Tomorrow, I am going with a real estate agent to look at homes for rent. I am leaving my husband.

Things are bad...really bad. He's angry and miserable and, apparently, I am the cause of all his misery. When I told him that I could be out of the house by April 1st, his response was, "I could not care less". A few hours later he apologized and told me that he "divorce is against his beliefs". Not, "I want to work this out, I love you and will do whatever it takes"....

Meanwhile, my anger and sadness goes back 5 years. I've begged him to go to counseling with me - he refuses, I've told him clearly and succinctly what I need from him. He doesn't care. I'm tired of not being considered as a partner in our relationship. He makes major purchases ($1500 guitar...not once but 3 times) without even talking to me...why? Because he made more money than me...like $20K more per year. Which got brought up every time he wanted to belittle my financial contribution. Also, I get NO emotional support from him at all. When I was up for a MAJOR professional award and asked him to go to the dinner (where the winner would be announced), his response was, "Why would I want to sit around in a suit and hear you talk about work with people I don't know?". This is just one example of his lack of support and respect for me. 

It's gotten to where I can't stand coming home anymore. Home should be my haven, a safe place - free of constant criticism and anger. I'm sad that it's come to this but I'm looking forward to some breathing room.

When I was a kid...one of my BEST memories was spending time singing with my dad. He would get out his acoustic guitar and this....book - more like a binder...that looked as if it had been involved in the Big Bang...by that, I mean, order out of chaos.

The "binder" was orange - kinda...and pink - kinda...and had a weird psychedelic pattern on it. I didn't know that it was "psychedelic" - I was probably 6 years old when I first saw it.

When he opened it up, musical score sheets - guitar chord sheets - lyric sheets - album cover art - HIS art (my dad is an amazing artist)- would all tumble out and whatever sheet landed face up would be our first "number".

The music...
People thought it was pretty amazing (and amusing) that a 7 year old girl knew all of the words and melodies to Eleanor Rigby, Horse with No Name, Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Sounds of Silence...etc. All of those songs were great but, for some reason, the song that I loved to sing with my dad the most was Suzanne by Leonard Cohen.

My dad would play the guitar and harmonize with me while I sang the melody. The song has haunted me all of these years. Something about this phrase:

She'll feed you tea and oranges that come all the way from China

I don't know - the way my dad sounded when he sang it made it sound as if tea and oranges from China were the most amazing and exotic items that one person could feed to another. When my dad sang "Suzanne" - he really sounded like he was in love with her...this woman who "has touched your perfect body with her mind"...and I guess, I fell in love with her a little too.

So that's where my love of Leonard Cohen began...then, one day, I heard a song by him that, for some reason, I hadn't heard before. If It Be Your Will. Now, Leonard doesn't have the greatest voice *cough* understatement *cough* but this song is my new Suzanne. 

I never blog about music...why? I LOVE music and have varied tastes and strong opinions. So here's what's in my head....

I was thinking about a conversation I had with my best friend. I had called him to tell him that I had just purchased a mini van. It was kinda cool as mini vans go. Tinted windows and a spoiler (seriously...a fucking spoiler!), power rear windows and side doors. I was telling him about all of the features and the great deal I had gotten. He listened patiently and when I paused for a breath, he sighed and said, "There went the LAST of your cool points." I was dumbstruck...because I realized how fucking TRUE it was. Then I started laughing so hard that I peed a little.

As I was driving home this evening, I had my cool Zune hooked into the stereo of my 2006 Honda (company car...I think I got some cool points back) when what song should pop up? "Slip Slidin' Away" by Paul Simon. I remember as a teenager, laughing hysterically at that song - at how stupid it was...I've loved Paul Simon since I was a little kid but I thought that song was shit. As I was listening to the lyrics and really trying to understand what he was saying, I realized..."wow, this song IS shit" and I deleted it from my Zune.**

**For you Paul Simon fans who try to tell me differently...listen to the FUCKING lyrics. Harry Chapin did those kinds of songs MUCH better.

