May your days be merry and bright...

Spend time with your family- even if you don't like 'em.
Remember the soldiers- both near and far.
Remember those less fortunate than us. And believe me, if you're reading this, you ARE blessed.
Eat your mother's stuffing, even if it's awful.
Be gracious.
Be kind.
Be thankful.
Be happy.
Be peaceful.
Be merry.

Six shopping days left!

I don't know about y'all, but I am feeling some stress about finishing my Christmas shopping! With all the back and forth to C's house combined with the fact that he doesn't like shopping- well, I just haven't had time to get much at actual stores. Thank goodness for online shopping.

Some of you got an urgent email with a plea for a yummy dessert recipe. I got roped into participating in the dessert contest which is tomorrow. The only problem is that I have NEVER MADE A DESSERT! Sure, I've baked cookies, but they were never amazing. I got lots of yummy suggestions and managed to narrow it down to the Better Than Sex Cake. I made a practice one over the weekend and tested it on C's family and they approved. His grumpy dad even had two helpings! I know it's a bit over the top to "practice", but I'm the new girl and I have a reputation to establish!! I'll letcha know how I fare..

We're also having a potluck tomorrow and receiving hams. I'm bringing a seven layer dip and some chips. I've never gotten a ham before and have already told my mother it's coming straight to her house!

If you get a chance, visit the Clubhouse Concerts website and make a donation to help Miss Joni and the girls with their overhead. Better yet, find them a new sponsor! For those of you not in the know, Miss Joni started having Sunday night acoustic shows in the clubhouse of her apartment complex SEVERAL years ago. Now it's a regular event in the Stockyard's. They recently lost their sponsor that allowed them to pay for artist's rooms and the sound guy. So, if you've got an extra dollar, send it their way.

Chicago was fun and fast. Our flight was delayed about an hour leaving Dallas, but we had no other travel issues. The weather was clear in Chicago and plenty cold. They ain't kidding about it being the "Windy City"! Even though it was about the same temperature when we landed in Dallas, that blow-right-through-you wind wasn't.

C & I went to see Reckless Kelly last weekend here in Tyler at a bar called Bootlegger's. It's a new venue for the area and is a converted strip club. You couldn't see any remnants, however. It's no Adair's, but I look forward to catching more of OKOM there.

Lately, there has been a lot of prayer requests come my way. One for a friend's beautiful daughter and one for a friend's father. The Lord answers prayers and miracles happen every day. Tumors and broken hearts- that's what has been on my mind lately. Odd combination, no?

My heart is wonderfully whole and full. I am blessed beyond measure and am eternally thankful for all that I have. My friends, my family, my love-- top notch, I tell ya.

Top notch.

I know, I know

I've been slacking. But, I've also been busy, ya know?! I'm headed to Chicago this afternoon, so I will try and update once I return. For now, here's a picture C sent me from the golf course yesterday. In the comments, post your caption!

Hello Internet, good to see ya. It's been a long time....

I apologize for the delay. It seems the "new" AT&T was finally able to pull their heads out of their asses and get me connected. It's amazing how much you can miss something once it's gone. And by gone, I mean, GONE. So, where was I?

