I am thankful for the amazing friends in my life.
Heidi summed it up well when she described my friendship with her & Brooke over on her blog.
Besides those 2 lovely ladies, I am blessed to have so many other wonderful girlfriends. My girlfriends are indispensable. I honestly do not know what I would do without them. Most of us were single for most of our 20s and I really think this only served to strengthen our bonds. I've laughed more and cried more around these fabulous ladies and have so many great memories to reflect upon! One of my favorite memories was when I went out for wine & aps for my 27th birthday and two older ladies next to us asked us to tone it down because we were laughing too much & too loudly. I considered that a compliment - even though it felt weird getting shushed as an adult!!
In the last year, my circle of friends has grown to include the people I've met through blogging. I was going to do a separate post about my blog friends, but I decided that it didn't make sense to address them separately because I don't think of them differently than my real world friends. Granted, I have not met any of them, face-to-face, but I plan on meeting up with some of them in 2010! I am thankful for all the emails, text messages, comments, and blackberry messages that I receive from them! It makes my day and it interesting how well I've gotten to know them!
I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful, talented, compassionate women. I do not know what I would do without them!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Giving Thanks: Day 8
I am thankful for the beautiful weather we've been blessed with this month!
October was freaking cold! But luckily mother nature came through with a month of fantastic weather in November. In fact, I heard on the news this morning that this is the 2nd warmest November since they've measured temperatures!!
And boy have I been loving these mild temps and all of the sunshine we've had. Winter is just weeks away and our winters are horrible here. Like -10 F, maybe even worse depending on how windy it is. It's not pleasant.
So I am trying to take advantage of this wonderful weather and soak it in because it will be gone in the blink of an eye!
October was freaking cold! But luckily mother nature came through with a month of fantastic weather in November. In fact, I heard on the news this morning that this is the 2nd warmest November since they've measured temperatures!!
And boy have I been loving these mild temps and all of the sunshine we've had. Winter is just weeks away and our winters are horrible here. Like -10 F, maybe even worse depending on how windy it is. It's not pleasant.
So I am trying to take advantage of this wonderful weather and soak it in because it will be gone in the blink of an eye!
Ten on Tuesday
It's a double-post day, people. Here's another installment of Ten on Tuesday, courtesy of the lovely Chelsea.
1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I wanted to be a lawyer. We did a mock trial when I was in 9th grade and I got to be one of the attorneys and absolutely loved it. But then I found out that being a lawyer was about more than arguing - it would also mean lots of sort of dry reading and lots of brief writing, so I sort of abandoned that career...
I think I wanted to be a lawyer. We did a mock trial when I was in 9th grade and I got to be one of the attorneys and absolutely loved it. But then I found out that being a lawyer was about more than arguing - it would also mean lots of sort of dry reading and lots of brief writing, so I sort of abandoned that career...
2. Name 3 of your irrational fears.
- That I will find a mouse in my apartment - no one is here to help me catch or kill it, and the thought of that almost gives me a heart attack.
- That I will randomly die of something in my apartment alone and no one will find me for DAYS.
- That I will never find my Mr. Right. Being 28 and single in the Midwest = old maid status.
- That I will find a mouse in my apartment - no one is here to help me catch or kill it, and the thought of that almost gives me a heart attack.
- That I will randomly die of something in my apartment alone and no one will find me for DAYS.
- That I will never find my Mr. Right. Being 28 and single in the Midwest = old maid status.
3. If you had a $200 gift card to any store, what would you want it to be? (Nothing responsible allowed. Can’t be used for groceries or anything)
- Tough question!! Probably Anthropology. I'd buy aprons and fun dishes and fun coffee table books, like this one.
- Tough question!! Probably Anthropology. I'd buy aprons and fun dishes and fun coffee table books, like this one.
4. What is your most (blog-friendly) embarrassing moment?
- Oh sheesh, I could list many here. I'd have to say it was the 4th of July, 2000. I was working as a waitress and apparently my pants were a little worse for the wear. I bent down to pick up a napkin & they completely split open up the back. Like really bad. Luckily I was wearing boy short type of underwear and not a thong. The manager had severely underestimated how busy we would be that night, so we were short staffed - so I wasn't allowed to go home and change. Instead I had to go into the bathroom and staple the freaking pants closed. It was an awful, awful evening. And of course news of this happening spread like wildfire through the restaurant so every bartender, cook, and waiter teased me all night long. Probably the longest waitressing shift of MY LIFE.
