A little light reading :)
A - Age: 30
B - Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: vvaaccuummiinngg (mainly b/c I can't spell it - never remember how many c's and u's)
D - Dog's name: Growing up, it was our pug Ticket!
E - Essential start your day item: Coffee w/ milk and one equal, please
F - Favorite color: I have a hard time w/ this question... do I answer which color I like to wear? (blue) or which color I like in nature? (bright green of spring) or just a color I like to look at b/c it makes me happy? (orange)
G - Gold or Silver: Silver!
H - Height: 5' 1"
I - Instruments you play: Piano :)
J - Job title: Let's call me a Corporate Trainer in school to be a Massage Therapist
K - Kid(s): Not a one
L - Living arrangements: My little apartment on Chestnut Hill
M - Mom's name: Bafferly
N - Nicknames: Linds, Meg, Pollyanna, Sunshine
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: None
P - Pet Peeve: I would say listening to people chew is pretty darn high on the list!
Q - Quote from a movie: "Pork, mother!"
R - Right or left handed: Righty
S - Siblings: Two of the best big brothers on the planet, two pretty great sisters in law, and one wicked cute adopted little sister!
T - Time you wake up: Alarm is set for a little before six...
U- Underwear: What do we think this question is about? Do I wear it? (why yes, yes I do) What kind? (that's a tad bit personal, fyi)
V - Vegetable you dislike: Brussel sprouts
W - Ways you run late: Because I couldn't drive as fast as I wanted to?
X - X-rays you've had: Lots of ones of my crooked spine
Y - Yummy food you make: Beef stroganoff, of course
Z - Zoo favorite: Primates! And penguins!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Well... Have You?
Have you ever walked into a restaurant and read on the face of the hostess that her entire evening has been completely destroyed because you have come to her establishment? I've driven past a restaurant several times in my stay down here that said it was Spanish & Mediterranean cuisine. Tonight I decided to try it... hoping it would focus mainly on the Mediterranean (maybe I'd get lucky and there'd be some Greek food?) portion of their sign. I noticed a "Proper attire required" sign on the front door, but figured my khakis and black shirt were appropriate. Plus, I have a cute pink purse, and was wearing clever sandals. There were other patrons in khaki there, but apparently my choice of clothing didn't meet her standards. She deigned to seat me anyway.
Have you ever opened a menu and realized with sheer panic that e-v-e-r-y single item (save three) included your least favorite food... seafood? There was shrimp, mussels, octopus, squid, salmon, and many, many fish names that I'd never heard of before.
Have you ever been scorned by your waiter for ordering a Diet Coke. He skulked away from the table and then turned around saying plaintively "You're the driver?" "Yes - yes, I'm the driver."
Have you ever dipped hot, crusty bread into the purest olive oil you've ever seen or tasted? It was delicious, and made my mouth happy. But then, wiped the crumbs onto the floor, in fear that they would figure out you were mortal, and had indeed gotten bits of crust on the tablecloth. After eating a bit of the bread, I ordered an appetizer of bruschetta and a salad as my entree.
Have you ever done something that made you giggle to yourself numerous times during your meal? The waiter brought the bruschetta and it was beautifully presented on the plate. There was a big bunch of specialty lettuce in the middle, with four pieces of bread, spread with pesto, olive oil, tomatoes and that Spanish ham that I can never remember the name of. I'm not a fan of the ham, so after eating a bit of it, I lifted up the pretty lettuce garnish and hid the ham underneath, hoping an enraged chef wouldn't come flying out of the kitchen to demand I answer for my crime when they took the plate back and scraped it off.
Have you ever wondered if they are in fact hatching, growing and then in turn preparing the chicken that you will be eating, because it's taking so long? I had eaten some of my appetizer and was reading (I know - that's probably another reason that they didn't like me, but it was either read or have a staring contest with the hostess... who refused to make eye contact with me, and sighed each time she walked past my table), waiting patiently for my salad, and out of the corner of my eye I could see the waiter staring at me. Finally he came to the table and asked if I was still working on my appetizer. OH! THAT's why my food hadn't come. I did not know this was protocol. In the restaurants I normally eat at, they huck the entree on the table as soon as you've put the first bite of appetizer into your mouth.
Have you ever not known some of the things you were eating, but all in the name of "salad?" The chicken was amazing, the cheese was smooth and sharp, the lettuce spicy, the white asparagus gross and slimy, the granny smith apples pucker tart and crispy, and the dressing strong and unknown.
Have you ever breathed a sigh of relief at the same time your hostess and waiter did, that the meal was finally over?
Have you ever been more than grateful that this entire experience was paid for by your employer and not out of your own earnings?
And finally...
Have you ever laughed your entire way to the car... just by yourself... revelling in the strangeness of it all?
If so, then welcome to my evening!
Have you ever opened a menu and realized with sheer panic that e-v-e-r-y single item (save three) included your least favorite food... seafood? There was shrimp, mussels, octopus, squid, salmon, and many, many fish names that I'd never heard of before.
Have you ever been scorned by your waiter for ordering a Diet Coke. He skulked away from the table and then turned around saying plaintively "You're the driver?" "Yes - yes, I'm the driver."
Have you ever dipped hot, crusty bread into the purest olive oil you've ever seen or tasted? It was delicious, and made my mouth happy. But then, wiped the crumbs onto the floor, in fear that they would figure out you were mortal, and had indeed gotten bits of crust on the tablecloth. After eating a bit of the bread, I ordered an appetizer of bruschetta and a salad as my entree.
