A Tuesday Quickie....

*I enjoyed dinner with two old friends tonight.  It was lovely catching up with them and being friends in real life.  I LOVE seeing friends in real life, since we mostly communicate via Facebook & Instagram.

*I'm really enjoying work.  So far, nothing feels overwhelming, which is great!  When I interviewed with them, it sounded like it would be 100x more difficult, but I'm glad I'm understanding everything coming my way.  It was a great boost of confidence today, when my trainer said I'm doing awesome and picking it all up very quickly.  I'm so grateful for all the job experiences that have led me to this point in life. 

*I'll be seeing my parents tomorrow.  I feel like every time I see them, they age a year older.  Oh my parents, I wonder what it would have been like to be friends with them at my age right now.  Isn't that something to think about.

*I'm excited for Valentine's Day/Weekend!!  I think I'm even more stoked to have Monday off so I can sleep in.  Seriously, I've been dragging myself out of bed every morning.  I don't know why I'm so exhausted?! Perhaps it's because I have to be at work an hour earlier than my last job and I have to leave an hour before I start (work is 12 miles away, but traffic is terrible!)  Anyways, back to Monday... Happy Sleep Day, to me!

*I just realized that tomorrow marks the 10 year anniversary of returning home from my mission.  Seriously, 10 years??!? Ten years since this picture!!  Wow.... I was so young, on so many levels. I'm so grateful for the life experiences that I've had since then.

*Now that I feel old, I should get to sleep.... It's already hard in the morning, no use making it any harder!  Good night, world!

I just might like working here...

Man, when Friday rolled around, I was DEFINITELY ready for the weekend!  I was ever so grateful that it was Friday.
So far, I like working here.  My trainer is terrific and my cubicle neighbor is always ready to help.  I like the rest of my cubicle mates/co-workers, they're all so nice and funny!  That totally makes the work day better!  If the morning traffic wasn't such an ordeal I would have nothing to gripe about.  Seriously, I enjoy working here, so far.  I'm stoked to see what lies ahead!
I've never worked in a cubicle before.  I've had desks in offices, but I'm new to the cubicle life.  I like it, it's different.  My cubicle is the first one, right on the corner, so anyone who walks into our side of the office automatically comes across mine first.  It's a drab sight.  I look at my cubby mates and their's are all decorated and lively, sadly mine and Matt's (my neighbor) are boring.  He's the only guy in our 7 member team, so it's kind of ok that his is on the minimalist side.  Tomorrow's my 4th day there, so that too is okay.  However, anytime I walk back to my cubicle, it's just a sad sight.  It's like it's obvious that I'm the new girl.  Luckily, on my first day, I brought along a tropical calender and bright pink picture frame of me & Levi.  This weekend, I made it a goal to get some more items.  We bought some plants for my desk, and magnetic picture frames I could hang on my top storage cabinet.  I made some marble/bubble magnets:

which I can't wait to place around my cubicle!  Aren't they just so unique and cool?! Love them and totally loved making them!  I bought a Chuck Norris desk calender, with lil ChuckNorris'ism for every day!  Can't wait!  I also bought a bottle of lotion, so I don't dry out from the office AC and antibac gel.  I feel like I would work better if my office space was more "Me"--warm, funny, lively and a lil unique.  I even started a Pinterest board....yes, I'm a nerd.  I can't wait to get to work tomorrow!!  Can't wait to see the cubicle come alive!

Dude, I survived!

Man, today was a VERY busy day!
First off, the traffic is pretty horrendous, especially since I have to drive by the local university. Ay caramba! 
I think I'm going to leave an hour before work, tomorrow.  Luckily, we have a parking garage so parking isn't a nightmare.  
I was with my trainer all day, learning the ins and outs of my job.  Luckily, I'm surrounded by nice people so I'll feel comfortable asking for help.  I like that everyone enjoys working there, that really helps make me feel more at ease with learning this new job.  I met 95% of everyone on our floor (there's 2.5 floors that belong to our firm), it was a bit overwhelming.  Today, I think I've come to realize, that with a name like mine, I do not have the luxury of being shy.  Out of all the people I met today, I think I can remember about 30% of their names.  I don't think I've gone into what it's like meeting people for the first time, with a name like mine.  I'll go more into that, tomorrow.  
My trainer said that I did really well, for my first day.  I like hearing that!  My cubicle neighbor said that on his first day, he went straight home and fell asleep until the next morning.  When I heard that at 10am this morning, I thought it was a bit much.  As 5pm rolled around, it sounded like the best idea ever!  So far, I like  my job and I don't feel overwhelmed, but we'll see what tomorrow brings.  

I wish I had a picture of my cubicle, but it's a lil boring right now since I'm barely movin' into the space.   For now, here's a picture of the break room.  I love love love how there's fresh fruit available for the taking, that's really terrific!  I like how well-stocked this break room is, especially since there's an ice machine and drinking water! Juuuuust perfect!  All in all, I think I'm going to definitely like working here.   I just feel so incredibly lucky that I landed this job!!  I definitely have counted my lucky stars and thanked my Heavenly Father.  My cup runneth o'er!

