Not to say that I’m not always thankful — but it definitely helps to see all I have if I make an effort to publicly acknowledge what I’m thankful for!
This week I am once again thankful to have a job 🙂 Especially since *last* week I had heard that as of next Tuesday I would *not* have this job! Lucky for me the manager I’d be doing my actual work for – not the one who was paying me! – is moving me into her group. Which is NOT being absorbed into other groups at this time. So I’m “safe” until the end of June. On Paper. So far.
So now I can REALLY look forward to my first ever trip to Bermuda this weekend – and you know you can’t wait to hear about this one!!
In addition to starting the Working From Home part of my job – for real this time! – today was also a big Christmas prep day. And that means MUSIC! Today’s song is one that I love to listen to, no matter who is singing it!
The version I’m sharing today is by the fabulous Harry Belafonte and gets to the real point of the Christmas season.
I managed to make some meringue cookies today – one batch had cherries and pecans and another was a chocolate meringue . I had to test them and I approve! 🙂  Also mixed up some sugar cookies for decorating and will probably bake those this weekend.
I’m on the hunt for my mom’s peppermint cookie recipe …it’s in here somewhere!! Its’s a very crumbly cookie with chopped pecans and a filling of crushed up peppermints!Â
And, oh yeah, that running thing? I think I’m almost ready to get back on the road and I cannot WAIT!!
No no!! Not that kind of New Kid!! (But, hey, Bonus! You get to have a song stuck in your head all day too!!)
I’ve been writing this in pencil these days!!
Today I’m supposed to start a new job. Now, I’ve been doing contract work for the last 9 years (Yikes!! NINE YEARS?!!?) and have been pretty fortunate to move smoothly from one job to another. I’ve had only one long stretch of unemployment – 9 months – which was fine since it gave me the opportunity to spend more time in Houston when my mom was in the hospital. But I digress 🙂
I had a job earlier this summer. But it didn’t pay enough (though it paid more than nothing so I should’ve just been thankful!!) and eventually I was replaced at that client and started the hunt for something new. I had my heart set on this. one. job! I turned down a job that would have required an 80 mile a day commute (and I am very thankful for this after listening to some afternoon traffic reports in that area!)
I do not have the patience to sit in this every day!!
Eventually I was told that the job I really wanted was mine and I would be starting a couple of days after I came home from Wine and Dine. So I woke up that Wednesday morning, hopped in the shower and waited. Waited to hear from someone telling me what I needed to do to get started! Â And I waited some more. And then I realized that I wouldn’t be starting on Wednesday. So probably maybe tomorrow? Or Friday? Heck, I’d even settle for starting on Monday.
Which brings us to … Dun Dun Dun…today 🙂 I figured nothing would bring information out (of the “please show up in Wallingford by 9 am” sort) faster than not showering when I woke up. When 8:30 approached I then decided that getting in the shower was SURE to set the phone ringing and dinging with calls and emails and messages.
That didn’t happen. So I fired off my first message of the day “I still haven’t heard anything”. Somewhere on the other end of the line was a flurry of activity – calls being made, information passed on. Eventually word came that I would hear from *someone* between noon and five regarding orientation and my laptop was ready to be picked up.
So, finally around 3-ish I did hear from my new manager/person I’m taking over for and there was a conference call at 4:30 to figure out how we’re going to get me going! I will either have to go into the office at some point (soon? I hope!) to pick up my computer or it is going to be FedEx’d to me. And I will have to learn to use my “dongle”…yeah. Stop laughing!!
Don’t know if this is what my key looks like…
This device will henceforth be called, by me, a “key”. Â Here’s hoping the key comes soon and I can get started!!
Needless to say, I am really looking forward to being a productive part of society again!!
Well, what’s up on this particular Wednesday is that I Got A Job!!
Now, I wasn’t unemployed for a terribly long time this go-around (it’s been as long as 9 months in the past!) but due to circumstances I was not as financially prepared for ANY unemployment (Hey, I’m paying off my runDisney addiction!)
I will be working from home (yay!) and my direct manager lives a couple of towns over so we will be able to meet for lunch/coffee as needed. And, should I ever need to go to the office, it’s a short 15 minute drive!
Guessing that I’ll start when I get back from Wine and Dine which means that I can relax on this trip and enjoy myself without over-thinking every penny.
And I will be more than thrilled to build my savings back up and get my credit back under control so I can refinance the house while the rates are still low-ish!
This is how my savings accounts look right about now…
So, it looks like I will be celebrating for a few days! Maybe I’ll splurge on Five Guys tonight even!!
I have a job interview in a couple of hours. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed.
Thanks to thegodboxproject.com
I first talked to someone about this back in late September (which isn’t as far away as it feels!). Maybe I’ll have something to celebrate this weekend!
AND…next weekend is the NYC Marathon. I’m not running, but I’ll be there on the sidelines cheering my little heart out! So look for me around mile 18 probably. More details on that next week!
THEN…my final runDisney event of this epically Magic year – the Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend! My sister-in-law very generously “gave” up her DVC points for us to make this a big celebrating weekend – some of my friends, some of her friends, and even a small subset of “our” friend(s)! One of my girls is going to do the Jingle Jungle 5K with me and THREE of them are doing the Half with me that night. And it’s a first time half marathon for Cate! And I am LOVING everyone’s attitude about the weekend!!
One of the things I’ve been most concerned about, this being Disney and all, is WHAT TO WEAR??! Besides my tiara that is…Things are still in the planning stage, but I’m going to be joining the DisBroads in representing the World Showcase countries involved in the International Food and Wine Festival. Yay!! Can’t wait to dance 13.1 with the Broads! While they aren’t officially an EPCOT country, I will be representing the Mother Land. Yes. Ireland!
So very very much to do in the next few days!!
Hope everyone had a SUPER weekend!!! Get out and enjoy!!!
outrunningthefork 