It's a new day.

Wow. So much to say since my last post (whenever the heck that was). Most importantly...remember this interview? Well I must have done alright, because I got the job! Which is why I have been so absent as of late--I can't even describe how busy I was during the last two weeks of my old job. There were several days when I woke up at 2:00 AM to start working...and didn't stop until 8 PM.

BUT I AM DONE! And I feel like a million bucks.

Anyway, today was the first day of my new job so I felt like this milestone needed to be carved into blogstone.

Surprisingly, I wasn't even nervous this morning. I think I can thank my auditing experience (showing up to new places and meeting new faces every couple of weeks) for this. Despite the fact that today was the deadline to get the October books closed (and everyone was fairly stressed), everyone was really, really friendly.

I think I'm going to like it there.


...I have a lot more to say, but my Midol hasn't kicked in enough to allow me to sit upright any longer. So until then, ta-ta!

Weekend review.

I decided not to give into the growing need I've felt to work on the weekends, and boy am I glad I didn't--I was one heck of an accomplished girl over the past few days!

On Friday I had an interview with a company in Waverly, IA. Immediately after the interview, I felt like it had gone well. But, as the weekend progressed and after I had time to analyze every single word that was said, I slowly lost my confidence. Seriously, though, this job would be perfect for me, and I'd be perfect for the job, I just hope they realize it. BUT, I won't know until sometime this week (hopefully sooner than later), and I feel like the more I think/write about it the worse my odds get. So, topic over.

On Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday I made multiple trips to Target, Scheels, Wal-Mart, Kohls, Hobby Lobby, Hy-vee, antique stores, and even did a bit of shopping on Main Street. In addition, my friend, Christy (from now on, I am going to stop saying "my friend" before referring to my friends; if relationships are unknown, hopefully you readers can use the context to figure it out), came over and did some serious rearranging and redecorating in my household. Since I don't have a before picture, here is a visual: at this time last week, there was a purple wrestling poster, framed photos of cartoon dogs, and an oddly hung black and white dock scene hanging in the living room. Just in case I haven't said this before, I'll say it now--Trent is not a designer. Not. at. all.

Yesterday, I did some serious cooking. I made some SUPERB chicken enchilada soup, chocolate chip cookies, and brandy slushes. However, with the exception of a few taste-testers, the entirety of my produce was tucked away in the freezer where it currently awaits the upcoming "Fab Four Friday" which will be held at my house this time. In attendance, will be my three favorite co-workers (and me, of course). Boy, it sure does take off some stress to have an entire meal already prepped and ready a whole freaking five days in advance. I'm not used to this feeling. 

Random.

I am writing this post while sipping my third large glass of wine for the night, so I apologize for any slurred words or run-on sentences in advance.

I currently have no plan for this here post, but I can't describe the relief I feel to finally be writing again, regardless of the lack of subject or purpose.

Random thought number one: I may be an absentee blogger as of late, but I definitely don't go a day without reading the posts of my four favorite bloggers--the twenty minutes I spend catching up on their lives really is a daily highlight of mine. I mean, seriously, who the heck wouldn't get a good laugh while reading about the daily adventures of Kerri Andersen?!

Random thought number two: The most awkward auditing experience happened to me today. I walked into the office of one of my clients to find no one was sitting at the front desk and, although a sign stated, "Please ring for assistance," no bell was available to ring. So, I patiently waited for someone to walk to the front and notice my presence. While waiting, I heard several people talking in an office or hallway that was just out of sight. The topic of their conversation was, of course, the auditors (aka: me). I nervously waited while they loudly discussed the auditors' need to "dig through everything with a fine-toothed comb" and explained how "they wrote me up for buying a box of Kleenex last year" and mentioned that "they won't leave here without finding something wrong" and finally, "I'm sure they'd let us know if we bought the wrong kind of toilet paper." FREAKING GOOD GOD! Yes, us auditors probably are guilty of some of these things (not the toilet paper remark!!), but seriously!?! Anyway, while fearing that one of these individuals would come around the corner and get caught talking about me, I stood at attention with a giant, goofy grin on my face for a few seconds. Then, after deciding I really didn't want to have that awkward confrontation, I slowly stepped back towards the door, opened it, and slammed it as loudly as possible, announcing my presence. Then, I briskly walked towards their voices and announced myself (and tried to hide the annoyance I felt as they attempted to divert their conversation to something other than the wrath of "The Auditors." This, the fact that I am presumed to be a nuisance/soulless bitch, is probably number five on the mental list I have called, "Why I Hate My Job."

