It is like a cemetery here at work today. Driving in was a breeze. We have 60 people that work here; I have seen 5 people so far. No one in the office means I can either (a) get a lot of work done or (b) goof off all day. Hopefully I will choose (a).
Getting up this morning was difficult as CP got to stay in bed to sleep and will hang out with his family all today. Meanwhile, I will slave away at the office (ha), have to rush home, pack a bag to drive up to CP dad’s house. CP and I will be staying there all weekend long as CP’s mom does not have enough room for everyone in her house. She is getting married on Saturday and I still have no idea what I am going to wear. Sunday will be another in-law family day.
Unfortunately this means that I will not be able to get a long workout in at the gym because we are not going to be home at all this weekend. I hope that I am able to put on a happy face for all of the family festivities as this hasn’t been the best week (something I alluded to on Wednesday).
Let me explain. I had my hearing test on Monday. For the most part, my hearing is excellent. However, I had problems with one tone in both ears which points towards something being wrong with my middle ear. I have an appointment to see an Ear, Nose & Throat person in a little over a week.
On top of that my birth control pill has decided to screw with my body so my doctor switched me to another one. I spent most of the day hunched over in pain at my desk on Wednesday with neither Tylenol nor Advil doing anything to help. I read some online reviews of the new pill and let’s just say that I am not expecting the next month to go well. Hopefully my body will be different.
Then I am just depressed about my lack of friends in our new area, but that is a different post for another day.
11.28.2008
11.26.2008
Pre-turkey crappy-ass day
I was all set to write a nice, happy post about everything that I am thankful for, but I have had a really crappy day. And don't particularly feel like writing anything.
I hope that everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving tomorrow. Hopefully I will have a better day as we have a lot of CP's family coming in and I need to be in a good mood.
I hope that everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving tomorrow. Hopefully I will have a better day as we have a lot of CP's family coming in and I need to be in a good mood.
11.25.2008
Procrastination
This morning I have to give a presentation at work to the entire staff. I always get butterflies when talking in front of people, but I actually pull off whatever I am doing and don't look TOO nervous doing it.
So one would think that having just finished three years of law school and then taking the bar that I would prepare for this presentation in advance. Well, technically I should have been preparing for this presentation at work, but I haven't had enough time because I have been trying to finish up things for the old division so that I could start with the new division yesterday. So I took the information home this past weekend and told myself that I would work on the presentation.
Friday night? I completely forgot about it. Saturday? I watched a pie making class at William Sonoma and went shopping for Thanksgiving with CP. Sunday? Totally forgot about it because I was busy bringing wood into the garage, doing four loads of laundry, baking banana bread, cleaning the house, etc. Forgot about it until at 8:30pm when I was exhausted from all of the household tasks and the gym workout. I TRIED to make myself read the reports but I just couldn't.
So, I then crammed during lunch yesterday and after work last night. This wasn't a required project and my boss even said that I could put it off until next month's staff meeting but I wanted to make a good impression and show her why I deserve the raise in a few months. Hopefully I will do a good enough job in about an hour!!
So one would think that having just finished three years of law school and then taking the bar that I would prepare for this presentation in advance. Well, technically I should have been preparing for this presentation at work, but I haven't had enough time because I have been trying to finish up things for the old division so that I could start with the new division yesterday. So I took the information home this past weekend and told myself that I would work on the presentation.
Friday night? I completely forgot about it. Saturday? I watched a pie making class at William Sonoma and went shopping for Thanksgiving with CP. Sunday? Totally forgot about it because I was busy bringing wood into the garage, doing four loads of laundry, baking banana bread, cleaning the house, etc. Forgot about it until at 8:30pm when I was exhausted from all of the household tasks and the gym workout. I TRIED to make myself read the reports but I just couldn't.
So, I then crammed during lunch yesterday and after work last night. This wasn't a required project and my boss even said that I could put it off until next month's staff meeting but I wanted to make a good impression and show her why I deserve the raise in a few months. Hopefully I will do a good enough job in about an hour!!
11.24.2008
Feeling old
I feel very old today. No, it's not my birthday but I will be turning 30 in less than three weeks. No I am feeling old because my body is telling me that I am getting older.
Was I super sore after the workout with the trainer on Thursday? Yep. You know when you are so sore in your hamstrings, butt, calves, etc. that sitting down on a toilet hurts? Yep that was me on Friday and Saturday.
Am I super sore today after my workout yesterday with CP? Yep. We both ran about two miles on the treadmill and while he went off to shower, I continued punishing my body with lunges, squats, and other various types of torture when your body is already sore. Yes, this is great, blah blah blah. But when I groan every time I get on and off the couch like an old man? Not so sexy.
Am I going to see someone about my hearing later today? Yep. For a while now I have noticed that when in crowds or when there is background noise I have a problem hearing people. It seems like more people mumble than they used to. This is not good. So, since I have health insurance I have decided to get this potential problem checked out. Hopefully it's all in my mind....
Did I go see an eye doctor and my prescription was upped? Yep. Last week I went to my first eye doctor appointment in four years. I was running out of my contacts and noticed that I was squinting a lot, along with getting glare coming off the road when driving at night. While I am happy that my prescription only went up one power in four years, I became even "blinder." I would love to think about LASIK but not until after the wedding. I have to legally bind CP to me before I can become handicapped (JUST KIDDING).