Have you ever done something that made you giggle to yourself numerous times during your meal? The waiter brought the bruschetta and it was beautifully presented on the plate. There was a big bunch of specialty lettuce in the middle, with four pieces of bread, spread with pesto, olive oil, tomatoes and that Spanish ham that I can never remember the name of. I'm not a fan of the ham, so after eating a bit of it, I lifted up the pretty lettuce garnish and hid the ham underneath, hoping an enraged chef wouldn't come flying out of the kitchen to demand I answer for my crime when they took the plate back and scraped it off.
Have you ever wondered if they are in fact hatching, growing and then in turn preparing the chicken that you will be eating, because it's taking so long? I had eaten some of my appetizer and was reading (I know - that's probably another reason that they didn't like me, but it was either read or have a staring contest with the hostess... who refused to make eye contact with me, and sighed each time she walked past my table), waiting patiently for my salad, and out of the corner of my eye I could see the waiter staring at me. Finally he came to the table and asked if I was still working on my appetizer. OH! THAT's why my food hadn't come. I did not know this was protocol. In the restaurants I normally eat at, they huck the entree on the table as soon as you've put the first bite of appetizer into your mouth.
Have you ever not known some of the things you were eating, but all in the name of "salad?" The chicken was amazing, the cheese was smooth and sharp, the lettuce spicy, the white asparagus gross and slimy, the granny smith apples pucker tart and crispy, and the dressing strong and unknown.
Have you ever breathed a sigh of relief at the same time your hostess and waiter did, that the meal was finally over?
Have you ever been more than grateful that this entire experience was paid for by your employer and not out of your own earnings?
And finally...
Have you ever laughed your entire way to the car... just by yourself... revelling in the strangeness of it all?
If so, then welcome to my evening!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Narcissist's Anonymous
Due to the lack of punctuation on this comment from my latest End of Course Evaluation, the point of this sentence is quite different from what I can only assume the participant meant.
"The trainer kept comming (sic) up with ways to keep us wanting to learn she was the best."
Yes.
My name is Lindsay and I am a narcissist. I frequently come up with new and creative ways of teaching my trainees that I am, indeed, the best.
"The trainer kept comming (sic) up with ways to keep us wanting to learn she was the best."
Yes.
My name is Lindsay and I am a narcissist. I frequently come up with new and creative ways of teaching my trainees that I am, indeed, the best.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Life Source
Sit... and watch. Mesmerized by the sound of the water falling?
Drag your hand just below the surface, feeling your fingers resist the water's tension?
Dip a toe in?
Turn your face toward it, hoping for a mist to refresh?
Or jump in and dance with abandon?
What do you do with the Life Source?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My Day in Bullet Form
- Took my class outside for review... which turned into sitting around talking... which turned into charades
- Got a sunburn on my right shoulder from our "review"
- Laughed so hard I cried
- Listened to people in my class discuss the different shades of chocolate that is their skin
- Had a very pleasant run in with an 80-ish year old in the parking lot of the grocery store
- Decided to forgo the elliptical and went for a long walk, exploring the small town where I'm staying
- Ordered room service
- Fell into bed at 9:00 because I was so tired
- Still awake
- Apparently not as sleepy as I thought
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Woman I Call "Mom"
She taught me by example how to love unconditionally
She is an eternal optimist, because she knows a God who can be trusted
She’s not afraid to show emotion
Nor is she afraid to allow others to feel grief or joy in her presence
She’s lap I grew up sitting on
The lap I still sit on when life gets to be too much
She shares my sense of humor and thinks I’m funny
And is the only person who genuinely cares how many calories I burn on the elliptical
She cries when I’m sad
And allows me to say “It hurts”
She prays for me every day - numerous times, I know
Her voice cracks when she is praying and gets to the part where she says, “Lord, I know you love my daughter even more than I do… and I just can’t even fathom that”
She’s my commercial buddy during shared TV shows
Yet also instilled in me my love of reading
She’s the one, who when I’m sick says into the phone “I’ll just sit here and be quiet with you, so you’re not alone when you’re sick”
She rejoiced when the country song came out “You’re mama’s still your biggest fan” and it fast became our song
Through her tutelage I fell in love with words, and have learned from her how to make them do what I want them to do
Her favorite one-liner is “God has a good track record”
And she knows all the right times to say it
She rose above an imperfect growing up experience, to provide an idyllic one for us kids
Her mother heart is huge, as evidenced by all my friends who also call her Mom
She saw worth in me years before I saw it myself
She has all of us kids secretly convinced that we’re her favorite
Her passion for her family is surpassed only by her love for her God
And she’s the one who gave birth to the woman writing this, who knows how very lucky she is to call this amazing woman “Mom”
She is an eternal optimist, because she knows a God who can be trusted
She’s not afraid to show emotion
Nor is she afraid to allow others to feel grief or joy in her presence
She’s lap I grew up sitting on
The lap I still sit on when life gets to be too much
She shares my sense of humor and thinks I’m funny
And is the only person who genuinely cares how many calories I burn on the elliptical
She cries when I’m sad
And allows me to say “It hurts”
She prays for me every day - numerous times, I know
Her voice cracks when she is praying and gets to the part where she says, “Lord, I know you love my daughter even more than I do… and I just can’t even fathom that”
She’s my commercial buddy during shared TV shows
Yet also instilled in me my love of reading
She’s the one, who when I’m sick says into the phone “I’ll just sit here and be quiet with you, so you’re not alone when you’re sick”
She rejoiced when the country song came out “You’re mama’s still your biggest fan” and it fast became our song
Through her tutelage I fell in love with words, and have learned from her how to make them do what I want them to do
Her favorite one-liner is “God has a good track record”
And she knows all the right times to say it
She rose above an imperfect growing up experience, to provide an idyllic one for us kids
Her mother heart is huge, as evidenced by all my friends who also call her Mom
She saw worth in me years before I saw it myself
She has all of us kids secretly convinced that we’re her favorite
Her passion for her family is surpassed only by her love for her God
And she’s the one who gave birth to the woman writing this, who knows how very lucky she is to call this amazing woman “Mom”
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
All in a Day's Work
One of my new participants has been late three out of three mornings.
