Laughing Out Loud

A friend's blog today (Plays with Sirens) was incredibly amusing in his thoughts and one question he posed was whether you laugh out loud while you are alone.  Do you?  I do. 

Particularly when my friend's blog mentions how boobs taste like arm.

I am laughing again.  Out Loud.  By Myself.

*****************

Today was a particularly difficult day for me.  I have this incredibly annoying habit of believing the best in people.  Typically this isn't a problem -- in fact, it has served me pretty well overall.

Today wasn't one of those days.  For the past two months, I've known about a grant that was due today.  Not a particularly large or hard grant, this one, but one that my boss (and her boss) recommended strongly that we apply.  No pressure there, nope.

My coworker, the main source of the grant's content, ignored my questions for the past few weeks.  Ignored my requests for information in person, via email and via phone message.  The only thing I had left was a severed horse head in her bed and although I'm typically not violent, this was a consideration.  This afternoon I blew a gasket.  I happened to see my boss in the restroom.  She asked how it was going.

Now I should say that my boss and I have a good working relationship.  We understand each other. I spill.  I tell her it won't get turned in today (the due date) because I can't make a milkshake if no one has even bought a cow let alone got it milked.  She laughed at me and asks me how she can help.  I tell her I need her to move things along. 

It was like magic.

And wa-la the coworker was at my door, asking to help me.  Inside of one hour, the grant was completed and on its way out into the ether.  Awesome. 

****************

Received the first estimate on my car today:  ~$1200. 

****************

Working on a job for Maestro. 
Seeing Luana tomorrow -- massages scheduled for 11 a.m. 
GRE scores should be in next week.
Beers out tomorrow night with Lu, Mary and Lee.

omg, just wrote Steve.  Oh friend, dear God, I wish you would be there.  I know you'll be there in spirit, but there is nothing I'd like more than one more of your big bear hugs and a closed car door -- just to make sure I'm safe.  Miss you.  So Much. 

So many thoughts ... swirling.

Ever had a few days of ass-kicking in a row? This week has been just that -- kicking my ass, taking my name and leaving me a quivering mess of emotions. All that has happened is not for public consumption, but suffice to say three separate events in three days have left me confused, hurt, troubled, sad and more than a little lonely.

The good news of late? Christmas break is just a few very short days away and soon I will have two weeks of thoughtful, restful time. I need it. I'm ready for it.

That and a text tonight from the Sharkfamily speaking of my favorite beer and a date for consumption of said beer set -- well, that was just what I needed. Refocus on the positive, accept life for what it is and face tomorrow with a heart filled with hope.

The Christmas week is looking a lot like this:

Dec 19 -- Beach, errands
Dec 20 -- trip to Stans? or pool
Dec 21 -- errands, haircut, pack
Dec 22 -- leave FM, arrive Indy, p/u rental car, drive to LP and MC. Visit with family/friends.
Dec 23 -- more family/friend visits in LP, beverages with Sharkfamily at dinner
Dec 24 -- bfast with my friend Ark, return to Indy, see Marine for his bday, family time
Dec 25 -- family time
Dec 26 -- shopping in a.m. with CCM, then family time
Dec 27 -- more family time, return to FM

Dec 28 - Jan 3 -- house stuff, tax stuff, food & beverages with friends.

Only a few more days ... then two weeks. I am ready. This has been one hell of a semester.

Meeting on Saturday.

I just RSVP'd to a meeting I have to attend:

a) for work
b) in Tampa
c) on Saturday

I am cranky already. Boo Hiss to Saturday meetings.

Work overview.

It is always interesting, being the new kid on the block. Even more so -- being the new kid in the new job with unknown expectations.

The last two jobs I've had have been that way. Make my own way. Push my own limits. Discover my own boundaries.

I am loving my new job. So many different opportunities to affect change. Options for my own personal growth. Options for learning in general.

I felt pigeonholed at my last job. This one -- I feel free.

A blessing, indeed.

Another day ...

Moving on to the new office space -- the space itself isn't bad, it is the traffic flow. Lots of people in this hallway. Constant flow. No peace, no quiet. Am hoping this works out but I already know that my iPod will be put to constant use as it is now.

Will be setting this blog to 'invited readers only' -- fyi.

I am at work.

I'm trying to follow the principle of 'look good, feel good' but honestly, I could yack.

That is all for now.