"Does the sausage have bones?"

- a girl at the baseball game last night. She was serious.

Sarah H. was right....baseball in the box was a good time. It was a double headers and I didnt quite make it that long. But, two hot dogs, an ice cream sundae a few cokes and two beers later, I was ready to go.home. :)

So, I've been working quite hard lately...speeches here, communication strategies there, motivational movies there, yada yada.. Anyway, just when I thought I could have dropped the ball on something, I got an email from one of the "higher-up" vice pres I'm assisting...It was in response to a speech I'd sent him earlier that day. It was a simple "Your wonderful." Yes, he spelled you're wrong (evidencing why I have my job)...but.. the sentiment was awesome. I love my job. :)

Anyway, speaking of jobs, guess who is getting some bites on his resume? Yup. The Boyfriend. :) He's got an interview with someone in Taiwan (yes, I'm serious) tonight and has had an informal interview in Chicago that might turn into something! He just got another bite last night asking for more info from him in Beijing! Obviously nothing is 100% yet...or even 50%...but getting bites feels good (not literally, but ya know). I'm pretty sure some places he's applying might try to eat Gracie, but...well..that's a bridge we'll cross when we get there.

Sara and I took a funny pic with the Drillers mascot that I'll have to post later along with weekend pics. :)

Oh..and I came home on Sat night to find my fan making a weird noise....and then experienced it RAINING from the fan blades. Now, mind you, I was NOT drunk...at all..but that's enough to make anyone do a blinky-double-take. Apparently, my roof is leaking right around my fan.. I dont know. Ugh. I need to call my LLs. *sigh* See, there are some good things to not owning a house...Well, except for living in a downtown loft that has window units and a leaky ceiling. Whatever.

Where my head's at today...

*I totally love what I'm wearing. I got a cute sweater and think I'm in love with it.

* I am wrestling with "all growed up" and "in my 20s.." Why, you ask? Well, I'm 27. You wouldnt know it if you hung out with me last week. Then again, who decides how to act at what age?! Huh?! Yeah. Whatever. Anyway, Friday night, Sara and I ended up at Whataburger and I ended up missing a contact...after going swimming after the bar. That, my friends, is not my average Friday night by any means. But, that's not to say we didnt have fun. Tried to find a new handbag on Saturday (unsuccessful) then met Michele at Oscar's (by my apt). :) Sunday, got a massage (bday gift) and walked little Gracie for a loooong time.

* I made friends with the girl who gave me my massage...We exchanged numbers and plan to hang out. Yes, I am serious. She's also my friend's sister, so I guess that works. Sometimes I really love that about myself...that I feel like I can talk with almost anyone. I love meeting new people and finding things out about them.. totally fascinating, I think. That's not to say I LOVE everyone I meet, but...whatever...

* I took some pictures, but my camera battery was dying, so I didnt take as many as I would have liked. I was telling someone today that my pics make it look like I lead a much different life sometimes...but.. who takes pictures of themselves watching the ANTM marathon all day on Sunday? Yeah, not me. Just sayin.

* A massage was exactly what I needed yesterday, but now I want one.. like everyday. This is a problem. My massage therapist (Kacy at Ihloff-highly recommend her), told me of a client before me that always comes in after he mows his lawn...and doesnt shower. Icks. ICKS!

* My friend invited me to a Drillers night with her firm. I realize it's in the "box" and I likely need to go since I said I would, but I soo dont feel like it. I want to sit home and read my Glamour magazine. I think I shall come up with a good excuse to not go or to leave early. Yes.

..and that's where my head's at today. Well, that and I have too much work and dont enough motivation today. Yes.

My co workers got me a cake!

I love them. :)

Also, I dropped my phone AGAIN on the way into work. It's done. I cannot see anything on it. If you need to reach me, please call my work phone at XXXXXXX (cell). :) I am going to go to Sprint at lunch but who knows if they'll be helpful or not... :)

:)

UPDATE: nevermind on the work number b/c I got a new phone! I got a palm centro...for very cheap! The guy was super nice b/c it's my bday!