I guess I can't complain though. Other than my weight and my stomach problems, I am a fairly healthy person. Things could always be worse.....
Was I super sore after the workout with the trainer on Thursday? Yep. You know when you are so sore in your hamstrings, butt, calves, etc. that sitting down on a toilet hurts? Yep that was me on Friday and Saturday.
Am I super sore today after my workout yesterday with CP? Yep. We both ran about two miles on the treadmill and while he went off to shower, I continued punishing my body with lunges, squats, and other various types of torture when your body is already sore. Yes, this is great, blah blah blah. But when I groan every time I get on and off the couch like an old man? Not so sexy.
Am I going to see someone about my hearing later today? Yep. For a while now I have noticed that when in crowds or when there is background noise I have a problem hearing people. It seems like more people mumble than they used to. This is not good. So, since I have health insurance I have decided to get this potential problem checked out. Hopefully it's all in my mind....
Did I go see an eye doctor and my prescription was upped? Yep. Last week I went to my first eye doctor appointment in four years. I was running out of my contacts and noticed that I was squinting a lot, along with getting glare coming off the road when driving at night. While I am happy that my prescription only went up one power in four years, I became even "blinder." I would love to think about LASIK but not until after the wedding. I have to legally bind CP to me before I can become handicapped (JUST KIDDING).
I guess I can't complain though. Other than my weight and my stomach problems, I am a fairly healthy person. Things could always be worse.....
11.21.2008
Cookies!
So I made this chocolate chip cookie recipe for work and my cookies sold out like hotcakes! Three different people asked for the recipe. I did try one of my cookies and it was seriously delicious. If you are in need of a good cookie recipe for holiday parties, I would recommend this one!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
· ¾ cup sugar
· ¾ cup packed brown sugar
· 1 cup butter
· 1 large egg
· 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 2 cups milk chocolate chips
· 1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix sugar, brown sugar, butter and egg in a large bowl by hand. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt and vanilla. The dough will be stiff. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown. The centers will be soft.
Let cool for one minute and then move cookies to a wire rack to finish cooking.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
· ¾ cup sugar
· ¾ cup packed brown sugar
· 1 cup butter
· 1 large egg
· 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 2 cups milk chocolate chips
· 1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix sugar, brown sugar, butter and egg in a large bowl by hand. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt and vanilla. The dough will be stiff. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown. The centers will be soft.
Let cool for one minute and then move cookies to a wire rack to finish cooking.
11.20.2008
Work work work
Three updates on work-related topics:
1. I finally got my badge which means that I can head down to the FREE gym at work. Which is fantastic…..except that I just heard that all three treadmills are broken and have to be sent back to the manufacturer. There are still weights, a bike, and an elliptical machine but I was thinking that I would just walk for 30 minutes during lunch a couple times a week to supplement my workouts at night.*
2. I start my new rotation next week. I am very excited as it is in one of the areas I am most interested in. The division is woefully understaffed, so it looks like I am going to have A LOT to do which is great. I’m always up for learning new things!
3. Yesterday I met with my boss and during our conversation she mentioned my upcoming possibility of a promotion as if it was a given! As in, come the middle of February, there is no question in her mind that I will be getting a promotion AND a huge pay raise. WOO HOO!
*We start the trainer tonight which should be interesting. We decided to go with once a week because as soon as we booked 8 sessions with her, the club raised the price to $50 a person per session (jumping an astounding $30 a session!). :-( Obviously something we can't afford right now so we are going to have to make the most out of these 8 sessions!
1. I finally got my badge which means that I can head down to the FREE gym at work. Which is fantastic…..except that I just heard that all three treadmills are broken and have to be sent back to the manufacturer. There are still weights, a bike, and an elliptical machine but I was thinking that I would just walk for 30 minutes during lunch a couple times a week to supplement my workouts at night.*
2. I start my new rotation next week. I am very excited as it is in one of the areas I am most interested in. The division is woefully understaffed, so it looks like I am going to have A LOT to do which is great. I’m always up for learning new things!
3. Yesterday I met with my boss and during our conversation she mentioned my upcoming possibility of a promotion as if it was a given! As in, come the middle of February, there is no question in her mind that I will be getting a promotion AND a huge pay raise. WOO HOO!
*We start the trainer tonight which should be interesting. We decided to go with once a week because as soon as we booked 8 sessions with her, the club raised the price to $50 a person per session (jumping an astounding $30 a session!). :-( Obviously something we can't afford right now so we are going to have to make the most out of these 8 sessions!
11.19.2008
Blog Secret
I’m sure that all of my lovely readers already read Nilsa’s blog, but she put together something called Blog Secret yesterday and it turned out amazing. 80 different bloggers decided to pour their hearts out in anonymous posts on other people’s blogs. The entries that I have read so far are heart wrenching, courageous, and fascinating. I can’t wait to read the rest of them! So hats off to you Nilsa! Maybe you could make it a yearly thing….and maybe next year I will have the courage to participate.
An explanation of yesterday's post
Sorry for the cryptic first post (re: moving west again) yesterday. I heard from a colleague at work that my company wants to keep us from moving to another company so badly that even if they do not have an open position, but have work for us to do, we can ask to transfer to another region. I immediately told CP about the opportunity. At first he was kind of annoyed at even the suggestion of me transferring to the Boston office because we had made up our minds that I would stay at my current office for a few years after my fellowship ends. However, a day later, his tune totally changed.
