Long time no post...
So that weird thing going on at work - well a major administrative shake up - our director stepped down or was asked to step down - we've heard conflicting reports - either way, he's no longer the director and the chairman put himself into place as interim but told everyone he would be relying on the assistant director for everything administrative. This is the woman who, for whatever bizarre reason, hates me. Two days after she re-assumed her power-trip she told me to stop making decisions for the division, that I was not in charge, that I was not qualified for my job, that I was not a manager, and to stop making trouble for her because they have 'plans' in place. That was on Friday, June 27th. Today I started my new job. For her information, I'm actually overqualified for my job. I was sick of it. I took this problem to the chairman's office and he happened to be trying to decide what to do for a new director in another division who wasn't happy with his administrator. He asked me if I was interested in a transfer. I was. He set up an interview the following Monday. It was relief at first sight! The Director was impressed with me, I was impressed with him. It was decided but I couldn't announce to my staff that I was leaving until they were all gathered together and people were on vacation. So the announcement was made on Tuesday (yesterday) and then I moved my stuff. Today was my first day of the new job. I have been on information overload all day - meeting new people, unpacking my boxes, walking all over the place, familiarizing myself with a new group of people, a new place to park, etc. It's been a little stressful the last couple of weeks but I'm managing. I couldn't be more pleased actually. I talked with a friend from my old division this evening who said that everyone thinks I was moved out of there without any choice in the matter. I hope that's not the legacy that is left behind but, honestly, I couldn't care less what they think. I feel sorry for the whole division with that woman running it. She bases her decisions from her insecurities and personal grudges and is unfortunately socially inept. And that's all I'm going to say on the matter.
Our 4th of July barbecue was a smashing success! Everyone who came enjoyed the hell out of it. All were impressed with the new place. It's almost as if it's not "new" anymore to me but the 4th was the first time most people were here. We never did go swimming, play disc golf, or leave to watch the fireworks over Clear Lake. That was mainly because, early into the party, when we were meant to be swimming or playing disc golf in the back yard, cooking and food prep was underway and by the time it was 9pm for fireworks the only person sober enough to drive us to the lake was Julie - and only because she is pregnant.
Preparations continue for Julie's baby shower which is going to be on the 26th of July. The party planners - 4 of us - are all planning to wear something polka dotted and I have nothing polka dotted to wear. They are all much more into this than I am. I haven't been one much for baby showers in the last 5 years or so. I think in 2003 when my office threw a baby shower for me while I was pregnant with James was the one that did me in. They meant well. It wasn't their fault. It was so nice of everyone to throw me a baby shower and I hadn't exactly advertised that I had made an adoption plan. A few key people knew and they said they informed the shower-thrower who assured them all the gifts would be of the "new mommy" variety - belly cream and scented candles. Well who doesn't like scented candles? I thought I had the strength. All the gifts were not for me, I got bibs and rattles, onesies and cards. It was the cards with their sentiments on the arrivals of babies that eventually caused me to run from the room throwing up and crying in hysterics. Not a good scene for work. Since then I've attended only a very few other baby showers - let's see - there was the one Dawn invited me to that same year for her in honor of my birthson - also not fun, also left early and quickly - tires screeching, Dawn wondering if I still planned to go through with it all. Then there was the one where a work friend was having a baby with her boyfriend who was actually going to help parent the kid to whom I gave the baby blanket that I had crocheted for James while pregnant with him that, when it came down to it, I didn't want to give it to him after all - they were getting enough from me. Then there was Cori's - same situation but this time I had no gift. I had attempted to crochet another baby blanket but didn't finish it in time for the shower and couldn't bring myself to buy something after all that effort. So, in a way, I'm sort of too jilted to enjoy baby showers a whole lot. The wonderful thing about Cori's was that there were mimosas to be had and that helped a hell of a lot. I know I have a lot of issues of bitterness towards this whole issue but unfortunately I don't give a damn. Anyway, so I have to attend and help to host this baby shower in about a week and a half and I haven't shopped for a gift and I don't have anything with polka dots. And perhaps this post is already too honest and I should sleep on it before publishing for the world to read but I have to go on to say that although I like Julie very much and am excited for her and Matt that they'll get to be parents and she seems like a very nice woman, I really honestly don't know her all that well. I don't talk to her on the phone or hang out with her outside of Chris's group of friends. I know she's a great cook, prefers alcohol over beer, is really pretty, was an Aggie, used to blog, met Chris on the internet, likes to travel, enjoys the beach, is in a Bunko group. I don't know why I agreed to help with the baby shower. I was being friendly and excited for her happy news. I need to find that again. And maybe I should just frikin call Julie myself. Maybe we're not great friends because I'm not trying. Maybe I'll make it through the baby shower without having a break down this time. Maybe I'll take Chelsea with me.
It's late. I have to be at work bright and early for my new job tomorrow. My staff from the old place is throwing me a goodbye breakfast at 8:15 tomorrow. They were shocked to see me leave so quickly and said they need closure. I'm sure it will be very nice and I really appreciate all of them.