And.. thank you for the bday wishes, people! I appreciate you. :)

I think I pissed off the birthday Gods...

....b/c this week is awesomely downhill so far. Not complaining BUT venting....

So you read yesterday's post.

Here's how the rest of the day went:

* Conference call after conference call plus trying to remedy the video sitch at the same time (I was slammed).

* Left work. Went to mall. Was talked into buying a 100 dress for my birthday (with a 30 dollar off coupon, but STILL). Did I need it? No.. Whatever. It made me feel pretty and it's my birthday damnit. Left the mall, feeling a bit bad about my purchase, but confident that it was cute as hell and....

* got home to find a letter from the bar assn saying that I'd failed to pay my dues and was therefore getting suspended if I failed to pay them in OKC by 5pm yesterday. EFFING AWESOME. Since it was obviously after 5pm, I was STRESSSSSED. I thought they'd been paid (long story short).

* Went to tan (whatever, I was stressed, but have pretty much quit tanning I might add). Got hit on by a girl at my gym. Mind you, I typically would be flattered by this sort of thing...not interested, but flattered nontheless...but given that I'd cried, had no makeup on, smelled like burnt flesh (from the tanning) and she looked like a linebacker, I was just annoyed and it was the end to my perfect day.

Here's today:

* Woke up to see my precious little dog vomiting all over. :( She was so sad...and I've never seen her that sick. Coddled her, cleaned up, called the vet..They told me to pull her food and water today then watch her and give her chicken/rice tomorrow. (my mom is gonna LOVE that since she's watching her when I leave town...*sigh*). Poor little G.. Getting ready to go home at lunch to check on her...

* Spent the whole time en route to work on the phone with the bar assn. If I didnt pay yesterday, my dues were going to double (we wont even talk about how much THAT was going to be). Talked them out of that. Got to work, called my bosses, figured it out, paid it and submitted for reimbursement. (Cross your fingers here, people).

So, I'm not having a pity party like "wah wah.. my bday always sucks.." b/c it doesnt. But, typically, something doesnt go as right as I'd like on the bday. Since it's tomorrow, I'm seriously just hoping all the crappy shit is out of the way for the week... cause I dont wanna know what else could happen...*nervous laugh*

Also...I realize lots of you out there feel my pain...I'm just waiting on this whole "your degree will be worth it" crap to come true. Yeah. There. Done.

:)

Just another manic.....Tuesday?

Dude. Here's my day today:

1. Get pulled out of a conference call by our assistant, Sheila, saying "You're supposed to be on a call with R*impt person*"

This is what transpired next:

Sheila: "R is waiting for you.. You know the call in number…"
Me: *checks system* "Nope.. I don’t have it…"

*We both go over to B's desk (R's assistant) (the dept is next to mine so it wasnt far...and she knows who I am)*

Me (and Sheila): "R asked me to be on a call this very moment. Do you have the meeting R is on right now?"
B: "All AE meeting… You're not on the list.."
Me: "Right. Well, he called and I need to be on that call.. Can I please have the number?"
B: "For what? You're not on that list. He's in a meeting."
Me: "Okay.. But… he called and I need to be on that call. Can I have his cell phone number then?"
B: "He's in a meeting and wont answer.."

*getting irritated*

Me: "Okay, but he JUST CALLED me dept looking for me..."
B: "What are you supposed to talk to him about?"
Me: *hurriedly talking in disbelief of how defiant she's being* "I don’t know… either ___ or ____ …but it's not on my system."
B: "I don’t know… He's on All AFE call now..so….."
Me: "Is Corey or Stewart on that call?"
B: "No."
Me: "Can I please just have the number?"

She reluctantly gives it to me…. I call in and find R, Corey and Stewart (vice president) WAITING ON ME. Nice.

THEN, I get back to my office to review those video clips I had our tech dept make. They guy who did them....get this...used his VIDEO CAMERA to record the television. Yes, I am serious. So, now I have to contract out to have this done...in 24 hours. Please keep in mind this is not really a typical job task.. I have no idea how I got saddled with this.

