So Far So Good...

... The commute that is. I was a little concerned about the commute from Baltimore to Laurel and it's not so bad. Greg and I take completely different routes, but to be fair he's been leaving earlier than me so the traffic might be different.

Last night, Amelia just wasn't herself. She was very quiet and didn't seem all that interested in eating. We played with her for a little bit and then put her to bed. She didn't fuss or anything; it was very unlike her. But, this morning she is fine. I guess she was having a moment.

Ok, so I have a question for those that like to cook: How do you cook your hamburgers (if you're not cooking them on a grill)? Greg and I made hamburgers for dinner last night and he was going to broil them in the oven! I have never heard of that!! If I am unable to cook a hamburger on the grill I cook it in a pan, as I cooked them last night. In any event, the hamburgers were tasty (even for Greg) and we ate them on a bagel. Delicious!

The Condo Guy replied to my email and stated that he was going to shop around for a new washer/dryer since, it seems, the current one is the original and has had service calls in the past. Hooray! We get a new washer/dryer! I hope this one will be bigger than the current. I can't believe how small it is, yet huge! I will try to get pictures of it before it's replaced; even though we still don't know when we're going to have cable or Internet so who knows when the pictures are going to be uploaded.

Albeit Greg and I have only lived together, and on our own, for about four days, things are great! It's so weird to think about all that has occurred in the past five years and where I am now; when thinking in retrospect of who I was living with and where. Here's the break down:

May 2002 - May 2004 - Adam and I moved to Baltimore; first time living on my own and being with Adam every single day (from 1998-2002 we only saw each other on the weekends or on occasion one night during the week). Adam and I were engaged at the time we moved in but he still wanted to wait until we were married before we lived together. I felt differently and my argument won. Adam and I married on 08/08/03 and in May of 04 we moved again.

June 2004 - June 2006 - Adam and I moved to Glen Burnie. In May of 2005 Adam moves out and I continue living at Glen Burnie on my own. I was a little bit scared of living on my own. I didn't know if I would be able to afford the rent and utilities and what not. But, I am proud that I did it and wasn't evicted!! *Greg and I met in Aug of 2005*

July 2006 - July 2007 - Sean and I find a townhouse in Pasadena and move in together along with his best friend, Aaron. It wasn't that bad, living with my brother and we got along very well. Don't get me wrong, we had our moments but when thinking about it now, those moments could have been due to my pregnancy hormones.

August 2007 - Present - Greg and I move to Glen Burnie. Greg and I talked about moving in together the summer of 2006, before Sean and I moved to Pasadena, and it was talked about on a semi regular basis. We were planning on finding a place by this summer actually. The only hiccup was that my lease expired before his and we were trying to figure out how we could work things out - all the while we didn't know I was pregnant.

Maybe I'm the only one that thinks it's weird but thinking about the events that have occurred in my life over the past five years has been so... multifaceted; I can't think of a better word but it's just bizarre to me. Like, if I think about what I was doing this time in 2002 I am thinking about working at PRP and starting life with Adam, this time in 2003 - Still at PRP, working part time at Super Fresh and being a newlywed - this time 2004; still at PRP and having issues with Adam - this time in 2005; Met Greg a few days ago (Aug 20 to be exact), was working at PRP and looking for a part time job and having fun - this time in 2006; living with Sean and Aaron, quit PRP and Weis (the part time job I started in Oct 05), was working a new job and hating it but over all happy - and today; working a new job, have a nearly 8 month old baby, new friends, new car, and new relationship.

In any event, it's all what it is and will be.

So, I forgot to mention that Monday, the 20th, marked two years that Greg and I met. yeah, it's a girl thing to remember dates like that; bla bla bla... In all honesty, and I've told this to Greg many times, I thought Greg would never contact me after we met. I was so shy. But, to my surprise and pleasure, he contacted me within two days and thus began our continued friendship that involved into love. If you're wondering how Greg and I met it was online through Y!; He sent me a message on Y! Messenger and I was online and we began chatting and then met in person.

Here We Go...

Yeah, so HR did fuck up my check; to no surprise. The only deposited a part of my check and I am assuming the rest of my money is a 'live' check that I will have to go pick up sometime today. Bastards. From my past experience with having multiple bank accounts and having the check divided between the two, if the one account wasn't ready for direct deposit, then the entire check would still be deposited in the original account, not split between a deposit and live check. Grr... these people are idiots.