• Thanksgiving, aka Move Day 2007, was hell. At one point, I was sitting in a carwash bay on the side of I-20 praying for the Lord to show me something to be thankful for, which he ultimately did. Out 2.5hr trip from Dallas to Tyler, ended up being about a seven hour trip to C's carport. Maybe you saw the Cowboy's game on Thanksgiving day-- remember the snow? That's about the time we were ready to leave my apartment. The snow turned to sleet which turned to rain that lasted our entire trip. We bought tarps three different times but each time they came apart and were left on the side of various highways. I cried out of frustration to my mom over all of my belongings being ruined. But, just like He always does, the Lord heard my worries. Not one thing was ruined in the move. Hallelujah!
• I started work last Monday and I'm still lost as a goose, but I suppose that is to be expected. I really like my boss and the other ladies I work with and I look forward to the day I actually understand what it is I'm supposed to be doing.
• My drive is about 30 minutes, one way. Believe it or not, I actually like it because it gives me time to prepare for, and then decompress from my day. I get some good XM time in, too.
• For the first time in my life, I don't have to fill out a timesheet or justify my time. Finally, I am being treated like I really am in an exempt position! As long as my work is getting done, they're very flexible. It's the little things, people.
• I still don't have cable, which is a whole 'nother issue. I refuse to pay $75 a month for something I rarely watch. So, C has a plan with a spare Direct TV box he has-- we'll see if that works out. I can live with or without just about anything for six months.
• I'm an hour and a half away from C. I can't begin to tell you how great that is. We've had dinner together and sleep overs and even there and back evening visits. Last Friday, I was in my bosses office and it was pushing 5:00 and I was already anxious to get on the road. Then I realized I didn't have to fight rush hour traffic or the interstate or have the pedal to the metal for three hours. Just a winding trip east and I'm there. Give it time though, I'll soon be bitching about the "long drive".
• Gas, however, is not. The petro kind, of course. I'm already thinking about downsizing to *gulp* a CAR. Maybe something crazy like a Mini Cooper even! But, Yukon, how I love thee. We'll see.
• My apartment is pretty sad. I took my sister's awful, uncomfortable couch to my mom's so she can have it back. So, the contents of my living room include my recliner, a coffee table, an end table and an entertainment center. C's supposed to let me borrow his loveseat, though.
• Note to visitors, even though I have two bedrooms, the second bedroom is not fully functional at this time. It is a very nice sized closet though.. :) Seriously, though. My lease is only six months long and no one "visits" Tyler.
• I'm blocked on Myspace, Perez Hilton, Galleywinter and a lot of other sites probably at work. I can't see YouTube or some pictures either. I thought they were going to block my from my email, but that was enabled the next day. The temporary block was probably meant as a warning. And, to make matters worse, I have ZERO cell signal in my office. So, if you need me, and it's urgent and you don't have my work email or number- find someone who does.
• I need a haircut. And Campisi's. And some Brandon Rhyder and Walt Wilkins acoustic.
• I think I'm getting sick, or at least developing a nice sinus infection. I know I have insurance, the HR guy just hasn't had a chance to tell me anything about it or when I can expect an insurance card.
• A sinus infection should travel nicely, since I'm going to Chicago next Wednesday for a day of training on Thursday. O'Hare, people. I've heard the horror stories. And, let's not forget, Chicago. In December. *burrrr* But, it is Christmas time.. I just wish we were going to actually be in the city. We're going to be at a campus about 45 minutes north- bummer.
• C has been keeping Shiner. Yes, I paid a $300 non-refundable pet deposit only for C to say he doesn't like the looks of my neighbors and doesn't want me out after dark walking him. Plus, if C and I are going to one day cohabitate, Shiner has GOT to get used to him and get over being such a mama's boy. He's being such a good boy though and I miss him.
• I miss my friends. I have none here. No one to grab a beer with after work. No one to have lunch with- I've been eating at my desk. But, I guess those are the sacrifices I made.. and I really am happy where I am.

So, there you have it. I'm sure I left things out, so I'll try to be more timely about updating. Twenty shopping days 'til Christmas-- wow.

Taking a break...

I've been drinking. It seems that's the only way to calm my nerves this week. I was reduced to tears earlier and my poor boyfriend could only say incredulously, "All you can do is start packing. Start in one room with one box. It's not that hard." Bless his heart..

It's amazing that something as simple as moving can stress me out this badly. I did secure housing today though. It's a townhouse - just two levels, no garage. One and half baths and two bedrooms for $112 less than I'm paying now. Incredible. Remind me to send out my new address.

I bought myself my first piece of hunting attire today, too. A pair of camo insulated overalls since hunting should be kinda cool this weekend. Woodrow, since you're the only one who probably cares, Clint and I sat in the box stand on my 40 acres twice last weekend. I got permission to bring my ipod because I just bought an Eddie Rabbitt Greatest Hits album that he wanted to jam to, too. Saturday evening, he killed a doe- the next to the last "doe day". It was very exciting. My first time "hunting" (even though I wasn't carrying a gun) and we killed something! We even had to track her about 20 yards into the woods after dark. I was so proud of my baby! Sunday, we went to the same stand not expecting to see a thing. Of course we had some beer and after a couple, I announced (very quietly) that I needed to pee. I quickly followed it up with "I can hold it though." He insisted that I go because we were far enough from dark that nothing was going to come out yet. Ha! There I was, squatted with my pants around my knees behind the stand when I hear, "Don't move." There was another dumb ass doe who came marching out for the corn. She came from the same damn place her sista died the night before. So much for animal insticts. C didn't want to shoot her and she let me get all the way back into the stand before she ran and took all her friends with her. Two deer in two days.. I've got pretty good odds thus far.