Each day I inform Ms Tardy via email that she needs to update her timecard to show the time that she arrived for work.
This morning I added that she needs really needs to take this training seriously and get here at 8:00.
Her response to me went something like this.
"It is important to me to be here, however it is not my fault that I have been late. There has been heavy traffic on (insert large highway near where I am staying) and if this continues, I expect to continue to be late. If you doubt this, please check with the traffic advisory."
I graciously replied if she continued to think that heavy traffic would be an issue for the duration of training that she should perhaps
a) find an alternate route
or
b) leave home a little earlier
There was no reply.
One of us is not holding our breath to see what tomorrow holds!
Each day I inform Ms Tardy via email that she needs to update her timecard to show the time that she arrived for work.
This morning I added that she needs really needs to take this training seriously and get here at 8:00.
Her response to me went something like this.
"It is important to me to be here, however it is not my fault that I have been late. There has been heavy traffic on (insert large highway near where I am staying) and if this continues, I expect to continue to be late. If you doubt this, please check with the traffic advisory."
I graciously replied if she continued to think that heavy traffic would be an issue for the duration of training that she should perhaps
a) find an alternate route
or
b) leave home a little earlier
There was no reply.
One of us is not holding our breath to see what tomorrow holds!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Today was one of those days...
You know, a day where:
... you drag yourself out of bed after very few hours of sleep to get to work extra early, to start your class at 8:00 with only three people (THREE PEOPLE!) who have deigned to show up to work on time
... you wear a sombrero while training a class that very blatantly couldn't care less what you have to say
... the guy doing your nails tells you "this is the type of day to curl up on the couch with your family or boyfriend"
... you eat Thai food to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, because pad thai is way more comforting than salsa.
... you go online to The Biggest Loser website and report that you came within half a pound of your four month weight loss goal, and that NBC is going to donate 19.5 pounds of food to a local food pantry in your name!
You know, just one of those days.
... you drag yourself out of bed after very few hours of sleep to get to work extra early, to start your class at 8:00 with only three people (THREE PEOPLE!) who have deigned to show up to work on time
... you wear a sombrero while training a class that very blatantly couldn't care less what you have to say
... the guy doing your nails tells you "this is the type of day to curl up on the couch with your family or boyfriend"
... you eat Thai food to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, because pad thai is way more comforting than salsa.
... you go online to The Biggest Loser website and report that you came within half a pound of your four month weight loss goal, and that NBC is going to donate 19.5 pounds of food to a local food pantry in your name!
You know, just one of those days.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
I Found Mr Two-Out-of-Three Man!!
And I'm sure he was three for three... I'm sure that there was a motorcycle around there somewhere. He was just too busy singing to me to tell me about it :)For more pictures of the great day in NYC, kindly check out my Facebook
Friday, May 01, 2009
Them That Keep Rules
This place where I'm living for six weeks has a rule.
And that rule is "Drivers cannot talk on cell phones."
I have been very good about following this rule. But it has made me overzealous about watching that OTHER people follow this rule as well! And I tend to holler (not so they can hear, of course, because that would be confrontational) at various drivers who are NOT following The Rule.
The ironic thing is, though, I'm generally flying past them at a rate of speed that is greater than the "suggested" speed posted on the large white signs by the side of the road.
I've always viewed my third born self as a free spirit. I leave the rule-keeping to my older brothers, both of which are very good at that! Like when Darren & I went to England when I was a senior in high school. We'd be in the middle of a conversation, and I'd be carrying on my end of the conversation while crossing the road, only to realize that my rule abiding brother was still on the sidewalk yards behind me because the red hand had not changed to green, signaling it was now legal to cross.
I religiously "Click It" so I don't get a ticket. But I relish tearing tags off mattresses and pillows.
I wouldn't dream of using a hair dryer in the shower, but happily get into the hot tub here at the hotel, telling Rule #1 on the posted sign "Don't use this alone" to not discriminate against my one-ness.
Signs saying "Don't cross this fence, or you'll plummet to your death" are all well and good, unless there is a breath-taking photo op that is just waiting to be snapped right on the other side of said fence.
Will there be rules in Heaven? Or will I be so happy to be there, I wont mind? Perhaps the rules will be doable - like "Be the most filled with joy that you've ever been, because you've finally met the Only One that your heart has truly desired?"
And that rule is "Drivers cannot talk on cell phones."
I have been very good about following this rule. But it has made me overzealous about watching that OTHER people follow this rule as well! And I tend to holler (not so they can hear, of course, because that would be confrontational) at various drivers who are NOT following The Rule.
The ironic thing is, though, I'm generally flying past them at a rate of speed that is greater than the "suggested" speed posted on the large white signs by the side of the road.
I've always viewed my third born self as a free spirit. I leave the rule-keeping to my older brothers, both of which are very good at that! Like when Darren & I went to England when I was a senior in high school. We'd be in the middle of a conversation, and I'd be carrying on my end of the conversation while crossing the road, only to realize that my rule abiding brother was still on the sidewalk yards behind me because the red hand had not changed to green, signaling it was now legal to cross.
I religiously "Click It" so I don't get a ticket. But I relish tearing tags off mattresses and pillows.
I wouldn't dream of using a hair dryer in the shower, but happily get into the hot tub here at the hotel, telling Rule #1 on the posted sign "Don't use this alone" to not discriminate against my one-ness.
Signs saying "Don't cross this fence, or you'll plummet to your death" are all well and good, unless there is a breath-taking photo op that is just waiting to be snapped right on the other side of said fence.
