Moments Worth Mentioning

I happily admit that Grey’s Anatomy is one of my all-time favorite shows. I haven’t missed an episode yet! But I must say, last night was a little extreme. I turned away from the TV during a particular scene that involved anesthetized pigs and razor blades. I won’t say anymore in case some of you have TiVoed it.

First its Mike Rowe and lambs, now its Patrick Dempsey and pigs. I just can’t take it.

I crossed the “100th post” several posts back. It’s apparently a pretty big deal in the blog-sphere when one reaches this milestone. I apologize for not giving it the credit it so deserved. With no further delay, in celebration of the moment, 100 things about me.

1. I am blind in one eye. My right eye to be exact. By far my biggest insecurity.
2. I ran (for fun) in high school. I also did the high jump.
3. I have never broken a bone. (knock on wood)
4. I hadn’t even stepped inside a hospital until last month. (See bee sting story)
5. That is a lie. I have been to the hospital lots of times. I worked in one and I have visited my parents in one many many times. (Don’t worry, they are perfectly healthy. They work there.)
6. I have also volunteered at a hospital. I still have nightmares about that pink and white jump suite.
7. If I could meet any celebrity it would be Mike Rowe. My coworker and I share a celebrity crush on that man.
8. I also wouldn’t mind meeting Patrick Dempsey.
9. I went to a private school through 6th grade.
10. I still remember what I wore the first day of 7th grade.
11. I remember that I came to the horrific realization that fashion trends were school district specific.
12. I made my first trip out of the country this past summer.
13. Unless you classify walking off the cruise ship while docked in Cozumel which I have done twice. Once in high school, once in college.
14. I love to travel.
15. New York and Chicago are STILL on the to-do list.
16. I love airports.
17. Best city I have ever visited: Anaheim, California.
18. My parents live in separate houses.
19. I honestly don’t remember them ever living in the same house.
20. That is also a lie. They divorced when I was in 7th grade. I have lots of memories of them cohabiting.
21. I’m a southerner. I don’t like grits. Go figure.
22. I do love sweet tea.
23. And Mexican cheese dip.
24. I often loose sleep when I am excited, nervous, or anxious.
25. I prefer to sleep with several blankets. Preferably heated blankets.
26. I hate being cold.
27. I currently have no less than 6 throws in my living room.
28. I live in a spotless apartment. It’s a sickness.
29. I have been scrapbooking since I was a freshman in high school.
30. I now have 7 or 8 completed scrapbooks in chronological order that I carry around with me.
31. I also have way too many Rubbermaid containers that are filled with paper, stickers, scissors, stencils, ect.
32. I own a blackberry.
33. I am addicted.
34. I also own an Ipod and a GPS.
35. They all plug into my car.
36. The inside of my car looks like a spaceship.
37. I have an irrational fear of paper cuts.
38. I wish I could play an instrument.
39. I took piano lessons once.
40. I have never been pulled over by the police.
41. I love music.
42. Especially the kind where I can understand the lyrics.
43. I sing in the car. Very loudly.
44. I also LOVE taking pictures.
45. People, things, scenery. My computer is overwhelmed with pictures.
46. I have about 10 CD’s filled with digital pictures that I have taken over the years.
47. Can you believe that we used to live in a world without digital pictures?
48. I scrapbook with said pictures. (see #30)
49. I keep my “pretty” shoes in Rubbermaid containers.
50. I am realizing that I have a Rubbermaid addiction.
51. I believe that the scrubbing bubbles-Maid for your shower is the best thing ever invented.
52. The flat iron is also pretty great.
53. With the new short hair cut, I use it every day.
54. I’m not convinced that short hair is for me.
55. I’ve been told repetitively that I will be cold this winter with the lack of long hair. I’m pretty sure I will be cold regardless.
56. I love tradition.
57. Which makes living far away from home especially difficult during this time of year.
58. I had a great Thanksgiving last year.
59. So I guess it’s possible to make new traditions.
60. It snowed last year on Thanksgiving, and it stuck. Several inches worth.
61. It was Sadie’s birthday yesterday.
62. She’s two years old.
63. It still hurts.
64. I’m a morning person.
65. I have tried to be a night person.
66. Drinking small amounts of caffeine help me to be the morning/night person that is required of me on any given day.
67. My preferred choice of caffeine is Mountain Dew.
68. I tried diet Mountain Dew when I went home a few weeks ago. It was gross.
69. I don’t do coffee.
70. I do love Starbucks Frapuccino.
71. I can’t believe anyone is still reading this list.
72. This has turned out to be more difficult then I originally thought.
73. I own credit cards from Old Navy and Express.
74. They collect dust in my wallet.
75. My debit card on the other hand, is used daily.
76. I don’t carry cash.
77. Expect for 1 dollar bills.
78. I couldn’t bring myself to deposit the 1 dollar bills that I earned this summer while working at the golf course. It seemed silly.
79. That was the best job I have ever had.
80. I learned the art of approaching total strangers.
81. I also learned that long blond hair helps when it comes to tips.
82. Unlike most, I would go back and re-do high school in a heart beat.
83. I would also re-do college.
84. I lived in a sweet townhouse during my sophomore through senior years of college. And then another year after I graduated.
85. That is the birth place of my domestic skills.
86. I learned how to cook, clean, and plant flowers while living there.
87. I once owned every tool and piece of equipment needed to go camping.
88. It was a great hobby. Up until I was awoken by a bear sniffing our tent.
89. Speaking of natures animals. Deer killing day in quickly approaching. (Its a Michigan thing)
90. I don’t like it. At all. I prefer to see God’s creatures alive and well.
91. Except for when they hit my car.
92. Which has happened twice. During the same incident.
93. My dad and step-mom are going to the Georgia/Florida football game this weekend. Which makes them incredibly cool.
94. I hope to one day be that cool.
95. I have become a huge Georgia football fan. Although I did not attend the University of Georgia. More so since I have left the state of Georgia.
96. I have a Christmas ornament from every year since I was born.
97. I have continued the tradition of picking out a new ornament each year even though I have left home.
98. I put up my Christmas tree last year knowing good and well that no one would see it. I plan to do the same this year.
99. I don’t understand the stock market. Or why it is now in the headlines.
100. I’m pretty sure that this list would change if I were to do it again on another day. But I have no intention of doing it again… ever.

