Day One: I'm Pooped

Today was my first day at work! WooHoo!

I got a pile of work and a meeting with some of the place's board of directors. Interesting and long. But it's all good. I had an incredibly fast paced day but the great thing is that I actually got a lot of actual work done. Not your typical first day of work.

What was funny is that I actually got there about ten minutes late. I was at the building on time, but I couldn't' find the entrance from the back parking lot and once I did, I couldn't get into the building! HA! I had to call the office to have someone come to let me in. they were more than cool about it and apologized for forgetting to get me a key card.

So far I have a really great feeling about the place. I have some work to still do tonight but I'll have to not make this a habit. I've never been a fan of bringing work home regularly. But since I still don't have access to my computer, and I have a deadline, well, I have to suck it up and deal. Tomorrow I have an early meeting and then I'll be back on the run. I love it.

Yummy, Yum

Aaron took me out to celebrate my big news this afternoon. He took me to a restaurant I've wanted to go to for a while. Actually it was a place I selected as a possible place to go to on our 5th anniversary. Instead we went to The Castle and ended up with an experience he will never let me live down. But I digress.

The place is called La Panatiere in Rye, NY. It's a French place so the portions are kind of on the small side. Not as small as Le Cirque, but it's hard to imagine something being smaller and not coming in pill form. The food, though was so darn yummy that Aaron had to take a moment after tasting two of his dishes. :) This doesn't happen very often.

I had baked escargot that I can't even begin to describe using words, seared scallops with tempura fried artichokes for my main dish, and a lovely warm apple tart(it wasn't actually warm, but I think I preferred it that way). Aaron had a butternut squash ravioli, a creamless winter veloute (Celery root, pear, roasted chestnut, curry-scented soup), then had braised short ribs for his main course and this thing called an opera cake, which is a espresso cake with ganache. Yummy goodness all around. The only thing I didn't care for was his cake. It was really dense and too heavy for my taste.

The other great thing was that as hoity toity as the place is, the server we had did a great job. He did everything himself, was really friendly but not intrusive at all but was also right there the moment we needed anything. Awesome!

Based on my scale I give it a strong 8; possibly a 9.

Lunch was a lot of fun. We had a great time just relaxing and talking about the possibilities that this job now offers. We also discussed our next big dinner. He wants to go out with my entire family next (just he adults). We're threw a few different places into the conversation but we're still not sure which one we want to do. Eh, it'll be a while before we do that anyway. We also got a laugh over the fact that I now have a snuggie (well, a wannabe snuggie from Brookstone). Yep. My Mom got one and loves it. I tried the thing on, and you know what? Silly as the idea is, the things is incredibly comfy. My Dad got me a really nifty one and darn it, I actually love it. The bad thing about it is that it's an instant nap. It doesn't matter how awake I am, after a few minutes of having the thing on me, I end up out cold.

Let It Snow. Let It Snow. Let It Snow.

I can't believe how much snow has fallen by my sister-in-law's, a.k.a. the are we're looking to move to. They got over two feet of snow. Lovely.

Here' it's not nearly as bad but still. Wow. From my window, I can't see the drawbridge across the water. Normally, I can see well enough to know what kind of cars are on it.

I love it though. I may or may not have to go out at all today. Aaron said he'd take me out for a congratulatory lunch, but somehow, I have a feeling the place may be closed. Still, I'm enjoying the snow while I'm inside. I'm still in my pj's (because I felt like staying in them) and I have a nice hot cup of coffee. Life is good.

I RULE!

I got a new job!

I'm now a Director of Communications for a fantastic non profit organization. And yes, this is the place the turned me down a few weeks ago.

Apparently the other person they went with was really trying to wheel and deal on the salary then took forever to give them an answer. Then the CEO decided that he would go with me because my writing is a lot stronger and I am was the more aggressive and better connected person in terms of media, which is what they want anyway. Soooo, woohoo!

I will be starting work on Monday. Awesoooome. I am so excited. Not only did I get a nice raise, I got a great title to add to my career. How awesome is that?!

Aaron and I already started figuring out our new budget and worked out how much we want to sock away per month to save up for a down payment on a house. With what we worked out, we should be able to have more than enough to get a house by the new year. So hopefully by this time next year, we'll be closing on a house.

Sigh... that's really the most exciting part. Finally being able to get back to building our lives. For the last year, although we've been able to accomplish a lot, like pay off our school loans, paying off his car and eliminating the balances on our credit cards, we had to put off the house hunting and starting a family. Now we can actually get on those. Woohoo! I feel like doing a tap dance.

My Gift Rocks!