I have a meeting with one of the VPs in about 15 minutes so I am practicing harnessing my chi. hahahaha...

I like stress. I just HATE when people CAUSE it by their ineptness.

I need a cute dress for my birthday. That will make me feel better. *sigh* I have to call the student loan people today. So basically, my day is going to be full of stress and incompetency.

Aside from stalking Kat's blog, here's what I've been up to... :)

So, I know I've already explained that my new job is a bit more "relaxed" than my old one.. That said, when people leave town...say....for vacation (whatever, Michele), sometimes people do things to their office. I had some leftover handouts from a meeting...so I made a Michele stick person. On her wall. LOL! We also have a stuffed (fake) crow from Halloween that moves office to office...

I went out this weekend...both nights to OSCARS! (Its the old Bostons). One of my friends has part ownership. It's a gastropub and stays open til 2 like other bars. GO there! Get the fried green beans.. they're to die for.. and I'm quite serious. It is a bit $$.. Not super $$$, but more so than what you're used to paying at that location for sure...

Anyway, a "low key" night on Sat turned into me breaking my phone, riding in a limo, etc... I dont even know. *sigh* I'm too old for this. (as evidenced by my approaching bday...when I'll be officially LATE 20s... no longer "mid" twenties... whatfreakingever... I'm having a hard time with this, people....Expect a reflective post....)

Did laundry at mom's. Check out what a pretty little lady Gracie's turned into. :) Also...note the routine behavior of her chasing my mom's 11 year old dog at warp speed as he trots like he doesnt even notice... Nice.

Those eyes....You just cant ever be mad at those eyes. This was the face she made when I was like "Why did you bring that stick inside, Gracie?!" She looks so concerned... hahahaha...

I think someone aka GRACIE...is getting a cut for the summer b/c this whole dustbunny the size of my head thing is getting a bit old. Plus, she's hot. Recommended groomer? Anyone?

Spent the night reviewing movies...a LOT of them... for "leadership" and "team building" scenes for a meeting my VP is having... I think this falls under "other duties as assigned..." Just sayin. I wasnt left overly motivated by anything I watched. Whatever.

Getting WAY excited to head to Chicago for my birthday! It'll be my first with Aaron..ever... Two year ago, I had the bar exam and he was in China. Last year, he had the bar exam. He's been denying his old age more than me lately, so I'm hoping we're not in bed by 8:30 every night.. haha...

Now, go back to Kat's blog and stare at pictures of little Nate... They're WAY more interesting than anything I could say... :)

Today will be an amazing day....

...b/c KAT HAD HER BABY!!!

Welcome to the world Baby Hills!!! (Name is TBA, but it's a BOY!)

Oh, right...and Karl delivered it! Yeah, Karl, her husband...Curious? I thought so:

http://www.karlandkat.com/

I'm so happy for them, I could just scream! Actually, my co-workers thought something was wrong b/c I kinda did scream... lol!

Hitting your peak

A friend was recently asked when she thought she'd hit her "peak." (we're speaking physically only here) My friend's response "I dont think I have yet..." The other girl responded "Really?! Mine was so junior year in college... I was so hot that year.." haha..

Anyway, it spurred a discussion for us.. I'd like to think I havent reached my peak yet either... b/c that would mean what.. it's all downhill from there?! *sigh*

I guess you can remain at your peak for years, though. (*nodding at myself to make myself feel better*)

I thought back to when I was in really good shape...or had really good hair (2006 was a good hair year for me..lol!)...etc... Anyway, I'm a totally "life isnt about looks and looks fade" person...but as for my physical peak, I havent hit it yet. Nope. I've decided and you can think what you want. ha! One of my friends decided 27 is her year. It's the year she always thought she'd look the best... It cracks me up.

We all use birthdays, reunions, vacations, etc as milestones to work toward regarding physical shape, etc, so I think the whole "peak" thing really waxes and wanes anyway...and is totally subjective... but I prefer to think the best is yet to come, my friends. The best is yet to come. :)

And hello to my artistic friends: (aka not me) help Blaze decorate here.

