…but, are they good by the time they end?  This past Wednesday was my last day of my QA job after 5 years.

I remember how excited I was when I got the job with this company.  But, the excitement soon passed, the real work began and on came the stress.  I’m sure this will also happen with my new position.  It’s not that I’m a pessimist, it’s just that’s how these things generally progress.  

I’m not big on change.  I’m a very routine oriented individual.  I am happy, though…and very, very ready for this one.  I cried when I was saying my goodbye’s on Wednesday.  It was sad, but I was fine and jubilently proclaiming I was unemployed on Thursday and Friday.  So, Monday I start the new job…FINALLY!!!!

Thursday, one of the girls from work sent me an email.  It was a radio program she had listened to when she left one of her jobs.  It was about this woman who had some interesting thoughts on the word quit and quitting in general.  She said something to the effect that quitting is nothing to be frowned upon…but, in fact quits are the driving force of everything we do that’s good.  Everything new starts with quitting something ‘old’, for the most part. 

http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=7

I did browse the site and listed to some of the old ‘This American Life’ programs recorded…I must say, very interesting.  I’m a fan.

I’ve been watching the Olympics a lot the past week. So, why should today be any different? Anyway, I’m watching volleyball. Not beach volleyball where our gals May-Traynor and Walsh are playing in the sand half naked, but indoor volleyball.

I wonder, is clothing that much of an impediment to playing beach volleyball? It seems to me that the old Olympic tradition of naked sports might be on it’s way back. I suppose if you’ve got it, flaunt it.

I’m watching USA vs. Poland. These girls seem freakishly tall and have freakishly high vertical jumps to go along with the height. James couldn’t help but notice that the Polish girls are ‘hot’. I have to agree, they are a better looking lot than our girls.

Whenever I’ve watched the Olympics, the folks from the former ‘eastern block’ countries or the Baltic states alwayed seemed very pale, dark circles around their eyes, kind of fragile, etc. These Polish chicks look pretty healthy, and have a ‘model’ look about them.

Reminds me of a chick I was friends with years ago for a short period of time. She was a Polish model, had walked the catwalk with Naomi Campbell a time or two…was pretty interesting to hear her stories.

I remember I went to dinner with her and a couple other friends one night…there was me, the well fed American, the blonde Polish model, my very fit Chinese friend, and this other girl from Jamaica. I felt like it was the United Colors of Benneton at the dinner table.

It was amazing how her mere presence could render men speechless. This girl got whatever she wanted whenever she wanted with minimal to no effort…even without make-up. I never considered her to be gorgeous. She was pleasant looking, but she had that “je ne sais qua” quality about her that was like magic.

Anyhow, I love being friends with people from foreign lands. For one, I admire that they speak English with such ease when it’s their second language. I like learning about their cultures, ways of life in their home countries, etc.

I’ve only been out of the country once…to Jamaica. The plan is to go on a vacation to Japan next year. I’m all for international travel. I just prefer to go somewhere where the locals don’t spit on Americans. Maybe I’ll get a maple leaf patch and sew it to my luggage.

So, those of you who know me well, know that one of my biggest weaknesses is my love of chocolate.  In honor of my preferred method of self-medication, here is the following ode…

Ode to Chocolate

Oh, Chocolate, so delicious and so smooth…
In times of strife, how you have the power to soothe.

In varieties of milk, dark, semi-sweet, and white…
I love thee so much, that extra pounds are my plight.

In forms of ice cream, cakes, pies, and more…
The quest to obtain you is never a chore.

How I am trapped by the bondage of this addiction…
What an enjoyment you are, never the affliction.  

I have news….

*drumroll, please*

I got a new job! I’ve been at my current job 5 years now. That’s the longest I’ve ever stayed in one place. I’m not a job-hopper, but I believe in having lots of different experiences when it comes to my work life. It keeps things interesting, challenging, and from getting stale. After 5 years of doing the same thing, my brain is mashed potatoes.

I never thought I’d end up working in software with a nursing degree. My brother says that it seems like most everyone in Austin ends up in the industry at some point. So, I’ve put in my time!