Random thought number three: I am going to Vegas is just about two weeks and I AM SOOO EXCITED.

Random thought number four: I may or may not have an interview on Friday and I AM SOOO EXCITED.

Random thought number five: I have stared at number four for three minutes now, contemplating whether or not I should delete it because a) I don't want to jinx myself, b) I don't want to announce any future failures (if it comes to that), and c) I really don't want to jinx myself. Hopefully this acts as a qualifier/"knock-on-wood" substitute.

Random thought number six: I just stood up and knocked on wood.

Random thought number seven: There are so many work-related things I should be doing right now (yes, even after working a 12 hour day and working 58 hours last week) and it's really stressing me out.

Random thought number eight: I really miss all of my friends.

That's all for now.

Peace out, Schmeace out.

Wordless Wednesday: if things don't change, this is my home for the next two and a half months. i'd prefer not to get used to this.

A Rambling Post / Jealousy schmelousy. Worrier Schmurier.

I have been gone from this wonderful blogging world for a while now, but believe me, it was not intentional! The best part of my day is writing these things!

My excuse?

I was on vacation last week. I had such big plans of writing daily posts (in a really fun, story book kind of way), but quickly discovered that typing long posts on a tiny little smart phone is absolutely miserable.  

**Warning: I am about to ramble** 

So anyway, recently I've noticed how incredibly jealous-minded/worried/stressed I am. It's annoying, and terrible, but I'm sure everyone has similarish thoughts. So, here are my most popular:

I'm jealous of...

…people who sincerely love their job.

…people who have zero student loans.

…women who are lucky enough to never get stretch marks--I’ve never even been pregnant, but you can bet your bottom dollar that those ugly white marks are on these thunder thighs of mine.

…people with babies--I would give anything to have seven right now.

…couples who (appear to) have the perfect relationship.

…women who eat tons, exercise none, and are still skinny.

…Taylor Swift and her 17 million dollar mansion.

…all homeowners (not just mansion owners). 

And, when I start thinking of all the things I don't have, or in some cases, the things that I do have (stretch marks and extra weight), my mood goes straight down the drain. Straight down an unclogged, recently Drainoed drain.

It's annoying.

 

What's more annoying? I'm a worrier. And, of course, some of these things have been keeping me up at night. This is a typical conversation in my mind while trying to fall asleep at night:

“I DO NOT want to go to work tomorrow. Seriously, my life sucks. I wonder if I could quit tomorrow and live off of my savings for a while…**at this point, I would do some math in my head—savings, minus monthly car payments, minus monthly student loan payments, plus the vacation payout I would receive, plus my last paycheck, etc.** …okay I’d survive for a few months (if I'm lucky). Ug, but seriously Andi, the real question is why the heck did you eat so much today?! You know once you have one cookie you'll end up eating thirteen--why did you do that to yourself? ...okay, I guess it's not that big of a deal...as long as all I have tomorrow is coffee and water. But not Starbucks coffee. Good god no, that stuff is expensive! Do you want to be reminded of your student loan balance? And really, the less coffee you drink, the more savings you have, and the sooner you can quit your job. Speaking of jobs...why hasn't anyone responded to me yet!? Didn't they get my resume? Should I resend it? Or maybe I should just call them tomorrow. Ug...tomorrow...I DO NOT want to go to work tomorrow!" 

And the cycle continues. And yes, I talk to myself and as myself during these nightly sessions. Last night, after an hour of these jumbled thoughts, I took a sleeping pill. I had to.

Gosh, I wish life was perfect. And holy crapload, I wish I didn't worry so much. 