The new plan is to move back out west. While it would be SUCH A PAIN TO MOVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY YET AGAIN I immediately got excited about the idea. We moved out to the east coast for CP’s job. They wanted him to move out to MA for the past two years….he stayed out west waiting for me to graduate (and almost got fired in the process) and we worked through CP having to travel every week for work. Along with the move to MA came a pay raise and a promotion. The pay raise came….the promotion and the new job duties? Didn’t. So CP’s company is paying him MORE for the same job he was doing before he moved out to MA. Not only did the boss that CP like go into semi-retirement (leaving the son that tried to FIRE CP in charge), but the company seems to be moving in a different direction….away from what CP does. In a nutshell, this doesn’t make CP happy.
So….CP’s argument is that if the reason that we moved out to the east coast is not working out, then why are we staying? We both agreed when we moved out to MA that we would eventually like to move back to the west coast city where we met. We both loved it out there and CP’s sister would only live an hour and a half away, thus allowing CP to be closer to his niece and nephew. Then when we start having kids CP’s mom and dad could fly out and see all of the grandchildren at the same time. My parents are still stuck in Chicago, but whether we lived in MA or lived on the west coast, they would still have to fly to see us. We still have a lot of friends there. We love the weather. We love the outdoors. It is less expensive to live there. Why not move now since we know that is where we are happy as opposed to 20 years down the road?
If we were able to pull my transfer off, I would be bringing home the bacon while CP went to school. He is going to start studying for the GMATs, with hopes of getting his MBA.* Unfortunately, getting into an MBA program is ridonkulously hard right now what with the recession (when the economy slumps, people head back to school). CP is a very smart guy, but his engineering grades from college are not the best so he will have some stiff competition. His work experience should help. We figure that he should get school out of the way before we start to have kids so that we can both be bringing home the bacon once again in order to be more financially stable.
My plan is to call tomorrow to find out the scoop on transferring to another office. It wouldn’t be for at least a year, but I want to make sure that it is an option. I am already getting nervous thinking about it. I mean, I technically have the power in this relationship because they want to keep us with the company…but still. There are so many variables and I don’t want to get my hopes up too much…..
*I keep joking that he thinks he needs to get an advanced degree because I have one and he doesn’t.
The new plan is to move back out west. While it would be SUCH A PAIN TO MOVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY YET AGAIN I immediately got excited about the idea. We moved out to the east coast for CP’s job. They wanted him to move out to MA for the past two years….he stayed out west waiting for me to graduate (and almost got fired in the process) and we worked through CP having to travel every week for work. Along with the move to MA came a pay raise and a promotion. The pay raise came….the promotion and the new job duties? Didn’t. So CP’s company is paying him MORE for the same job he was doing before he moved out to MA. Not only did the boss that CP like go into semi-retirement (leaving the son that tried to FIRE CP in charge), but the company seems to be moving in a different direction….away from what CP does. In a nutshell, this doesn’t make CP happy.
So….CP’s argument is that if the reason that we moved out to the east coast is not working out, then why are we staying? We both agreed when we moved out to MA that we would eventually like to move back to the west coast city where we met. We both loved it out there and CP’s sister would only live an hour and a half away, thus allowing CP to be closer to his niece and nephew. Then when we start having kids CP’s mom and dad could fly out and see all of the grandchildren at the same time. My parents are still stuck in Chicago, but whether we lived in MA or lived on the west coast, they would still have to fly to see us. We still have a lot of friends there. We love the weather. We love the outdoors. It is less expensive to live there. Why not move now since we know that is where we are happy as opposed to 20 years down the road?
If we were able to pull my transfer off, I would be bringing home the bacon while CP went to school. He is going to start studying for the GMATs, with hopes of getting his MBA.* Unfortunately, getting into an MBA program is ridonkulously hard right now what with the recession (when the economy slumps, people head back to school). CP is a very smart guy, but his engineering grades from college are not the best so he will have some stiff competition. His work experience should help. We figure that he should get school out of the way before we start to have kids so that we can both be bringing home the bacon once again in order to be more financially stable.
My plan is to call tomorrow to find out the scoop on transferring to another office. It wouldn’t be for at least a year, but I want to make sure that it is an option. I am already getting nervous thinking about it. I mean, I technically have the power in this relationship because they want to keep us with the company…but still. There are so many variables and I don’t want to get my hopes up too much…..
*I keep joking that he thinks he needs to get an advanced degree because I have one and he doesn’t.
11.18.2008
Why is everyone taking my vendors???
Remember how I was excited about the three vendors that I found at the bridal show on Sunday? Well I received an email from the guitarist (GP) last night and even though he thought he was free, he has something booked that afternoon so he won’t be able to play at our ceremony and cocktail hour. L He did give me suggestions of some other classical guitarists that he knows and recommends, but I checked one guy’s rates and instead of $475 (what GP would charge), this other guy would cost almost $1000 to play both the ceremony and the rehearsal. YIKES! So now CP and I are back looking for a musician….
The other potentially bad news is that the cake maker also has something the same day of our wedding. WTF? Hopefully we are able to work something out with him though. The vendor is a husband and wife so maybe one of them can go to the other event and the other can drop off the cake at our wedding.
This is getting frustrating!!! And we haven’t been able to find a photographer that we love just yet either. *Sigh*
The other potentially bad news is that the cake maker also has something the same day of our wedding. WTF? Hopefully we are able to work something out with him though. The vendor is a husband and wife so maybe one of them can go to the other event and the other can drop off the cake at our wedding.