But I digress, I would "normally" be embarassed if someone found out that I had that song (and several others) on my mp3 player...because it means I consciously CHOSE to add that song(and several others) to my playlist. Guilty pleasures are interspersed with some great music...so I have decided to take a chance that I'll be "outed" for the dork that I am. In shuffle mode, I'm going to list the 1st 10 songs that pop up....okay, I'm scared and excited all at once...can't wait to see what happens...wait, the thing is - oh, okay, hold on, here it comes....can we stop for a moment and comment on how amazing it is that I can type and work my Zune thingy at the same time?....

1) The Boxer - Paul Simon *see - TOLD you I like him
2) Still Thrives this Love - k.d. Lang - not saying anything
3) Save Me - Aimee Mann from the Magnolia Soundtrack - I will break your neck if you say a WORD against Aimee Mann...seriously...I'll send people to your house.

So, that's 3...oh....save meeeeee...hold on a sec....from the ranks of the freaks who could never love anyone....sorry - got distracted..okay

4) That Girl Could Sing - Jackson Browne - had a MAJOR crush on him since I was a kid...which led to my dating Jerry Thomas who looked EXACTLY like him.....mmmmm Jerrrrry - what a cute boy he was...sigh.

5) Southern Man - Neil Young - this song STILL gives me chills every time I hear it...still.
6) Refugee - Tom Petty...love his voice, love love love his voice.
7) Rusty Cage - Soundgarten...say what you will about grunge - Chris Cornell has an EXTRAORDINARY voice

8) I will follow - U2...no idea...not a bad song but *shrugging*
9) Mr Jones - Counting Crows - another band that became hack but I love that ugly dude's voice...how did he get such hot chicks? I never bought the "little boy lost" gimmick. I love his voice but not enough - to - you know....

and for the FINAL SONG....

10) Joey - Concrete Blonde...

major disappointment this is number 10..frown..don't even REALLY like that song.

Oh LOOK! Number 11 is Leonard Cohen "If It Be Thy Will"!!!! Can I use that one instead???? Great! Thanks!

Tomorrow - why Leonard Cohen is my "Dream Date"....


Zune Thingy
 

It's been two weeks since I've posted...tsk tsk to me. I've been extremely busy at my new job. Even though I'm crazy busy, it's oddly rejuvenating. The people I work with are extremely cool - it's a very laid back crew...just as they seemed to be in the interview. They all work really hard but no one really sticks to a schedule and no one checks on me...ever!

At the end of my first "week" (I started on a Wednesday), I sent my boss an email with the following week's schedule...(my "to do" list) as well as informing him that I had a personal appointment that week and would have to "punch out" a little early one day. His response?

"No need to report all your comings and goings. Keep me apprised of developments and update your calendar and we are all god."

He was responding using his phone so - either, he made a common spelling error OR he's pushing some kinda Buddhist agenda which is inappropriate in a work setting....anyhoodle. I was quite happy to receive his response and I make it a point of going into his office once a week to tell him that I'm NOT going to tell him where I'm going or what I'm doing that day. He seems to enjoy me...but who knows?

Obviously, there's not a lot of supervision, but this also means that there's very little guidance and there's certainly no "training". I've always been a self-starter so it's fun but it's also tempting to fuck off sometimes.

Also, I don't have an office of my own yet...I'm currently using a small conference room as a "work space" *sidenote* when I showed the "workspace" to my son, he said, "work space or office?" - you fans of The Office will understand why I peed a little.

My office is almost completed. It's nice to work for a developer that owns it's own construction company. Despite not having an office, I've actually made a few pissed off tenants really happy by resolving outstanding issues. Not bad for my first 3 weeks.

Okay, so I had this hummingbird design in mind for my tattoo blah blah blah. I found a better more colorful design that isn't as "hack" as a hummingbird. Lots of people get hummingbird tattoos and I wanted something as a memorial to my Nanny - a woman as colorful and unique as my tattoo....yes, I got it....last night. It took 4 hours. Tattoos are less painful when you're a big huge fat chick. Fat pads bones...tattoo needle + bone = ow!

But I love it and would do it all over again!

The background will be pink when the blood spots disappear.