I'm so excited. My Dad's birthday was the other day and it took me about, oh, say three weeks for me to figure out what I wanted to get him. For the past few years we've gotten him gifts that are somewhat ho-hum. Gift certificates for Home Depot, Best Buy, movie ticket packs, etc. But the thing about him is that he really doesn't let us know what he wants and it's hard to get him a silly gift because he's just not into silly stuff. So on Friday, his birthday it finally came to me. I got him shoes.

I have a pair of slip on winter shoes. I love those things and they have lasted me for at least six years and they are my go to shoes during the cooler months. A few years ago I got a similar pair for my Mom for Christmas and she LOVES the things. So off I went. I scoured the mall for the right ones and finally I found them. When he opened them he didn't seem too sure. Then he put the things on. He loved them! He said they felt like slippers.

He's been wearing them every day since Friday while he's not working. He keeps commenting on how much he really likes the fit and the feel of the shoes. Yay for last minute inspiration!

The problem now is figuring out what to get him for Christmas and for his next birthday. He really is a tough man to shop for.

The Power of Prayer

As many of you who have read anything of mine for a little while know that despite my problems, I always keep an open and almost constant communication with God. And although I know it always pays off, even if it's just to clear my thoughts, sort things out, or to help me become aware of the things I have to be thankful for in my life, sometimes the big man has a way of dropping off little gifts and leaving them nicely perched on my lap.

Yesterday's interview went, well, interestingly. It went well, but it was kind of unnerving. I couldn't get a read on the guy to save my life. he gave me almost nothing to work with in terms of a conversation and he seemed distracted (he kept looking over at his computer and the thing kept dinging (e-mails). At one point, towards the end of the thing, I was so rattled that I blanked out entirely on a few names. I recovered pretty quickly, but still, I didn't like it. So although I did the best I could, I was really bothered by the guy's behavior. I even called my old boss to see if she knew the guy and to ask if this is normal behavior for him. She sadly didn't know the guy.

This morning, I got an e-mail from a headhunter about a communications specialist position at Reuter's. I told him I would call him in the morning about it. So he sent me the job description. Then genius me, I left my cell behind so when I got home there were a ton of voice mails. The last one, however, made me grin and happy that I left it home. It was from the job that turned me down two weeks ago. They reopened the position and wanted to know if I could come in either tomorrow or Thursday. Now the reason I'm thankful I left the phone behind is because had I gotten the call, I know I would have taken the interview tomorrow. But since I got some time to think about it, I decided to go for Thursday. I can prepare a bit more, I can talk to the headhunter and I am allowing the people from Time to have more time to get back to me. Hopefully, this way, I will have two offers and a potential interview on deck. Not a bad position to be in.

Now here's the part about the power of prayer and why I know the Big man looks out for me. Since I got turned down, I have been pretty depressed. I've been trying of course to keep a positive attitude and remain thankful for all the great things I have in my life. But still, most of my time praying has been spent asking for a miracle and asking why I feel like I'm being punished. I know that's not the case, but I still felt like it. Between him and I, I think we're cool enough for me to ask that. Especially after yesterday's interview. And now here I sit, not 24 hours later, somewhat spoiled for choices in job opportunities. Thank you LORD!

"Gonna Make It. Gonna Make It. Gonna Maaake It. Gonna Maaaaake Iiiiiit..."

I have the coffee brewing. I've had time to think about what I will say in response to questions and I have my outfit all ready to go. Once again I'm ready for the interview. I just hope to God today's interview goes according to plan.

I still can't believe how quickly this is going. I mean this is the fastest I have ever seen this process go. They aren't effing around. They want someone in there and fast. Which is really fine by me. I just hope that after all the work and effort that has gone into getting a new job, this one won't be a letdown. I mean, I'm close. I know I am. I can taste it, damn it.

So here's hoping I land this job and have great news to report when I get back. If today ends up really well, I may just tweet it or something.

Little Sleep, Yet Wide Awake

Don't ask me why I am wide awake this morning. I couldn't get to sleep till about 1:30ish and I have been completely awake since about 5:45am. Aaron was up all night fiddling around online (playing poker, luckily he won) and ended up finally coming to bed at that time. It woke me up. Grr.

But yeah, I am pretty damn excited this morning. Last night I got some pretty good news. I have a second interview at Time on Monday. So I've been really jazzed about this. What's funny is that I'm not even annoyed at Aaron for waking me up. I tried my hardest to go back to sleep but to no avail. I think I may go to the gym and then run a few errands.

Woohoo! Look at me go!