Will there be rules in Heaven? Or will I be so happy to be there, I wont mind? Perhaps the rules will be doable - like "Be the most filled with joy that you've ever been, because you've finally met the Only One that your heart has truly desired?"
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tid Bits
My phone rang tonight, and up popped the picture of my red-headed brother... wearing a pink wig.
So I answered, "I'm at the Outback, where are you."
And there was silence... then a timid "Aunt Lindsay?"
It was Chloe, calling to chat - also to remind me that tomorrow is her birthday :)
--
We had a dramatic afternoon yesterday at the office. I was sitting in the guest cube (which is right in the middle of all the Spanish speaking customer service reps, and I have this constant fear that they're talking about me!) getting ready for next week's training when I began to smell smoke.
After a couple minutes the smell got much stronger, and I started hearing people talking about it. I went to the window, and saw billows of smoke.
Apparently one of the smokers decided it wasn't in their best interest to use the provided receptacle for their cigarette, and dropped it onto the ground... right near a very dry bush. Either that or we were having an encore performance of Exodus 3.
Someone was out there with an extinguisher, but soon the alarm started going off, and we were all herded outside until the fire trucks arrived. They sprayed the bush down for over 10 minutes, and it looks pretty darn funny now.
--
That is all for today :)
So I answered, "I'm at the Outback, where are you."
And there was silence... then a timid "Aunt Lindsay?"
It was Chloe, calling to chat - also to remind me that tomorrow is her birthday :)
--
We had a dramatic afternoon yesterday at the office. I was sitting in the guest cube (which is right in the middle of all the Spanish speaking customer service reps, and I have this constant fear that they're talking about me!) getting ready for next week's training when I began to smell smoke.
After a couple minutes the smell got much stronger, and I started hearing people talking about it. I went to the window, and saw billows of smoke.
Apparently one of the smokers decided it wasn't in their best interest to use the provided receptacle for their cigarette, and dropped it onto the ground... right near a very dry bush. Either that or we were having an encore performance of Exodus 3.
Someone was out there with an extinguisher, but soon the alarm started going off, and we were all herded outside until the fire trucks arrived. They sprayed the bush down for over 10 minutes, and it looks pretty darn funny now.
--
That is all for today :)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Randomosity
The first weekend I went home, it was hard to get back in my car and drive, because I didn't feel ready. I didn't feel as if I had connected with enough people, I felt as if my love tank was not full, and I wouldn't make it through the week.
This weekend was so wonderful and so filled with people, that it was hard to get in my car and come back because I didn't want to leave the feeling of having my love tank all filled up.
But here I am. At the end of this week I'll be half way through!
Today was strange. A dichotomy.
I was not training. We finished a week early, so I'm here to help coach them while they take their first week of calls, before I start my second class next Monday.
So, I had some down time in between the questions. And I relished the time to email or communicate with friends back home that I've only had brief moments to talk to since I left.
And yet with that down time, and the availability of ready communication came an extra dose of missing those I love.
Missing loved ones hurts.
Last night I decided I needed to go to the ocean after work today! So, I found a map, found a route and got in my car right after work this afternoon to head to the coast. There was a precious little town near the water, and I drove through, my spirits rising as my body could feel the presence of the ocean... the expectancy that over the next little hill, I would see the water.
I walked around the parks near the water for a long time, and as I stood on a boardwalk, overlooking a marsh I thought, "THIS is what this trip was for. To get outside of the stagnancy that my life had become. To experience." And I was washed with a feeling of euphoria!
This last semester I learned that the air around the ocean is charged with negative ions which can help reset the body's psyche. I don't know what all goes on, but I do know that the ocean has always been my place of recharging, my place of talking to God more openly than I normally do, and I was grateful after a long day to have the wind blow in my face so strongly that it almost took my breath away.
And yet, half way through eating dinner, having just talked to my big brother, and missing him I was craving home. Craving the safety and security that just two weeks ago I was straining against! And that just an hour before, with the ocean wind in my face, I was euphoric I had put behind me.
One of my friends is famous for saying "Pick an emotion and roll with it." Today was not that kind of day.
In other news, this made me laugh today:
One of the girls walked into the classroom and said, "You know all that stuff about pork that's going on. I bet that's why I wasn't feeling well on Friday, because I ate some sausage in the morning."
"Do you mean the Swine Flu? Because that has nothing to do with pork," someone graciously pointed out.
"Oh."
End of conversation. Poor thing, probably thought she was well on her way to a spot on the six o'clock news!
And in still other news:
When I got back to my room tonight, there was a care package from the hotel manager... filled with bottled water, mug, candy, chips, and a pen. I call that kind!
This weekend was so wonderful and so filled with people, that it was hard to get in my car and come back because I didn't want to leave the feeling of having my love tank all filled up.
But here I am. At the end of this week I'll be half way through!
Today was strange. A dichotomy.
I was not training. We finished a week early, so I'm here to help coach them while they take their first week of calls, before I start my second class next Monday.
So, I had some down time in between the questions. And I relished the time to email or communicate with friends back home that I've only had brief moments to talk to since I left.
And yet with that down time, and the availability of ready communication came an extra dose of missing those I love.
Missing loved ones hurts.
Last night I decided I needed to go to the ocean after work today! So, I found a map, found a route and got in my car right after work this afternoon to head to the coast. There was a precious little town near the water, and I drove through, my spirits rising as my body could feel the presence of the ocean... the expectancy that over the next little hill, I would see the water.
I walked around the parks near the water for a long time, and as I stood on a boardwalk, overlooking a marsh I thought, "THIS is what this trip was for. To get outside of the stagnancy that my life had become. To experience." And I was washed with a feeling of euphoria!