This is getting frustrating!!! And we haven’t been able to find a photographer that we love just yet either. *Sigh*
11.17.2008
Thoughts on my first bridal shower
Yesterday I went to my first bridal show with CP and his mom. To all of you planning weddings out there, I would highly recommend going to at least one bridal show. There were a total of 40 vendors: photographers, florists, musicians, cake makers, DJs, etc. It was nice to compare DJs against one another, photographers against one another, etc.
Not only did I gain 5 pounds from eating cake from the different vendors, but they had women in different wedding dresses standing awkwardly on little pedestals, limos parked out front, and even served flavored martinis!
While CP and I didn't get any ideas for things like the set up of our tables or my dress, we did pick three vendors. The first vendor we loved is a florist. The centerpieces she had displayed were imaginative and different. One used kale as the center flower. Very cool.
The next vendor we will be booking is a classical guitarist. While he was a little crazy- artist looking, we listened to the CD that he gave us on the way home and we were not only impressed by his talent, but amazed at his reasonable prices for the ceremony and cocktail hour.
The final vendor we decided on is the cake maker. We had gone out to brunch before heading to the bridal show- that might have been our first mistake. As soon as we walked in the door, we were offered cake. Yummy chocolate cake with some kind of cinnamon mousse stuff in the middle with butter cream frosting. Holy crap it was good. And WELL within our budget which is great.
After leaving the bridal show we stopped by the jeweler to get my ring checked out for loose prongs (we have to go every six months in order for my ring to continue to be insured) and cleaned. While we were there, CP tried on wedding rings which was an odd experience. He has NEVER worn a ring in his life so it felt very foreign on his finger. I thought that he might be the type of guy that would fight to NOT wear a ring. Thankfully, we don't have to have that discussion. That doesn't mean that he is not weirded out by having a ring on his finger though. He will get used to it...or maybe I will just super glue it onto his finger. ;-)
Not only did I gain 5 pounds from eating cake from the different vendors, but they had women in different wedding dresses standing awkwardly on little pedestals, limos parked out front, and even served flavored martinis!
While CP and I didn't get any ideas for things like the set up of our tables or my dress, we did pick three vendors. The first vendor we loved is a florist. The centerpieces she had displayed were imaginative and different. One used kale as the center flower. Very cool.
The next vendor we will be booking is a classical guitarist. While he was a little crazy- artist looking, we listened to the CD that he gave us on the way home and we were not only impressed by his talent, but amazed at his reasonable prices for the ceremony and cocktail hour.
The final vendor we decided on is the cake maker. We had gone out to brunch before heading to the bridal show- that might have been our first mistake. As soon as we walked in the door, we were offered cake. Yummy chocolate cake with some kind of cinnamon mousse stuff in the middle with butter cream frosting. Holy crap it was good. And WELL within our budget which is great.
After leaving the bridal show we stopped by the jeweler to get my ring checked out for loose prongs (we have to go every six months in order for my ring to continue to be insured) and cleaned. While we were there, CP tried on wedding rings which was an odd experience. He has NEVER worn a ring in his life so it felt very foreign on his finger. I thought that he might be the type of guy that would fight to NOT wear a ring. Thankfully, we don't have to have that discussion. That doesn't mean that he is not weirded out by having a ring on his finger though. He will get used to it...or maybe I will just super glue it onto his finger. ;-)
11.14.2008
I can't wait
After two 12+ hour training sessions the past two days, I can't wait for today to be over. After hopping on the shuttle bus back to DC, I will get to see my best friend and maid of honor! Okay, so it is only for a few hours before my flight leaves to take me home, but still. I haven't seen her in about a year and it will be nice to catch up (even though we talk weekly on the phone).
J was very excited about my move to the east coast (she says it's the "right" coast for me to be on) as it will be easier for us to see each other. Whenever work and I am able to figure out my three month rotation down in DC we are going to be like two peas in a pod. As much as we can be at least. :-)
Having her down in DC will be nice because hopefully she can help me out with a lot of wedding stuff. She thinks that she is slacking on the MOH duties, but I said that she doesn't really need to be doing anything right now. (right?) One of our family friends (they are not related, but are so close that we call the parents aunt and uncle) has already offered to throw me a wedding shower. She was going to fly out to Chicago to host the shower, but if we have it in DC then maybe more friends can come.
I love my "aunt" but know that she will take over the shower. My MOH is more than happy with that as she won't have to do as much. Everyone wins! :-)
Come on 5:30pm!!!!!!!!!
J was very excited about my move to the east coast (she says it's the "right" coast for me to be on) as it will be easier for us to see each other. Whenever work and I am able to figure out my three month rotation down in DC we are going to be like two peas in a pod. As much as we can be at least. :-)
Having her down in DC will be nice because hopefully she can help me out with a lot of wedding stuff. She thinks that she is slacking on the MOH duties, but I said that she doesn't really need to be doing anything right now. (right?) One of our family friends (they are not related, but are so close that we call the parents aunt and uncle) has already offered to throw me a wedding shower. She was going to fly out to Chicago to host the shower, but if we have it in DC then maybe more friends can come.
I love my "aunt" but know that she will take over the shower. My MOH is more than happy with that as she won't have to do as much. Everyone wins! :-)
Come on 5:30pm!!!!!!!!!
