I stopped at Albertson's on the way to work this morning to buy loaf of dill rye. If no one here has ever tried a sandwich on dill rye, take my advice and do so as soon as possible. The same goes for cucumbers on it with smoked turkey, dijon mustard...yum. My community group is re-uniting tonight after a hiatus we took over the holidays and we're doing the ultra-easy option of sandwiches for dinner. The community group (or CG as we've come to call it) is pretty much the same thing as a bible study or a small group. It's the only way to make a church of 5000 people seem smaller and and less intimidating. There's over 100 groups in the area and I joined mine because a girl who is now a close friends was very insistant that I visit. I've been in several CG's over the past 6 years and never really commited to one and that flaw--I guess it would be a fear of commitment--is something I'm trying to get over. It's very hard for me to measure it because events beyond my control i.e. layoffs have prevented from commiting to a particular job. I am staying with the company for several reason though, not the least of which being that longevity with a single company will be invaluable when it comes to approving me for a loan to buy a home someday. It was also the most logical choice. I know my way around, I have close friends who by sheer coincidence also work for the company, and we all drive Toyota Corollas. We're deeply connected. But I digress...

While Mom and Dad were visiting I became deeply concerned with the fact that I did not have a nice white shirt. So I bought one on clearance at Mervyn's, which is closing in the state of Washington. I am saddened by this, because Mervyn's is one of the few stores where everyone seems to fit me. But back to my shirt. I spilled coffee on it the first time I wore it and Mom did a wonderful job of getting rid of a stain. So of course this morning, the second time I've worn it, I've already spilled coffee on it again. It's very frustrating. Speaking of shirts, I am required to try some on later this week for my new job. WaMu branch employees have the privelege (and I'm being sarcastic here) of wearing uniform shirts that come in institutional green, blue or khaki. I've been told that they are completely shapeless and unflattering and in my opinion they're not too professional either. I will try to be creative. So far my favorite work "uniform" is the Starbucks apron, which I still wear from time to time, you know, to re-live the glory days. I bought a latte at Albertson's Starbucks kiosk this morning and the barista let my shots die, meaning she just pulled the shots and let them sit in the cup for probably a minute while she steamed the milk. When shots die they become unbearably bitter and this is no exception. The means that the not only did I spill coffee on my once-pristine white shirt, but it is bitter, expensive coffee. Grrrrr. I suppose there are worse things that could happen.

9:03 AM |

I feel woozy. My stomach has not been cooperating lately. Last Friday, Caius, myself and Mira all got the stomach flu in rapid succession. The vomiting wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the feeling that accompanies it minutes or even hours before it happens..."I'm going to throw up, I'm going to throw up. . ." So you know it's going to happen, you know you're going to feel better once you do, but you can't force it. I suppose I was lucky because it only happened twice and I was able to down a good amount of Gatorade and a sandwich by the next day, whereas Caius and Mira were at it every hour for a full 24 hours. At two years old, Mira didn't quite understand what was happening and thought that the silver bowl her mom was carrying around was responsible for her illness. She was terrified of it, poor thing. Kate might have had the worst experience because she had to go without sleep for the better part of two days and clean up after the kids. After it was all over, everyone in the house slept better than we had in ages.

So anyway, I don't know if I'm still woozy from the stomach flu or from a 3-year-old No-doz I took this morning. The one tablet was leftover from FLETC, and I find it hard to believe that I didn't quite realize the miracle of coffee at that time. I just didn't feel like coffee this morning. I woke up warm and cozy and having a warm drink to top it off just wasn't appetizing. So, knowing I was unable to function without a caffeine fix, I searched out other sources and opted for an old No-doz over a 7:30am Mountain Dew. I'm not enjoying the effects of it. My mind and body want to shut down but my eyes refuse to close for more than a few seconds and I can't think clearly. But I have to be here. It's my last week and I want to finish strong. My soon to be ex-manager is none too happy that I was out Saturday, even though the stomach flu is, in my opinion, a very valid excuse, especially considering how contagious it was. I think she just didn't believe me, and I could be angry if it weren't for the fact that I've cried wolf a couple of times because I was simply too tired to come in. I deserve the suspicion. I'm very ashamed of myself for slacking off, because my work-ethic in highschool would never have allowed it. I remember my highschool junior year, sitting in class while Mrs. Sauer discussed the Spanish conquistadores. In the middle of the class I ran to the blessedly close restroom got sick, then calmly returned to class and proceeded to eat an orange I had brought with me. Damn Velveeta cheese shells! I'm sure we're all full of disgusting vomiting stories but I will save mine for another time.

8:59 AM |

Merry Christmas everyone!! I am working today. It's the 23rd of December and I wanted the day off but I probably waited too long to ask for it. I found out just recently that one can request a day off a year in advance. There are others here on my team who are coming in today even though they usually get the day off. They're trying to squeeze as much money as they can out of our remaining days with the company. As for me, I'm only concerned with what's going to happen after January 15th. I had an important interview on Thursday. I interviewed for the only job I really would like to take if I stay with the company. If it doesn't pan out, I've pretty much decided that I'm going to take my severance and run. Maybe I'll take a little vacation and really take some time to research other industries. I could completely change career paths. Not that I was on much of a career path here. I've been getting tons of offers for sales now that I'm in sales position, and it's helped to realize that I'm really not interested in sales. I'm not too competitive by nature.

8:56 AM |