That's all...I need to get started on this worrying thing if I want to get to bed at a decent hour! 

Hotel Life

I remember when I was a kid and thought staying in a hotel was the greatest, most fun thing in the whole world; the cable tv, the continental breakfast, the pool, and the giant beds were all so exciting. Well, my attitude about hotels has changed by approximately 180 degrees.

I can never find a channel guide to watch the cable tv, the coffee at the continental breakfast always has floaters in it, my ginger skin paired with hairy legs and my winter weight does not look good poolside, and I'd pick a twin sized bed cuddled up with my lovebug over a lonely, king sized bed any day of the week.

I hate being away from home. I hate it with every ounce of me.

Sorry for the downer post.

Sincerely,

A Depressed Girl in a Lonely Hotel

M.I.A.

Holy, holy smokes! I have been gone for so long I don't even know where to start! The number one reason for my absence is work. For the past four weeks I had been working on audits where I did not have internet access (or, if I was lucky, I got to share an internet cord with two other people). And, since I usually blog during my lunch break, that really wasn't feasible. Also, for the past four weeks I have been working on audits that suck the life out of me. Literally. It wasn't uncommon for me to be at work at 6 AM and not leave until 7 PM (or later). This, you see, has really planted the "find a new job" seed in my mind--but enough about work--I am soooo sick of it!

This is a typical work space for me and my co-workers. I dream of having an office (or even a cubicle) someday!

This is not exactly a typical binder of ours, but it was so funny looking that I had to take a picture. I am SO GLAD I was not the one who had to go through this ginormous thing.

Last Friday Trent and I spent the evening in the quad cities and stayed at a casino (not sure which one), where I was the star of the blackjack table and won a whole $25! On Saturday we went to my second-cousin, Matthew's, first birthday party in Davenport. It was such a fun day full of lots and lots of babies.

Baby Matthew and his dad, Drew.

Unhappy baby Claire and her great-grandma

Kennedy, me, and Quinn

Quinn and me. I love his cute little smile here :)

Every free minute I had this week was spent creating my sister's bachelorette party invites. And, if I do say so myself, they turned out absolutely ADORABLE. But, just to warn anyone that considers making them, be sure you have enough free time set aside! I made about twenty-five of them and it probably took me a good twenty hours to get them all done.

A corset or a martini glass...depending on how you look at it.

This past Thursday, Trent and I took half a day off from work and headed to Omaha to see, drum roll please....TAYLOR SWIFT in concert! HOLY CRAPALONI she was soooo good! Seriously, I don't even understand how she can be so good. She even sang my favorite song of hers, "All Too Well." Click this link to hear it:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzJlpnBaJyw

This is the best picture we took of ourselves as we waited for Taylor to come out.

This is the best picture I got of her that wasn't on the big screen. We really did have great seats, but my stupid phone wasn't taking the greatest pictures.

I spent this weekend at my cousin Amanda's house dog-sitting while her and her family went to Chicago. I gave her fair warning that her dogs would be getting absolutely no attention from me, and that is exactly how it went. All I did for them was fill up their dog bowls and open up the door so they could go outside to do their business. This weekend confirmed my previous decision that I would never own a dog--not because they misbehaved or anything while I "watched" them, but because they are pointless--they sit around and sleep all day long, they stare at me very annoyingly, and their tails whack me in the leg whenever they are within a foot of me. And, I discovered this weekend, that the smell of dog food makes me want to gag.

Along with dog-sitting this weekend, I worked on more bridal shower projects, went shopping with my sister and her soon-to-be stepdaughters for their junior bridesmaids dresses (we found the perfect one!), and tried to give my miserably sore legs some rest. If you recall from this post, I was supposed to start my pre-training a month ago. Welp, that didn't happen, so this week I suffered through my training and now feel quite miserable and out of shape.

This week *should* be a bit better for me at work so hopefully I will not be M.I.A. from the blogging world anymore.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all and to all a good night!

