Bombs Away!

I’m looking for a quiet week. One where I can go on about my normal routines – working, sleeping, going to the gym, making dinner, or just sitting down to enjoy some well-deserved time in front of my friend, the television.

I’d like a week where I’m not bogged down by blind-siding news.

A few weeks ago, I received an email from the homeowner of the house I currently live in. She thanked me for being such a good friend and tenant but it was time for her to put the house up for sale. Um what? I had a feeling this would come one day. How can someone really own a home in one state and then live and pay rent in another without it finally taking a toll in some way? I guess I wasn’t truly prepared for this news. I am so spoiled living in this beautiful home for next to nothing. Anyway, I immediately went into panic mode and hit craigslist to look for an apartment. I’m impulsive and impatient and thought “Oh, I’m going to have to be out by the end of the month.” That was not the case. I chilled a little bit and figured that it’s going to take some time and the house won’t sell in a day (hopefully). So I have some time to plan, save, and find a new place. Without Stove.

I know the house going up for sale is not a big deal in the long run. She has to do what she has to do. It will lead to find a great place with a great friend (details to follow).

Last week, I was in a course for Life and Health Insurance (for my job – I would never willingly take this course because it sounds “interesting.” Ew no.) Anyway, Monday, I came into work, ready to tackle whatever I missed and get back in the swing of things. As we wrap up our weekly team meeting, my boss tells me that she’s resigning. Um what? I mean, that’s great for her and I know it was a hard decision for her to make. But hello?! I’m still learning!! I know nothing (comparatively speaking) and what if I screw up every project?! My chest got tight with stress and worry. Her last day is next Friday and I won’t even be here (I’ll be here).

I know there is a hidden opportunity for me in her leaving. I’ll have to step up to the plate and really make an effort to learn and grow as much as I can. Show them what I’m made of and kick any insecurities away. And keep asking questions! Also, I’ll have more one-on-one with our Executive VP and hopefully, he’ll recognize my work and my efforts.

I am trying to remain positive with my recent bombings. With any bombing (or disaster) comes the immediate aftermath of chaos and “WHY!” But when the dust settles, look around. You will see the positives among the rubble. Trust me, they’re there. You just have to push the debris aside to find it.

Adventures with Stove

I always imagined the first male I would live with on my own would be my boyfriend/husband.  You know, someone I love and would potentially marry, someday.  I wasn’t sure how I’d get used to living with a boy, but I’d figure it out.

That is, until I finally starting living with one.  Who isn’t a boyfriend or potential husband. Trust me.

A few months back, a mutual friend of my roommate/homeowner (you remember: the one who moved out but let me stay in her house?) named Steve expressed interest in moving in as my roommate.  He came over and we hit it off.  Turns out, we graduated high school together but ran with different crowds.  Who knew!? At the end of our meeting, it was decided he’d move in sometime in February.

It’s fun to have a roommate again – hang around, watch television, talk to when you get home.  But it’s been…interesting…living with a boy.  The habits and weird things start coming out and I’m not sure how to take them.

Example #1:

I came home from the gym around 8pm the other night to an empty house.  I was so excited to relax, eat my dinner, and catch up on my DVR.  I walked into the kitchen to find the stove on and an open flame burning away.  I immediately turned it off and texted Steve to ask him if he had been home recently. “Nope.”  UM WHAT?! “Well, the stove was left on.” Within seconds, my phone started to ring and he was apologizing so much.  Turns out, he was home during the AFTERNOON and must have left it on by accident.  AFTERNOON?! It’s after 8! WTF! He came home about 15 minutes later and couldn’t stop apologizing and I know he felt really stupid.  “Don’t let it happen again b/c who knows what could happen!”

Cut to last night: came home from the gym and Steve was home.  I went through the mail and headed into the kitchen to drop my bag off from lunch and saw the stove left on – AGAIN. And again, I turned it off. He was on a work call so I couldn’t interrupt.  I sat down at the dining room table and ate in silence.  He came in a few minutes later “You ok bud?”  “Look, I hate to be a nag – but you left the stove on again.”  He swore he didn’t but um, hello – I saw it and turned it off.  He felt like a total idiot and also really bad that I had to remind him again. I unofficially banned him to the microwave.  And I now obsessively check the stove everytime he’s home.