I'm just under a lot of stress this week. It's probably not the best time to publicly discuss my feelings about baby showers and Julie. I have to say that I honestly really do like Julie a lot and I wish I knew her better. I wish I knew her well enough to know what was the perfect thing that she would just love to get for her baby shower. So all my bitterness probably stems from feeling inadequately prepared. What do you give a brand new mom-to-be? What does she not have that would be that special thing? I'll have to investigate and find out.
Love.
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
This Crazy Life
Colin has come home from summer camp. After dropping him off last weekend, Chris and I were a little despondent from his absence and hopeful that he was having a wonderful time. We needn't have worried at all because within a day we could see photos of the campers and keep up with what activities they were involved in every day of the camp. Colin's smiling face showed up in every photo set and he had a blast. He wants to go back next year so that's the plan.
Something weird is going on at work and it's had me twisted up in knots all weekend. I don't really want to voice my fears as they are likely irrational and unfounded and I think I'll find out what it is that is going on on Wednesday because there's a special meeting on Wednesday that I have to announce tomorrow morning to everyone. I've been trying to not think about it so that all the gruesome possibilities that spring to mind will subside until I find out for sure what is happening in our division. I'll post again to follow up on that later this week.
Chris and I got the first light bill for the new rent house yesterday and were astonished and horrified. $349. That's more than my car payment. I had a feeling it would be bad like that with all the windows in this house. We plan to build frames for them and stretch some fabric around them to shade the windows for the remainder of the time we live here.
We also found out that our back yard turns into a 6-inch deep swamp when it rains. We hadn't experienced a big rain yet until this weekend and the yard was a huge disappointment. I certainly hope it doesn't rain for the 4th of July because that's the date of our big party. We are having a lot of people over - I believe about 18 people (not including those who live here.) The menu for that day includes frisbee golf for early arrivals, swimming for all in the community pool, grilling and Street View fajitas, watermelon, all the beer we can drink, sangria, and fireworks over Clear Lake. It should be fun.
On the way home from Trinity, TX after dropping Colin off at camp we decided to stop to see the scenic overlook of the Lake Livingston Dam. We were directed by this sign which pointed the way to the Dam Liquor Store. We found that the Dam Liquor Store was a tiny little hole in the wall place with a great name. Way to go Dam Liquor Store. And nice sign.
Here is the scenic overlook of the Livingston Dam. It was pretty. I expected to see something more lengthy and enormous sort of like the Hoover Dam that we would get to cross or something like that. But no. It was really just a beautiful day and a
view of the lake.
Also on the way home, once we got back to Houston, we passed this truck full of wrestlers on the freeway. They were more than happy to demonstrate their wrestling skills once they knew they were on camera but this is the best shot of all of them with their masks on. Que rico - as they say. It doesn't get richer than that.
Something weird is going on at work and it's had me twisted up in knots all weekend. I don't really want to voice my fears as they are likely irrational and unfounded and I think I'll find out what it is that is going on on Wednesday because there's a special meeting on Wednesday that I have to announce tomorrow morning to everyone. I've been trying to not think about it so that all the gruesome possibilities that spring to mind will subside until I find out for sure what is happening in our division. I'll post again to follow up on that later this week.
Chris and I got the first light bill for the new rent house yesterday and were astonished and horrified. $349. That's more than my car payment. I had a feeling it would be bad like that with all the windows in this house. We plan to build frames for them and stretch some fabric around them to shade the windows for the remainder of the time we live here.
We also found out that our back yard turns into a 6-inch deep swamp when it rains. We hadn't experienced a big rain yet until this weekend and the yard was a huge disappointment. I certainly hope it doesn't rain for the 4th of July because that's the date of our big party. We are having a lot of people over - I believe about 18 people (not including those who live here.) The menu for that day includes frisbee golf for early arrivals, swimming for all in the community pool, grilling and Street View fajitas, watermelon, all the beer we can drink, sangria, and fireworks over Clear Lake. It should be fun.
On the way home from Trinity, TX after dropping Colin off at camp we decided to stop to see the scenic overlook of the Lake Livingston Dam. We were directed by this sign which pointed the way to the Dam Liquor Store. We found that the Dam Liquor Store was a tiny little hole in the wall place with a great name. Way to go Dam Liquor Store. And nice sign.
Here is the scenic overlook of the Livingston Dam. It was pretty. I expected to see something more lengthy and enormous sort of like the Hoover Dam that we would get to cross or something like that. But no. It was really just a beautiful day and a
view of the lake.Also on the way home, once we got back to Houston, we passed this truck full of wrestlers on the freeway. They were more than happy to demonstrate their wrestling skills once they knew they were on camera but this is the best shot of all of them with their masks on. Que rico - as they say. It doesn't get richer than that.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tidbits since the Weekend
It's been a sleepy week and busier at work than I've ever been there. I've worked overtime (read comp time) every day in the pay period that ended today. Which is okay because I need the last week of May off for the move so I can use up a fraction of my accrued comp time. I think I have 70 hours last time I looked. And I've even stopped counting the times I work through lunch. I'm now accruing comp time on top of working through lunch and it's still not all getting done. Also, just yesterday, my new boss told me that he's not going to approve hiring a new secretary even though the department already approved it and we can easily justify the need based on the volume of people my staff supports. Everyone is overwhelmed and we're not going to get any support from this administration. I'm sad about my job because I used to like it so much. I liked driving to the island and I liked the people I worked with. Now, there's a new hierarchy being established with an unprofessional woman who holds a personal grudge against me and one of my employees. The politics that ensue are driving me to reconsider my place of employment yet again and I feel like I just got there. Some of this is driven by the massive number of deadlines that have all hit at once and I'm hoping things calm down as we move into June. So, this week at work, sucked.