In Other News...

Amelia isn't feeling well. She has a low grade fever and very runny nose. Also, I've noticed that she's been holding her hand over her ear on occasion. I really hope she doesn't have an ear infection. In any event, I'm going to call Dr. Papa and see what he says; in the mean time Greg and I have been giving her baby Tylenol to help (and it really does).

Greg and I picked up the keys last night at the condo!!!! We're so freaking excited. We were walking around the condo last night talking about where we're going to put what and all. It's great! We also took pictures and will eveutally up load them for all to see.

In the mean time, i am going to hop into the shower (not literally) and get ready for the day.

P.S. Unloading the storage unit, yesterday, wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be and I am as lazy as possible when it comes to moving. Ask Greg, Sean, and Aaron, they will agree with me.

LOL

It has begun...

... tomorrow is THE DAY...

Last night, there was an email from The Condo Guy, confirming the meeting tomorrow and suggesting a time for us to meet (eight o'clock pm). I haven't replied, yet. I am in the progress of that task (among many others)...

Last night, Greg and I were so drained of energy. We were both confused as to why we felt to exhausted. But there were a couple highlights for the night:

Amelia and Greg got into a dispute... over... the spoon. Yes, Amelia has begun to take the spoon away and try to feed herself and WILL NOT allow you to take the spoon back unless you pry her sticky, wet, fingers away from the spoon, to which she will began to scream at the top of her lungs in protest. Wow. Last night, feeding Amelia, was interesting to say the least

I learned that Greg has begun thinking about proposing to me; he's already thought about his wording, the location, the time, and the ring. !!!!!!! This excites me to no end. And, what causes this utmost extreme excitement is that I have absolutely no idea what the ring is going to look like or when and where which means it's all a complete surprise; every bit of it (I have no idea what style ring (cut of the diamond, etc), if the ring is going to be gold, white gold, or platinum, etc). This tickles me pink with joy

It has been so busy at work. I am already getting frustrated and that isn't good. Oy, they need to hire more people and soon (for example, my referral). But, at least it's a short week for me AND I will be working a half day tomorrow, rather than a whole day and taking Friday off (which I am still going to do).

Have I mentioned how excited I am about what's about to happen? I am starting a whole new life (sorta). I am as excited as humanly possible yet scared shit less. What scares me is the finances (remember, Money is the root of evil and can ruin any and all relationships), Greg believes that we will be fine financially, but I am not feeling the belief. I guess, in a sense, I am still thinking about the relationship I had with Adam and when we first moved in together and all that ensued afterwards. But, to be fair, Greg has never been fired and has been at the same company for six years and then some; whereas Adam was constantly loosing his job which made the finances difficult, and I guess I am afraid of a repeat even though Greg is very secure in his job. GGGRRRR.

It's funny how Greg and I are worried about completely different things regaurding this move. I feel his worry is nothing (even though I can't mention it here) to really worry about because he hasn't had any issues with the place he's at now; and he feels my worry about the finances is petty since we both have jobs that pay very well. To each their own.

*** FF to 2:47pm ***

Ugh, I can't get over how busy I've been this week! Thank goodness it's a short week for me. I am feeling so frustrated, stressed, and over all not in a good mood; which i've expressed to Greg (to give him a heads up for tonight).

And, again, I've forgotten about the topics of discussion. God, I would suck in a book club group and had to host a meeting. My mind can not stay focused on anything now a days. I swear I have Adult ADD.

Wish me luck that I survive the rest of the day!

When it Rains It Pours

This week is going to be so stressful!

I dropped Amelia off this morning and was informed that the babysitter as accepted a job and is giving me 2 weeks notice! That means Greg and I have to find a new sitter by August 27! So, the search has begun on CraigsList; so far I've contacted a few businesses and SAHM's and either left a message or sent an email. Wish us luck.

Greg's hour at work ended up being nearly 4 hours! So much work came in over the weekend and he wanted to get a head start for today. He's such a work-a-holic.

