Something in the Water?

So yet another friend of mine is pregnant. Right now her baby is 26-28 cm long, and has all it's organs. I've had so many friends announce they are knocked up lately, that I have started reading the prego websites. My favorite is www.ivillage.com. They do a really good job telling you what's going on with you, the baby, and giving tips. I've decided, if this site is around in 10 years when I decide to go down this road, I will use this site. Of course by then, I will be 468 months or more too.

Take this Job and Shove it!

I ain't workin' here no more...
Anyone remember that song?

Well, this morning has been quite eventful. I had a 7:00am dentist apointment, which really put a damper on my Caribou run. I was really looking forward to a Turtle Mocha. Oh well though.
I left my apartment in such a hurry that I didn't take my jacket. Apparently I forgot where I lived, I must have thought that I was in Texas or something where right now it is probably warm enough to leave without a coat. But here, it is supposed to snow again today, and the current temp is 33 degrees. I park my car in the parking lot of this place for the last time EVER. (Ahhh. that sounds so good!) I step out of my vehicle, and almost slip because what looked like a little bit of water on the pavement, was actually a thin sheet of ice. So I skate through the parking lot with my cute 3 inch healed shoes, with a faux shearling trim on, and in the door. By this time I really am wishing I had my coffee because now everything on me has goose bumps. (Good thing my bra has a little bit of padding)

Then it hits me as I'm walking down the hallway! "My last day. My last day! MY LAST DAY!" WOO HOO! Then that song pops into my head! whoo hoo! By this time I'm smiling from ear to ear. I just can't stop smiling! Today I plan to IM my buddies, email the ones not on IM, and to call the ones that don't have email.

Oh, follow up to wizing in a cup. They were supposed to overnight me a kit to take with me to the clinic. That didn't come. So I have a call in to the HR manager, to see if maybe I can just take it when I get to the new office. Maybe do it before the orientation, or after....

I Have a Place to Live!

I just realized that I failed to share some information with you. My new job requires a move. Which you may or may not have read about in past blogs. This past weekend, my man and I hunted out apartments and townhomes. We finally decided on a townhome that has an attached garage, and is all one level upstairs. This is good considering my nightmare last night consisted of me living on the first floor, walking out of the bathroom naked into my living room, only to find some creepy guy there staring at me through the windows. Note to self: Remember to close blinds when naked.

We decided that I will be living in a townhome for at max a year, and in that time we will start searching for a house to buy or build. Whichever suits our fancy. We're starting to act like a real married couple! So mature.

I'm 352 Months

So my co-workers and I were discussing how anoying it is when people - mainly women - refer to their kids as 16 months, or 14 1/2, or my ultimate favorite, 27 months. Ummm.. NO. Your kid is a two years and 3 months. Or maybe just round it off to two years old.

Come one people! Stop being retarded. I swear when women have babies they lose their adult brain cells sometimes. Imagine if adults continued this trend into adult years? I'd be 352 Months. So on my 360th birthday, I expect big gifts!

Wizing in a Cup

So, my new office requires a drug screening. So I have to find a clinic up here to wiz in a cup for. I don't do drugs, yet am somewhat nervous. I have never had to wiz in a cup - well, I take that back. When I was taking Acutaine for my face I had to take pregnancy test each time I refilled it becuase it causes really horrible mutations in babies. So they make you take a prego test each time before filling your perscription. But this was my dermotologist, so I'd just go into the bathroom and pee into dixy cup alone. I've never had to do it WITH someone. So this will be interesting. I'll have to remeber to go in with a full blatter. I have to pee right now just thinking about it.

Clarification

I would like to CLARIFY. I did NOT quit my job to be closer to my husband. I quit my job because the company I work for bites. See, The Low-Down for details. They treat people like shit, they don't pay them their worth, and don't treat the ones that know their job, and strive to make it better with dignity and respect. This is the reason I am leaving my job. And this reason only.

A side effect of me leaving my position, is that I have saught out a position at a company that will bring me closer to my husband. This was an intentional move, but was not the reason for my leaving the big crazy W.

The bosses around the office are of spinning, the "she's leaving to be closer to her husband" aspect. Which pisses me off. So I am making sure whenever someone comes to talk to me about my leaving that I state, "Well, I decided that Wilsons was not the place I wanted to be anymore, so I decided when I started looking that I would look somewhere closer to the farm." Then I make sure to tell them how great this new place seems and how it was definately the right decision.

Productive Thursday

I took today through Monday off. I have three personal days that I have not taken that I will not get paid for when I leave, so I decided to take them. Today I am packing. It's a little hard to figure out what to pack because we will be splitting stuff b/t two apartments until the end of May. I have packed my cute shirts in two big boxes, my shirts I prob won't wear for a while in 3 other boxes, and sweaters in two others. I didnt' realize how many cloths I had. I guess Darin must have been right all these years.