I think I was born to be a nurse. It was just my niche and when I started nursing school, I felt ‘home’. In fact, a couple of years ago, I found a scrapbook I made when I was about 7, in Brownies. I wrote in the scrapbook that I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up. So, it seems as though it was my density…oh, I mean destiny. *obscure Back to the Future reference*

So, after about 2 years working in software testing and QA, I was starting to get that itch to move on. I took a nursing refresher course to try to prepare myself for whatever was ahead. The thing about nursing is that there are sooooooo many options: clinics, hospitals, schools, informatics, psych, research, case management, insurance, legal consulting, etc. It’s a blessing and a curse, especially for someone who is pathologically indecisive like me.

That was part of my problem and why this search took me so long. I didn’t know what direction I really wanted to go. ICU, med-surg, operating room…been there, done that. I didn’t want to do something I already had done, however I was willing to do that just to get my feet wet again.

Another reason it took so long was that I would have periods of happiness and satisfaction with my job, but they became shorter and less frequent. I knew it was time to go, it was just a matter of being patient and finding the right opportunity.

So, after over a year and a half of looking off and on, 5 interviews, and 3 different job offers, I finally found something that feels right. Right time, right feeling, right price, right fit. I’m going to be a Case Manager for an Inpatient Rehab unit starting August 25th.

I’m excited about the challenges that lie ahead, learning new skills, and ressurecting that part of my brain I used as a nurse. It’s scary, too…that they would hire me with no case management experience, but I suppose I seem trainable. Plus, this job involves some PR and selling the facility to referred patients, so the fact that I’m cute must help. hehehehe

The best part…I’ll still have a regular M-F 8-5 job!!! What a bonus!

So, the new iPhone arrived yesterday.

I wonder how many gals are out there feeling like iPhone widows today.

I’d like to think I’m no slave to technology, but I don’t leave home without my mobile and I spend way more time on the computer in my spare time than I ought to.

Thankfully, I’m no ‘football widow’. The interest I have in sports is comparable to my guy’s. But, I am feeling a bit like an iPhone widow today. For example, we were home watching a movie last night and he was playing with the iPhone almost the whole time. And this morning, it’s rarely left his hand. Should it count that while he’s been playing with his new toy, I’ve been on the computer? hehehe

Not to say that I don’t have an interest in the iPhone. It’s pretty freaking awesome. I do actually want one. It’s just kind of pricey and I don’t think I’d use all of the features. So, I’m not sure it would be worth my money. But, thankfully, I get to live vicariously through James!!!!

I’m sure the novelty will wear off in time…and if not, I have my methods of taking his attention away from his toys.

Our long awaited long weekend vacation to Atlanta has come and gone. It was a good weekend and much needed time away.

So, early Friday morning, James and I headed out to the airport…for an action packed weekend. My friend Robin picked us up at the airport and we headed out to the Georgia Aquarium. The aquarium was nice, but not as ‘wow’ as I expected. Of course, I was impressed with the ‘big fish’ - Beluga whales and whale sharks, but mostly amazed at the amount of water in the place and that the building could hold that much weight!

By the time we finished at the aquarium, it was time to meet Robin’s husband and head over to Turner Field for a Braves Game. We were the last row up at the top behind home plate. I thought they were pretty good seats even if they were far away. It was my first MLB game, so I was excited. It was so freaking hot though!!! I had my ball park hot dog and my ice cream. However, when I was waiting in line for my ice cream, the Braves finally scored. I missed fireworks and a few waves get around the field. It was a really good time.

Saturday morning we drove out to Stone Mountain park. I had a lot of fun there. The carving on the side of the mountain was pretty impressive. There were all sorts of attractions. They had a train, a skyway to the mountain top, 4-D movie, and lots of other things. Again, was super hot…of course…it was Georgia in June! Lots to do for the 25 dollar ticket. Well worth it.

Sunday was my favorite day. We went back downtown to the World of Coca-Cola tour and the CNN Center. CNN was pretty cool. The tour took us to an observation window in the main studio. There weren’t any live broadcasts going on at the time, but it was interesting to learn more about the news behind the scenes. Too bad I don’t have cable anymore…can’t watch it with my new perspective!