So, this is the week!!! Greg and I start moving stuff in at the end of the week!! When Greg made it home (11:30pm), we talked for a little bit about how we're going to do the move and do it as cheaply as possible (meaning the rental truck). I think we're going to get the U-haul and load up the apartment first, then the storage unit and then go to the condo vs. storage unit first, then condo and then back to the apartment for the rest of the stuff. The next question is when do we do this since Greg has taken Thursday and Friday off and I've only taken Friday, but we are meeting The Condo Guy on Thursday after work to get the keys and to give him the rest of the money... so, do Greg and I start the move on Thursday night or wait until Friday? So much to think about!

*** 1:15pm ***

So much for rest during lunch! I had to run up to Greg's job to get his bank card to withdraw money from his current account and put the money in our joint account, and since I drive by his bank on the way home from the Babysitters, I offered to do the errand.

Also during lunch, I recieved 2 call backs from potential day car providers for Amelia. I haven't called either back, yet, since work has been absolutley nucking futs!

It's so much fun having Amelia back! I really enjoy feeding her the Gerber foods because after each spoonfull she'll go "mmm" and then open her mouth for more (or stick her foot in her mouth)! It's so freaking entertaining! Also, Mom taught Amelia to make this face, where she'll wrinkle her nose and squint her eyes and begin to blow through her nose really fast, which usually results in a snort! Greg and I crack up when Amelia does that; of which she'll do on demand, sorta. I'm going to try to get it on 'tape' for all to see. And last night, while in Target, Amelia was being such a ham! She was smiling at everyone, talking and laughing - it was so much fun! One unique thing she was doing was licking the bottoms of Greg and my cups; I am going to assume that her bottom tooth is coming in and the coldness of the cup soothed her; but I am sure it was a sight to see us walking around with a baby attached to the bottom of a cup.

I am getting so freaking excited about the next five months (that's how long until Amelia's First Birthday)!! I can't wait to hear her 'talk' and start walking; the excitment of Christmas and when April and I get their pictures taken. I am so giddy with all of it!

Oh, last night while I had the place to myself, I was playing with Adobe Photoshop 5.0 and trying to create some collages for Cousin April and our Grandma which is Amelia's and Olivia's Great-Grandma. Working on a few Holiday Ideas...

There is more that I want to write, but it would take me all day at this rate...

Maybe tomorrow.

*** Signing out at 2:17pm ***

Busy, Busy, Busy

Today has been crazy!

I've hardly had the time to read my book today and then later in the afternoon I receive a 'special' email from my supervisor informing me that two higher up people have chosen me to call customers to gather some feedback and what not. Now, this makes me feel pretty good that I was specifically thought of to do this project and I feel that this will be put into consideration for the position that I applied for last week.

We'll see!!

So, other than that, the day has been non-stop! I was even working during my lunch hour (just to catch up on a few things). I can not wait to get home tonight!

There was so much stuff I wanted to right today about my wondering mind this morning, but I never got the chance. I hope that I have some time over the weekend to write, but I don't think I will have that much time (picking Amelia up, hanging out with Cousin April, packing and cleaning out the closet and bedroom for the move next week, and so much more!)

Last night was great! I had a really nice time. Greg and I ate at Johnny Rockets, neither one of us had eatin there before; the food was too bad and the prices were pretty good. I believe the total was $20 for two appetizers and two sandwiches. After dinner, Greg and I were going to head over to Dairy Queen because for the whole day of 08/09/07, all sales of their Blizzards (or something like that) were being donated to some Childrens Organization and Greg and I wanted to contribute, but we didn't have time to make it all the way to the one end of the mall and then to the movie theater in time (and, of course, the mall was closed by the time the movie let out), so we had the Ben and Jerry's for dessert (I didn't care too much for the choice of ice cream I cho

Just Another Tuesday

Nothing going on today.

I was busy this morning with HR (which is handled in another state) and filling out their forms on a change of address and direct deposit. It wasn't as easy as you think. Like I've mentioned before, the HR staff isn't the most reliable bunch.

One item mentioned to me about the direct deposit change (even though I am still going to have a portion of my paycheck deposited into my current account) is that it may take up to three pay periods before it's complete; which translates to about six weeks. I don't see how that is possible; it's a simple process of where HR submits verification to the bank that the bank account exists and has the correct name on it, right? Why would this take six weeks to complete? Meh; I just have a feeling that this simple request will not happen in the appropriate time frame quoted to me and that more than likely, the request will be forgotten and that I am going to have to get medieval on their arses. Good grief, it took nearly two months for them to complete my exemptions change (the last paycheck had the correct amount of exemptions taken out for both Fed and State, finally).