Kung Foo Panda and Broken Golf Carts

Today is CRAZY busy at work, so I'm coming up for air and posting some pics from the lake! :)

Everyone has golf carts to get around the little area where were stayed. When we got there, Kel's dad said "I was going to get a new one b/c this one has about had it...but I just couldnt decide.." While driving it up the road (with beers clanging against each other in the basket), the cart died and we had to push it off the road. We thought it was hilarious (once some creepy mcCreepersons passed us that is)....We kept trying to hide our beers like we were underage or

something... It was comedic.

Anyway, went to a hole in the wall bar where a man with NO TEETH ranked the three of us as we walked by. Kelli scrunched her nose and (our of hearing distance) said "Um...you have no teeth.....you can't judge..."

Took the boat out on Saturday. :) Got to see Kel's little niece, Avery, have her first time on the boat.. Super cute. Everyone calls her a mini Kelli.. At 2 years old, she'd say things like "ooh you look cute..." and "you cry like a baby..." She amused me. A lot.

Please note my irrational fear of dark water being conquered in a below pic with Kari and Kelli. I attribute it to the beer. Have I ever told you about that? I have a freakass fear that there are dead bodies in lakes/rivers...any water like that. This is the reason I was so proud of myself for the waterfalls in Costa Rica. (went ahead and added the photo below)

What went through my head when I was swimming in the waterfall pool (prior to near death experience) was "They say 12 people die here every year...What if it's more like 14 and no one ever found them..?! OMG.. They're below me.. OMG..." My heart races and I seriously almost lose my shit. It's worse if I'm alone in the water (like in the above). It's funny...but it's actually not. I've never had a fear like that before.. Not scared of heights, etc. I dont even know where it came from. But, I'm all about conquering fear.... Anyway-do you have a fear like that?

Back to the lake... Sorry for the tangent...

Saturday, went to a bar called Carlottas...that we kept calling Carlitos by mistake. Live band; a good, chill time. Passed a deserted (and closed down) campground/cabins that Kari and I kept calling Charles Manson's camp. I wouldnt even get out and take a picture.. Yes, people, it was that freaky. Mind you, Kari and I had just been having a semi drunken convo about the Manson murders. Ya get three lawyers together and this is what happens.. Sorry... lol! Lookie how long my hair is getting! :)

Sunday, took the boat out one more time. Kelli skied and Kari and I tanned. Actually, I sunblocked the whole time....but I wasnt about to become another lesson in "how to break your ribs/whole body" so I opted to not ski. ;)

What a great weekend with the girls and Kel's fam! Kel's family is SO sweet and welcoming...and so chill. Loved hanging with them...especially her entertaining niece that would wake up, walk directly to Kelli, pry her eyes open with her mini fingers and say "KELLI! KELLI!" in a two year old voice.. ADORABLE. (Likely adorable b/c she wasnt peeling my eyes open, but whatever) :)

"She's the smart one...She's the nice one...I'm the jackass.."

-Kelli to some moron guys at the lake referring to Kari, me and herself...in that order. lol!

Keep in mind this was when we were wading around the popular party island at Texoma. On out way around the island trying to avoid stepping on boat anchors, we got stuck in a convo with some middle-aged guys who were "self employed." One of them was busy telling Kari he was an ultimate fighter while the other told me all about his messy divorce, cheating wife, 5 year old son...Yeah. Drunkenly Kelli later said "Ultimate Fighter? Um...no.. More like kung foo panda.." and we all laughed so hard we couldnt breathe...

So, it was a good weekend. :) I'll post pics later. I was SO tired last night.

I've decided to claim Aaron as my boyfriend today due to some recent thoughtfulness I'd like to share...(teasing, babe... ) In all seriousness, lookie what he came up with for us to do on my birthday weekend (aka the 4th of July..whatever)... :) We get to not only see fireworks, but we get to KAYAK and see them! I am SO pumped! I've never been in a kayak and we were supposed to do it in Costa, but my broken bones didnt bode well for a kayak ride... Plus, I imagine the stars, the fireworks, the kayak...*wistful sigh* :) As long as I dont fall in the water... (*nervous face*).