11.13.2008
Emotional intelligence
Yesterday at training we went over an Emotional Intelligence test that we took last week in preparation for this conference. Have any of you taken this test? It is "intended to help people better understand their emotional and social functioning."* According to the instructor, people with a high EQ (emotional quotient) are more likely to be successful than people with lower EQs but higher IQs.
A high EQ is supposed to show leadership ability. As my program is supposed to prep us for leadership positions in our future, we take the test and work on the areas that are weak. Some of my results were expected, some of my results were a surprise. My lowest areas were in:
1. Self-regard. I am somewhat hard on myself or self-critical and there is a dissatisfaction with my physical appearance. To all of you that have been reading this blog, you already know that I am not currently happy with my body. This was NOT a surprise.
2. Emotional self-awareness. While my score was average, the report said that I sometimes have problems expressing my attitudes towards others. I would also agree with this. Sometimes I am not very in tune with my feelings and make silly decisions because of it.
3. Stress tolerance. My results indicated inconsistency in effectively withstanding adverse events and stressful situations. Ummm really? I survived law school and the bar exam and I have problems with stress? Yes I do get butterflies and anxious in certain situations, but I don't freak out. No one can TELL that I am anxious on the outside.
4. Optimism. My results say that at times I feel pessimistic. "It is likely that she assesses prospects of the future by keeping expectations relatively low." I was really surprised about this result. I think that I am a pretty optimistic person.....but I guess that at times I try to set the bar on expectations low so that I am not devastated by bad results.
My highest areas were:
1. Assertiveness. I have no problem voicing my beliefs or opinions. No surprise there. I'm not exactly someone who "holds back." :-)
2. Self-actualization. Basically this is that I am achieving what I want to achieve. This is definitely correct as I am working right where I have wanted to work since I started law school.
3. Empathy, social responsibility, and interpersonal relationships. I am able to appreciate the feelings of others, I actively contribute to the community at large (at my job, volunteer, etc.), and that I am able to form agreeable relationships and alliances. This is not a surprise.
4. Problem solving. Yeah, ummm I went to law school so I better have these skills!
5. Happiness. Yep, I would say that I am pretty happy and satisfied with life.
Want to take the test yourself? I found a free EQ test online that is a bit different from the one that I took, but it should work: http://www.myskillsprofile.com/questionnaire.php. Let me know if you have any surprises!
*According to the introduction of the report.
A high EQ is supposed to show leadership ability. As my program is supposed to prep us for leadership positions in our future, we take the test and work on the areas that are weak. Some of my results were expected, some of my results were a surprise. My lowest areas were in:
1. Self-regard. I am somewhat hard on myself or self-critical and there is a dissatisfaction with my physical appearance. To all of you that have been reading this blog, you already know that I am not currently happy with my body. This was NOT a surprise.
2. Emotional self-awareness. While my score was average, the report said that I sometimes have problems expressing my attitudes towards others. I would also agree with this. Sometimes I am not very in tune with my feelings and make silly decisions because of it.
3. Stress tolerance. My results indicated inconsistency in effectively withstanding adverse events and stressful situations. Ummm really? I survived law school and the bar exam and I have problems with stress? Yes I do get butterflies and anxious in certain situations, but I don't freak out. No one can TELL that I am anxious on the outside.
4. Optimism. My results say that at times I feel pessimistic. "It is likely that she assesses prospects of the future by keeping expectations relatively low." I was really surprised about this result. I think that I am a pretty optimistic person.....but I guess that at times I try to set the bar on expectations low so that I am not devastated by bad results.
My highest areas were:
1. Assertiveness. I have no problem voicing my beliefs or opinions. No surprise there. I'm not exactly someone who "holds back." :-)
2. Self-actualization. Basically this is that I am achieving what I want to achieve. This is definitely correct as I am working right where I have wanted to work since I started law school.
3. Empathy, social responsibility, and interpersonal relationships. I am able to appreciate the feelings of others, I actively contribute to the community at large (at my job, volunteer, etc.), and that I am able to form agreeable relationships and alliances. This is not a surprise.
4. Problem solving. Yeah, ummm I went to law school so I better have these skills!
5. Happiness. Yep, I would say that I am pretty happy and satisfied with life.
Want to take the test yourself? I found a free EQ test online that is a bit different from the one that I took, but it should work: http://www.myskillsprofile.com/questionnaire.php. Let me know if you have any surprises!
*According to the introduction of the report.
11.12.2008
Yes PLEASE kick my ass!
On Monday night I had a date with a trainer at the new gym. It was an assessment on where I am physically before we can start training. CP warned me before going that it was going to be difficult and that I was going to be really sore. Actually his words were "good thing you didn't work out today because she is going to kick your ass tomorrow. Good luck!" Funny boy.
As soon as I met the trainer, I thought that I would like her. She could quickly tell that I used to be an athlete, unlike the woman that I took the class from last week. She was able to work around my injuries and gave me a good workout while also assessing what I needed to work on. She also does more functional exercises, as opposed to just having someone go on the treadmill and then do some weights. I have worked with trainers that have done that before and it doesn't work.
As with any trainer, there is money involved. But for CP and I to work with the trainer together, it is only $20/ person for an hour session. That is pretty inexpensive if you ask me. And CP and I are willing to make the commitment to get our bodies back in shape.