This last semester I learned that the air around the ocean is charged with negative ions which can help reset the body's psyche. I don't know what all goes on, but I do know that the ocean has always been my place of recharging, my place of talking to God more openly than I normally do, and I was grateful after a long day to have the wind blow in my face so strongly that it almost took my breath away.
And yet, half way through eating dinner, having just talked to my big brother, and missing him I was craving home. Craving the safety and security that just two weeks ago I was straining against! And that just an hour before, with the ocean wind in my face, I was euphoric I had put behind me.
One of my friends is famous for saying "Pick an emotion and roll with it." Today was not that kind of day.
In other news, this made me laugh today:
One of the girls walked into the classroom and said, "You know all that stuff about pork that's going on. I bet that's why I wasn't feeling well on Friday, because I ate some sausage in the morning."
"Do you mean the Swine Flu? Because that has nothing to do with pork," someone graciously pointed out.
"Oh."
End of conversation. Poor thing, probably thought she was well on her way to a spot on the six o'clock news!
And in still other news:
When I got back to my room tonight, there was a care package from the hotel manager... filled with bottled water, mug, candy, chips, and a pen. I call that kind!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
This Post is Short...
...and so am I.
But the reason I am bringing this up is that there is an awards ceremony at the hotel tonight... for a college basketball team.
The guys are mammoth.
When I walked into the lobby I was immediately thankful that I was not wearing orange.
Because I feel they would have started dribbling me.
The end.
But the reason I am bringing this up is that there is an awards ceremony at the hotel tonight... for a college basketball team.
The guys are mammoth.
When I walked into the lobby I was immediately thankful that I was not wearing orange.
Because I feel they would have started dribbling me.
The end.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Back In The Saddle Again...
... back where hotel rooms are... friends?
I pressed the button for the elevator this morning, and when the door opened, I was looking at boxes full of disembodied heads staring up at me. I stared back in horror, and then stared at the three heads attached TO bodies, who also turn stared back at me. Apparently I had disturbed the elevator ride of three hair dressers on their way to the lobby. Not enough coffee in the world would have prepared me for that, fyi.
The day got better, but it was a typical Monday. Things were hitchy in the classroom. The participants had a pretty intense case of the Mondays, and their trainer wasn't much better. Things were not smooth in the materials department, which is not my favorite thing, and made the OCD part of me want to scream a lot of times. However, 4:30 came like it does each day, and I was happy to cross this Monday off my list!
Bought some beautiful tulips on the way home from work, and the make my room feel so Springy and homey!
When I walked into my room, I laughed right out loud, because my bed was made, and my bathroom cleaned, but the maid (is that the right word to call them?) is not one of those "above and beyond" people. I had left my pajamas at the foot of my bed this morning. And there, strewn at the foot of my perfectly made bed, were my pajamas. I could practically see the thought bubble above her head as she made my bed... "If she even THINKS that I get paid to fold her pajamas, well... she is SO WRONG!"
And tonight... tonight I went to an Indian restaurant and it was incredible! The papar (thanks, Jen :) was so good, yet so hot it made my nose run! And the chicken tiki masala was almost as good as India Palace, and the naan was as good as Gil's! All of their food must be pretty hot though, because I could hear people sniffling all around me. There was kind of a feeling of solidarity in the snifflage. Well, I think I was the only one who felt that solidarity, but then again, I was the only blonde amidst a sea of very dark hair.
When I'm living outside of the norm, I tend to view norm as utopia. The whole rose-colored glasses thing. Like all last week I just kept thinking, "I will go back home this weekend and things will be perfect!" How could I forget after just one week that Chestnut Hill may be as close to perfection as possible, but that life is life wherever humans are?
And, to assure my fans that I have not changed spaciness since being away from home. This weekend I had to pick something up at the office, so when I went in, I left little hotel shampoos/lotions for Vicki T as a surprise for Monday morning. (Vicki affectionately demands lotions and shampoos from every trip I take... unless I'm staying with a friend, wherein she informs me I do not have to steal their things to bring back to her.) Last night when I was rummaging through my purse to get my hotel key, I found a bottle of conditioner. "What the...?" Oh gosh! I then remembered I had half a bottle of lotion in my purse when I went home, and then put Vicki's little treasures in there for transport. So, when Vicki T came in this morning she had a bottle of shampoo, a bottle of lotion, and a half-used bottle of lotion, instead of conditioner to complete the set. That is how I roll!
I pressed the button for the elevator this morning, and when the door opened, I was looking at boxes full of disembodied heads staring up at me. I stared back in horror, and then stared at the three heads attached TO bodies, who also turn stared back at me. Apparently I had disturbed the elevator ride of three hair dressers on their way to the lobby. Not enough coffee in the world would have prepared me for that, fyi.
The day got better, but it was a typical Monday. Things were hitchy in the classroom. The participants had a pretty intense case of the Mondays, and their trainer wasn't much better. Things were not smooth in the materials department, which is not my favorite thing, and made the OCD part of me want to scream a lot of times. However, 4:30 came like it does each day, and I was happy to cross this Monday off my list!
Bought some beautiful tulips on the way home from work, and the make my room feel so Springy and homey!
When I walked into my room, I laughed right out loud, because my bed was made, and my bathroom cleaned, but the maid (is that the right word to call them?) is not one of those "above and beyond" people. I had left my pajamas at the foot of my bed this morning. And there, strewn at the foot of my perfectly made bed, were my pajamas. I could practically see the thought bubble above her head as she made my bed... "If she even THINKS that I get paid to fold her pajamas, well... she is SO WRONG!"
And tonight... tonight I went to an Indian restaurant and it was incredible! The papar (thanks, Jen :) was so good, yet so hot it made my nose run! And the chicken tiki masala was almost as good as India Palace, and the naan was as good as Gil's! All of their food must be pretty hot though, because I could hear people sniffling all around me. There was kind of a feeling of solidarity in the snifflage. Well, I think I was the only one who felt that solidarity, but then again, I was the only blonde amidst a sea of very dark hair.