****There was something else I wanted to mention, but I can't remember anymore****

Poor Greg has been so busy at work. He didn't get home until 8:30 last night. The only bright side is that he's getting a lot of overtime, but isn't spending much time home (and he misses me). Hopefully, he'll have his annual review today and we'll find out how much his raise is. Last year, he was promoted to Assistant Manager and we're eager to see what the review states. It would be awesome if Greg receives his 'usual' raise amount and then I am promoted at work and receive a raise (I did apply for the position I mentioned earlier; not sure if I mentioned that or not). Oh, did I mention that my job is offering a huge referral bonus (more than a couple thousand dollars; yes, you read that correctly) and my friend that I used to work with at PRP might be considered as a candidate and if she's hired and remains with MX for 6 months, I will be thousands of dollars richer? I will learn in a few weeks if she's going to be hired or not; the manager is out of the country until sometime next week and when he returns is when he's going to conduct interviews.

It's hard to believe that I've been here for almost a year. Sometime last week, I was chatting with a co-worker that was in my training and reminded him of the time we've been here and we both agree that this past year has flown by. It's funny to us because when we started together, neither one of us ever thought we'd be parents within the coming year, when talking in retrospect.

Greg and I are doing quiet well, relationship wise. No major fights or arguments, yet; who knows what's going to happen once we're completely on our own together. But, considering that we've been together for four whole weeks and still no major disputes or arguments, I count that as a good thing! I remember when Adam and I first moved in, within the first 2-3 weeks we had a huge fight and told him that I wanted to break up and everything. I never forgave him for what he did (he didn't hit me or anything), and I never told my family about it (though he told his family what he did). I told Greg about it and he said he would never, ever, do what Adam did, no matter how mad. But, that is all in the past... I am looking forward to the life that Greg and I are going to have together. I believe he's going to 'allow' us to marry on 10-10-09 since he hasn't said anything against that date, except a few times we've talked about getting married sooner (because we are eager to buy a house within the next two years). I've been thinking that it could be possible that Greg and I marry each other this time next year... after all, Greg and I have known each other and have been the best of friends to each other for nearly two years (08/20/05 is 'the date'); if we weren't meant to be, we wouldn't be where we are today...

Speaking of Adam, I called the Circuit Court today because I haven't received anything in the mail about the divorce filing. Well, according to the person I spoke with, they assigned a case number (good, it means everything is in progress) and that they mailed the 'Summons Packet' to me the week of July 18th. Well, I haven't received anything; as a matter of fact, I haven't received any mail since I did my change of address on July 23rd! This worries me, since I am no longer able to check the mail at the townhouse (all keys were returned on July 31). I've tried calling the local post office, but the number is always busy. Figures. It would be nice to be able to get this all done and over with.

Let's see, I started this entry at 1:00 and it's not 3:40. My life is so exciting.

I've noticed that I have new 'regulars' out there; there are 2 in Virginia, someone who uses AOL (didn't even know people still use AOL now a days) and there is this weird one... I love Bravenet because it shows me the link where someone came from, if the visit wasn't a 'direct hit', and lately there's been these visitors with the same IP address, but the referring link is different, though when I click on it, it takes me to the same place. Odd indeed.

Meh. To each their own.

Alright, I am done. I've got other things to vent about somewhere else...

Strange Day

This day feels strange, but in a positive way. But, before I get to that, here are the events of last night:

This morning, Greg and I sleep in as late as possible (nearly 8am), again. We've got to stop going to bed so late! I swear I don't know what happens with the time from 8pm to 12am! Last night, I watched The King of Queens finale. It was a good episode. I missed it earlier this year. Greg and I were so confused because he haven't been keeping track of the episodes, so we had no clue that they broke up and stuff. And, in the end I thought they were going to go their separate ways (when they were talking on the airplane), but they didn't. Awww... In someways, the relationship that Greg and I have is very similar to that of the show (minus the father in-law living in their home; although I am living with Greg's Mom at the present), even Greg saw some similarities.