I have now been living in Michigan for 15 months. I am no longer “new” to the area. I can no longer use that as an excuse for not being more settled. My decision to move up here was based on a number of things, but ultimately, I knew that MI would never be a permanent decision. Maybe, just knowing that this was only a stepping stone, I subconsciously haven’t taken the time to really invest in a whole lot around here. Friends, community, church…

Yes- I have friends here. But not the kind that I would feel comfortable calling at 2am with a problem. The great search continues…

Yes- I go to church. I have visited quite a few, and finally found one that works. But its big and somewhat impersonal. And to be honest, its hard to find a small group that works. I’m not a College & Career kinda girl, and the Newly Married class doesn’t fit either.

And Yes- I have participated in community events. I’ve done fireworks, fall festivals, and picnics in local parks. In a perfect world I would find free craft classes or join in on a local singles event. But… The schedule I keep makes that exceptionally difficult. (more excuses) And all of those said community events are only so fun by yourself. I prefer team sports.

Truth be told, I made the conscious decision to move up here. Its been a decision that has taken me WAY out of my comfort zone. But I am coming to the realization that life isn’t always about being comfortable. Its the uncomfortable parts that make you better, stronger.

I am very guilty of always looking toward the future. Meanwhile, the present flies right by. I don’t want to think of the things that I have missed during all of my forward thinking. Its time that I put more focus on the here and now. Maybe I’ll carve a pumpkin tonight…

Before we watch a TV show that includes “graphic content that may be inappropriate for younger viewers” they warn us with a disclaimer. Consider this my disclaimer.

I tend to have a habit (good or bad… I don’t know) of taking a personal inventory every so often. I find myself taking a good look at what I am doing and where I am going. I think it can be a great way to motivate yourself to make a change (if need be), but unfortunately it also shines a bright light on the not so pretty parts.

I’m in a chapter of my life where my independence is now a very strong aspect of my personality. I now have a tendency to cringe at the thought of being forced into plans or obligations. I also turn the other direction the minute a guy requests a second or third date. I don’t want to be tied down… in any way, shape, or fashion.

I have been horribly burnt before.

I enjoy the freedom.