So I woke up at 9:00 packed until 1:00, then took a nap until 3:00. love it! I think I might actually like this staying at home thing. At the moment, I could totally see working at home working. I could sleep in, work some, take a nap, then cook dinner, then maybe work or nap again. Maybe clean somewhere in there too. But I'll have a live in maid for that.

Friday we are going to the big F to look for apartments or condos to rent. It should be fund, and productive. I have lined up several places to see. I hope I find a rockin' place to live.

A Message From Human Resources

I received this email today, it was so funny! I had to post it. I have printed it out, and plan to start using it today! My favorites are... well, they are all my favorites!

It has been brought to management's attention that some individuals
throughout the company have been using foul language during the course
of normal conversation with their co-workers. Due to complaints received
from some employees who may be easily offended, this type of language
will no longer be tolerated.

We do however, realize the critical importance of being able to
accurately express your feelings when communicating with co-workers.

Therefore, a list of 18 New and Innovative "TRY SAYING" phrases have
been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can
continue in an effective manner.

1) TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training.
INSTEAD OF: You don't know what the f___ you're doing.

2) TRY SAYING: She's an aggressive go-getter.
INSTEAD OF: She's a ball-busting b__ch.

3) TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late.
INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?

4) TRY SAYING: I'm certain that isn't feasible.
INSTEAD OF: No f______ way.

5) TRY SAYING: Really?
INSTEAD OF: You've got to be sh__ing me.

6) TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with...
INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a sh__.

7) TRY SAYING: I wasn't involved in the project
INSTEAD OF: It's not my f______ problem.

8) TRY SAYING: I'm not sure this can be implemented
INSTEAD OF: This sh__ won't work.

9) TRY SAYING: That's interesting
INSTEAD OF: What the f____?

10) TRY SAYING: I'll try to schedule that
INSTEAD OF: Why the h___ didn't you tell me sooner?

11) TRY SAYING: He's not familiar with the issues.
INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his a__.

12) TRY SAYING: Excuse me, sir?
INSTEAD OF: Eat sh__ and die

13) TRY SAYING: So you weren't happy with it?
INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.

14) TRY SAYING: I'm a bit overloaded at the moment.
INSTEAD OF: F___ it, I'm on salary.

15) TRY SAYING: I don't think you understand.
INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.

16) TRY SAYING: I love a challenge.
INSTEAD OF: This job sucks

17) TRY SAYING: You want me to take care of that?
INSTEAD OF: Who the h___ died and made you boss?

18) TRY SAYING: He's somewhat insensitive
INSTEAD OF: He's a pr_ck.

Thank You,
Human Resources

This Morning's Drive

After yesterday's driving adventures in the worst snowstorm since 1980 or something like that. This morning wasn't much better. Although the main roads are now plowed, and so was my apartment driveway. However, the dillhole that plowed the driveways, pushed the snow up against the garages, so when I tried to pul out, I got stuck on top of a mountain of snow. I had to drive forward, back into my garage, and then gun the gas to get out. Successfully of course.

Then after dropping my man off at his office, I had to dodge ice balls that have been kicked up from the snowplays that were the size of, and/or bigger than my car's tires. I felt like I was in a video game. I feared for my cars life!

I can't believe I live up here. I miss my warm Texas climate. I miss wearing skirts without panty hose in February. I miss open toe shoes in April. I miss being able to swim in the lakes without freezing to death. Why did I ever get married? Why? Oh, yeah, because I love him. That's why.

Reactions Anyone?

I was going to add this to my previous post, but then I realized that my last couple of posts have been quite lengthy. So here are the reations:

Manager #1 (The one I totally love): "I'm sad to be losing you, but I'm happy for you." Then hugs me. So then we proceed to talk about things, and how she thinks it's a great move for me because I need to be closer to Darin, and blah blah blah. She is so great. I want to keep in touch with her.

Manager #2 (The new one that is in her own world most of the time): "Sad news for Wilsons, but good news for you I'm sure!" Then asked me for further details, which I was sort of surprised at because she usually doesn't sound very interested in anyone's lives.

Manager #3 (The Divisional Devil) : Smiles, "Thank you for letting me know." That's it. Didn't ask me why, or where I was going. Just, "thanks". But I suppose the feeling is mutual. This reaction definately solidifies once again why I am leaving.

Co-Workers: Anywhere from "OMG! This is great for you!", to "Wow! Why is everyone leaving?", to and this is my personal favorite so far. My old buyer came up to me and says, "I really am going to miss working with you." With such sincerity that I thought I was going to cry. I really miss working with her as my buyer. She was fun. :'( sniff sniff.

