MANdatory Monday

First day in the history books.  Great day...lots of lists of things to do, priorities to set, and people to start holding accountable.  That last one will be the kicker.  People love someone to dump their wants onto...but when they get back their part in the big wheel of business success...they tend to shut up.  But I am hopeful this group will see the benefits of crossing all the t's and dotting all the i's so everyone can still have a good time and be proud of where they work and the success we see.

Came home...deboned the chicken I had in the crock pot for the dogs...and am now just resting a bit before I start dinner for Mr. and I.  His Monday's usually suck, so hopefully he'll get home in time to unwind and enjoy a bit of the evening.  Making pan seared tilapia and pesto noodles.  Excited for anything pesto!

Random thought of the day:  If every car insurance company will save me $300-500 per year, I'd only have to switch 3-4 times until it's free.  Right?

Chew on it - Rin

I Survived!

Training month was long and hard...much like the guys in all the pics I find...but I made it out alive.  Wasn't sure where my final location was going to be, but that came in a phone call on Friday.  It wasn't one of my original short list, but apparently I excelled enough through training to be moved into a key location where I'm told, "if you want to be known and have your name in with the big guns, you want to be here".  So I jumped at that chance and I should be starting there sometime this week.  Lots of variables in play as to how my transition into the new role goes and how the team takes to a new person at the wheel.  I'm going in with all the positives in mind and going to do my best to make an impact and move it in the right direction...gotta get up the ladder!

So, other than work life is grand.  Of course I sat down to do my taxes today so I can see how much fun Mr. and I can have on our trip out to SoCal, and realized I should invest finally in a CPA and try and get as much as possible so I'm not relying on the ol' web to give me a figure good enough to make me smile.  I wanna go out there to show him around and have a great time...not just a good time.  So, I at least organized receipts for my biz and have it all set.  I also redid my budget for the next few months and will be tracking things better to hopefully make a bit of a move in a year or so and get some real estate under my belt.  Not here though...hence the move and the need to prove myself to the big wigs...so they support a transfer and I can keep climbing.

Mr. is still amazing me everyday and brought home a huge orchid with double blooming stems that took a giant pot when he repotted it.  I swear if we get any more plants in this place we'll be giving garden tours this summer!  The palm he brought home a month or two ago is thriving and busting out in the bedroom.  Can't wait til it's warm enough to get it on the patio and get that side of my room back.  The boys are well...a bit stressful getting them through my training as my day away was stretched to the max with a massive commute that had me gone 2 or 3 hours more than normal...not fun for two needy dogs!  But they did well with the Mr.'s amazing help and many meaningful and appreciated potty walks before I got home.

I'm more ready for spring and summer than I can even bear to contain.  I just want my flip flops and moonroof back in action.  And my patio for sunbathing.  It's been so mild, I can't complain...but i'm just ready for that switch and confirmation winter is gone.  Here's hoping it's over soon.  Anywho...thats about the reader's digest version.  I've been working, thriving, and trying to keep myself sane in the traffic.  Very much looking forward to an easier and shorter commute and solidifying myself in a new team.  Watch out!

So, for my first post in a month...here's a bit of fashion that is not so street legal!
love it...keep smiling!  - Rin

    Check the site out and fill up your closet...you know you want to!  Slick It Up

Tattoo Tuesday

I know, another disappearing act by me.  I just keep getting caught up in life's race and not giving myself time to sit down and unwind it onto the ol' laptop.  My final two weeks at my last gig were a blur.  Lots of mixed emotions and people that I unfortunately have to leave behind in the mess that is to come.  My last day wasn't even over and things seemed to be a bit unraveled already.  Not that I see myself as the reason we get through each day, but there were many things that were wrapped up in my job that not everyone was always aware of or recognized that helped keep things on task and at least functioning for the client's sake.  So, it'll be interesting to see how it pans out as people decide to leave and rolls get shifted.  At least I can go to sleep tonight knowing that I am going to work tomorrow and will definitely not have to deal with douche hole owner throwing his weight around trying to maintain his ego through the sacrifice of others.