"The Waiting Is The Hardest Part"

Well, I appear to have rocked the interview and left the HR person sufficiently blown away. The big advantage I have is that I've done all the work before and I know what their work environment is like already. Not many people coming into a place like that really have much of an idea of what they're walking into. They pretty much just get there, get overwhelmed, perhaps cry and then bail. I survived it and was doing well in that environment for two years. The other advantage is that they need someone in there, ASAP. They want someone starting by next Monday! SO There! Well, I hope.

The next step is now to wait till either Monday or Tuesday to hear back about when they want me to come in to meet with the director and the rest of the team.

So once again good readers, fingers crossed, prayers flying, thumbs tucked, rub your luck items, do a jig and/or whatever it is that you do to summon up luck, and send it my way.

Oh yes, I was indeed listening to the Rocky theme song (the training song) on my way up from the subway into the Time Building. I had to download it onto my iPod. I almost cracked up laughing, but it helped break the tension for me.

What a Good Way To Start The Day

This morning I got a lovely call from Time. I responded to a posting they had up for a Publicist. This morning they call and asked me if I could come in today! Sweet!

So today at 4:30 I will be in the city interviewing. Wish me luck, say a prayer, cross your fingers, tuck in your thumbs, rub a rabbit's foot, do a hula or a tapdance, basically anything you feel would help me in the slightest way to get this job.

And yes, I am hearing the faint beginnings of the Rocky training song in my head. That, and "One Day" by Matisyahu.

The Olympics

I love the Olympics. I'm still not sure which I prefer, but every time the Olympic flag flies and the torch is lit, I am glued to the TV. And since they began putting info up Online, I've been glued to a computer getting the latest news.

I suppose it's because I can't help but envy the athletes and partially because I never got over the dream of being in the games. I know it'll never happen but damn it I've wanted to be a competitor since I saw Mary Lou Retton's famous win in 1984. That's the reason why I demanded to take gymnastics classes the following week. I stuck with it till the 8th grade when I discovered I was way too tall. Sad but ah well. The cool thing is that because of the training, I was able to be pretty successful in dance and track and field. But ultimately didn't make it very far as a track star. During tryouts for the UConn team, I discovered that a mere human running against gazelles just didn't fare too well. Dance was just for fun.

I suppose one of the things that draws me in is the drama. The underdog coming along to surprise everyone, the fight for gold, records being set and falling and of course, seeing how my countries fare. I normally root for the US and Korea (unless Korea is competing directly against the, US such as in speed skating). On the occasions that Puerto Rico competes, I of course root for them as well. The only exception has been for the ski jump. Since the Salt Lake games I've been rooting for Switzerland's Simon Ammann. I mean really, the dude has to be part flying squirrel. He's amazing. The fact that he's also been dubbed the Wizard and Harry Potter (because of his similarities to Harry) is also endearing.

Dining Out

I am so happy. I finally got to eat at Le Cirque. I have been dying to try this place for ages. But since the prices are a little ridiculous and because the portions are minuscule (French place) we haven't gotten around to making a reservation. But they decided to extend the NYC Restaurant Week so huzzah!

I had a lovely dinner. Sunchoke salad with grapefruit for an app. Sea Scallops with faulousness all around it for my main course and a lovely crème brûlée for dessert.

I'm pretty impressed. The place had one of the biggest Restaurant Week menus I have ever seen and the food was pretty darn good, except for Aaron's appetizer. He had a Lamb terrine. I love lamb but this, in my opinion, was a miss. The other issue I had was that the portions are small. Three scallops made up my main course. Luckily, I had a snack right before heading out to the restaurant.

So on a scale from 1 to 10 (one being McDonald's and 10 being X2O or Xavier's), I give Le Cirque a solid 8. The normal prices are insane (there was a soup for $24 and a Sole dish for $70-something) and the prices are typically French (puny). BUT the food you DO get is tasty as heck.

Oh yes, in case you're wondering, no. This wasn't a Valentine's day thing. We were supposed to go last week but we got snowed out. Aaron and I spent Valentine's day on the road, driving home from my brother's in Mass. After the news at the end of the week, I really needed happy Munchkin therapy. They really are infectious.

Close But No F***ing Cigar

At the moment I feel like cursing up a storm and I know that in a few minutes, perhaps hour, I'll feel pretty damn down. I didn't get the job.

Three interviews, writing test and being a finalist but I was once again passed up. What hurts is that I don't know what else I could have done, other than standing on my head and doing a tap dance with my hands. SHIT! BALLS! PISS! FUCK!!!!

Sigh... I still don't feel better.