- Oh sheesh, I could list many here. I'd have to say it was the 4th of July, 2000. I was working as a waitress and apparently my pants were a little worse for the wear. I bent down to pick up a napkin & they completely split open up the back. Like really bad. Luckily I was wearing boy short type of underwear and not a thong. The manager had severely underestimated how busy we would be that night, so we were short staffed - so I wasn't allowed to go home and change. Instead I had to go into the bathroom and staple the freaking pants closed. It was an awful, awful evening. And of course news of this happening spread like wildfire through the restaurant so every bartender, cook, and waiter teased me all night long. Probably the longest waitressing shift of MY LIFE.
5. If you were only allowed to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
Probably pickles. I don't think anyone, besides my parents, understands how much I adore pickles.
Probably pickles. I don't think anyone, besides my parents, understands how much I adore pickles.
6. What was your favorite toy growing up?
Puzzles. I love putting together puzzles and could entertain myself with them for hours! And to this day, I still love putting together puzzles!
Puzzles. I love putting together puzzles and could entertain myself with them for hours! And to this day, I still love putting together puzzles!
7. Do you have a “go to” outfit? What is it?
Sort of. It is probably dark jeans, and a v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, worn over a black camisole, with fun shoes of some sort! The fun shoes is the most important part of the outfit!!
Sort of. It is probably dark jeans, and a v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, worn over a black camisole, with fun shoes of some sort! The fun shoes is the most important part of the outfit!!
8. Who was the best teacher you ever had?
My high school science teacher, Mrs. Larson. She truly loved science and her love of the subject was contagious. She also let us do cool experiments - like make ice cream!! There was some chemistry involved since it shows how you can lower the freezing point of ice by adding salt. So educational AND delicious!!
My high school science teacher, Mrs. Larson. She truly loved science and her love of the subject was contagious. She also let us do cool experiments - like make ice cream!! There was some chemistry involved since it shows how you can lower the freezing point of ice by adding salt. So educational AND delicious!!
9. If you could buy any car right now (something at least SORT OF within the realm of reality…so, you know, a Rolls Royce may not qualify), what would it be?
Um, can I buy a chauffeur? Ok, probably not. I am seriously so not a car person. No matter how wealthy I am, I will never own a fancy schmany car. I'd rather have a pile of books. But if I had to choose, I guess I'd say a 2-door V6 Honda Accord.
Um, can I buy a chauffeur? Ok, probably not. I am seriously so not a car person. No matter how wealthy I am, I will never own a fancy schmany car. I'd rather have a pile of books. But if I had to choose, I guess I'd say a 2-door V6 Honda Accord.
10. How do you reckon that Chelsea comes up with 10 of these questions every week? It was hard! What’s your theory on how she’s so creative? Are you going to help her?
I do not know how she comes up with these interesting questions. It just goes to show how bright & creative she is. And yes, I will do my part and come up with 10 questions!
I do not know how she comes up with these interesting questions. It just goes to show how bright & creative she is. And yes, I will do my part and come up with 10 questions!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Giving Thanks: Day 7
I am thankful for my new job which completely challenges me.
I used to dread Mondays. Sunday night would roll around and this mini-depression would sort of set in because I knew I was going to have to get up and go to a job that I really didn't love. I didn't love that job for various reasons but the #1 reason is that the job was not challenging. It was challenging when I first started since I transitioned from operations into finance, but once I figured out how to do the various parts of my job, it morphed from being challenging to being do-able, and then was just plain frustrating.
Luckily getting my MBA totally payed off! I networked like no body's business, and landed my current job, which I started on October 5th.
Now, I no longer dread going into work on Mondays. I actually look forward to it and I am one of the first people in on my team each day. It's fabulous to be challenged again.
I won't say that the transition has been a piece of cake. I definitely had many days where I felt like a village idiot and went home wondering if my manager was going to question his decision to hire me. But I got to the point where I realized I had to stop mentally kicking my own butt every day and needed to be more patient with myself.
Now that I have cut myself some slack and am allowing myself to fumble every now and then, I am really enjoying myself and am starting to work on projects that are actually going to have an impact on the company.
We spend so many hours at our jobs so it is so important to have a sense of fulfillment at the end of the day! I am so thankful that I leave the office every day feeling fulfilled!
I used to dread Mondays. Sunday night would roll around and this mini-depression would sort of set in because I knew I was going to have to get up and go to a job that I really didn't love. I didn't love that job for various reasons but the #1 reason is that the job was not challenging. It was challenging when I first started since I transitioned from operations into finance, but once I figured out how to do the various parts of my job, it morphed from being challenging to being do-able, and then was just plain frustrating.
Luckily getting my MBA totally payed off! I networked like no body's business, and landed my current job, which I started on October 5th.
Now, I no longer dread going into work on Mondays. I actually look forward to it and I am one of the first people in on my team each day. It's fabulous to be challenged again.