Things are good!  I am just a bit on edge today with all the unknown that sits in starting a new job with a new company and getting into the brunt of it all.  After my first day is under my belt, I'll be good to go.  I will be training in a location different than my final spot, so I'll have that transition, but at least by then I'll have a greater understanding of my day to day job and what all the expectations are.  First days are always a blur though, so I'm just going to go in with an open mind and be ready for anything.  I at least know that my training will be organized and follow some corporate plan...which to me is a huge benefit  after having to train myself in so many of my last positions.

My boys are good...still trying to find that balance in keeping myself in order while giving them, especially my younger one, enough time and exercise to prevent issues and pent up energy.  Nothing worse than two 80 pound dogs that haven't had enough exercise or mental stimulation in a one bedroom condo in the middle of winter...even if it's a mild winter.  But so far so good.

Mr is, as always, amazing and such a blessing to me.  He is so open and creative and carries so much life that I at times just have to stop and take it all in.  Lots of exciting plans in the works and looking forward to a few trips with him in the spring and summer.  Already worked out the pet sitters so I'm good to go.  Just need to make sure the new gig is cool with the plans and I'll be booking the flights this weekend.  Can't wait!

Ok, I must prep myself, shave, and be ready for the early morning.  Long commute to my training location...so the next few weeks will be a whirlwind!

Peace, Health, and Happiness - Rin

A great quote from MLK to share today...I found this one quite on par today.

“On some positions, Cowardice asks the question, "Is it safe?" Expediency asks the question, "Is it politic?" And Vanity comes along and asks the question, "Is it popular?" But Conscience asks the question "Is it right?" And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right.” 
― Martin Luther King Jr.

Friday Fave Five

I am still in talks with the new potential company.  Really clicking with the person who would be my future  boss.  She's great and I love the fact that the path I'd see myself going down with the company is one that she's walked and adored.  She'll be a great resource and support to find the resources I need to get to where I wanna go.  If I get in.  Once I'm in...it's up to me to get myself there for sure.  

I just love the potential of something new and the rush of adrenaline you get when you start somewhere as the new person.  Proving yourself, and making new connections with people.  Every door that opens is a new journey and potentially new friends for life.  It's crazy to think of all the times I've started at a new place, and how some of the greatest people I've met in my life and some of my closest friends today were there on day one of that journey...a complete stranger.  y That one choice to start new or take on a new challenge was all it took.  And today I couldn't imagine my life without these friends...as if I never really existed as the same person before they were in my life.  People are definitely very much like pieces of the puzzle that makes up our beings as individuals.  There are parts I wouldn't know about myself without some of the people that have come into my life.  Without them, I wouldn't be me.  Intensely amazing gifts they've given me just by being my friend or sharing their life with me.  I can never repay, just hope that I have in some way done the same for them. 

So, that's what I think about when I begin to consider myself in a new position...with a new company...and with a new network of coworkers.  Where will these seemingly strangers be woven into my life in two or three years.  What debts will I obviously owe to them or in what ways can I support their journey in life.  Crazy how simple choices can end up having such crazy big influences on our life.  

Well, that's my deep thought for the moment.  I'm going to stew on it a bit more.  Meanwhile...I thought I'd start a Friday Fave Five.  I'll be picking 5 guys that have some characteristic that makes them particularly favorable.  If you'd like to share a guy for the Fave Five...please send it my way!  

Love & Laughs - Rin 

Strapping Monday

 This week will be intense.  I am watching over the Rockstar Lesbos house and their three dogs.  If that weren't enough on top of my two boys...their landlord decided to fix a monthlong leak the day they left and left me with no bathroom at their house or a usable kitchen.  So, I'm playing the two house and 5 dog game of going back and fourth 4 times a day to make sure everyone has their needs covered.  Walked my boys on my lunch and then after I went back to work I went to their house and walked and fed theirs.  Then back to my place to feed mine.  When all the dogs are settled I actually was able to eat and then head to the grocery store to stock up on some needs for the week.

Mr. always has a long Monday, and I'm thinking this week, and every week through the new year will be long day after long day for him.  He just keeps trucking along!  I'm worn out just thinking about his schedule.  Now...onto my new path.  I have my first interview of the week tomorrow.  Looking forward to it.  Going to pop out of work early, come home, walk my boys, and change for my interview.  Change is a coming!