It Blizzarded the Day I Quit My Job

So over the night, it has dropped about 8 inches of snow, and it's still snowing! When I pulled out of my garage, the snow was swirling around like crazy. Traffic was bad too. It took me 20 minutes to get to work when it usually takes me 10. But anyway.

I am worried about my car. I think by noon today when I am ready to run my errands and get the heck out of dodge, that my car will be completely burried in the parking lot.

But on to the exciting news! Remember all the stuff I talked about in "The Low-Down"? Well, today I am putting in my two-week notice. There is only one manager that I regret telling, and I have already told her. She was happy for me because she thinks I should be closer to my husband. Which, obviously I agree! But this is not the only reason why I am leaving this place. Which if, you read my blog, you also know this. So I am happy I got the big one off my chest right away. Now the rest is going to be like butta'! Butta' baby!

I called my friend CR for a little bit of proffessional advise in writing my "notification letter", and he was so delerious from lack of sleep, that I had to finally just hang up with him. He was gigglie, and yawny, and just not helpful at all. Come on man! Didn't I just get the lecture about how freidnship was a two way street, and how I needed to try harder? What a hippocrate. :o$

The Low-Down

Ok. I know a few of you are just dying to know the low-down on the hoe-down here at work. So let me delay you no further. Warning: This is going to be long. There is much I have been holding back. My office really sucks at promoting hard working people. I’ve seen it several times here. Someone gets passed over for a promotion for one reason or another. They always have a “Politically Correct” reason for this of course, but it’s really a shitty thing to do. I know that things like this usually happen from time to time in the workplace, and the workers usually wind up bitching about how corporate sucks, or how HR doesn’t know what the f&%$ they are doing. ( “Down with the Man!”, and “HR Sucks!”). But in this case, I really am learning this company just does not care about it’s staff. I keep trying to think it’s just me being negative, but no. This really is the cold hard truth. This company favors a body to fill a position over a knowledgable helpful, capable professional who just might be able to do some good. I’ve seen many really good employees leave because they felt like they were not being appreciated enough for what they do. The higher ups have allowed these people to leave without even attempting to get them to stay. I have also seen so-so employees put in their two-weeks notice, and then suddenly they are staying. Surprise, somehow, “their needs” are now being met, and they are staying with the company. One guy actually quit to go to another company, and after several months, the company sought him out, and made him an “offer he couldn’t refuse”. And just today, a very good person was passed over for a manager position for a mystery that has yet to be solved. This one really surprised me because I thought for sure he would get it. In this company, it really is coming clear that it’s more important who you kiss up to that matters, and not your work ethic. I find that really sad. Another issue with this place, is that our “yearly merit increases” are a joke. Last year was a good year for this place, and yet the merit review didn’t even come close to meeting the standard of living increase. (7% by the way). People on welfare were compensated more than the people that work at this company were last year! Since this year was not a good year for us, one can only assume that this year’s merit increase, if any, will be equal or even less. If it can BE even less! I read an article on MSN a while back about how it’s more effective to quit your job (or get fired) and find a new one to get your pay increase. People in the office have been speaking about how they hope they get laid off, because at least then they will get a severance package, and they will have money coming in while they take their time finding a new job. Isn’t that a little sad? People are hoping to get laid off. Because that is better than staying there and suffering any longer. Then, it happened to me. Well…. I had been passed over for a Planning position twice before, and not allowed to be considered for the third because I had just taken on a new allocation role. The first time I was passed over was understandable because I was up against two other girls that had more experience than me, as well as more seniority. And, I suppose the second pass over was the same. I was up against the other girl that got passed over the first time with me, and of course! She got the second position. So naturally, you’d think that when the next position came open, that I’d be a shoe in right?! Well, maybe at your company, but not at mine! The third postion came up probably about a month after I had taken over my new allocator position. So of course, I thought OK. This sucks, but I guess I can deal with it. (You might recall me discussing this issue a while back. I’ll try to find the old entry for you to catch up). Well, that brings you up to speed to today. (or what will be the proverbial today since I won’t be posting this until some things pan out) To make a long story short, and some of you already know the details. I had recently applied for yet another Planner Position in the office. This will be my fourth attempt for this type of position. With no one over me in seniority positions. My Divisional Manager called me and my Manager into her office and told me that she really thinks that I should stay in Allocations for at least 4 more months. Once again, I’m not going to go into details. Mainly because I think I could probably write a lot of pages on this subject. So flat out, I asked her, “Is this your way of trying to get me to leave the company? Because if that is the case, I can just put my two-weeks in today.” Her response to this, “I don’t want you to leave the company. If I wanted you to leave, I wouldn’t be having this meeting with you right now.” So needless to say, I walked out of the office pretty damn pissed. My manager had to hug me, which made me cry (I cry when I’m totally pissed off), and then she and I went to the lunch room to talk it over. She is a really great person, my manager. I learned some interesting things from her. And thus marks the end of my love affair with this place. Of course, my love has been dwindling for several months now, but alas, the last flame has fizzling out leaving nothing but darkness. And to top it all off, we didn’t make our plan this year, which means I am not getting a bonus. And since we didn’t do well this year, they are re-arranging the merchandising department. So I just know I’m going to get the shit end of the stick. For some reason my Divisional has it out for me. Even though my co-workers, and my manager all seem to compliment me and praise my abilities on a regular basis. But whatever. I’m done with this nonsense. Now on to the new revelations: Darin and I have been discussing me moving closer to him for, I don’t know, maybe 9 months now. And these last developments at work, have really helped me to accept this fate. So I am looking at things in the Fargo Area for now. Actually, around the time that this fourth Planner position came open, I had already been sending my resume out, and keeping diligent watch on the job websites for open positions in Fargo. I had a couple of phone interviews, so I’m hoping that things are going well. Well, it is now 2/20, and both companies want me to come in for personal interviews. I have been trying to negotiate interview times for a week now, and we finally have set a date. From what I can tell, my recruiter thinks both companies are very impressed with me. So I hope she is not blowing me full of smoke. I’ll keep you up to date. But like I said, I am not posting anything until I get it locked down. I don’t want to jinx myself. OK, so now it is 3/6, and aren't you dying to know what happend?