So Sad

I just learned some sad news. Captain Phil Harris from Deadliest Catch passed away. Not that I knew the guy or anything, but darn it, he was one of my favorite captains. I really enjoyed watching him interact with his family and the crew (mostly his sons though). Not to mention, he used to make me laugh my butt off. The show will just never be the same again.

Sigh. I just keep thinking about that poor family. They've been through some pretty bad scares and as of a few days ago, they thought the guy was getting better. Sad. Many prayers for that family.

Not Quite The End

Today's interviews went great. The problem is that the CEO wasn't available. He got caught by the snow in Baltimore. So now I'm supposed to do one last, last interview with them before I get to hear if I got the job or not.

The way I look at it is, I get more time to prepare. Which really isn't a bad thing.

I just wish I hadn't worn my best suit today. I looked great. The hair cooperated, the makeup went on without a hitch and stayed the way I wanted it to look and the new blouse complemented everything nicely. Ah well. I suppose I'll just have to work some magic again next time. Sigh.

Skiing, The City and Having the Place to Myself

This has been one of those really good and relaxing weekends that make me just smile.

I hit the slopes with Michele on Friday and discovered the joy that is the banked turn course. So much fun. But to top it all off, I woke up blessedly almost pain free. I was expecting to be sore all over but the only thing I felt were the little spots on the insides of my ankles (where the boot was rubbing).

Then yesterday, Aaron and I spent time with our friends Tom and Marie. It was Marie's birthday so we went out to the city for dinner. We hit a really nice place called Porter House in the Time Warner Center across the street from where I used to work. It reminded me of why I liked the area so much. Ah well. For dinner I had one of the best duck dishes I have ever had. Afterwards we went out for drinks and saw a set from Aaron's old band. At the risk of sounding completely biased, I prefer Aaron's singing. I know. I know. You'd expect me to say that. But really. The new guy's voice is really high and nasally, so after a bit it really gets annoying. After a set we decided to bail adn came back to our palce for coffee and Wii.

Today, I have the place to myself. Aaron left about an hour ago to go to a Superbowl party. I would have gone, but decided to skip it. I have the interview tomorrow and I really didn't want to stay up long. Had I gone, I would have had to make Aaron leave even earlier than he has to (he has to work) or his friends would have had to get me home, but also leave really early. It's all good though. There are chili cheese dogs, a beer chips, salsa and an assortment of cheese to keep me company while I watch the game and Puppy Bowl. I'm all good.

Yeah tomorrow's the big day. The final interview. I'm pretty much ready. I've got all my notes together and I've done my reading up on the people I'm meeting with. I picked up a new blouse and I'll be touching up my nails in a little bit. All that's left is a good night's sleep.

Wish me luck.

Because Sometimes You Just Need The FUNK

This song has been in my head all day and, really, sometimes you DO just theed the funk. Enjoy yall.

I Did It. It's Out. Now I Wait.

First off, thank you so much to my fresh sets of eyes. I really appreciate all the help.

So yes, the two writing assignments have been submitted. I'm not sure if I could have done anything else different. I mean sure I could have tweaked things to hell, but by that point I would have made me eyes bleed. I spent so much time researching things and writing things that I actually have had to wear my reading glasses. I don't normally have to resort to them. I normally use them when I do needlework or when I've spent more time than usual reading.

But anyhoo, those are out and now all I have to do is wait for Monday.

Till then, I'm planning on getting myself a new suit for the interview and hit the slopes with my friends Michele tomorrow. I think that'll make a world of difference.

Muurrrrrrrrrrghh

The day went better than I anticipated, considering I was awake writing till about 5:30am and I look like a zombie without the makeup. I'm not kidding, I looked in the mirror earlier and the crazy dark circles under my eyes really make it look like I've been playing with my theater makeup. Not good. Luckily, I have a whole pound of DD coffee in my kitchen and I did end up getting sleep this morning. I didn't stay awake the whole night. I did go to sleep last night. I just woke up at around 1am-ish and couldn't get back to sleep. So at around 2:00am , I decided to not fight it and got back to work.

I'm just now trying to work though the second part of the writing assignment and hopefully, finishing it tonight. Tomorrow I'll spend the day polishing and cleaning up the two pieces.

Holy Crap! This is Awesome!

I Think I Can. I Think I Can. I Think I Can...

Okay cue the "Rocky," workout music and imagine any of the big workout routines before one of his big fights and throw me in there, hunched over a computer keyboard, papers kind of haphazardly strewn about, and you have my day today.

I'm working on my writing assignment for the job interview. They gave me two assignments and hopefully by tomorrow I can have two good drafts. Read them over one last time on Wednesday. Tweak what needs to be tweaked and send it in on Thursday. I can do this. No sweat.