I'm moving on Thanksgiving day. Usually, I'd be at my mom's eating dry turkey and ham, followed up by a slice of pecan pie. This year, C and I will find an open restaurant and let someone else cook for us. Have I mentioned lately how much I love him? I am so incredibly thankful..

Which reminds me. I have some fabulous friends. I don't require a lot of up-keep, that's no secret. But sweet emails, texts and comments on my blog & Myspace mean the world. Comments that let me know you're thinking of me-- comments that couldn't come at better time, since I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown these days. I am so incredibly thankful and blessed to have each of you in my life- and you know who you are. My prayer of Thanks will be for each of you this year.

Speaking of, prayer is a wonderful thing which I need to do much more of. Finding a good church is on my to-do list. So is losing this extra weight. Hmm.. maybe I'm on to something. A church/gym? Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

Phase two.. Complete.

Phase two of operation Life Change is complete. Today is my last day with the big Ernst & Young. It's good to leave on a high note, I hear. I worry about my boss being stressed out with having to deal with an inexperienced team, but that's what she gets paid for, I guess. I worry about my team members who don't know how to deal with my boss and who are intimidated by her moods. I worry about the fate of my little team without me.. not that they can't function without me, just that they won't thrive. My boss will be in meetings and they will be left to flounder and then they will receiver her wrath when she finally reviews their work. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it now.

I've been packing all week.. a little at a time. C and I plan to move me next week sometime. I've found an apartment in Tyler that I want to look at, but it won't be available until mid-December which means I'll either be staying at a motel or I'll be doing a lot of driving... probably both. I'm not looking forward to any of it, but I'll live. I'm just ready to be settled, but it'll be a while until that happens.

Monday is C's birthday. Since he didn't get me anything for our anniversary (besides our Austin trip), he's calling his guitar his birthday present. So, all he's getting on Monday is a card and some t-shirts from the Gap. I'm going to his house today and we're going to hunt all weekend. He's built two box stands and put them on two different properties, so we've even got some variety. I've never been hunting before, so I'm excited to go with him, especially since he loves it so much. I'm not buying a license, I'm just going to sit with him. Are i-pods allowed?

I can't believe it's already Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for.. I'll be thinkin' on it for another post.. especially since I'm so boring these days. I would like to say thank you to my wonderful friends for all of the kind words of encouragement and for their time and laughter and letting me vent through this stressful process. Friends are such a blessing.

So, happy Friday everyone. Happy last day of EY to me. Happy future.

Y'all come back now, ya hear?

I was going to give you a real (boring) update post, but I'm tired. I've been working on a project that I brought home from work and I'm tired of it. I'm tired of sitting in this uncomfortable chair listening to the CMA awards because nothing else is on.

I haven't found anywhere to live. I got really excited about one today, but as C said, "It didn't favor much".. unless a crack shack counts. I'm getting extremely stressed out at the thought that I'm supposed to move next weekend and have no where to move to. I think I'm just going to have to end up getting an apartment and we'll keep looking for a rent house. Neither of us likes that idea, but for now, it's the only option we have. Unless I wanted to drive an hour and twenty minutes one way from his house. Nothankyou.

So, there's an update. I'm just tired. And stressed the eff out. Someday, I'll get back to writing real stuff. Or maybe I won't.

Holy crap, there's Rascal Flatts and Jamie Fox! What in the blue hell?

On the contrary..

I haven't stopped posting, per se... I just haven't had time. It's been a whirlwind few days to say the least. Let me see if I can give you a run down, one bullet at a time.