I went to the store last night after work. Greg and I are tired of having either spaghetti or chicken and salad for dinner (as we've had since moving in on 7/20). So, during the day Greg and I mulled over what to create with what we already have (which wasn't much of anything) and remembered that we have canned chicken, and decided to make chicken dip, kinda like crab dip but with chicken, and to also try to make it similar to that of Bill Bateman's. Surprisingly, it turned out pretty good! All I had to buy was the cream cheese and baguettes. But, while at the store, I bought more items (grapes, lunch items, and dinner for tonight). I spent $21. Greg and I are trying to spend as little money as possible until we have enough for the condo.

After The King of Queens, I took my shower and hung out in the bedroom until Top Chef came on. The episodes just aren't as exciting as last season. There's no Marcel-isk character; albeit, Joey and 'Bulldog' are close competitors.

Now, back to why this day is strange (to me)...

There is a position open within the company (formal email was sent out last night to the team). The position is 'Team Leader' and the duties aren't much more than the work that I am currently doing. I thought it over for a few minutes and decided that I wasn't going to apply for a few reasons; 1. Even though I've been here for a while, I still feel that I am 'new' since I was hired on in May; 2. Don't know if my attention span is reliable enough to do the job to my work ethic standards; and 3. Now that I have a baby, I don't know how reliable I will be (mainly if I have to miss work due to not having anyone to watch Amelia). I feel those are pretty reasonable reasons, right? Well, this morning as I was sitting at my desk reading my usual news and whatnot, I was approached by a co-worker, who isn't a CSR, enquiring if I was going to apply for the position. I had told that I hadn't planned on it and she began to urge me to submit my resume in a very suggestive manor. So, I am wondering if 'they' are hoping that I apply because 'they' feel that I am capable of the job. I wonder if there is a pay increase. In the mean time, I've been working on my resume and waiting for the perfect moment to talk to my supervisor and ask a few questions...

Also, this afternoon I learned that I have won a $50 Visa gift card!!! I forgot about a contest that we were running at work, and I came in second place! Yay me.

Wondering what's so strange about all of this? Well, it's strange because positive things are occurring and... and... I'm not used to this.

Re: Work Drama

So, it looks like the 'research' on the project has proved to be 'false' and someone was fired (not me).

Very interesting.

Work Drama

Last week I began working on a new project. It's a simple project that involves me review accounts that were rejected at enrollment. No biggie. So, I've been working on it on and off, not paying too much attention to the details until yesterday. Yesterday I began to notice a pattern. This morning, the pattern continued and I began to notate the pattern and had planned on bringing it to the attention of someone once I had complied enough information to share. But, before I could complete my 'research' of this pattern I shared what I thought what was going on before I could prove my theory. So, for a majority of the day, I've been researching additional accounts (not including specific accounts that were enrolled by a specific Rep number) to see if my theory is correct. Hence, the reason for the late entry today.

There is more drama than the above at work, but I can not write about it at this time. Maybe within a few days.

Aside some all of the above, all is well. I've talked to Mom and Amelia is doing fine. Very chatty and full of wiggles and giggles. Although, Amelia has taught herself how to laugh while breathing in, or inhaling, rather than learning to laugh while exhaling. I've asked Mom to correct this habit.

Oy! there is so much drama going in my life write now; I could so totally write a column about it in a local paper. If only I had an interesting writing style then maybe I would. Let's just say living with future in-laws is full of entertainment, some funny and some not.

In any event, I'm going to return to my project. Have a fun Tuesday!

155

What does 155 mean? Well, this would be my 155th post here. I have 117 on MySpace.

Today has been unique. I haven't been at my desk much of the day, and here is why:

I get in at 9am. Yummy! Work provided breakfast for all; we have muffins, danishes, bagels, and an assortment of fresh fruit.

At 10:22am, we have our quarterly 'Town Hall' meeting. Very interesting meeting; learned about the company's raises (like when they're suppose to happen), products the company is going to try to gain new customers, etc.

Return to my desk at 12:15pm and immediately go on my lunch break (after my potty break). And, lunch was provided by Work, and catered by Macaroni Grill. I have the chicken and pasta with a Caesar salad. Yummy in my tummy.