So I only worked 3 days last week but so far so good. It's obvious that there's no micro-managing here and everyone treats everyone else like an adult...of course it's still early. I've already picked which of the partners is perceived by everyone to be "an asshole". He reminds me of another person (who I shall refer to as "M")who was perceived that way but I got along splendidly with him.

In fact, "M" was a wonderful mentor to me and helped get me promoted every way he could (at my old job). After he left (back in 2003) - he continued to keep in contact with me...we remain friends to this day.

On the other hand, M had certain (extremely reasonable) expectations and as long as they were met - he was a wonderful person to work with....additionally, he never treated me poorly in any way. So, I'm going with the notion that even though this new guy is NOT M, I'm not going to let other's perceptions color my dealings with him...and if he turns out to actually BE an asshole, I promise you'll hear about it.

I have a lot of work to do - I'm basically setting up the mgmt company...from the ground up. I'm so EXCITED! I feel motivated once again. It's been so long since I truly looked forward to Mondays.

Six months from now I may be eating my words but right now I'm happy and happy is good.

and although it was over quickly...I must admit that I'm glad it's over. I will finally be able to relax this week.

Last Tuesday, I went down to visit my mom in DC and accompanied her to her company Christmas Party in Falls Church. It was at a lovely little French restaurant with impeccable food. I had the Lobster Bisque and tasted my mom's escargot (which I really liked). The main course was Filet Mignon (the only recognizable thing on the menu...I'm a French Food retard) with little teeny tiny fresh green beans...they were ADORABLE! Someone who works for the company decided to "share" a bottle of 1910 wine...some kind of desert wine. Hmph. Desert my ASS. It was NASTY...tasted like someone peed into a bottle full of gasoline. As everyone else "oohed" and "aaaahed", I tried not to throw up in my mouth as I gulped my iced tea. 1910 should have KEPT that shit. Ugh...nastiness.

Wednesday night, I went out with some of my tenants who wanted to do a goodbye happy hour for me. So sweet! I had 2 drinks, some delicious bar food and went home.

Spent the rest of the week running around like crazy. Filled my gas tank up 3 times within 7 days!!! That means that I drove over 700 miles since Tuesday. I thought my time off from work would be relaxing...

Had a fabulous time with my best friend and went to his mom's house on Sunday for brunch. Ended up staying there until well past 8:00 - which was really fun! The funniest part was watching him get SO irritated with his mother. It amused me...mostly because when my mother irritates me - he gets perversely delighted. It's part revenge and part joy - just seeing "the look" on his face. Those of us with mothers know "the look" well.

My mom was here from Monday until today. The look was plentiful. It was a pleasant visit although I found out that there is something "wrong" with the fact that I don't decorate for Christmas. I do a very lovely tree and sometimes manage to get lights up on the bushes outside but other than that...

In my neighborhood (central Suburban Hell) there is a contest to see who can light up their homes in the gaudiest fashion. Late at night, I fantasize about roaming the streets with a knife, poking holes in all of the inflatable santas, snow globes, penguins, and carosels. I want to slash them all until they topple limply in their perfectly mowed front lawns. Then I would pee on the colorful flaccid plastic and laugh and laugh.

For Christmas, my hubby gave me a gift certificate to a tattoo place that I've been mentioning for the past year...mentioning = nagging to death. I want to get a memorial tattoo for my grandmother. She loved hummingbirds and gardenias so I have a basic design in mind. I'm really hoping that one of the artists there can capture what I want...and imbed it into my skin with a really sharp dirty needle.

I know that people have different ideas about tattoos...blah blah blah. I love good art work - no matter the medium. The only requirement I have (FOR MYSELF) with regards to a tattoo is that I think on it for awhile. I currently have 1 tattoo that I've had for 15 years. I first got the idea for the tattoo and waited for 3 years to be absolutely sure I wanted it. I've never regretted getting it. The idea for the memorial tattoo for my Nanny came to me several years ago but I only settled on a design idea about 4 years ago. I'm sure I want this. The only iffy thing is that I wanted it on my upper arm. Due to the amount of loose skin, however, I'm worried that if I ever get the $ for plastics - it'll screw up the tattoo. We'll see though. There's always the shoulder blade.

So there's that...more later...maybe.

Catching up....