In the beginning we are going to go twice a week. She will also provide us with recipes and eating tips. After a while we will start going once a week. Cross your fingers for me!
As soon as I met the trainer, I thought that I would like her. She could quickly tell that I used to be an athlete, unlike the woman that I took the class from last week. She was able to work around my injuries and gave me a good workout while also assessing what I needed to work on. She also does more functional exercises, as opposed to just having someone go on the treadmill and then do some weights. I have worked with trainers that have done that before and it doesn't work.
As with any trainer, there is money involved. But for CP and I to work with the trainer together, it is only $20/ person for an hour session. That is pretty inexpensive if you ask me. And CP and I are willing to make the commitment to get our bodies back in shape.
In the beginning we are going to go twice a week. She will also provide us with recipes and eating tips. After a while we will start going once a week. Cross your fingers for me!
11.11.2008
Free stuff
So I have already complained a lot on this blog about the wedding industry. One thing that I won't complain about? The free things that vendors want to give you because you are a bride. Who doesn't like free stuff?
On Sunday Mary Kay had a bridal makeover event at a local hotel. My best friend (and maid of honor) was a Mary Kay rep a few years ago so I decided to go. She still uses the products, but simply decided that she didn't want to put the time and effort into selling the brand anymore.
While it kind of feels like listening to a time share presentation, the Mary Kay reps weren't too bad. As you guys already know, I am not very girly so I don't have much of a skin care regimen. For a while now, I have been thinking that I need to do more for my skin. I will be 30 in a month- it is high time I start taking care of my skin. Since all of the skin care products were inexpensive, I drank the Mary Kay kool-aid.
So this morning I started my new skin care regimen. The 3-in-1 daily cleanser, moisturizer, day & night cream, etc. Here's hoping that I start to see results- if not, there is a money-back guarantee!
Do any of you wear Mary Kay products? What do you think of them?
Sidenote: The saddest thing I heard at the Mary Kay event? One of the brides saying that she was contemplating BOTOX because she was unhappy with the frown lines she has on her forehead. She looked all of about 25. Now THAT is crazy.
On Sunday Mary Kay had a bridal makeover event at a local hotel. My best friend (and maid of honor) was a Mary Kay rep a few years ago so I decided to go. She still uses the products, but simply decided that she didn't want to put the time and effort into selling the brand anymore.
While it kind of feels like listening to a time share presentation, the Mary Kay reps weren't too bad. As you guys already know, I am not very girly so I don't have much of a skin care regimen. For a while now, I have been thinking that I need to do more for my skin. I will be 30 in a month- it is high time I start taking care of my skin. Since all of the skin care products were inexpensive, I drank the Mary Kay kool-aid.
So this morning I started my new skin care regimen. The 3-in-1 daily cleanser, moisturizer, day & night cream, etc. Here's hoping that I start to see results- if not, there is a money-back guarantee!
Do any of you wear Mary Kay products? What do you think of them?
Sidenote: The saddest thing I heard at the Mary Kay event? One of the brides saying that she was contemplating BOTOX because she was unhappy with the frown lines she has on her forehead. She looked all of about 25. Now THAT is crazy.
11.10.2008
It is now WAR
So remember how I talked about the mouse problem that we had? The humane traps that I set out with the natural, organic peanut butter? And then how the mice ended up dying anyway for no apparent reason?
Well, the mice are back in our garage and CP and I have decided that it is war. Oh that's right- we brought in the kill traps. In one day this past weekend? We caught FOUR MICE. FOUR! That is ridonkulous! Once again I am happy that CP is willing to empty out the traps because I don't want to get near the mice even if they are dead. Why are they so attracted to our garage and to our basement? Is it the delicious meals that CP cooks up in the kitchen? Shouldn't Fuzzy Britches scare the mice away?
I simply don't understand. And I am super grossed out.
Programming note: I will be away on a business trip tomorrow through Friday. I have no idea what my internet connection is going to be like or if I will have any time whatsoever to post. But I will do my best!
Well, the mice are back in our garage and CP and I have decided that it is war. Oh that's right- we brought in the kill traps. In one day this past weekend? We caught FOUR MICE. FOUR! That is ridonkulous! Once again I am happy that CP is willing to empty out the traps because I don't want to get near the mice even if they are dead. Why are they so attracted to our garage and to our basement? Is it the delicious meals that CP cooks up in the kitchen? Shouldn't Fuzzy Britches scare the mice away?
I simply don't understand. And I am super grossed out.
Programming note: I will be away on a business trip tomorrow through Friday. I have no idea what my internet connection is going to be like or if I will have any time whatsoever to post. But I will do my best!
11.07.2008
My body lies
Last night I took a class at my new gym* and thought that I did well in it. It was a combination of 20 minutes of step, 20 minutes of weights, and 20 minutes of stretching/ yoga/ pilates. I really enjoyed it and although I haven’t worked out in two weeks or so, it certainly didn’t kill me. My legs are sore, but after all of the step moves and squats we did I am not surprised.
After the class, the teacher came over and told me that I did well for my first class. She then said something about “when you are first getting into exercising” and it hit me. I am no longer looked at as an athlete in this body. My current body lies to people all day long- they can’t tell that I played two Division 1 sports and at times spending up to 5 hours a day practicing, that I was 17th in the nation my final year of college, or that I won the Female Athlete of the Year award for my college. No one can tell that I played women’s professional football after I graduated from college.