Jay Manuel = Chico???

So my friend and I were watching American Idol, and trying to take a shot of Petron whenever Randy said, "dog". However that wasn't working out very well because much to our shugrin, he wasn't saying it. So we finally downed our glass of Petron (probably the equivalent of 2 shots), and then drank some beer (It was our chaser because she didn't' have anything else to drink) while critiquing the boys. MMMMM love me some Chris. When my husband came to pick me up (actually, I don't remember if this revelation came while I was still at my friends house or if it came when I was home. Funny. I don't remember where I watched America's Next Top Model.... hmmmm. Maybe that is the problem with ye ole Al kee hol.) Anyway. I'm watching ANTM, with or without my friend, and I realize. Hey! That Jay Manuel guy (The attractively tan white haired gay stylist) really reminds me of Chico! At first I really thought it was his sassy personality that made me think that. It's been a long time since I saw Chico, and actually, I think last time I saw him, I was drunk. But anyway. I decided that Jay reminds me of Chico. Chico, take that however you like. I happen to like this Jay guy, so if you don't keep that in mind. I'd let him touch my boobies anytime. If you know what I mean. ;o) (That's sort of an inside joke with two friends of mine.)

Does anyone else see the resemblance?

Another One Bites the Dust

So... Also last night, a friend of mine (Married and childless) announced to us that she too is knocked up. I'm very happy for her, but also sad, because I sense that I will be losing her to her other coupled off, childbearing friends. :o( Sigh... I guess it's inevitable though. Times change, and all we can hope for is to keep the few very good and true friends that we have. Only time will tell. Only time will tell.

Quitting

So this girl I worked with in garments put in her two weeks. Can I tell you how jealous I am? Now, I'm not sure if I've posted this, and I'm too lazy to scroll through past blogs to find out. But they have moved me once again. I am now back in Accessories, but in different departments. Rumor has it that they will be moving me back into garments now that she is leaving. Do you know how much I want to wait for that moment when they tell me i am moving. (Tell me because they don't ever ask what you want to do) And then tell them, "Well, actually, no...I'd like to take this time to put in my two weeks notice." I'd love it! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT.

Even though that would be cruel. But I'd totally love it at the time, and feel guilty later.

Bridesmaid Dresses

So I totally have to get my lazy ass moving. My cousin's wedding is in May, and I just can't get myself motivated to make her dresses. I need to go home today and just knock two of the four out. Of course, I can't finish them, I can only assemble the main parts b/c then I need to bring them to the girls and see if they fit b/f I continue on. Then the other two ladies are, uh-hem.... larger ladies. So I have had nightmares about their outfits not fitting correctly. What will I do then?!!! ahhh! I need to go to the Fabric Store and see if there is such a thing is large lady patterns. It's sort of freakin' me out. Even though I think it will be fine. But you know, there is always that part that is like, "yeah, but what if...."

Know what I mean?

PLEASE STAND BY

NEW POST COMING SOON...

Another Reason Why Living Here in a Septentrional State Bites

Not only is it colder than a witches tit up here for most of the year, it's also One of the Most Taxed States in the nation! We rank in the top 17 highest states. Local taxes we rank 11th, and state taxes we rank 13th.

Maybe now you people will have more simpathy for me when I complain that I am poor. :o)

The Best and Worst States for Taxes
Visit this site, it has a cute interactive map to play with.

God I miss Texas!