Former company went back to the client to see if my demands could be met. Client thought it over and passed. The asset mgr said that he thought I would be happier in my new position. This actually makes things much easier for me. If they had accepted my terms, I STILL would have had major trepidations about going back. "Bob" being the biggest...the "can you work for him for just 6 more months" thing really stuck in my head. My friend the Blog Dog made a very wise comment (see prior entry somewhere - if I was really good at this there would be a link thingy to his comment right here for you to click on but I'm a Global Village Idiot) about the fact that once I came back - there would be no "urgency" to get me out from under him...so to speak...ewwww, the thought made me throw up in my mouth a little.

Okay - so onward and upward I go. Happy to no longer be looking back.

My BEST BEST BEST friend is coming in tonight. I'm picking him up from the airport at 8:00 tonight. I am so freaking excited. The last time I saw him, he was in a hospital with tubes everywhere. He had a kidney infarction (who knew kidneys could do such a thing as infarct?) and we were all scared and worried. He is doing just fine now...and we plan to spend some time with cocktails in my hot tub tonight. Cold outside, 104 degrees of bubbling water, vodka, and my best friend...I am a happy happy girl today! He and I have been friends for 33 years...we lived next door to each other from age 6 to 13. We have stayed in touch ever since. He lives in Atlanta but we talk 4-5 times a week.

His phone calls are so funny. I'll answer and he'll just start with whatever he wanted to tell me. "Hello" "Okay, so I was out with Barry the other night and this old man was trying to cruise me and it was obvious I wasn't into him but he insisted on trying to buy me drinks and...." I can be in the middle of a meeting or dinner or anything! He just goes right into it...oh! and his movie reviews are the most brilliant I've ever heard in my life! I'll have to have him recite one to me for this blog sometime. Of course, it's only really good when he HATES a movie. His review of Lord of the Rings was probably the funniest shit I've heard out of another human EVER. He makes me laugh, he's always there for me no matter what. He's the most supportive person in my life and I love him more than a brother or family member...he's more like my right arm.

I hope that everyone else has friends (at least 1) like this in their lives. It is my Christmas wish for all of you! If you DO have this person in your life - tell them...tell them now. When I thought I was going to lose him over the summer, it scared the hell out of me and I will never let a whole year go by without telling him how much I love and need him in my life.

Have a wonderful holiday and be SAFE!!!!

Here is a sample of "A Day in the Life" at work with my boss.
For those who are new, I recently resigned as the Assistant General Manager of 2 class A buildings (and one Class B - but I really think it's a "C" cause it suCks). Class A buildings typically have on-site management and very HIGH end tenants. Class "A" appointments (marble lobbies, tenant amenities, hell, even our elevators are beautiful. My "boss" is the General Manager and has been a thorn in my side for many many years.

I documented this day because we were in the midst of a building emergency. A sprinkler head had burst in a mechanical room on the 4th floor. For those who don't know, a commercial building's fire suppression system (sprinkler heads and alarms) are heavy duty. A single sprinkler head pumps hundreds of gallons of water a MINUTE. Time is precious when one of these things goes rogue and just breaks...an hour after the 4th floor sprinkler head went kaplooey...a head broke on the 10th floor. A very large (but not the largest) tenant space.

While building emergencies are somewhat unusual, my former boss's reactions and our interaction were quite usual. I had originally planned to keep a weekly "Bob (not his real name) Log", however, there was really TOOOOOOO much writing involved. I was barely keeping my head above water some days and his constant interruptions with inane questions were a daily occurrence that I'd sooner forget. However, after reading the documentation that I kept - my husband said that I should write a book with nothing but "Bob Log" type entries. I guarantee you that a whole book of that would get boring. How do I know??? Because I fucking LIVED it.

You should also know that the ONLY thing Bob really does is lease tenant spaces. He's very good at the leasing process but once the lease is signed...it's pointless to ask him ANY questions about what's actually IN the lease or what certain legal terms mean.

"Art" is my Senior Chief Engineer whom I dearly love and who is the BEST building maintenance engineer in the world.

So - without further ado....

"A Day in the Life"...a Bob Log entry

1/24/05 – 8:00 a.m.