Sweet, Sweet Weekend

Once again, I was behind at work and was not able to enjoy my "day off" on Friday and worked for eight and a half hours. Technically, three of those I had to make up due to this long, miserable drive that made me late to work last week. But still...

After work, I picked up my brother's friend/cousin's boyfriend, Quin, and we headed to Webster City to pick up my cousin, Carson, and head to Cedar Falls for the night. I was driving, and we were running a little late...so what's a girl to do?

Speed.

...which led to a $114 speeding ticket. I was sure the officer was going to let me go with a warning as we spent a good ten minutes comparing the (few) pros and (several) cons of being a state employee. But, he showed no mercy.

We finally made it to Cedar Falls, grilled brats, drank beer, and stood around chit chatting. My precious friend, Toni, and her man, Dustin were there. I hadn't seen them in soooo long. Toni, if you are reading this... I AM SO HAPPY YOU CAME! Please, let's not wait so long again :)

After the grill out (in the middle of winter), we all headed over to the casino to watch our friend, the (soon-to-be) oh-so-famous Neil Hewitt. Seriously, watch this video and you'll understand my obsession:

Me, Carson, and Quin

Toni and Me

The entirety of my Saturday and Sunday were spent prepping for my sister's bridal shower. I cannot wait to post all of the details! It's been a lot of work, but it will be so, so, so worth it (at least it better be!).

Which brings me to today, Bachelor day. I just got back from my weekly (by weekly, I mean for the last three), Monday night, Bachelor "party" at Natalie's house. Next week is the three-hour finale. I can tell you right now, there will be no time for blogging next Monday!

Ta ta!

Wordless Wednesday: with minimal words.

My day:

Woke up cold. 

Fell behind at work. 

Worked for 12.5 hours. 

Left work (brr). 

Thought about upcoming drink at Las Margaritas.

Started drooling.

Got home. 

Noticed purse was missing. 

Inhaled my dinner. 

Realized I had no I.D. (to order said drink). 

Drove 15 minutes back to work. 

Scanned the street and sidewalk (can't get back into work once I leave). 

Did not find purse. 

Got angry.

Drove back home. 

Watched weather forecast (ug...). 

And drank beer.

 The end.

Valentine's Day!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!! Yesterday, February 14th, I was not able to be with my Valentine, so he decided to have Valentine's Day changed to February 15th--this way we wouldn't have to spend this special day apart. So sweet of him, I know.

In honor of today's holiday full of love and all things red, I decided to wear my new red pants. My friend, Miss Natalie, got them for me for Christmas (she also got me an adorable dress that I will post once it's warm enough to wear). Natalie swore these pants were purple, I argued they were red. She then said she was positive they were purple as she would never buy red pants because they would clash with my ginger hair. Of course she would bring my hair into this debate. Anyway, after taking this picture, I think she's right--they're purple. So, in honor of Valentine's Day, I am wearing my new purple pants.

Ignore the dirty mirror :/

So far, my Valentine's Day has not been all that magnificent. I am spending it at work. Yup, at work. Last week was supposed to be the last Friday I had to work (which is why I was "extra excited" last week)--but no, I am so far behind, I decided to spend today's holiday on the job. Luckily, my coworker brought in giant donuts, which made the morning so much better.

Another lucky thing, my car is completely packed. So, right after work I get to head straight to Cedar Falls and I get to stay there all week (I work there next week)!! Today cannot be over soon enough! I suppose I should probably stop complaining and just get my work done and over with. So, adios contaminos! 

Wordless Wednesday: i love my job?

I would definitely be lying if I said I loved my job right now. ...wait, have I ever said that? Job description this week: search for answers in these things--stacks, and stacks, and stacks of these things.

Now back to it...

A whole lot of feelings going on.

I suppose I should probably mention that only 4 of these got done this past weekend. BUT, I did get this and my Valentine's Day shopping done...so I'll consider myself one up for the weekend. Enough about my weekend, though...

I need to vent about the 1,700 emotions/feelings I have right now:

Butterflies. No, not the googly-eyed, love-sick kind...these are scientific and health related (I think); several times a day, and mostly when I am trying to get to sleep, it feels like my heart skips a beat.  I mean literally. It is the weirdest feeling...it instantly makes me cough (weird, I know) and feel queasy at the same time. It is not pleasant.