• Thursday, they made me an offer. A damn good one, complete with relocation. It's a few dollars less than I make now, but it's VERY good for the market I'm moving to.
• Friday, I bit my tongue and told only those closest to me. I told the recruiter I wanted to take the weekend to think about it. The truth is, I wanted to take the weekend and talk to C, since this is a HUGE step in the right direction for us. If his heart isn't in it, there's no need in me moving. Turns out, his heart is in the same place as mine.
• Saturday, we drove to Jacksonville, detouring though Henderson which is where we hope to find a home to rent. It will be difficult and may not happen by the time we start, but I'm hopeful. Henderson is in the middle of where we each need to be- me 30 minutes west and he's 30 minutes east. However, we're open to options.. possibly the south Kilgore area and all small towns in between. If anyone knows anyone in that area, PLEASE let me know.. it's my last and only thing to worry about!
• Sunday, we rested. We went to lunch, looked at cars (since I will FINALLY be able to comfortably afford one) and just hung out with each other. We enjoyed a scrumptious meal in Shreveport at one of those Japanese restaurants where they cook at your table. YUM!
• Monday. Oh Monday. That was the day I accepted the position. And I called ads in the paper for houses for rent. And I called real estate offices in hopes they also handled rentals, all to no avail. There is a house that will be ready in a couple of weeks that is being "redone". It's a three bedroom in Overton. Google it, I did. C and I relaxed on the porch, watching a blazing fire which resulted from him cleaning out his closet. I'm taking mine to Goodwill- he burned his... and what was left of hers. Shoes and all. It was very cathartic for him. Me? I took target practice on a cock-- a rooster, for those of you wondering. We found a nice ceramic pencil holder in the back bedroom and I made handy use of his .22. Blew the head right off and a couple more shots left him in shambles. *baCOCK*
• Today, I worked. And I worked hard. The only break I took was to go to the doctor to try and heal the ringworm my dog seems to have given me. We got another termination today. . it wasn't mine though. I called my boss who was on vacation about 5:30 and gave notice. We talked for an hour and a half. It was full of "What the hell am I going to do" and "I hate it for me, but I'm happy for you" comments. And I believe that she is. I put it in writing in a very nice email, thanking her for the years and for being a great teacher, mentor and friend. And I honestly feel that way. I told her that phone call was harder than breaking up with a few guys I've dated.

So, now you're all caught up, internet. I'm moving on.. and fast. It's crazy how one phone call on a Thursday could change my life. Stick around.. there's plenty more to come.

From the recruiter:

Hi Sara,



You are still being considered for the position. I hope to have a decision from xxxxx very soon so I can be back in touch with you soon. Thank you for your continued interest.



Diana

Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.

So two things have kicked off my morning swimmingly.

First, I checked my email after I showered and saw that the place I interviewed a couple of weeks ago has reposted the job on Monster. This comes after I received a call from the recruiter on Tuesday to ask how the interview went and to see if I was still interested. She said the hiring manager thought it went "pretty well" too. WTF? Now they've reposted the position. So, my question to you, internet, is:

Should I email/call the recruiter and ask her if they decided to go in a different direction, or just let it be. C seems to think that act would appear desperate, but I think it's an innocent question since I SAW THE REPOSTING. If you don't want to hire me, just say so. Ugh.

Second, freakin' Whataburger screwed up my taquito. All I ask for is no egg- is that so hard? I didn't realize it til I was already to the freeway and couldn't turn around. So, one of my coworkers got a free breakfast. Double ugh.


Last night I got an email telling me I'd won a $250 gift certificate to Robbins Brothers (where we looked at horses, aka engagement rings). I had signed up for their email list and they said I could win prizes, but hell! Now I'm torn because:
a) C isn't making any moves towards purchasing anything- at least that I know of.
b) There's a guy in Midland one of his coworkers is buying from that he's shown interest in talking to.
c) They don't have anything but wedding/engagement jewelry (though they might have some necklaces). What would I spend $250 on if not towards a ring?
d) They want me to take a picture with the manager and write a paragraph about my "winning experience". "Uh- I opened the email and saw I won. Yay." WTF?

I'm supposed to reply within 48 hours.. I'd like your advice on this, too.