• Received a call (at home) from Art on the Nextel. A sprinkler head on the 4th floor had burst. When a sprinkler head bursts - the sudden flow of water triggers the fire alarm. When the fire alarm goes off - the building is automatically evacuated. Luckily, my 850 person building was MOSTLY empty at 8:00 am. However, the 4th floor belongs to my largest tenant and has staff 24 hours a day - why? Because it is their DATA CENTER - nothing but computers and servers.

• I called a restoration service and arranged for them to be on site ASAP. The soonest that they could get a crew on site was 10 a.m. Told them that was unacceptable and to PLEASE get back to me with an ETA before 10.

• I began to get ready for work (I had taken the day off) and got a second call from Art – another sprinkler head on the 10th floor had broken.

• I called the restoration service back and they said that the owner of the company was on his way with 2 guys and they should be there by 9 a.m.

• Received a voice mail message on my Nextel from Bob stating that the building was in alarm and he needed someone in the office. I left him a message stating that I was on my way in and the restoration service was also on their way.

• Got to the building at 9:00 a.m. – I went up to the 4th and 10th floors to assess the damages and began to research a situation with Security from Sunday. Apparently, a security guard allowed an HVAC mechanic to have access to the Penthouse and Cooling Tower without prior authorization from engineering. The mechanic pushed a button which open the outside air fan – this pulled in cold air from outside (overnight temps were below 10 degrees). The building had no heat thereby freezing the sprinkler heads. As the temperatures rose, the sprinkler heads burst. I explained all of this to Bob as soon as I found out – approx 10 a.m.

• Called and spoke to the security ops supervisor, site supervisor and guard.

• Spoke to the rest. mgr who had hired the mechanic.

• Was also in communication with the restoration service who was gathering crew members from another site downtown.

• Bob suggested that we all get together to meet “right now”. I told him that it would be best to meet at a later time as the engineers and I were very busy trying to coordinate the clean up efforts in the tenant spaces. Additionally, I was still investigating what had happened. The engineers pointed at security, security was pointing at the rest. mgr., the rest mgr was pointing at the HVAC guy, who was pointing back at Security. Meanwhile, the tenants were pointing at US and we needed to get the spaces cleaned up quickly.
Bob ignored this and told me to check with Art – Art (of course) concurred with me. In addition to the huge messes on the 4th and 10th floors, none of the tenants had heat...did I forget to mention this earlier? None of the tenants had heat...it was 25 degrees outside.

• Bob asked me to explain again exactly what had happened. I explained again that I was still investigating – talking to security representatives but gave him the same explanation that I had given at 10.

• Bob asked me to contact our insurance company to let them know that the building’s fire suppression system had been shut off. I was quite impressed that he had such a thought...I had Cindy (my asst) contact them an hour before but still...he was actually THINKING!!!!Found out later that Bob had asked Art, “What can I do to help you?” Art told him to call the ins. co. and Bob immediately came to the office and directed me to do this. Immediately after this – Bob left the site and was gone for an hour.

• At 12:30, I was at lunch at my desk - between phone calls when Bob returned. He told me that when entered the garage, there was a lot of snow and people’s cars were "sliding around". I told him that I would call the garage mgr to have her take care of it. Then he informed me that he would be talking to our tenants and wanted to find out exactly what the tenants had been told by engineering and management. I immediately contacted the individuals on the engineering staff as well as Cindy and they confirmed that the tenants had only been told that there was a problem with the heating system and that we were investigating. When I passed this information along to Bob (within 5 minutes of his asking), his only response was “Have you called the garage mgr about the snow at Bankers Way?” Cindy contacted the garage mgr and the issue was resolved.

• I was in communication with our engineering and janitorial staff – making sure we had enough crew members to get everything cleaned up. I checked with Art to make sure that when the fire suppression system came back online that we would have no more sprinkler heads breaking. He assured me that there would be one person on each floor from 3rd to the 10th to check for leaks. I passed this information along to Bob.

• Bob was up on the 10th floor speaking to a tenant when the system came back online. Apparently a sprinkler head broke in the mechanical room on 10. The sprinkler head mechanic was in the room when the head broke and the system was again shut down. Bob’s comment to me was that it made us “look like idiots” to the tenant.