The World of Coca-Cola was only a short walk across Olympic Centennial Park from the CNN Center. I loved Coca-Cola!!! There were a couple Norman Rockwell paintings on display, a dispaly on the ‘New Coke’ fiasco, a 4-D theater (which was a rocky ride), and a tasting room. There was also a mini-bottling ‘factory’. The tasting room was my favorite. There were stations for each continent. The flavors were all really different…some surprisingly good…some AWFUL! There was a last station just for drinks with ‘Coca-Cola’ in the name. Yeah, I was quite full of carbonation by the time we left. The gift shop was nice. James got some really good pictures of some of the displays. We each got a souvenier bottled coke made in their bottling room. Amazingly, both our bottles made it home in one piece in our checked bag.

We went to this place called The Varsity afterwards for burgers. Was pretty good, but still doesn’t compare to Mighty Fine here in Austin in my book!

We got up early Monday morning and headed back home. All in all it was a very good trip. My friend Robin is a very gracious hostess.


I’ll post some pictures soon!

…because the building’s on fire!!!!!

Yesterday evening was interesting to say the least. I came home from work a little early through the back gate of my complex…like I do everyday. I was running late to my monthly volunteer duty, so I quickly changed clothes and ran out the door about 5:05 pm. But, I ran out my door to witness the beginnings of a ’situation’ in the building next door, right next to the back gate I entered minutes prior.

I saw several people standing out in front of the building, heard the fire alarm going off, and saw people moving cars. Next thing, I saw smoke coming from the third floor at the far side of the building by the gate. I thought…”Holy crap! This can’t be happening…the building’s on freaking fire!”

I saw a woman watching and asked her if she knew what was going on. She lived in the apartment on the 2nd floor, under the one where the fire appeared to have started. She smelled smoke, thought the neighbors upstairs were bbq-ing (which they sometimes did - against the ‘rules’ of course), but it just got more intense. She looked out her window and saw smoke everywhere. She grabbed her daughter, ran out and called 911. Not a couple minutes after I walked out my door, there were fire trucks and emergency vehicles everywhere. There was about 7 around my building and the one on fire. There were at least 2 more on the street outside the gate. EMS showed up and several cops, as well…blocking off our section of the complex and parking right behind my car. There was no escape for me after that.

The smoke got darker, there was more of it and the wind was blowing it right on us. It was everywhere. My neighbor Kristen came out and found me and we just stood there dumbfounded. We were all covering our faces with our shirts or tissues. It was awful. Firefighters started going in with axes and hoses. I never saw any flames from my vantage point, but I suppose the full gravity of the situation didn’t hit me until they started busting out windows in the 2nd floor apartment and everything was just black.

My heart just ached for the woman I had talked to when it all started…knowing that her home was being destroyed right before her very eyes. Meanwhile the guys who lived in the apartment of origin were just hanging out like it was a picnic.

So, eventually the fire was contained and put out…probably took almost an hour or so, but things didn’t calm down until about 7:40…that’s when a lot of trucks finally left. The fire department was conducting their investigation, walking on top of the roof, searching the other units in the building, etc. Management took all of the building residents to the office to figure out arrangements and such. It was just so sad. When the excitement died down, as I went back to my apartment, I couldn’t help thinking how lucky I was that I wasn’t one of them.

Being curious, I went back outside at about 8:30 and there was still one truck left and someone wearing what looked like a Red Cross vest. There were clean up vans already there. They were escorting that woman and her family into their apartment to salvage things they needed. It was heartbreaking. I also saw the guys from the 3rd floor bring stuff down, too.

I felt guilty for wanting to blame those guys for what happened. They were young, looked kind of grunge and/or goth. I heard they were in a band together or something, and I heard more than once that neighbors were not surprised it started in their apartment. I was disappointed with myself for stereotyping and being judgemental…assuming from outward appearance that they would do something irresponsible to cause an accident like this to happen. ‘Meth lab’ went through my head at least once, but I didn’t hear an explosion, so I dismissed that theory. See…I’m an awful person!