Tomorrow!

Dude, I start my new job tomorrow. I'm nervous.  I feel like I'm not quite prepared.  I have my messenger bag I need to pack with my new notebook & post-its, along with my pencil bag of writing utensils....yeah yeah, I'm a geek who loves stationary!  I feel like I should set my clothes out and get everything ready.  
I'm a lil nervous because I'm not exactly sure where to park and where exactly I should go once I get to the office...or who I need to talk with.  Dude.... now I'm really nervous. EEK!
The last couple jobs I had, I knew someone there, but now it's a whole new playing field.  New faces, new office, new area...just new all around.  Man... I just hope I hit the ground running, understand everything that's thrown my way and get along with everyone I work with. 
In the meantime, I'm trying to hype myself up with this little tune....

 

A new adventure on the horizon!

The day after tomorrow, I start my new job! I'm way stoked!  Two weeks ago, my General Manager said that the CEO wanted him to make some cuts, and sadly, I was one of them.  I thoroughly enjoyed working with them, but knew that it wouldn't go on forever.  Luckily, the next morning I found a job posting on Craigslist (I have such good luck finding the greatest "finds" on there!) sent in my cover letter, along with my resume and heard from them that very afternoon!  I was surprised!! I had an interview that next afternoon, and was told I would maybe hear back from them by next Wednesday.  As I was out shopping with Levi, Monday afternoon, my phone rang and they were asking me back for a second interview!  The next day I showed up and met with the department head......oh man, I was way nervous!!  That was a Tuesday, and I was told that my background check would take about 3-5 days.  However, I received a copy of my background check the next afternoon, so I figured I'd probably hear back from them by Friday....or at least I was hoping to!  Friday came and still nothing.....the next day was Eidde's wedding and I wanted to be able to enjoy the weekend!  I was a lil worried and even expressed my hopelessness to Levi.  As I was cleaning out my closet at my parents', my phone rang and it was the HR from the law firm.  She didn't sound too cheery, so I thought I didn't get it....til I suddenly heard, "We would like to extend the offer of the position...." and I was in like Flynn!  I was so stoked!!  I just had to call Levi to share the good news!  I'm way stoked!  Work will be about 12 minutes away and I even got offered the higher pay!  I'm way stoked to have luxury of medical, vision, & dental benefits again, as well as 401K and PTO/Sick time, after one month!  With all the great things this job has to offer, I'm a lil nervous cause I'm definitely going to need to hit the ground running!  EEEKKK!!! But I can do it! I've got this!
I'm just so happy with all that this job will bring.  I'm so grateful for this awesome blessing!  I'm grateful to a Heavenly Father who is ALWAYS aware of my needs, wants & desires and blesses me accordingly.  I can't help but get choked up in the thought of the specific blessings I receive.  My heart is ever so grateful. ♥

In the works......

*I had an interview for an office manager position today.  I hope I get it? Yes, that's a question mark. I also applied, tested and currently in the background check process for a position with the Sheriff's department.  I wish the process went A LOT faster.  I'm afraid to accept this office manager position and then a week later be notified for the Sheriff's dept.  I'd hate to leave him in a lurch.  Don't get me wrong, I'm truly grateful for both job opportunities! Oh to be an adult and "get to" make such grown up decisions!

*Church.....  I'm not feeling this new ward that I've been attending since October. I feel out of place and like a constant visitor there. I don't feel at home there.  Whenever I visit ANY of the wards of my home stake, I'm welcomed with hugs and warm greetings.  Plus, I'm tired of driving 20 miles, one way, just to go to church.  I think a possible ward change is in the works.... Also, as I've been working with the YW from my home ward, during their Volleyball season, I can't help but want a calling in YW or Primary.  I miss having a high demand calling. 

*Today is Chinese New Year.  It's my FAVORITE holiday!! Seriously, I love this day!!

Enjoyed a delicious Chinese dinner with the family and traded lil red envelopes.

*Life.....is hard!  I am realizing that more and more.  It feels like constant "sink or swim" moments. I've come to learn that as long as my nostrils are above water, every so often, I'll survive.  Breathe, Ehu...just breathe.

*I want a bike.  A cool beach cruiser bike.  Please & Thank You.  It would come in handy....especially after last Tuesday night....in which I'll blog about later.

*And I joined Pinterest....we'll see how long that lasts.

Lesson: Never Burn Bridges.