In preparation for the new adventure, I better strap in and step up.  Like these hot things!  Isn't the jockstrap just the greatest thing since sliced bread?  I think so at least...and so does Mr.!

Cheers - Rin

It's all in Black and White

There was a lot of giving thanks on facebook this week huh?  A lot.  So, it just keeps it fresh in your mind as to the things that come into your life that have such a huge impact and that without them, you may never have even dreamed of where you've been or where you'll end up going. I wish we had that weekly reminder every week...through the entire year.  To make sure we don't have a week where work, horrendous drivers, rude grocery store patrons, or insane coworkers make us dull to the gifts we have.  I think everyone deserves a good vent and a chance to complain without regret, but I think sometimes we get caught up in that space and that energy, and forget to revert back to recognizing everything that is right with ourselves and the lives we create.

I think we've grown so comfortable with the complaint that it's become the norm.  Do we ever call customer service lines after we've had amazing customer service, just to share...nope, we call when it goes wrong.  Do we often see people leaving yelp reviews when it's good...sometimes, but those are often the short ones.  I think if as a society we switched how we think, and really stopped to recognize when things are good, we would all be in a much better mood at the end of the day.  So, before it can be considered a new years resolution, and fade away by March, I'm going to focus on recognizing the good things.  If I get great service at a restaurant, i'm going to call back and tell the Manager.  If I get a survey after I receive a service...I'm going to fill it out in great detail if the service was good.  That's my plan at least.

Now, onto this morning.  My first shared day off with Mr. since Thursday...which doesn't count because I had to share him with family, and then had to leave at noon to head to mine.  So, I slipped out of bed earlier to walk and feed the kids (my boxer boys), and then slipped back into bed to enjoy the quiet morning. Now, I'm up again, brewed some Pete's coffee, a little taste from San Diego, and am on the couch watching out the back as the sun rises.  I truly love Fall.  I admit it...I missed it in San Diego.  But, I'd still move back and just make a point to go north for a week each Fall to get my taste of it.  :-)  Really looking forward to the day.  We are in the market for some vintage, velvety, wingback chairs for our living room and a pub height dining table.  I've  been avoiding shopping all week, because I hate crowds, and I don't mind paying a little extra to avoid them...so Black Friday is not my thing.  After running 5 retail stores at once, across 3 states...I shudder at the thought of setting an alarm clock to go shopping in time for deals.  Unless I'm earning a bonus from being there and exceeding my plan numbers, I'm sleeping in and ordering shit online.

Ok, so you realize I had no plans of not being honest or avoiding sarcasm when I said I was going to focus on all the good things...ok, just so we're clear.  Time for a refill of the ol' joe and some puppy cuddles.  Have a peaceful Sunday.  - Rin

Tattoo Tuesday

Good Morning!  Up and at em again.  This time with a bit more sunlight to make it all seem less difficult. This week is off to a good start and I'm not going to let it change directions.  Mr. is looking for a career bump into a more fitted position for his craft and so decided to get some resumes out and see how it goes...in less than 8 hours he had a two interviews, a working design challenge interview scheduled, and two additional interviews lined up just for this week.  Obviously the world sees him as just as amazing as I do. 

 I'm very excited for his next step and I think it will only motivate me to make mine.  I have been slipping resumes out to any opportunity that fits with my experience, but I may move in his direction and get them out to any of the businesses that share my goals whether they're listing an opening or not.  There are lots of businesses within my field, but unfortunately each typically only has one of my positions, and typically that person rarely goes anywhere if it's a good practice with good Dr.'s .  So, there's the pickle!  But, I must keep moving forward...because A-hole isn't going anywhere in my mind...he's only been putting more signs out that he has no intention of breaking away from the business.  *gag*

Anywho...it's Tuesday...and once again the Tattoo pictures only make me want to keep going with mine.  And my coffee isn't working yet...so I also want to get back into bed and wake up when it's Thursday.  But alas, I must get moving and just hope the coffee kicks in before I get in the car and turn the seat warmers on...because that'll put me into a dreamland for sure. 

bon chance - Rin