I watched the news at 9:00pm and there was the story…finally, some information! Apparently, the cause was cigarettes…from the guy’s 3rd floor apartment. Investigators theorize that cigarettes were left on the balcony of the apartment on the 3rd floor and they fell onto the overhang right below. So, in the heat and sun, they ignited and caused the fire. Carelessness. I know accidents happen, but it’s careless to leave out flammables in the hot Texas summer sun. Carelessness caused a reported initial 200K in structural damage and an estimated 80K in property damage. Out of 12 units, 8 had fire, smoke or water damage. So, carelessness has forced 12 families out of their homes for who knows how long. Remember kids, only you can prevent forest (and apartment) fires!

Ok, I’m off my soapbox now. The best thing of all is that no one was hurt…no residents and no pets. A fireman ended up with a minor cut, but was treated on scene, according to the news report. I tend to search for lessons, good things or humor in bad situations. I was in luck…there were a few things amusing about this experience.

One: A cautionary tale this is and a lesson learned…this is a ‘good’ born of tragedy. I had no idea how many people do not think to get renter’s insurance. I heard more than once, “I’m calling tomorrow to get some.”. To me, having renter’s insurance is a no-brainer. I had mine lined up when I moved in over 3 years ago. I don’t know…it’s a risk living in a building with x number of people. You don’t know if they are smokers, forgetful and leave candles burning (which yes, I’m guilty of myself ), or don’t have irons with an auto shut off feature. Not to mention, just damage from weather, water leaks, fautly wiring, etc. So, I’m sure some insurance agents around town will be happy today, signing up new policies.

Two: I’m a freak who gets star-struck by any kind of celebrity. Even the celebrity of the local reporter variety. I don’t have cable and as a result, end up watching a lot of FOX, which includes broadcasts of FOX News Austin. It’s my local news source of choice. Well, who comes walking up to me and some of the other spectators, but one of the ‘in the field’ reporters. He asked us if we had any pictures or video of the fire while it was in progress. Unfortunately I didn’t…and I told him my camera was broken. Then, I tell him…”I love your broadcast. I watch it everyday.”. Yeah, I’m a fruitcake. He walks off and I say to Kristen…”Did I really just say that?”. Embarrassement prevents any further explanation.

Three: Irony…how ironic is it to watch people light up and have a smoke while watching firefighters battle a blaze in their very own building? I love blatent examples of irony. They amuse me and make me smile.

So, this is what I get for saying that I will start blogging about the mundane events of my life. Again…irony.

The little things I’ve experienced lately, like an expensive and unexpected car repair, a broken cell phone, or not getting a sought after job, all pale in comparison to something as devastating as a house fire. I’ll take these minor inconveniences or disappointments any day over what I saw last night. I feel very grateful today.

Next on my agenda…getting a safe deposit box!

I’ve decided to expand upon the original premise of my blog. Yes, I have this wanderlust, however, my life is not nearly as interesting and busy as I would have you believe! Can’t you see that from my frequent postings?!

Anywho, as is the case, I’d like to write more, so now the content of my posts will be more about the general and mundane things that happen in my life. Sounds riveting, huh? Well, hopefully with practice, I’ll get this blogging thing down and maybe increase my readership to more than 3 people.

I suppose a recap of the past month is in order. Hmmm…if only I can remember what I’ve been doing for the past month. Oh, yeah…well, we went to the Scarborough Faire Ren Fest a few weeks back. It was fun, but all the ren fests I’ve been to are now melding into one big ren fest experience…so, now I can’t remember what acts I saw where or when. Regardless, it’s all still entertaining…good times with friends, ‘fair’ food, and a freak show all combined into one. Can’t get much better than that!

I’ve seen a couple movies the past few weeks as well. Iron Man was much better than I expected. I really had no desire to see it at first, so I passed on the chance to see it opening night with James. So, after all the hype, he decided to see it again with me. I thought it was better than Indiana Jones. As for Indiana Jones, I love Harrison Ford…however, I didn’t like the whole supernatural otherworldly thing about the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Aliens freak me out…no idea why they disturb me. Yeah, I’m weird that way. Talk about an irrational phobia! Anyhow, the $5 dollar milkshake I had while watching it at the Alamo made me feel better. Next up is the Sex and the City movie. I’m going to see that with the girls. I’d hate for James to give up his man card and ask him to see it with me. It’s more conducive to a girl’s night out experience anyway.