That statement made me very sad. Oh I understand why she made it. I saw a picture of my butt this week and I knew that it was big but in this picture it was HUGE. So it is perfectly reasonable for her to assume that I am just getting into exercising. I wanted to let her know that I was an athlete- that my serve used to be 100 mph, that I used to play basketball, softball, soccer, flag football, volleyball and that I could throw things really far. But I didn’t. Because I know that is in the past. And currently? I am like a big pile of poop. And I don’t want to look like a big pile of poop on my wedding day.
It is time to bring out my competitive nature (even if it just against myself) to get the body that I once had back!
*It is near our house instead of being near work- and it is $20/month cheaper!
After the class, the teacher came over and told me that I did well for my first class. She then said something about “when you are first getting into exercising” and it hit me. I am no longer looked at as an athlete in this body. My current body lies to people all day long- they can’t tell that I played two Division 1 sports and at times spending up to 5 hours a day practicing, that I was 17th in the nation my final year of college, or that I won the Female Athlete of the Year award for my college. No one can tell that I played women’s professional football after I graduated from college.
That statement made me very sad. Oh I understand why she made it. I saw a picture of my butt this week and I knew that it was big but in this picture it was HUGE. So it is perfectly reasonable for her to assume that I am just getting into exercising. I wanted to let her know that I was an athlete- that my serve used to be 100 mph, that I used to play basketball, softball, soccer, flag football, volleyball and that I could throw things really far. But I didn’t. Because I know that is in the past. And currently? I am like a big pile of poop. And I don’t want to look like a big pile of poop on my wedding day.
It is time to bring out my competitive nature (even if it just against myself) to get the body that I once had back!
*It is near our house instead of being near work- and it is $20/month cheaper!
11.06.2008
It is sh*t or get off the pot time
Yesterday was certainly a kick to the stomach. I had two doctor appointments, one right after another. The first, with a gastroenterologist; the second, with the oh-so-fun gyno. Both doctors ended up telling me to lose weight (for different reasons). The stomach guy said that because my acid reflux started a few months after I began law school, it was probably a combination of stress and weight gain. The reflux is probably continuing because I have not lost weight, even though my stress level has decreased. The gyno said that my birth control pill might not be able to slow down the flow of my periods as well as it should because of my weight. Awesome.
I definitely felt like a big blob of fat yesterday after the appointments. However, instead of going to McDonalds and eating gross food, I ended up getting a small soup and half of a tuna sandwich on wheat bread. CP and I had salads with lean steak on top for dinner last night.
Needless to say, CP and I need to stop saying that we are going to lose weight and just do it. No making excuses because we have long commutes because a lot of people have long commutes. Fuzzy britches can wait until 7 or 7:30 to eat dinner at night- she certainly is not going to die if we don’t feed her exactly at 6pm because we are at the gym. And yes, I realize that I posted on this before……but now I am embarrassed that two doctors told me to lose weight.
I hated standing up as an attendant at the wedding this past weekend and fretting as to whether people could see my stomach sticking out. I hated the fact that I spent most of dinner at the wedding with a shawl around my shoulders even though I wasn’t cold because I didn’t want anyone to see my stomach roll. I hated getting in my airplane seat and feeling the sides of the arm rests touching my hips. My bridesmaid says that I hide it well, but I am sick of hiding it. It is either sh*t or get off the pot time dammit.
I definitely felt like a big blob of fat yesterday after the appointments. However, instead of going to McDonalds and eating gross food, I ended up getting a small soup and half of a tuna sandwich on wheat bread. CP and I had salads with lean steak on top for dinner last night.
Needless to say, CP and I need to stop saying that we are going to lose weight and just do it. No making excuses because we have long commutes because a lot of people have long commutes. Fuzzy britches can wait until 7 or 7:30 to eat dinner at night- she certainly is not going to die if we don’t feed her exactly at 6pm because we are at the gym. And yes, I realize that I posted on this before……but now I am embarrassed that two doctors told me to lose weight.
I hated standing up as an attendant at the wedding this past weekend and fretting as to whether people could see my stomach sticking out. I hated the fact that I spent most of dinner at the wedding with a shawl around my shoulders even though I wasn’t cold because I didn’t want anyone to see my stomach roll. I hated getting in my airplane seat and feeling the sides of the arm rests touching my hips. My bridesmaid says that I hide it well, but I am sick of hiding it. It is either sh*t or get off the pot time dammit.
11.05.2008
Hopeful
Today, I am hopeful that:
*our standing in the world will be restored
*our economy will get back on track
*elected officials will pay attention to the needs of young voters as we are a huge voting block (side note: am I still considered a "young" voter at 29?)
*everyone will finally have access to health care
*gay marriage will be legalized
*the government will stay out of a woman's right to choose
*we will finally leave Iraq, a war that should have never started
*we will have an eloquent president, one that doesn't make rash decisions
*Sarah Palin will go far, far away
I am hopeful for many things today. Our country has a long way to go. Hopefully last night was the just the beginning.
*our standing in the world will be restored
*our economy will get back on track
*elected officials will pay attention to the needs of young voters as we are a huge voting block (side note: am I still considered a "young" voter at 29?)
*everyone will finally have access to health care
*gay marriage will be legalized
*the government will stay out of a woman's right to choose
*we will finally leave Iraq, a war that should have never started
*we will have an eloquent president, one that doesn't make rash decisions
*Sarah Palin will go far, far away
I am hopeful for many things today. Our country has a long way to go. Hopefully last night was the just the beginning.
