fingers write it. If I were to take the finished product away for a week or two and someone else would bring it back then, I would not have remembered that I wrote it. It truly is a sobering experience to do some magnificent work and then not remember.

I won't post my writing, but I wanted to share that I am going through an awesome experience, a learning and insightful experience that has no rhyme or reason. I thank God that this newly renewed talent has been realized again.

The artist in me is escaping....

Only positive comments are allowed!

I drew these rare beauties this morning on a whim and a prayer. My muse had her way with me last night and these are our creation. I have a few more up my sleeve but I'll wait a day or two before posting them.

Enjoy!

Job Update...

The awesome news is that I survived the interview. The good part is that she loved me and I blew her away with my qualifications. The bad part is that I have to wait 5days for a second interview with the big boss so she can also be wowed by my skills. The interview is set for Tuesday at 9 am. Please pray for me this weekend. Every little bit helps!

The pay is perfect for my life, the hours are wonderful for my life, the environment is loving and family built, and the skills I have, I can grow with this company and be there for 40 years. There are advancement possibilities and that is wonderful. It's only 13 minutes away from my house and that is in slow traffic. It's 7 miles away. It's absolutely perfect in every aspect that my career wants and what I am going for.

Weight Watchers Update----

I weighed in yesterday 3 pounds lighter than the week before. Mostof it was stressed off by the job prospect but I'll take it. And now that I have to wait until Tuesday for the second interview, I'll stress off some more weight. I don't want to eat, yet I still want to and I do walk every morning, and drinks lots of fluids.

I traveled to Indianapolis to see my sister and her family this past week too so that was really cool! I miss her so much but I am glad that her career moves are also moving in the right direction. She just got a promotion in her company so our parents are pretty proud of us both. My brother is no exception, he is a smart cookie and been with the same company for over 10 years so he is sitting pretty too.

I have to go take my walk now. I will update throughout the week to let you know how I am doing regarding the endless wait and how my patience is holding up. UUGH!!

German language lessons---I have been listening to german tapes and looking at words in the german english dictionary that I know I know, but just can't remember. It's fun and interesting to see how much I have lost and I words and phrases that I have to learn for the first time.

Til later!

I'm tired!

I have a bit of insomnia tonight. It's 4am and I can't sleep. I just got done watching Independence Day with Will Smith. I LOVE that movie! Good guys win and bad guys die. YEAH!! That is the kind of movie where you laugh one minute and you are crying the next. I teared up at least 4 times. Usually watching shows at night make me fall asleep but not tonight. *sigh*

I got an interview today with a company that is only about 13 minutes from my house. I interview Wednesday at 2 p.m. CST. (please say a prayer that I get this job.) Maybe that is the reason I can't sleep. This job would be perfect for my hours, time with the kids, and money situation. It'd be more than I have ever made in my life and that is the scary thought. Paying off my student loans is priority one and they don't even start repayment until December.

Another probably reason to have insomnia......Ever have the problem of knowing you are right and you have proof that you are right, and yet someone is trying to change your mind and switch the ways things are supposed to be? It's like getting a 100% on a test and the guy next to you takes 50% of your points and reaps the benefits that you are supposed to get.???? I have to stand up for my rights and right now, I am in a quandry of how to do that.


a Mini pep talk to myself------
"Stick to your guns, Andi and know that you do not have to do anything you don't feel you want to or have to. He is wrong and you can tell him to screw off! And you will tell him that tomorrow."


It's now 4:26am and I am still not sleepy. Yes, I am but I know if I go to bed now, I'll just toss and turn and not get any sleep anyway....

I'll try it and see.

TIl later!!!

Saturday Musings...

I hate mail being late especially when I am expecting something important.

It's a true gift in life to find a person who resembles your life so close that it's "freaky". I have found a friend who has surrounded me with support and love and that in turn has reestablished my desire to know more about my birthplace and its surroundings.

As soon as I get a job, I will continue my education on a personal front. I am going to attempt to relearn german, better than before. I have a wonderful support group in family and newfound friends that will make this effort of mine truly worthwhile. With her help, I hope, that in time, I will be able to converse with her or another german, with the accuracy and clarity of a native.