So, that's what I've been up to this morning, in a nutshell.

Last night, Greg and I went to the storage place and unloaded some items that we've been carrying around in our cars. Afterwards, we went to Denny's for dinner. I just didn't feel like cooking last night.

Last night was pretty uneventful. We didn't do much of anything. Sean and Aaron have started packing the living room and we began discussing who is taking what and such.

Greg and I talked a bit more last night about things and eventually he told me that he doesn't want to talk about 'it' anymore (I was asking way too many questions about something; nothing about Greg and I and our future). So, I kinda dropped it. I, honestly, just wasn't feeling very chipper last night; if anything I was feeling kinda depressed. I had no real reason that I could my finger on for my depressed feeling though, so that kinda annoyed me. And, if I had to take a stab at what might be the reason, though my conscious mind isn't proving this, it would be that I am homeless come this weekend. I've never not had a place that I was a part of, well since Mom and Van met. This whole Greg and I finding a place to live has really dampened my spirits, I guess (again, can't confirm this 'theory' since my conscious mind isn't really telling me this, or so I don't think) *Mental Note: Never eat chocolate muffines; too messy and sticky*

Blaaahhh. I have a wicked headache, still. And can not find my Aleive.. bbbooo...

On the bright side, Greg sent me an email informing me to "So mark your calendar. Aug **th. MBC and friends gain 50lbs at the Orioles game. heheheheh. They were most excited about the all you can eat deal." Earlier this week or sometime last week, Greg told me that the Orioles are hosting "All-You-Can-Eat Left Field Club for the remainder of the season. The tickets are $35 per person and you can eat all you want on hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soda, and so much more! Click on the link for more details.

I think I am done for now. I really can't remember what else I wanted to write about and this headache is really starting to get to me (moving down to my ears and neck now). I want a nap!

Trying to Focus

Work has been a little on the slow side. Don't get me wrong, we've had our moments of extreme busy, but nothing on a regular basis.

So, to kill time, I've been reading online and such. And, now I am completely distracted.

I need to get my focus back in order. So, this morning I started working on my on-going project. The reason I stopped the project was because after nearly 2 months, I questioned to reason of this project. I never got an answer about whether to continue or not, so I stopped. Recently, like last Friday, I went to check on the grid and there were like 177 new account numbers!! So, I guess they decided to move on with the project and not tell me; this morning I started the tedious task of going through the 200+ accounts, on a idividual level, and so forth. I believe I made it through 40-ish accounts. My goal, for this afternoon, is to complete all the accounts and then to hopefully go back and call the account holders on the ones that were cancelled for the specific reason this whole project began.

Yeah, we'll see how this goal goes...

In the mean time, it is my lunch hour and I'm taking full advantage of it. I'm almost caught up on my email, I did fax the application for the condo and included additional refernces (again, going for the brownie points here), did the email 'chat' thing with Greg this morning, posted a few comments on a few regular blogs I read, and just chilled out.

Last night, Greg was unable to open a storage unit because their credit card machine was down. So, we came home and he cooked dinner while I tended to the bebah, also known as Amelia. Amelia went to bed rather early and easily. Around 7, I was holding her in my lap and she started to rub her eyes, so I placed her against my chest and she began to suck her thumb and lay her head on me. Then, every 5 seconds she would lift her head, let out a sad and pathetic cry and then lay her head back down. All I could do was laugh as she did this over and over. Eventually, I took her upstairs and laid her in the crib thingy and she pretty much went to sleep. Now, around 10:30, she was WIDE AWAKE, like playing and chatting and shrieking as if it were in the morning! This totally confused Greg and I. So, we picked her up, changed her and gave her a small bottle. She was back asleep by 11:15pm and I was too far behind her.

Today, Greg has a huge list of tasks for me! First, he's going up to Security to pick up my tags (I don't know why I thought they would be mailed to me; oh, I know why, because that would make more sense!), then try to open the storage unit, and then stop at Target to pick up the pictures I ordered last week off of Flickr.

Have I mentioned how much I like making new friends? I don't think I have, well I do. I've made a new friend! It's a long distance friendship, but should be entertaining.

Also, I have a few new regular readers! One hails from Virginia and the others are from 'across the pond' in England. Howdy!