• As I was helping Cindy get the owner’s report together (had to be sent that afternoon), Bob came to me and said, “I just got a message from Allan (the CEO of our largest tenant) – do you have any idea why he’s calling?” I told him that I didn’t. He then asked me AGAIN exactly what happened and why the sprinkler heads broke. I explained it again – as I had done 2 times previously.

• Bob came to me after speaking with Allan. Allan informed him that the building evacuation (the first time the alarms had gone off) cost his company $35,000 in revenue. He wanted to know how the Landlord planned to compensate them. I informed Bob that the lease indemnifies the Landlord from money lost as a result of building issues. He stated that he didn’t realize that and it’s a good thing that I know "all this stuff".

So, as you know, Friday was my last day at work. My boss decided to combine our annual "Holiday" (Christmas) luncheon with my going away party. That was fine with me. We had a great lunch. My boss made a 2 sentence speech about my quitting and that was it. My team each gave me gifts and cards. Some of my vendors bought me gifts (good-bye gifts) and my security team not only bought me a gift but everyone signed the card with very sweet sentiments. My boss gave me....zilch. No card no nothing. He didn't even take me aside to thank me for my EIGHT YEARS of doing HIS fucking job. He didn't even send me an email...nothing.

On Sunday morning, I received a call from the Regional Vice President. He wanted to talk to me about why I was leaving. I told him. I didn't put on the phony "Better opportunity" blah blah blah. I told him that I was tired of doing _____'s job while he collected the paycheck.**

Then he said, "Well, between you and I, I talked to the client (the building owner) and they said that you do all the work at the property and they aren't exactly sure what _____ does all day. So, what does he do all day?" Hmmmmm, well, he makes Leasing calls and he's really good at leasing. But otherwise, he makes more work for the rest of the team...non-productive work. He is a cost center.

Then he said, "What can we do to keep you?" I said, "$25K more a year, ______'s title, and I DO NOT want to report to him." He said, "I'm going to go back to the client tomorrow and discuss this with them. I'll call you after I speak with them."

So he called me today to tell me that he hasn't gotten in touch with them yet. Nice of him to follow up though! One thing he asked was if I could work for ______ for another 6 months (so they can find something else for him).

My initial response was yes but as I think about it....6 months? I KNOW that the 6 will turn into 8, then 10, then a year. I really CAN'T work for him anymore. Perhaps I'll tell him that I'll go ahead and start at the new company and if/when they find another spot for _______, then I'll jump onboard.

My dilemma is that I LOVE the company - they are a GREAT company (Forbes top 100 to work for)and there IS lots of room for growth. The problem is that the person directly above me isn't the least bit concerned about my professional growth. In fact, he sometimes seems scared by it.

I really feel like I didn't finish what I started. I started at the property as an accounting assistant - paying invoices, etc and worked my way up. I wanted to leave the company as the official General Manager instead of the ASSISTANT GM. I know that I was DOING the work of the GM but I never got the title or salary or bonus package that went with it.

Ultimately, I guess I'll just wait to see what happens...that's what life is all about right?

day at work for me! My going away luncheon is today. My co-workers are so happy that I'm going away that they are giving me a party. teeheeee! So far, I've had lots of tenants say how sorry they are to see me go. My building vendors and contractors and my co-workers all seem heartbroken to see me go but happy for my exciting new opportunity. My boss...well, he doesn't seem to be the least bit fazed. Not to me, anyway.

He just got back from our Manager's conference...he wasn't planning on going (despite the word "mandatory") in the corp emails. I, being the good little drone, had all my travel arrangements and seminars lined up for the entire conference. So, since I had done all of the work, instead of letting me go to the conference (to say goodbye to colleagues from all over the country as well as our corporate office), he just had me switch all of the arrangements over to his name.

While I understand his logic for my not going - the fact that I made everything so easy for him....once again.

Oh yeah, and while he was at the conference, I received a panicked email from him. He had tried to go on our company intranet to set his out of office message for his email and couldn't find it. Ummmmm....yeah. That's cause it's not there...never has been. So, for the 200th time, I showed him how to get on his company webmail account and pointed and clicked him in the right direction....for the 200th time. Seriously...200. So, I'm glad that he's so laid back about my leaving. I'm sure he'll be fine.