11.04.2008
YES WE CAN!
I am SO proud of America right now. What an amazing moment in our country's history. Not only that, but I am so proud of all of the young voters who got their asses off the couch to vote! This was truly an amazing election and I hope that the country can come together to work on all of our problems.
OBAMA!
OBAMA!
Scrutinizing weddings
I think as a future bride, I now view weddings very differently after this weekend. Not only was I an attendant in the wedding, but after starting to plan my own wedding, I think that I scrutinized the vendors instead of not paying attention like I usually would.
For instance, 20 minutes before the ceremony was supposed to start, the DJ had yet to show up. One of the attendants started to call him, leaving nice messages, then not so nice messages. Finally FOUR minutes before he is supposed to show up, the DJ finally answers his phone and says that he is “in traffic.” Needless to say, the bride and groom were relieved, but also frustrated because the DJ promised to show up early so that he wouldn’t make a lot of noise setting up while the ceremony was going on.
Not only was the DJ late, but he brought with him a woman who seemed like she was on drugs. Awesome.
In addition to that, I noticed that none of the older guests were dancing because the DJ was playing rap and dance songs. The groom asked me to talk to him about playing slower songs…which I did. But instead of playing something that everyone knew like “Brown Eyed Girl” the DJ just SLOWED down the tempo on the rap song. SERIOUSLY??? I could have shot him.
Of course, the photographer was absolutely lovely and she does travel…..
For instance, 20 minutes before the ceremony was supposed to start, the DJ had yet to show up. One of the attendants started to call him, leaving nice messages, then not so nice messages. Finally FOUR minutes before he is supposed to show up, the DJ finally answers his phone and says that he is “in traffic.” Needless to say, the bride and groom were relieved, but also frustrated because the DJ promised to show up early so that he wouldn’t make a lot of noise setting up while the ceremony was going on.
Not only was the DJ late, but he brought with him a woman who seemed like she was on drugs. Awesome.
In addition to that, I noticed that none of the older guests were dancing because the DJ was playing rap and dance songs. The groom asked me to talk to him about playing slower songs…which I did. But instead of playing something that everyone knew like “Brown Eyed Girl” the DJ just SLOWED down the tempo on the rap song. SERIOUSLY??? I could have shot him.
Of course, the photographer was absolutely lovely and she does travel…..
11.03.2008
How to forge a deeper relationship
Sorry for the lack of posting on Friday- I kept meaning to do it at work but then I had to finish up a project before I left for the airport. This past weekend CP and I flew out to Chicago for a friend’s wedding. We had a fairly good weekend, but I am still disheartened with the relationship between CP and my parents….
I will admit that my parents are a little hard to get to know. They are both a bit more “formal.” Sure, my dad will tell off-color jokes sometimes, but at 6’4” he is intimidating. And with CP and my dad not having a lot of the same interests, sometimes it makes conversations a bit….well, lacking. My mom and CP can at least talk about cooking, but CP doesn’t have an interest (and neither do I) in architecture like my dad.
My parents, for fear of asking an inappropriate question, simply don’t ask CP a lot about himself or his family. I know that it is not for lack of curiosity, but they feel the need to ask ME the questions instead.
Maybe it is because my sister and I freely talk with my parents about anything and everything. So without talking to CP, my parents already know a lot about him from what I say. Maybe it is that my parents are so used to my sister and I giving them information that they don’t really ask questions anymore. But that is not a good excuse. CP is not as vocal as the members of my family so to get to know him you would think they would ask MORE questions.
I think that what frustrates me the most is that my parents should want to get to know their future son-in-law better. They should ask him questions, even if they are questions which I have given them answers to already. Maybe he has a different answer? It makes me sad that the man that I love and the parents that I love have more of a surface relationship.
Do any of you have problems between your significant other and your parents? I guess “problems” is the wrong word…it is just that the relationship lacks depth. I am tempted to lock the three of them in a room for hours until they start really talking. Since this isn’t the best option, does anyone have any suggestions?
I will admit that my parents are a little hard to get to know. They are both a bit more “formal.” Sure, my dad will tell off-color jokes sometimes, but at 6’4” he is intimidating. And with CP and my dad not having a lot of the same interests, sometimes it makes conversations a bit….well, lacking. My mom and CP can at least talk about cooking, but CP doesn’t have an interest (and neither do I) in architecture like my dad.
My parents, for fear of asking an inappropriate question, simply don’t ask CP a lot about himself or his family. I know that it is not for lack of curiosity, but they feel the need to ask ME the questions instead.
Maybe it is because my sister and I freely talk with my parents about anything and everything. So without talking to CP, my parents already know a lot about him from what I say. Maybe it is that my parents are so used to my sister and I giving them information that they don’t really ask questions anymore. But that is not a good excuse. CP is not as vocal as the members of my family so to get to know him you would think they would ask MORE questions.
I think that what frustrates me the most is that my parents should want to get to know their future son-in-law better. They should ask him questions, even if they are questions which I have given them answers to already. Maybe he has a different answer? It makes me sad that the man that I love and the parents that I love have more of a surface relationship.
Do any of you have problems between your significant other and your parents? I guess “problems” is the wrong word…it is just that the relationship lacks depth. I am tempted to lock the three of them in a room for hours until they start really talking. Since this isn’t the best option, does anyone have any suggestions?
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