I don't remember the last time I was up this early (I started this post at 6am).  Not just up, but functioning.  I was able to find my lost resume online and now finished with it.  SO. DANG. GRATEFUL.  Also grateful that Word decided to cooperate with me. HUGE PLUS!!
So this past week I've had 4 job leads.  It's like the windows of heaven opened up and rained down on me. Two of them are with SD county, so I'll be testing for one of them tomorrow. The other two are with the church, one of which was a position I held before and LOVED!! It was seriously AWESOME! I loved what it was about, [all but one of] the people I worked with, the 2 mile proximity to my house, the hours, the benefits...it was just perfect!  The wicked awesome part of working with ChurchJob #1, it's a shoo-in for ChurchJob#2 (my old job).  ChurchJob#1 could either start in a week or in January---cross your fingers it's in a week! I want ChurchJob#2 so badly I can taste it. It's a miracle that the position is up for grabs, again.    
Yesterday, I called an old co-worker from ChurchJob#2 (who's still with the company).  We weren't really "co-workers" in the sense that we worked alongside each other every day, or every week.  She worked at a different location in southern California, in much higher position than mine.  She was my mentor and we got along very well.  When I left the company 5 years ago, she was sad to see me leave, but she understood the reason. [I could no longer work with a damn dishonest, deceiving, conniving, mean-spirited co-worker]. When I talked to her yesterday, I was pleased as punch that she remembered me!  I was nervous as heck, because I wasn't sure if she'd remember me or would help me out as a reference.  Not only would she help me out as a reference, but she said that she would put in a very good word with the manager and (hiring) field group manager--which also use to be co-worker of mine.  The awesome part of all of this is that she already put in a good word for me with my (hopefully) new manager, right after started he with the company. She told him, "it's unfortunate you never got to work the best clerk this company has ever had".  Needless to say, it was a VERY good phone call!  So glad I never burnt that bridge between her and I. 
I really truly hope I get that position again.  I've often kicked myself for walking out on that job.  I really don't have many regrets in life, but this has been my biggest one.  


(**update: I just found the CJ#2 manager on Facebook...damn, he's hot and single. Although some may see that as a good thing, I wish he wasn't...such a distraction!)

A foggy mind...

My mind feels cloudy...or foggy, whichever one is more difficult to see through.  

-I HATE doing my resume. I think it's right up there with traffic school & working on my car--I loathe those two things.  

-Yesterday, I felt like I was in total B! mode. My head was pounding due to the ash and burnt smell in the air.  I just felt like a crab and didn't want to be around anyone. I tried to sleep it off, but I think I woke up in a worst mood. I just stayed in my room, it's safer that way.  If ever I can avoid situations where I'm mean spirited and then having to apologize for it, then I do it.  

-I just need to shake this grey cloud that's over my head.  FAST! SOON!! 

-I'm starting to take a liking to my new ward. It's still not the same as CVYSA, but I can't keep that mentality. It's detrimental to liking and becoming part of this new ward.  I met more people this past Sunday.  I'm glad I joined ward choir, they're so nice and positive.  It's like instant friends.  I'm kinda looking forward to this Sunday, but this past Monday's FHE, I started to become introverted again. I got seriously shy. It just came on suddenly...I hope that doesn't happen on Sunday!

-I need to read something, soon.  I haven't read anything for the last 2 weeks and I feel stupid.  Ok, maybe that's extreme, but after coming off of reading 3 books, back-to-back, I NEED something to read, ASAP!!  What I need to do is contact my new sweet book hook up and start getting some books!!! 

-Ok that's all.......Happy Thursday!

Happy Pioneer Day!

Wow, I can't believe it's been 6 years since I entered the MTC!! 6 years!! Time flies so quickily!!

I was bored today.

The interview was about 5 minutes long and I only had to answer one question, which wasn't anything big. So I'll hear back them and could be starting as early as next week...which is funny because I've got a job training session w/ the school district on Monday. Hmm...we'll see about that. But I LOVE the area it's in--2 blocks from Balboa Park. I'm so stoked!! And I get Volleyball tonight too!! What a great day!!

Well, since I'm here...

I haven't blogged lately because I REALLY REALLY HATE the way my blog is showin' up (without the right column). That really bugs me!! GRRRR!!!! I almost feel like starting up a new one cause it's so discouraging to look at.

Today I woke up with a horendous toothache. The whole right side of my mouth was throbbing!! I thought I might have been grinding or clenching my teeth or something thru the night, but oh the joys of a toothache. Stupid chicken last night!!

I'm pretty excited for the 4th of July. I would have been EXTREMELY EXCITED....but this toothache is really putting a damper on the situation AND (upcoming TMI warning!!--------) Aunt Flo is in town this week :( lots of crappy cramps and ickyness goin' on. DANGIT!! The 4th of July is my FAVORITE holiday...I guess just not this year.

On the upside of life....my friend Tina told me about a position openin' up at her work that she wants me to fill. It's a front office position with an attorney's office. It sounds like a really great position, the pay is nice, awesome benefits....BUT it's 15 miles away (SD's average gas price: $4.40). I'm not crazy about the commute or dealing with traffic. All of the jobs I've ever had in my life were no farther than 2 miles away. Yes, I know, I've been very spoiled in that aspect. I'm just a little nervous. The part that makes me nervous is I'd also be the "middleman" between the office and the servers and apparently it gets a lil stressful at times. Other than that, it sounds like a cool job and it's in Downtown San Diego, oh well, we'll see....