However, this week NON-work was a fabulous contrast to that. Except for the fact that we've gone out 4 times this week - including tonight. On Wednesday night we were up til about 2:30 AM and up past midnight every other day.
We are just starting to pack some stuff. I keep freaking out that we're not nearly ready enough and that we're not gonna be packed in time. To which Chris continually replies, Yes we are! I can pack like a packing fiend. I'm only cautiously optimistic that this will be an eventuality. Tomorrow we're going to get boxes in the morning after getting the cars cleaned out and an oil change.
Dawn called yesterday and she and Jim were chosen by a birthmother who is having a little girl in August. The birthmother is 22 and a red-head. She chose them because of James' red hair. Also, she is apparently adopted and thought that Dawn looked like pictures of her own birthmother. Dawn said she and Jim are very excited. That Jim can't keep the grin off his face that he's going to be the daddy of a little girl. That it's all been totally worth the wait. That it's like all her dreams came true and her prayers were answered.
I'm sure.
On Tuesday night, Chelsea had a date with David. He took her to his band banquet at the Hilton on Clear Lake. You know, the one where that crazy lady ran over her cheatin' husband after catching him with the other woman, and then backed back over his body after running him down the first time with their daughter in the SUV. That one.
Anyways, she looked absolutely beautiful as you can tell from the picture. I'm attaching two.
One is of Chelsea and Colin - he thought she should stand under this flower bush but then stood in the shot with her which is cool.
The second one is Chelsea with her boyfriend David, who seems like a nice enough kid. He's smart and good conversation. He seems to like Chelsea well enough so that's cool.
This was our appetizer at Sushi Coast tonight. And I regret not snapping a photo of the actual entrees we ordered because they arrived with such presentation it was tantalizing but at that point I had chop sticks in hand and no time for cameras. What a delight a night out for sushi is for me and Chris. I'm so deliciously full. This appetizer is called Sushi Coast Nachos and included "magic spinach" in the middle. Each piece had some magic spinach inside as well. They were tunas wrapped around spinach and encrusted with crunchy goodness and topped with spicy goodness so that in the end each one was full of goodness.
So that's it for now. I'm going to be in packing and moving mode for the next two weeks. Please forgive any one-track-mindedness this blog may take on. That or my absence.
LOVE
However, this week NON-work was a fabulous contrast to that. Except for the fact that we've gone out 4 times this week - including tonight. On Wednesday night we were up til about 2:30 AM and up past midnight every other day.
We are just starting to pack some stuff. I keep freaking out that we're not nearly ready enough and that we're not gonna be packed in time. To which Chris continually replies, Yes we are! I can pack like a packing fiend. I'm only cautiously optimistic that this will be an eventuality. Tomorrow we're going to get boxes in the morning after getting the cars cleaned out and an oil change.
Dawn called yesterday and she and Jim were chosen by a birthmother who is having a little girl in August. The birthmother is 22 and a red-head. She chose them because of James' red hair. Also, she is apparently adopted and thought that Dawn looked like pictures of her own birthmother. Dawn said she and Jim are very excited. That Jim can't keep the grin off his face that he's going to be the daddy of a little girl. That it's all been totally worth the wait. That it's like all her dreams came true and her prayers were answered.
I'm sure.
On Tuesday night, Chelsea had a date with David. He took her to his band banquet at the Hilton on Clear Lake. You know, the one where that crazy lady ran over her cheatin' husband after catching him with the other woman, and then backed back over his body after running him down the first time with their daughter in the SUV. That one.
Anyways, she looked absolutely beautiful as you can tell from the picture. I'm attaching two.
One is of Chelsea and Colin - he thought she should stand under this flower bush but then stood in the shot with her which is cool.
The second one is Chelsea with her boyfriend David, who seems like a nice enough kid. He's smart and good conversation. He seems to like Chelsea well enough so that's cool.This was our appetizer at Sushi Coast tonight. And I regret not snapping a photo of the actual entrees we ordered because they arrived with such presentation it was tantalizing but at that point I had chop sticks in hand and no time for cameras. What a delight a night out for sushi is for me and Chris. I'm so deliciously full. This appetizer is called Sushi Coast Nachos and included "magic spinach" in the middle. Each piece had some magic spinach inside as well. They were tunas wrapped around spinach and encrusted with crunchy goodness and topped with spicy goodness so that in the end each one was full of goodness.
So that's it for now. I'm going to be in packing and moving mode for the next two weeks. Please forgive any one-track-mindedness this blog may take on. That or my absence.
LOVE
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