Tomorrow, I'm going to attempt to leave work a little early (around 3:00), in an attempt to get out of Dallas and arrive in Houston after rush hour. I'm going to see my Heather's new home and watch my dear friend Lacy marry. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is the driving, but that can't be helped. Unless I drive to Tyler tonight and meet C to drop off Shiner and fly. I doubt that will happen though.

I promise better blogs are coming.. you know, a little more thought provoking than "Whataburger screwed up my order". I'm in a funk, what can I say?

UPDATE: +2 for this morning: 1- We're getting laptops! Hopefully quickly followed by working from home a couple of days a week. 2- Campisi's for lunch!

Swap Shop

My boyfriend just called to tell me that he and a co-worker called the Swap Shop and put his other co-worker's car, a Buick, up for sale. Said co-worker is out of town this weekend for a wedding in Baton Rouge and of course, the boys gave out his cell phone number on the radio. They said the car was his grandfather's and he only wanted $1500, so you can imagine the number of calls he's receiving. C got a text from him right before he called me that said, "Stop it with the Swap Shop" which illicited howls of laughter. Good times.

On tap for this weekend- the FAIR! Fried everything, Big Tex and Billy Ray Cyrus oh my! My Vegas girls are coming in, so it will surely be one for the record books. I know at least two of us are in the market for new COCK hats! I'll post pictures if I bring my camera.

This week has been a range of emotions for me. I may or may not write more about it, time will tell. It could be life changing.. I'll just leave it at that.

Happy Friday, friends!

update

It went very well. I met with four of the five people I was scheduled for and answered all their questions pretty well.. at least that's what I think. We'll see what happens next, I guess. Thanks for all of your well wishes!

I treated myself to a pedicure on the rest of my afternoon off.. being sick has never looked so good!

leaving on a fast train

I'm leaving around 6:30 in the morning and heading two hrs south east for an interview which could change my life. It's exciting and scary all at the same time. I have a job I like now. I like my co-workers (as crazy as they make me). I like the challenges and I like the money. What I don't like is being so far from those I love and being on the road every single weekend. I want to spend more time together than apart, for once. I want to actualy stay home. So, tomorrow could be the first step in that direction.

I feel very guilty about the whole process because my boss and I have spent hours talking about people who are looking and interviewing- even one on our own team. Not once did I hint about what I was doing. What happens if I have to walk in one day very soon and give notice? Ugh. That's the only part I'm dreading. Our team is new. I'm the only one who knows it all (well- enough). But, I can't live my life to help my boss. I've done that for almost three years now, anyway.

I've spent the last hour trying to find an outfit that's not hideous and while I will probably be very uncomfortable, isn't that what interviewing is supposed to be? I'm meeting with five people for 45 minutes each and then they're all taking me to lunch.. that sounds promising, right?

I will try to stay motivated and update when I get home tomorrow. Wish me luck!

let the water take me higher..

Sometimes the best words are someone else's words. The ones below popped into my head while staring at this blank screen.. I'll give you a few things of my own anyway.

• I have a second interview on Tuesday.. I'm just praying for the good Lord's will.
• I hope Texas spanks OU this weekend, though after last weekend's pitiful performance, I'm not sure I even care.
• Our weekend in Austin was wonderful. The distance is killing us.
• I'm a busy girl this week at work. I like it, even though I complain. I'll miss it if I go.
  

I'm a bundle of fear, I'm a pile of doubts
But I hope through the fear, I pray it all works out
'Cause it always does
When it rains, sometimes it floods

I'm a shot in the dark, I'm a fist in your gut
I might do something crazy, to get myself out of this rut
But when push comes down to shove
When it rains, sometimes it floods

Let the dam break down
Let the water wash over me
I don't care if I drown
If that's how it has to be
Let the water wash over me

I get out on the edge, but I come back to the middle
All points in between, of my own personal riddle
Yeah the answers they slowly come
But when it rains, sometimes it floods

It all gets lost, no matter how hard you try
Everything comes with a cost
No there ain't no way to slide
This illusion is clear as mud
When it rains, sometimes it floods

Let the dam break down
Let the water wash over me
I don't care if I drown
If that's how it has to be
Let the water wash over me