This is officially my last week at work...8 years is the longest I've ever held a job and this is going to be rough. The people I work with are truly like family and I'm going to miss them terribly. This is the downside of drastic life changes. Some of the people I worked with, will always be my friends....but others....welllllll.

This week is going to be busy. I have 2 property tours to conduct (my boss is out of town until Thursday), Thursday is my "going away" lunch, and Friday morning we have our huge Tenant Holiday Breakfast then it's off to our Association holiday party. Lots going on this week so why am I still sitting here in my bathrobe at 9:22 am? I have to go get ready for work now.

that's the most distance between my dog and I when we are in the house together. When I sit at the computer, when I exercise, when I take the laundry down, etc etc. He's always there. Either showing me the way or following me(yes, even in to the bathroom) he is ever present. My sweet little Petey. He lays on his stomach as if worshiping some doggy deity...no really, completely prostrate - fuzzy little arms stretched in front of him with his flat little puggy face smashed into the carpet. It starts as a "kitty stretch". He begins walking, then suddenly stops...lifts his butt waaaaay up in the air and stretches his paws directly in front of him. Sometimes, this will feel so good, that his butt will follow his paws and just plop down. And there he will lay...in his puggy hugeness...directly in my walking path. Ummmm, hellllo, move Petey. Then I get the look....the "what could possibly be better than laying right here in this spot?" look.
He snorts, he snores and sometimes, he climbs up on my chest - stares me right in the face...nose to nose like an old western...and then *sneeze*. Right in my face. He sucks. The worst part is that after sneezing in (and all over) my face - his expression remains completely unchanged. Why am I in love with a being that abuses me so????

BEFORE




AFTER

Eight years ago - I knew my current job was ending and the only plans I had were to stay at home and catch up on the Flintstones...then a job offer came in. The salary was okay - the company was fantastic and the best part was that I could start in less than 3 weeks after my current job ended. For eight years, I worked for the company - worked my way up into Senior Management (from a clerical position). The company made sure that I was rewarded for my efforts...I put my heart and soul into this job but then....BAM! Glass ceiling. Yes, it does still exist. Imagine my surprise when I moved into my current senior management position and found that the MAN who did the job before me, started out at a salary $20K higher than when I took over his position. The MAN had been with the company for 2 years before leaving (by the way - when he started - I was the one who trained him). After 4 years in this position, I am now making what he made the day he started. I am also ready to move upward and take the next step in my career but, there is no where for me to go with the company unless I move to DC. I don't want to move back to DC. It was a tough choice but I knew it was time to go.
Anyway, I have had wonderful opportunities to learn and grow professionally as well as personally. I have made some wonderful - hopefully life long - friends at this company.

I gave my letter of resignation to my boss on Tuesday. Starting a new venture is very exciting and I'm really looking FORWARD to new challenges but I'm also looking BACKWARD and I feel a bit sad. On the other hand, when I'm asked to do something by my boss, it's fun to say, "Ummm, sorry, I don't work here anymore". Yeah, it's a joke but it's still fun to say.

Had a great time in Winchester with the fam. Great to get giggly with my baby sister (10 years my junio but my same sense of humor). Wonderful to see my brother and sister-in-law as well! My sister in law is one of those people who knows how to throw a party! Decorations and food and ambiance were perfect. I had a blast. Also, to get precious time with my Dad and Mom was awesome.

Things are looking up!!! I got a call from a developer that I've interviewed with twice in the past few weeks. They want to extend an offer...and include a company car! I hope that doesn't take too big of a bite out of the salary. I should have it by the end of the week. I feel so good about this. Both times I interviewed, there was more than one interviewer. But, both times, I felt very comfortable. Not nervous at all. Just had a normal conversation - basically talking shop - with all of the partners of the firm. So, hopefully, I'll have good news to share with my boss (that was sarcasm for those of you who couldn't smell it).

Anywhoooo - I want to give a special shout out to Rocky Racoon! Mwaaah! Crab cakes are delicious!