Well, lunch is about over and I am going to work on my goal.

Have a nice day!

Jess

So much done!

I can't believe how much Mom and I were able to complete in 5 hours!

I left work just before 1:30 and was in Waldorf in less than an hour. Traffic was pretty light. Mom and I met at the Mall and began our adventure. First, we stopped at Lane Bryant and did a little shopping. Mom bought me 2 capris, something I've never worn before, 2 new tops, 2 new bras and 5 pairs of underpants. Mom bought herself a top as well. You won't believe what the total came to... $300!!! Yeah, and we bought everything on sale, except for the capris. Day-um!

After Lane Bryant, we ate a late lunch an then went to Claire's. There, we got some earrings, headband, and necklaces. Not too bad. Then, we went shoe shopping and I got two new pairs of shoes and mom bought a pair for herself. Now, while we were at the she store, Mom realized that the Lane Bryant bag was missing! $300 worth of clothes gone! During this realization, I was feeding Amelia so I tell Mom t go retrace our steps to find the bag while I finish feeding Amelia. Mom finds the bag at Claire's. Whew! Once the bag was found, Mom went into Old Navy to look for a dress for Amelia to wear at the funeral and to my surprise, and hers as well, she was able to find a cute dress for $8! Way to go Mom!

After Old Navy, we were done and head out to the viewing. While on the way there, I call Cousin April to see if she was going as well and we chat it up for a few. Once Mom and I arrive at the viewing, Amelia was the most popular person there and she was hamming it up to! She was all smiles for everyone and talking away! So many people held her and she didn't even cry and get fussy. I was so happy too. Mom caught up with the Huntt side of the family while I played with Amelia. Not too long after we arrived, April arrives and we hang out for a bit. I went up to Uncle Pats casket and it was too weird looking at him. He looked like my Poppop except he had white hair while Poppop still had dark brown. My Poppop died when I was in the 6th grade, so roughly 15 years ago this past April. It was just weird.

After the viewing, Mom and I went and got our hair done and cut. The lady that did my hair went a little too short! The hair doesn't even touch my shoulders anymore. But, I kinda like it. My curls come out so it kinda looks good. Mom says she loves it. Can't wait until tomorrow to see what everyone else thinks. After the hair cuts, we ran into Safeway to get a few things. While I was in there, I took a picture of me with my camera phone and sent it to Greg's email. Later, I called Greg and told him to check his email because I wanted to know what he thought and the first word out of his mouth was 'Wow" and I asked if that was a good wow or a bad wow and he said good. Just wait until he see's it tomorrow when I get home.

Well, I never did get my letter from HR telling me what my hourly rate is. But, from what I was told, the salary they quoted me is correct, but the letter has to ay the hourly rate due to my position. And, tomorrow is finally payday! I can't wait to see what the check is going to be. Also, I really hope the direct deposit was completed before payday. I never understood why employers tell me it may take 4-6 weeks to complete a direct deposit set up when Office Team did it in less than a week! Bah, humbug!

Anyway, it's almost midnight and I am finally starting to feel tired.

Bedtime!

Work

Since last Tuesday, the 8th, work has been hella busy! Practically non-stop. Some days, it's so bad that I don't want to talk to ANYONE on the phone after I leave work because I spent nearly 8 hours talking to idiots. If you've worked as a customer service rep in a call center, you can relate.

The call center that I work for is fairly small. I'd guess there are less than 20 reps that are on the phones at all times. That's pretty small if you think about it. The call center is divided into teams; Me and two others are in the sales.marketing.retention team. It can be slow at times. The rest of the call center is generally basic customer service (meaning account verification, billing questions, cancellations, etc). The issue that I've been having to deal with for nearly a month is practically no help with the phone calls between 1-2pm because the other team members go to lunch. And, with the call volume being as high as it's been (due to accts renewing (retention)), I've been alone to handle the calls. I've expressed my stress to my supervisor and the manager and they say they are working on adding more people to the 'group' but have yet to do so and I'm starting to wonder if they ever will.

Well, I had to vent. I don't feel any better but at least its out there.

Customer Serivce Representatives

I am a Customer Service Representative. Not by choice, mind you.