That’s it for now…must get to work. All this typing gives the appearance that I’m being productive, but at some point, I will have to show proof of actual work.

Another month…another post! Yeah, so not much has been happening lately. James went on his Vegas work trip several weeks ago, but I stayed here due to some changes in his travel plans.

Just been laying low for a while. But, this weekend, we had some company. James’s buddy Beau came down from Oklahoma City. We had dinner at the Oasis Friday night. It was nice, but to me, the food has never been anything to write home about. It was a beautiful sunset, as usual, though.


We then had plans to go to Amy’s ice cream for dessert, but due to an apparent unforseen demand for ice cream, after seeing the long line at Amy’s, we decided to pop on into the Cheesecake Factory.

Hmmmm…cheesecake. Out of the 4 types of cheesecake ordered, the best was of the banana cream variety. It was light, not too sweet…perfection!

That was the first time I sabotaged myself and my weightloss goals this weekend.

The second episode of sabotage included a trip to Hut’s Hamburgers. I’d never been there before, so I was really looking forward to it. I had a cheeseburger, fries, onion rings, and a chocolate shake. Granted, the fries/onion rings/shake were shared…oh, and I didn’t get mayo on my burger. Looking back on it now, not like it would have made much difference with or without it! The meal canceled out my morning walk around Town Lake…probably many of my morning walks on the trail.

Episode three included a trip to the Sirloin Stockade breakfast buffet this morning. I’m not one for buffets now adays. So, it wasn’t my first choice for breakfast, but I went along with it anyway. Let’s just say I was uncomfortably full when I left. Bad, Jenn!!!!

On another note, we went to Cap City Comedy Club last night and saw Tracey Ashley. She was really funny and I enjoyed her set.

So, that brings this weekend to a close. A fun and food-filled weekend…time to go for a walk!

I’m having one of those weeks when every day I ask…’What day is it?’. It is Wednesday, so Friday is right around the corner. Yay! Oh, how I love my weekends! So, what have I been up to in the past few weeks you ask? Well, I’ll tell you.

A few weeks ago, we went with some friends out to Walburg to eat dinner at the creatively named ‘Walburg Restaurant’. It was good. We decided to get the buffet. I can’t really tell you now some of the things we had, but it was mostly German food. HA! They had a live band playing and it was crowded. An interesting place.

http://www.walburgrestaurant.com/

I’m a huge fan of Michael Buble. He came to town about 3 weeks ago, so James and I went down to the Erwin Center for the concert. Of course, being the cost conscious girl that I am, I got the cheapest tickets I could get. BIG MISTAKE! We were at the very top row. He put on an absolutely awesome show. He is funny and witty…just a great entertainer, and of course, I loved the music. If he comes back, I’ll shell out the extra money for better tickets. It’s definitely worth it.

http://www.michaelbuble.com/

Two weeks ago, I hopped a plane to New Orleans for a family reunion. Now, when I say New Orleans, I mean I flew into the New Orleans airport. I visited some family in Ponchatoula and then went to Belle Chasse, south of the city for the reunion event. It was nice seeing everyone, since I haven’t been down there in a couple of years. But, it’s also sometimes disturbing to see who your relatives are. I got to spend lots of time with my baby nephew, who is the most precious thing on this earth. I haven’t seen him in 2 months, and he’s changed so much in that time. It’s amazing! I’m just sad that I won’t see him again until his birthday in July. If he changed so much in 2 months, I can’t imagine how much he’ll have changed in 5 months. The only bummer of the weekend was that my brother and sis-in-law couldn’t make it. Their flight from Seattle was canceled due to weather in their layover destination of Dallas.

Speaking of travel plans, sadly, Vegas is a no go for me. James will get to go, and while I’m very disappointed I can’t join him out there, I’m excited that he’ll have a chance to go. We’re also starting to look at flights for our trip out to Atlanta in early June. Yeah…no such thing as an affordable flight from Austin to Atlanta.

Just this past Sunday, we went to the Alamo downtown for the Master Pancake Theatre presentation of ‘Back to the Future’. It was very entertaining. You can read a review by James at wetwired.

www.wetwired.org

So, that about does it for me. Until, next time!