Example #2:

The weekend of St. Patrick’s Day, I had a birthday party to attend for a college roommate.  Steve, being a party-boy at heart, hit the city and hit it hard.  I was the DD for the night so by the time I dropped everyone off and did the appropriate food run for my friend, it was well after 2am.  Steve wasn’t home yet but I knew that wouldn’t last long. I got ready for bed but was putting a few things away when I heard him come in.  I also heard a lot of commotion in his room so I figured he wasn’t alone.  I stood next to my bed and I heard my door knob turn and the door started to open.  I looked up and a very intoxicated girl stumbled into my room.  I greeted her and asked her if she’s looking for the bathroom.  She walked over to me, grabbed my hand started walking me out of my room and down the steps.  I yelled for Steve but he didn’t come out of his room.  So I let her scoot herself down the steps like a toddler and Steve, also very drunk, finally came out. I told him what she did (I took it really well) and he, of course, apologized a million times.  Apparently, she didn’t stay over and left without leaving a phone number or maybe even really knowing where she was.  He only met her at the train station on the way home from the city.  Lesson learned Steve: don’t pick up random drunk girls at the train station.  Bad move.

Example #3:

I’m not sure if this is TMI – but I’m sharing because I’m incredibly curious.  I noticed that we are FLYING through toilet paper in the upstairs bathroom.  Literally a roll every 2 days.  It’s awkward to ask him but honestly – there is no reason to be going through it that quickly. Unless he’s drying himself off with it when he gets out of the shower.  I want to try an experiment where I have a stash in my room and I use my own roll and see how fast it goes.  Is this a guy thing??? Let’s be real – toilet paper is NOT cheap.

These are a few examples on how it’s been interesting living with Stove…er I mean Steve.  Overall, it’s actually been really good. He’s responsible and fun to hang out with. And he cleans up after himself – probably with toilet paper.

Dos and Donts – How to Approach Your Final Days at Your Job

I am in the final days of working in my current position. I’m not sure where we left off, but I was offered a new position within my company and it’s a huge step in the right direction. Finally. I am so excited for this opportunity.

The last few weeks have been quiet for me at work. I’ve been training my replacement, who caught on incredibly quick. All emails, projects, and tasks are being given to her. To be quite honest, I’m bored! But I am enjoying this down time before the new job starts next week.

As my final days begin to wind down, I wanted to put together a list of the Dos and Donts of leaving your job.

DO!
- Make plans with friends or coworkers. You won’t see these people as regularly so make it a point to spend time together whether it’s lunch or happy hour.
- Begin cleaning out your desk and drawers early. I had a drawer filled with shoes. I took those home two weeks ago. And last week, I started throwing out things I haven’t touched in months or forgot about it.  I also successfully handed off my “White Elephant” gift that sat at my desk for months. My goal is to not have a huge amount of things to take home on my last day.
- Train your replacement well (if you have to train someone).  I try to check in on her throughout the day so if she has questions, she knows she can ask.  She’s going to be in great hands when I’m not here.  I had really strong mentors.
- Be gracious.   I’m writing thank you cards. I want to show my managers and my VP that I appreciate their support as I go after this opportunity. It means a lot and I want to show my appreciation.
-Let the small stuff go.  Are there people you don’t quite care for at work? Did you get in some petty arguement months ago with someone that still irks you? Let it go. Move on. It’s really hard to do this but I know I’m going to feel better when I walk out on Wednesday and those hard feelings are left behind.