When I'm living outside of the norm, I tend to view norm as utopia. The whole rose-colored glasses thing. Like all last week I just kept thinking, "I will go back home this weekend and things will be perfect!" How could I forget after just one week that Chestnut Hill may be as close to perfection as possible, but that life is life wherever humans are?
And, to assure my fans that I have not changed spaciness since being away from home. This weekend I had to pick something up at the office, so when I went in, I left little hotel shampoos/lotions for Vicki T as a surprise for Monday morning. (Vicki affectionately demands lotions and shampoos from every trip I take... unless I'm staying with a friend, wherein she informs me I do not have to steal their things to bring back to her.) Last night when I was rummaging through my purse to get my hotel key, I found a bottle of conditioner. "What the...?" Oh gosh! I then remembered I had half a bottle of lotion in my purse when I went home, and then put Vicki's little treasures in there for transport. So, when Vicki T came in this morning she had a bottle of shampoo, a bottle of lotion, and a half-used bottle of lotion, instead of conditioner to complete the set. That is how I roll!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Leading Lady
Tonight I felt like the heroine in a romantic comedy. Only, there was no romance. And it wasn't funny.
I had a bad day. And I was crying. I went to Evan and Jill's and cried some more. After awhile ice cream and a movie were suggested. Only, the ice cream in the freezer had seen better days. So, I ran down to the little store near them, which was in the throes of closing for the night. The girl saw me drive in, and opened the door.
"Are you closing?" I asked.
"Yes, but come in," she said.
"Good - I need ice cream," I said, though I'm sure she had ascertained something of the sort from my red and puffy eyes, belying the open invitation of "Free Hugs" on my sweatshirt.
"It's over there," she graciously said, averting her eyes to give me some privacy.
The renewed sense of loss at the absence of Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby was yet another blow in this day, but I rummaged around and found something chocolately and cold, which filled the need.
And as I paid for my comfort, and walked to the car I thought, "This is the pathetically funny scene in movies. However, I find no humor in this. I find it merely pathetic."
There was no leading man waiting by the car to make my day all better... but who needs that when you have a brother and sister waiting at home, to love you... and help you eat your ice cream?
I had a bad day. And I was crying. I went to Evan and Jill's and cried some more. After awhile ice cream and a movie were suggested. Only, the ice cream in the freezer had seen better days. So, I ran down to the little store near them, which was in the throes of closing for the night. The girl saw me drive in, and opened the door.
"Are you closing?" I asked.
"Yes, but come in," she said.
"Good - I need ice cream," I said, though I'm sure she had ascertained something of the sort from my red and puffy eyes, belying the open invitation of "Free Hugs" on my sweatshirt.
"It's over there," she graciously said, averting her eyes to give me some privacy.
The renewed sense of loss at the absence of Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby was yet another blow in this day, but I rummaged around and found something chocolately and cold, which filled the need.
And as I paid for my comfort, and walked to the car I thought, "This is the pathetically funny scene in movies. However, I find no humor in this. I find it merely pathetic."
There was no leading man waiting by the car to make my day all better... but who needs that when you have a brother and sister waiting at home, to love you... and help you eat your ice cream?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Day the Fourth
Greetings from the land of WalMarts, not Targets. Better for my bank account. Unfortunate for my happiness.
The thing that has caused me to say, "hmmm" this day is as follows: In my stay here, I have gone to the workout room numerous times, and up to the concierge lounge for drinks and fruit in the evenings and breakfast in the mornings. And besides the hostess in the lounge, I am the only female I've seen amongst all the businessmen. What do we think about that? I say "hmmm." Do you?
One of my goals for this trip is not to just get out of work and come right back to the hotel. I want to not have a list of "should have done this" when I get home. So, tonight I drove around exploring, trying to familiarize myself with the area. The class had suggested this huge grocery store/farmer's market-ish thing that I went to. It was HUGE! And they had fresh cut flowers for cheap! When I go home this weekend I will bring a vase back with me! Flowers in my room will make me the happiest person around!
Last night as Lisha & I drove around I discovered a Rita's Italian Ice! I cannot even begin to describe the euphoria my heart experienced! I fell in love with that place when I went to visit Darren & Sara last summer. But we don't have them in NH. So I've been salivating after this for almost a year. All day long I thought about it, and told myself I could get one after dinner. But I was too full. My life = wicked hard. Oh well, there's always tomorrow!
Conversation today with Miss Don't-Bore-Us went as follows:
Miss DBU - "What are you going to do tonight?"
Me - "Go tanning. I'm tired of being the whitest person in the room."
Miss DBU - "So, you're no longer going to be the color of the board?" She pointed to the dry erase board I was standing near.
Me - No clever comeback, as I was laughing
She then proceeded to quiz me about tanning in general. Not tanning beds. Just making one's skin darker. Because God gave her skin that doesn't need tanning. And she is confused by the whole process. As I was explaining how it worked to her, I made the mistake of saying "you know?"
Miss DBU - "No, I DON'T know" she informed me, accompanied by head bob and finger wiggle
And that is what I have to say about that!
The thing that has caused me to say, "hmmm" this day is as follows: In my stay here, I have gone to the workout room numerous times, and up to the concierge lounge for drinks and fruit in the evenings and breakfast in the mornings. And besides the hostess in the lounge, I am the only female I've seen amongst all the businessmen. What do we think about that? I say "hmmm." Do you?
One of my goals for this trip is not to just get out of work and come right back to the hotel. I want to not have a list of "should have done this" when I get home. So, tonight I drove around exploring, trying to familiarize myself with the area. The class had suggested this huge grocery store/farmer's market-ish thing that I went to. It was HUGE! And they had fresh cut flowers for cheap! When I go home this weekend I will bring a vase back with me! Flowers in my room will make me the happiest person around!