I don’t want the responsibility of making someone else happy.

But being the fun fearless female that I am, I also want to Have My Cake and Eat it Too. I enjoy the independence up to the point where I get a little lonely and wish that someone would call. I enjoy the independence up to the point when Thanksgiving rolls around and I don’t have a family to eat with because my independence has taken me 800 miles north. It is a very strange fence that I ride.

So yes, I am a little bummed today. I want it all. I want the career, the family, and the ability to maintain the independence. I want to remain true to myself and not have to sacrifice one for the other. Ultimately, I want to be happy and content. I am struggling because I question whether or not I am in a place, or at least moving in a direction where any of those wants are attainable.

And it is sleeting outside.

I told you it would be bad.

Things happen for a reason, and this weekend had the most perfect timing. If I ever needed to have my sails filled back up with air, this was it…

I caught an extremely early flight Saturday morning, and was in Atlanta before the sun came up. First stop (as always) was Chick-Fil-A for some breakfast. Second stop, Dahlonega. My mom, step dad and myself made the hour and a half drive up to the North Georgia mountains. I will admit that I was a little disappointed that the Georgia trees were several weeks behind in changing color compared to my Michigan trees. But just the same, the drive into the mountains was beautiful.

Gold Rush lived up to its normal history of being jammed packed with visitors, vendors and good ol’ southern food. After walking around for a while, we made our way back towards the college. For those of you who aren’t familiar with my college, you will not understand. But for those of you who are, you understand the pride and excitement I got as I crested the hill and walked into the heart of the campus. We grabbed a bench, discussed the various landmarks of the campus, and just took it all in. I have so many great memories… flag football tournaments, carnivals, movies, watching drill practice, making long walks to class AROUND the field since walking across it was unacceptable, and of course the day when I ran down the hill into a few hundred girls dressed in pink. We even got to see the ROTC boys march as they made their way to the Gold Rush parade. It felt (and sounded) like I had never left.

I met a fellow alumnus, AKA Kristy, and took the rest of the afternoon wandering around the square. She was then my generous driver and took me to my Dad’s house in Gainesville where I had to get ready for the real reason for my trip. Julies Wedding.

I have briefly explained in prior posts that Julie is one of eight girls that were my BFF’s in high school. In the eight years since we have left West Hall High School, we have scattered ourselves and have all grown up to start our own lives. Several are now married with children of their own. Others are up to their elbows in various careers. We are now very different, very unlike the teenagers that we were when we were all so close. I honestly wondered if the chemistry would still be there… I should have known better than to have any doubts.

I walked up to where the ceremony was going to take place… and was immediately surrounded by long lost friends. Not only where “the” girls there, but also their families, and lots of other people that I haven’t seen since we all graduated. Lots of hugs, and Where in the world have you beens keep me smiling for the entire evening. Being so far from home, I find that I am introducing myself constantly to new people, and am always aware of the first impression that I am giving. I was overcome with how wonderful it was to be able to walk into a room where everyone already knew who you were. No introductions needed. Just lots of open arms.

The wedding itself was beautiful. We were outside under a beautiful tree. The bride was beautiful, and watching her parents and her sisters beam was heart warming. I love that family.

The reception was just as beautiful. Simple, sweet, and southern. I sat amongst friends and caught up, gossiped, laughed and ultimately reconnected right where things left off. None of us were ready for the reunion to end, so we continued the party at a local hot spot (including the bride and groom). The evening eventually turned into morning. Finally we said goodbye-promising to not let so much time to go before we saw each other again.

On Sunday, my dad and I took a short boat ride , marveled at the lack of water, and just talked about life. What an amazing cheer leader he has become. He was supportive of my ideas and thoughts, understanding of my frustrations, and reassuring in ways that I didn’t even know that I needed. My sails were officially filled.

I am back in Michigan now, after catching another early flight. I am exhausted. But, I can honestly say that this weekend was one of the most needed and best that I have had…ever.

For the last two days I have been working the 6am shift at work. So, as I sit here in my sleep deprived haze I am anxiously awaiting the weekend. Honestly, I am just ready for this week to be over. Its been quite the roller coaster, and I am more than happy to see the end in site. I have spent the last few evenings unpacking my apartment. Its not really all that fun to re-move in. (For those of you with an inkling to pack and unpack for no particular reason.) But just the same, things are back to normal. At least on the surface.