DONTS!
- Burn bridges.  Whether or not your new job is still within your company or not, you might need these contacts in your future.  Be civil and adult.
- Leave a mess.  Another coworker who recently left the company left a TON in his drawers so that whoever moved into his desk would have to clean them out.  It’s rude. Leave it how you found it: CLEAN.
- Act a fool! Tomorrow night is my farewell happy hour.  I plan to have a few drinks, lots of laughs, and a really good time.  I don’t plan on becoming sloppy and saying things that I really think about people.  Be tactful!

I am going to miss my friends here.  I am going to miss the incredible view I get from the office.  I am going to miss walking to lunch or happy hour or just around the city. I am going to miss the morning routines and lunches.  But I am so excited to see what this next step brings. I’ve worked hard for it and I plan to rock it.

Onto the next one…

Xoxo
A

My Joe Flacco Story

It’s true. I have a story. And it’s easy to have one when you went to high school with him.

Joe was a year behind me in high school, and even though our school was one of those small-town-everybody-knows-your-business kind of places, I really only have one story about Joe Flacco from four years of high school. And honestly, it’s not even really a good one, but I shall tell you anyway.

High school QB, future MVP

He was known for being a good student-athlete with a reserved demeanor. Except for maybe gym and lunch, I never had class with Joe, but I did have French with a few of his good friends. If you’ve seen any of the recent local news reports, most of them have taken place in front of the trophy cases at Audubon High School, which is exactly where my story takes place.  It was a busy hallway at 2:34 p.m. each and every day. On this particular day, toward the end of my senior year, I was talking with a few of my classmates who were also Joe’s friends. Here’s the thing: I don’t even really remember what we were discussing. It could’ve been homework or a project, maybe weekend plans, but whatever it was, toward the end of it Joe chimed in on the conversation. Normally this would mean absolutely nothing–just another voice joining in a discussion–however, I had never heard Joe say ANYTHING before. And what I do remember is me saying, “Oh my God. I don’t ever think I’ve heard you speak before!” To which he kindly laughed. And I’m pretty sure that’s the only time we spoke in high school.

Joe, a regular guy in Wegmans with the baby.

Joe’s wife, Dana, and I were friends in high school; we cheered together and shared a group of friends. (Oh, we’ve got plenty of stories!) Any time I’ve run into them locally, either at the mall or bar, he’s always been very polite and kind, partaking in the convo, but mostly letting the ladies catch up for a minute.

When he first started playing for the Ravens, catching a glimpse of him on TV playing football was very surreal. Joe Flacco plays in the NFL? I feel like I just saw him in the cafeteria during 5th period lunch. The Baltimore Ravens? No way! Joe’s an Audubon guy. A small-town neighbor. Married his high-school sweetheart. You know, a regular guy. A good ole Joe Schmoe.

Well, you know, except for being the Super Bowl MVP and all.

Oh right, he plays football for a living. (msn.foxsports.com)

Peaks and (not so many) Pits

Happy Monday everyone!!

I know what you’re all thinking – “Who says Happy Monday and actually means it?” But I do. I hope you’re having a great Monday.

It’s time for another installment of “Peaks and Pits” here on Bloggin Broads.  2013 has been off to an amazing start for me.  I haven’t felt this good or positive about my life in a really long time.  Even my parents noticed. My dad commented to my mom about how I look “good” and my mom said “I think it’s because she’s happy.”  Which was really nice to hear. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this way. Trust me, there are still insecure moments when I’m uncertain of things but that’s just me overthinking as usual.

So let’s get to it, shall we?

PEAKS! Yay!
-had an incredible (yet informal) interview with another department at my company and this is exactly what I’ve been hoping for in regards to my career
- started running again and I can run almost 2 miles on the treadmill with stopping (this is huge for me)
- still dating a guy who is pretty darn great
-free HBO weekend and finally caught up on Girls (free? yes! great show? yes!)
-Ravens won the Super Bowl (just super happy for hometown good guy Joe Flacco)

PITS! Boo!
-lost in dodgeball playoffs. I think our guys and their shoulders need a break anyway
-feeling guilt about job interview and how it will affect the two teams I work with/for

I think that’s it for now. As soon as I hear anything about what I mentioned above, I’ll let you know!