Last night as Lisha & I drove around I discovered a Rita's Italian Ice! I cannot even begin to describe the euphoria my heart experienced! I fell in love with that place when I went to visit Darren & Sara last summer. But we don't have them in NH. So I've been salivating after this for almost a year. All day long I thought about it, and told myself I could get one after dinner. But I was too full. My life = wicked hard. Oh well, there's always tomorrow!
Conversation today with Miss Don't-Bore-Us went as follows:
Miss DBU - "What are you going to do tonight?"
Me - "Go tanning. I'm tired of being the whitest person in the room."
Miss DBU - "So, you're no longer going to be the color of the board?" She pointed to the dry erase board I was standing near.
Me - No clever comeback, as I was laughing
She then proceeded to quiz me about tanning in general. Not tanning beds. Just making one's skin darker. Because God gave her skin that doesn't need tanning. And she is confused by the whole process. As I was explaining how it worked to her, I made the mistake of saying "you know?"
Miss DBU - "No, I DON'T know" she informed me, accompanied by head bob and finger wiggle
And that is what I have to say about that!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Few Thoughts on Day Three
I didn't think it was possible to be in a place where there are more Dunkin Donuts than where I live... but it is possible. And I am currently in that place. They are EVERYWHERE here, and they make me so happy every time I see them. Makes me feel as if I am not too far away from home.
And also, there are so many nail places, that I could stop at least 15 different places on the way back to the hotel from the office... and the office is less than five minutes away.
Yesterday I asked the class to come up with a list of things that they felt would make the class run smoothly. I do this with all of my classes, and we refer to it as a class contract. The class had a hard time coming up with things... after painfully silent minutes, they came up with four things. The last one was "don't bore us" aimed at me. Less than two hours later, after having them listen to a sample call, I asked if they had found it interesting. All but one nodded. Miss "Don't Bore Us" stared at me blankly. "Was that boring for you?" I asked. She nodded. My inside voice became my out loud voice and I said, "Get used to it Sweetheart - that's what the next three weeks are going to be."
I slightly dreaded going in today, not knowing what she would consider "boring" out of the materials we needed to cover. But I'm happy to report that today she stayed fully participatory during class, and didn't say the "b" word once.
There have been a few times that my mind has threatened to remind me that I'm away from all the people I love, and should be lonely. But I manfully (maturely? womanly? stoically?) stuff those feelings, and find more things to do to keep my mind occupied.
Went out for dinner with my "subject matter expert" from my class (she's a sweetheart!), talked to family, worked out, cried during the Biggest Loser, got voicemails and texts that made me feel loved... all good things.
Tomorrow is halfway through my first week!
And also, there are so many nail places, that I could stop at least 15 different places on the way back to the hotel from the office... and the office is less than five minutes away.
Yesterday I asked the class to come up with a list of things that they felt would make the class run smoothly. I do this with all of my classes, and we refer to it as a class contract. The class had a hard time coming up with things... after painfully silent minutes, they came up with four things. The last one was "don't bore us" aimed at me. Less than two hours later, after having them listen to a sample call, I asked if they had found it interesting. All but one nodded. Miss "Don't Bore Us" stared at me blankly. "Was that boring for you?" I asked. She nodded. My inside voice became my out loud voice and I said, "Get used to it Sweetheart - that's what the next three weeks are going to be."
I slightly dreaded going in today, not knowing what she would consider "boring" out of the materials we needed to cover. But I'm happy to report that today she stayed fully participatory during class, and didn't say the "b" word once.
There have been a few times that my mind has threatened to remind me that I'm away from all the people I love, and should be lonely. But I manfully (maturely? womanly? stoically?) stuff those feelings, and find more things to do to keep my mind occupied.
Went out for dinner with my "subject matter expert" from my class (she's a sweetheart!), talked to family, worked out, cried during the Biggest Loser, got voicemails and texts that made me feel loved... all good things.
Tomorrow is halfway through my first week!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Operation: Outside the Box... Day Two
(and don't worry, they wont all bear this title... but it's working for now)
I MADE IT THROUGH MY FIRST DAY!
There were some bumps, but nothing that threw me off my game. I felt so peaceful and knew that it was because I have so many people in my corner, praying and supporting! So, thank you, my peeps!
I didn't start training until 1:00, so I had time to get set up and feel settled.
Met some good people! Met some other people... you know... the ones who make you appreciate the good people.
I wont bore you with the details of after work I drove around a bit to familiarize myself with my new town, picked up dinner, and got back to the hotel 11 hours after I left it this morning.
Oh, and here's my funny story of the day:
I had just gotten settled in my room when someone knocked on my door. Not just a knock, knock, but a knock.. knock, knock, knock, knock... knock... knock. See, on Chestnut Hill, a knock on the door just means that it's someone who DOESN'T have a key to my house, and hasn't already let themselves in. I got on my tiptoes and looked out the peephole. Didn't see a weapon, so figured I was safe and opened the door. It was the bellman (is that their politically correct term??) to hand deliver a note from the corporate manager inviting me upstairs for free drinks, yummy food, and for free breakfasts each morning.
My heart = jump-started!
I MADE IT THROUGH MY FIRST DAY!
There were some bumps, but nothing that threw me off my game. I felt so peaceful and knew that it was because I have so many people in my corner, praying and supporting! So, thank you, my peeps!
I didn't start training until 1:00, so I had time to get set up and feel settled.
Met some good people! Met some other people... you know... the ones who make you appreciate the good people.
I wont bore you with the details of after work I drove around a bit to familiarize myself with my new town, picked up dinner, and got back to the hotel 11 hours after I left it this morning.