Anyway, I'm excited b/c I've never been to the chi when it's been summertime...or when Aaron knew where to hang in the great weather. Having lived there almost a year, I'm pumped to see some of the places he's talked about recently. :)

Michele's on vacation. Work isnt as fun without her. haha..Do you have someone like that? I think we all do....

PS.. I have GREAT news... I recently discovered (with the help of a supervisor here) that I might be able to stay with my company in CHICAGO should I decide to move!!! That's outstanding, right? I'll explain later b/c I need to ask a few more questions first.... but how awesome is that?!

Off to go figure out a project I have no idea how to do... Lata.

Sweetie, you shit your pants this year. I think you're done.

-Carrie to Charlotte from the SATC movie :)

I forgot to post this, but check it out... I've been with my company a YEAR! It was actually June 4th, the anniversary that is. I was on my way to CA to see Aaron get sworn in. But, whoa.. a year! I remember thinking how scared I was to start a new job for fear I'd hate it...and then in turn would feel like there was something wrong with ME, not the law firm, like I'd originally wanted to believe. So, here I am...plugging along and really loving my job. I mean.. I dont wake up and think "Hell yes! Work!" but I definitely dont have the feelings I used to have of the alarm going off and me thinking "Shit. Another day.. 3 more til Saturday..."

So, I'm obviously ready to move. I love Tulsa and always will. But, I'm ready to try a new experience... That said, I have no plans to leave my job without good cause b/c I know what it's like to hate a job and therefore really be unhappy with life. I think it's easy to forget how much work ties into one's identity...until you have a job you loathe, that is.

Sometimes it makes me sad that I wasnt a better employee during my last 6 mos to a year at the firm. But, then I think back and think "how could I have been? I was utterly devoid of happiness there..."

It's strange, but one day that really struck me as "I hate this place" was a day during the summer.. late June the summer I was taking the bar exam. I was working full time and going to bar review at night. No pity there, a lot of people were doing it...and I was thankful to have a job. But, I was tired. That's what I'm getting at. Tired and stressed...and lonely. Aaron was in China and the 13 hour difference was hard for communication. He called about once or twice a week and I looked forward to those calls like I look forward to using my period as an excuse to eat pounds of chocolate. haha. :) Seriously, though...

He called around 9something in the morning...from China. I was in my office, talking to him for what was to be a 10 minute or less convo. A partner came in and stood in my office just looking at me. I ended my 2 minute phone call with Aaron, knowing I wouldnt talk to him again for a week or so. When I said "Sorry; I was on the phone with Aaron in China..." to explain, she responded coldly "I know. *secretary outside my door* told me. I just made some revisions to your billing, so here you go." She then walked off....

It doesnt seem that significant, I know...but I think everything else just kinda hit me...

I'm fairly certain something just kinda broke inside at that moment..maybe it was bar review...lack of sleep...missing Aaron... disliking my job... I dont know... I was so furiously upset that she'd just STOOD THERE...knowing why I was on the phone....and had NOTHING important to talk to me about.. NOTHING. Mary came in my office to say hi right afterward and I was crying. We vented together and I felt better... haha...

Anyway, I'm just so happy and lucky to be somewhere where I like the people (although I really did like the people at the firm for the most part), like the work, and seem to have discovered a lot about myself... :) So, happy anniversary to me! And, hello...where else can you work where they bring in a 3 ring circus and your boss dresses up like a ringmaster (and I'm serious)?! Love it! :)

Headed to therapy today...

I have a hair appt today that I moved so I could go to the lake with Kel this weekend! Anyhoo, I told some co-workers that it's a "doctor" appt. In reality, it's the closest thing I have to a therapist, so I think my description works.

Lesson of the day: Lawyers. justify. anything.