Be good!
A

Book Review: Amy, My Daughter

I would just like to preface this post by saying that I am NOT a book reviewer. However, I do read often, and as I mentioned in my last post, I am on a mission to read 20 books this year, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to share some of my opinions with you! (Note: To all of you “Gone Girl” fans, you’re lucky I’ve started book reviewing this year. I’m still upset about that ending. I’m looking at you, Gillian!)

In an effort to read more memoirs/biographies/autobiographies this this year, my very first book of the year was “Amy, My Daughter” by Mitch Winehouse, and it instantly rekindled my love for Amy’s music. I’ve been listening non-stop for the past month.

Amy, during her “Frank” days (I believe), healthy and beautiful.

My relationship with Amy Winehouse started in early 2007. I was living by myself in Syracuse and spent most of my time reading books from the library, working out at the Y (if only I had that same habit still!) and listening to tons of music. As part of my usual routine, I checked out the free track released on iTunes and one week it happened to be Amy Winehouse. I found her whole album posted on good ole Myspace and listened over and over again until the album was finally released in March. I bought the album and two tickets to her show at the Electric Factory, set for May 5th, for Becky’s birthday that year. Then I ordered Frank from a cute little music shop  in Haddonfield that no longer exists. The show was awesome, and my heart ached over the next few years seeing Amy float from gossip magazine to tabloid cover and back again.

But let’s get to the book. Obviously, having been written by her father, it may not have the most objective view of the relationship between Amy and Blake Fielder-Civil, her boyfriend with whom she eloped and then divorced after a tumultuous, drug-filled, rehab-failing love affair permeated with the highest highs and the complete lowest of lows. With Blake’s parents mouthing off in the tabloids and her father falling prey to equally personal rebuttals, the relationship’s faults were out in the open for the entire world to read. However, the book does show the reader how much she was loved by her family and friends throughout her dependency on drugs. As much as they were tired of her excuses, missing appointments and rehearsals, and her consistent lying, many of them stuck it out to help her as much as they could. You’ll get a better understanding for her music, now knowing the premise for some of those famous songs, and her father also does a great job of interjecting small stories showing Amy’s big, generous heart, for which he constantly had to pick up the bill.

As for the writing itself, I didn’t expect Mitch Winehouse to be a fantastic author by any means, but aside from his over use of the term “class-A drugs,” it was well-written for a musician and dad, especially considering how difficult it must have been to relive some of those terrible moments. Each time I picked up the book, I reviewed the glossy-paged section in the center featuring photos of Amy’s family, childhood photos and some of the more recognizable ones from events and album covers. Overall, it’s an interesting read. If you’re a fan, I’d say give it a go. I think you’ll be surprised by some of the things you think you already know and the new things you’ll discover.

Peaks and Pits

Even though I support nothing having to do with the Kardashians, I remember seeing a part of an episode* a few years back that stuck with me.When they were all sitting around a dinner table, the sisters recalled how their father used to ask them what the “peak” of their day was and what the “pit” of their day was. The “peak” being a good thing and the “pit” being something not so good. I really love this idea.

As another week comes to an end, I began to think about the highs and lows of the last few days.  It’s been an eventful 7 days.  So here they are…

Peaks! Yay!
- Went on a great first date
- Found a roommate!
-Had a fun post-holiday gift exchange with a friend
-Solved problem with coworker
-Went to a fancy lunch with one of the teams at work
-Had a successful weigh-in

Pits! Boo!
-Lost our dodgeball game
-Weird meeting with HR to discuss future
-Stressed Friday afternoon at work

Luckily, I didn’t have too many pits this week.  I did have a really good week. It’s nice to take a look back and gain some perspective.  Even if I’ve had a bad afternoon at work or got annoyed with something, it’s small in the grand scheme of life. I have to remember to bask in the peaks and not let the pits get me down for long.

What’s your week been like?? Did you have a lot of peaks or was it the pits?

 

 

*Obviously, I had a weak moment and fell prey to reality TV.  I’m only human.