Oh, and here's my funny story of the day:
I had just gotten settled in my room when someone knocked on my door. Not just a knock, knock, but a knock.. knock, knock, knock, knock... knock... knock. See, on Chestnut Hill, a knock on the door just means that it's someone who DOESN'T have a key to my house, and hasn't already let themselves in. I got on my tiptoes and looked out the peephole. Didn't see a weapon, so figured I was safe and opened the door. It was the bellman (is that their politically correct term??) to hand deliver a note from the corporate manager inviting me upstairs for free drinks, yummy food, and for free breakfasts each morning.
My heart = jump-started!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Operation: Outside the Box... Day One
Today my travels began. When I first heard about it, I was ecstatic. I'd wanted this for a couple of years, and I was so excited to get things started! Then, reality hit, I didn't have enough time to prep the materials, computer access issues have come up, and this past week I've been fighting down (sometimes, not very successfully) panic.
This weekend, however, I decided it was no longer worth panicking about. Monday would come regardless of whether I'd stressed about it or not, so why continue stressing? I might as well go into this adventure looking at it as just that... an adventure! One that I had not only asked my boss numerous times for, but also knocked on Heaven's door for.
So, adventure it will be!
Today was a killer day. Got up early to go to my church for Easter Service, then flew to Milfrog to see Chloe in their Easter service. Kissed the kids, said my goodbyes to Evan & Jill, and ran home to pack... because, yes... I had done no packing.
Packed in less than an hour, said goodbye to Amy, and got on the road.
Adventure - begun!
After a comedy of errors (who even knew that EVERYTHING would be closed on Easter), waiting forever at a toll booth because I had the luck to be behind a car that paid a 65 cent toll with a $100 bill, I got to my destination. (I will not be telling you, would-be-stalkers, where I am exactly)
I had no idea that a place only a few hours south of Chestnut Hill would be so far ahead of us in Spring. The grass is much greener, and I saw my first forsythia blooming as I drove!
The only thing that threatened to grab my peace away today was when I signed my bill for the room... it said "How many nights will guest be staying" and next to that was the number 40. Forty nights seems so much longer than six weeks. My check-out day is May 22. However, I will be going home some weekends, so will hold onto that!
The room is nice and big, and even had a CD to lull me to sleep and lavender pillow mist waiting for me. There is a large and beautiful pool, as well as an intense work out room that will help me continue with our work's Biggest Loser while I'm away. (Yes, Theresa - I already used it tonight!)
I went to grab some dinner, and sat there happily eating while enduring the pitying glances of those around me whose thought bubbles read, "How pathetic is she, to be sitting all by herself in a restaurant on Easter... and also, she's wearing a Red Sox shirt, which is unfortunate." YES! It's TRUE! As well as being advanced in the Spring department, this place is closer to the team-of-which-we-do-not-speak. And I saw much team-of-which-we-do-not-speak paraphernalia being worn.
So, here I am. Trading in my beloved NH, close proximity to loved ones, an apartment that I adore, the safety and security of a life where I mind-numbingly make the same trek to work that I've made for over six years, for a chance to spread my wings, a pool, room service and a king-sized bed that will be made for me each morning... oh yeah... and training something I just learned myself to people who know more than me about the company, but less than me about this aspect.
I have officially jumped out of my box!
So Good Days - 1
Much Bad Days - 0
This weekend, however, I decided it was no longer worth panicking about. Monday would come regardless of whether I'd stressed about it or not, so why continue stressing? I might as well go into this adventure looking at it as just that... an adventure! One that I had not only asked my boss numerous times for, but also knocked on Heaven's door for.
So, adventure it will be!
Today was a killer day. Got up early to go to my church for Easter Service, then flew to Milfrog to see Chloe in their Easter service. Kissed the kids, said my goodbyes to Evan & Jill, and ran home to pack... because, yes... I had done no packing.
Packed in less than an hour, said goodbye to Amy, and got on the road.
Adventure - begun!
After a comedy of errors (who even knew that EVERYTHING would be closed on Easter), waiting forever at a toll booth because I had the luck to be behind a car that paid a 65 cent toll with a $100 bill, I got to my destination. (I will not be telling you, would-be-stalkers, where I am exactly)
I had no idea that a place only a few hours south of Chestnut Hill would be so far ahead of us in Spring. The grass is much greener, and I saw my first forsythia blooming as I drove!
The only thing that threatened to grab my peace away today was when I signed my bill for the room... it said "How many nights will guest be staying" and next to that was the number 40. Forty nights seems so much longer than six weeks. My check-out day is May 22. However, I will be going home some weekends, so will hold onto that!
The room is nice and big, and even had a CD to lull me to sleep and lavender pillow mist waiting for me. There is a large and beautiful pool, as well as an intense work out room that will help me continue with our work's Biggest Loser while I'm away. (Yes, Theresa - I already used it tonight!)
I went to grab some dinner, and sat there happily eating while enduring the pitying glances of those around me whose thought bubbles read, "How pathetic is she, to be sitting all by herself in a restaurant on Easter... and also, she's wearing a Red Sox shirt, which is unfortunate." YES! It's TRUE! As well as being advanced in the Spring department, this place is closer to the team-of-which-we-do-not-speak. And I saw much team-of-which-we-do-not-speak paraphernalia being worn.
So, here I am. Trading in my beloved NH, close proximity to loved ones, an apartment that I adore, the safety and security of a life where I mind-numbingly make the same trek to work that I've made for over six years, for a chance to spread my wings, a pool, room service and a king-sized bed that will be made for me each morning... oh yeah... and training something I just learned myself to people who know more than me about the company, but less than me about this aspect.
I have officially jumped out of my box!
So Good Days - 1
Much Bad Days - 0
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