I am catching a 5:45am flight tomorrow morning… nonstop to the ATL. It’s only been about a month since I was down there, but I am more than ready to set foot on some Georgia soil. It never gets old seeing the friendly faces as I ascend the escalators in the Atlanta airport. If you ever want to feel extra special, meet someone in an airport… The hugs are always extraordinary. I love going to the airport just for that reason. I love watching the reunions.

First stop on Saturday will be my college town! I will be making the drive up to Dahlonega for their annual fall festival… AKA Gold Rush. Its a reason in itself to live in Georgia. And being that I lived in that town for over four years, its always wonderful to go back. Can’t Wait.

Next stop, Julie’s wedding. She is my very best friend from high school. We lived in the same neighborhood, and were in the same circle of very close friends. So, so many memories. It’s been way to long since I have gotten to see those girls. I wouldn’t miss her special day for anything.

I walked into work today and, within 10 seconds, was hit with a hard blow. The glamorous promotion was taken away as quickly as it was given. No fault is given to anyone in the situation, but I am not ashamed to say that I am mad, very mad.

I excused myself from work for a few hours to make some phone calls and do some “damage control”. I undid the upcoming lease signing, canceled the transferred utilities and went crawling back to my apartments leasing office to ask for my early termination letter to be torn up. That was the easy stuff… calling home to let my family know that the good news had turned bad was the hard part. Once again, they amazed me. What an amazing support system I have. My tough dad knew exactly what to say. My mom listened to me cry. I love them so much.

To be perfectly honest, its not the actual job that I am mad about losing. Its the new opportunities that were dangled in front of me that I am so sad about giving up. This promotion was going to allow me to let go of the second job (that I have had for almost a year and a half). It was going to allow me to move into a part of town that guaranteed new friends and social networks. This was the chance to once again have normal working hours. This was my open door, my opportunity… and it was just slammed shut.

I would normally take this opportunity to say great things about looking at the bright side, and remarking about having a glass half full vs. half empty. But, instead, for now, I am choosing to be angry and frustrated.

Excuse me while I unpack my apartment.

The packing has begun… I will admit to having a slightly higher than normal stress level at the moment. I spent almost six hours today driving around the south eastern portion of Michigan trying to find a new apartment. After nine visits, I found one that I was happy with. Call me picky. Whatever.

The pictures are down…

The kitchen table has become the staging area…

And the stacks of boxes and rubbermaids have appeared (again).

And what is a stressed girl to do when packing becomes overwhelming… BAKE!

I remember my first “real” interview very well. I was a few months out of college. I can distinctly remember the office that I sat in. I can remember exactly what the interviewer looked like. Her name was Karen. But what I remember most was my answer to one of her questions. She asked me where I saw myself in five years… (If I had only known).

I remember that I told her that I was looking for a company that could provide me with opportunities to advance, and in five years I hoped to have made the transition from having a job to really having a career.

I ended up getting the job…and subsequently quit a year later. It turned out not be a good fit, and it definitely wasn’t where I was going to find my “career”. I moved onto other jobs, other cities, and eventually, other states.

Still in search of my career, in August of last year I had another interview. This one was completely different to any of the ones I had had prior. This one was done over the phone, and included questions concerning moving expenses and relocation issues. At this point, I was three years into my five year time frame. If Michigan was where I was going to find my career, than so be it! My car was packed and I was in Swartz Creek, MI within a few weeks.

Fast forward 14 months:
Yet another interview. This one was once again completely different than any other. This was an internal interview for a position within my current company. All of my normal questions that I would ask during an interview were thrown out the window. I already new the answers. And the interviewer wouldn’t be asking about my recent job history. He already new the answers. The rules were different, the preparation was different, the stakes were higher.

The good news: I got the promotion!
The bad news: I am moving… for the 4th time in less than a year and a half. (I’m becoming an expert).

My new position is at another assembly plant. I will be with the same company, wear the same logo, but will have to switch my automotive loyalty. (Who are we kidding… was I ever loyal?) And, I will be making the transition from staff, to management. Yay!

My first plan is to call Karen(my first boss) and tell her that I found my career. Unfortunately it just wasn’t with her.