Stressed. Thanks to my last couple of very sick weeks, I feel very behind at work. Not only did I miss three full days, but due to hundreds of tissue interruptions and nonstop sinus headaches, I was not very productive when I was there. So, now I am playing catchup. My favorite.

Fact: In the last two weeks, I have gone through more than 12 boxes of these.

Anxious. With my Valentine's Day present wrapped and ready, I now have to sit and stare at it for nine more days. I can't wait to see his reaction!

Excited. I am heading to Cedar Falls this weekend. Uh, hello!? How could I not be excited?

Extra Excited. This is the LAST extended week of the season. This means that I will be back to a normal, forty-hour work week and will no longer have to work on Fridays. YES!  This means a whole bunch of good things are coming--more time in Cedar Falls, more time to spend watching my cute baby cousins, more line dancing nights, and more sleep.

Bitter. My favorite Monday night obsession (the Bachelor) made me mad last night. Hopefully Sexy Sean redeems himself on the next episode.

Lucky. The next episode is tonight! ABC randomly decided to be extra nice this week and give me TWO nights of the Bachelor.

Proud. Yesterday, I finally completed my About Me page. Next blogging goal: figure out how to make a button and customize my title banner.

Relieved. When I got to work yesterday morning I realized that I forgot to put deodorant on. I am relieved that I didn't smell by the end of the day (at least not to my knowledge) and happy that I remembered to put it on this morning.

Butt Pads.

A Friday or two ago was our Christmas potluck at work (this is what I brought to share). We were also instructed to bring a white elephant gift. This is what I brought:

A tissue packet, a cow jar, and...butt pads. 

My Aunt Krista bought me these butt pads off the streets of LA when I came to visit after my high school graduation; I was eighteen then, and a little less endowed (but I promise I still never, ever wore this thing!). Anyway, I was so scared that one of my forty or fifty something year old male managers would open this and have a terrible sense of humor. Luckily, my managers did not participate in the exchange, and a twenty-fiveish year old male ended up opening my gift. His reaction was priceless; he was embarrassed, bright red, and tried to shove those butt pads back inside that cow jar before anyone realized what he had opened. It was perfect :)

Wordless Wednesday: at work

 

I cannot stop laughing at this picture! Today is our Deputy Director's 60th birthday. So, in celebration, everyone in the office wore black. This group of gals, however, was not in the main office, so we took a picture of our celebratory outfits and sent it to the birthday boy. As my coworkers pointed out, I look like a character from a horror film.

Vampire Season

I am currently stuck in the middle of my second Vampire Season. No, this season has nothing to do with the new Twilight movie that just came out or whatever vampire series is on TV these days.

Let me explain...

I work in an office where I am allowed to work 10 hour shifts (and only 4 days a week). Monday through Thursday I start work at 7 AM and end at 6 PM. Here in the Midwest, between the months of September and February, the sun doesn't rise until after 7, and it sets sometime during the 5 o'clock hour. So, basically, it’s dark when I get to work and it’s dark when I leave. 

In addition, the nature of my job requires me to be setup in some make-shift offices--tucked under a stairwell somewhere or perhaps in some tiny, 5x5 foot janitor's closet with a step-stool for a chair and a three-legged table (if I'm lucky) for a desk. I'm not sure how many of you have stepped foot in a janitor's closet or spent any time underneath stairwells, but it's not likely that one would find a window in such a place. Not likely at all. In fact, the two places that I spend the majority of my work life in are two of the nicest "offices" that I have worked in, and they don't even have windows. The point of all this, you see, is that during the eight or so hours of daylight that we get every day, I see none of it. Thus, the Vampire Season.

Today, however, I had an 11:30 AM doctor appointment. So luckily, I enjoyed a few minutes (I made sure to walk extra slow to and from my car) of the beautiful sunshine today.

This nocturnal girl is about ready to head back into the darkness. Hehe :) Goodnight!