I've lost my train of thought for this posting; probably due to the fact that my brain is mush for any and all comprehension and things related. The calls today have been very frequent and constant. The callers have been mind numbingly stupid.

Why do I keep settling for customer service jobs? This isn't my career choice, nor anywhere close to what I want to do as a career. But, I am good at what I do as a CSR. My evaluation rates have been in the upper nineties and I've remained in the top 3 overall for the company score wise. I just have the ability to sell and provide excellent service skills (as I've been told).

It's weird to be on the opposite side of the phone; when I call customer serivce about an issue or a questions. I constantly compair my work ethic vs the one that I am speaking with (my ethics are much higher than theres).

Ugh, it's just one of those days...

THEY MADE AN OFFER!

By accident, I received the 'Welcome Packet' during my lunch break (the package arrived via Fed Ex and I didn't know what it was so I opended it). It was suppost to go to the manager, but it was delivered to me. Good thing I was eating lunch at my desk!

So, I immediantly went to the managers office and was like "I received this package." giving him a fake curious look. He took it from me and then handed it back to me stating the offical stuff. My affective date, if I choose to accept the offer, is May 7th! That's next Monday!!!!

The manager told me NOT TO look at the packet while at work because it contains confidential information that he doesn't want others to see (such as my salary). So, since I was on my lunch break, I went directly to my car to see how much they were offering me and it was more than I have ever made! And, this isn't including commission and enrollment incentives!!!

Horray! Finally the break I've been needing! Just in time too!

The only downside is that I will go two weeks without any money! My first check will be on 5/25!!! This is going to be a challenge...

Just talk

During the weekend, Greg and I talked about a few things that involve our future. One comment that he made (and he doesn't want me to mention this until he makes 'it' official) during one of our passionate moments confirmed what I've known since last summer. The following day, Sunday, as we were just talking in the hotel room, I asked him what makes his 'knowledge' of what he told me different than before (meaning with his exes) and he told me that with them, it was a schedule thing meaning that he felt he had to have this by this age and with me there was no schedule and what he feels is real and deep. He also made a comment about how falling for someone (not necessarily in-love) can fade after a while, yet what he and I have is something that won't fade (well, at least his feelings for me).

Another item that we discussed were our living arrangements. My lease expires next month meaning I have to be out by July 1. Greg talked to his mom last night and she told him that he could move out and that she will be able to support herself and Ken without his help. So, that means Greg and I will be moving in together this summer. We've begun to look at places online and this weekend we are going to go to the actual places to check them out. Last night and this morning, I've been stressing about how Greg and I are going to be able to save up for a security deposit with me only making $280 a week after taxes and paying for my half of the babysitter; but, just a few moments ago, I received a phone call from my manager asking for my mailing address and a co-worker over heard me providing the address and told me that they are going to mail me employment information (I had asked the manager if he was going to mail me a card and he said: "no, something better." and laughed)! So, if this is a fact then that would elevate part of my stress! Now, I just wait for the official word... Gosh, I hope it comes soon; I really need the money.

This morning, my Mom calls at like 6:50 to chat. She said that she and Van miss Amelia already and asked why I didn't want to keep Amelia for a few more days with them (something Mom stated earlier on Sunday). I told Mom that I wasn't prepared to have Amelia stay with them longer, plus there was no advance notice for April and she would be loosing money without warning. But, Greg and I are hoping to take a small vacation later this year (assuming things go well financially) and we will definitely be using my Mom to watch Amelia. Also, Amelia will probably be staying with her when we move and just for the hell of it. During the conversation I told Mom that Greg's Mom told him that she'll be fine without him and that now Greg and I have to find a place and such and how I was starting to stress about saving money. But, Amelia woke up before we could finish talking so we hung up. Then, about 15 minutes later, Mom calls again to tell me that Greg and I can move into the house in Churchton, rent free and we only have to pay the utilities, until January 2008. I told her that is great, but it's too far away from where Greg an I work, plus we'd be stressing about moving out right after Christmas and just before Amelia's first birthday. Her rebuttal was that she would be closer to Amelia. I told her nice try and that I would talk to Greg about this offer at which point I immediately called Greg to tell him and we briefly discussed it and agreed to accept only as an absolute last resort.

I am excited about all of the above (moving in with Greg and our future together) and I can't wait to see what's going to happen this summer!