June 1, 2011

the voice (no...not the tv show)

would it perhaps help if i brought brownies with the yummiest peanut butter icing that we could whip up?  i know that i've said one to many times that my life seems to be on this accelerated path that i can't seem to stop.  which is exactly what i wished for all those months i was scared that i would not find a job.  the job is at times exciting, frustrating, scary, maddening, funny, fun, heartbreaking and many other yin/yang words that mish-mash together to explain life.  and now...now comes another big step.  so, i searched my heart and wondered where does it leave this blog?  oh ramblins... "i can't quit cha...."

i've neglected this and there are days that i wonder if i've lost a voice but still i keep my little notebooks and journals with ideas.  something seems locked with in and i read other bloggers like ...susannah conway who muses about blogs that are always happy and "up".  no one is up all the time but i wonder sometimes if my realism is too much - no one likes a whiner either.  so...let me regale you with some tales from the past couple of weeks. 

as you know, my sweet model christy graduated from high school and i'm very proud of her.  she's been accepted in a nearby college and is taking advantage of the cost savings to live at home.  great news for me as i get to keep my model.  right?  *smile*  we worked hard on her tea and the girls were so happy with all the homemade goodies.  actually, her mom and i were pressed by a couple people to cater other teas.  but...i know catering is not in my blood.  i love doing the occasional party - but that is hard work!  the sweetest compliment christy paid me that she was proud to have adults like me in her life that serve as great role models. 

the next day i flew to baltimore to a three day meeting.  i did get to explore the inner harbor and though i didn't have time to go to the aquarium or the other tourist sites, i did get to eat fantastic tapas and visit with peers.  i also gave my first presentation to the crowd and i'm happy to say i survived it.  *whew*  the funniest story is one morning at breakfast i walked up to a table with two ladies i haven't met before - believe me, there is no mistaking my accent when you hear me.  so as i introduce myself one lady pipes up and says, "oh i know your accent - you're from alabama.  i'm from ___________ (she names a bidder on a recent contract that did not win the bid)"  mind you, this was in a very sarcastic tone.  i just smiled and said, "oh i'm sorry and i was an evaluator too...pity"  just goes to show you to be nice to everyone, you never know who you will be seated next to at one of these meetings.  even better i folded the antidote into my presentation when talking about the procurement process.

came home...paid our first checks....had a great holiday weekend - sat with the nieces, saw two movies and one play.  (movies - the hangover 2, bridesmaids (yes...again)) (play - moonlight and magnolias (about the rewriting the screenplay for gone with the wind.))  back at work this week - today found out about a great opportunity for advancement...but a scary one as i will be working twice as hard. 

in other news, i think i'm moving out on my own by the end of summer.  it's time - i adore my brother but i'm itching to have my own place again.  it will be scary as i'm looking at a house instead of an apartment but i keep telling myself it will allow me to have a honest to goodness studio.  think positive thoughts about me making the right and good decisions.

sorry to be so long winded but i wanted to let you know what's been going on with me.  now i have to work hard to catch back up with you all.  i will read but may not be able to comment on all the great stuff you've written since i've been gone.  i will let you know i've been by.  and i also ask your positive thoughts as i struggle through my blogging voice.