I won't say that the transition has been a piece of cake. I definitely had many days where I felt like a village idiot and went home wondering if my manager was going to question his decision to hire me. But I got to the point where I realized I had to stop mentally kicking my own butt every day and needed to be more patient with myself.
Now that I have cut myself some slack and am allowing myself to fumble every now and then, I am really enjoying myself and am starting to work on projects that are actually going to have an impact on the company.
We spend so many hours at our jobs so it is so important to have a sense of fulfillment at the end of the day! I am so thankful that I leave the office every day feeling fulfilled!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Giving Thanks: Day 6
I am thankful for schoolwork-free weekends.
I am so glad that I got my MBA, but can I just say how much I love a schoolwork-free and group meeting-free weekend? After 3 years of doing case studies and going to group meetings on Saturday or Sunday afternoons, it actually kind of feels weird when Sunday rolls around and I don't have to pack up my bag and head to a local coffee shop to meet some classmates.
I often wake up on Sunday mornings and my natural reaction is to sort of groan and think - oh gosh, what do I have to do today? I then very quickly remember that I am done with school and have that degree and never have to go to another group meeting again.
That is a fantastic feeling, people. Seriously. Balancing work, school, relationship, working out, and group projects was not fun. And truth be told, I wasn't all that good at it, and I wasn't all that fun to be around!
So I am almost giddy when Sunday rolls around now and I can just go to church and grocery shop and cook dinner and knit and not have to pick up a stupid Harvard Business Review case.
It's bliss. Absolute bliss.
I am so glad that I got my MBA, but can I just say how much I love a schoolwork-free and group meeting-free weekend? After 3 years of doing case studies and going to group meetings on Saturday or Sunday afternoons, it actually kind of feels weird when Sunday rolls around and I don't have to pack up my bag and head to a local coffee shop to meet some classmates.
I often wake up on Sunday mornings and my natural reaction is to sort of groan and think - oh gosh, what do I have to do today? I then very quickly remember that I am done with school and have that degree and never have to go to another group meeting again.
That is a fantastic feeling, people. Seriously. Balancing work, school, relationship, working out, and group projects was not fun. And truth be told, I wasn't all that good at it, and I wasn't all that fun to be around!
So I am almost giddy when Sunday rolls around now and I can just go to church and grocery shop and cook dinner and knit and not have to pick up a stupid Harvard Business Review case.
It's bliss. Absolute bliss.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Giving Thanks: Day 5
I am thankful for my health.
This is a big one. I think that sometimes we start to think we are invincible and we forget that our bodies are a gift from God and should be treated very well. I try to remember to be good to my body now because I know I will thank my 20-something self when I am 60+ if I treat myself well now!
Luckily I have been blessed with some pretty darn good genetics. We do have a history of blood pressure and cholesterol issues on my dad's side, but I seem to have gotten the genes from my mom's side which means I kind of have freakishly low blood pressure. I mean, I have been rejected from donating blood because my blood pressure and pulse are too low. Thank you, McDougall side, for these fantastic genes.
But having good genes isn't enough, and I know that. I wasn't all that great about treating my body right when I was in grad school, but I have really turned things around in the last year. I've made 2 adjustments that have made such a huge difference in my life:
This is a big one. I think that sometimes we start to think we are invincible and we forget that our bodies are a gift from God and should be treated very well. I try to remember to be good to my body now because I know I will thank my 20-something self when I am 60+ if I treat myself well now!
Luckily I have been blessed with some pretty darn good genetics. We do have a history of blood pressure and cholesterol issues on my dad's side, but I seem to have gotten the genes from my mom's side which means I kind of have freakishly low blood pressure. I mean, I have been rejected from donating blood because my blood pressure and pulse are too low. Thank you, McDougall side, for these fantastic genes.
But having good genes isn't enough, and I know that. I wasn't all that great about treating my body right when I was in grad school, but I have really turned things around in the last year. I've made 2 adjustments that have made such a huge difference in my life:
- I said adios to gluten. I can't tell you how much better I feel - it's amazing. Even my parents have commented on how I am different now that I am living gluten free. I don't have the tummy issues I used to have, I no longer have daily headaches, and I don't need ridiculous amounts of sleep! It's fantastic. And yes, it is a tough adjustment and I've had to stop eating alot of things I love - but foregoing those foods is worth it now that I feel oh so much better.
- I have gotten back into running and consistently run about 20-25 miles per week. I am now 4 pounds away from my weight loss goal and practically back to my pre-grad school weight. I feel so much better and have more energy - I just wish I would have incorporated running back into my schedule a lot sooner. But as they say, better late than never!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Giving Thanks: Day 4
I am thankful for casual Fridays!
Happy Friday everyone! I love Fridays for many, many reasons but one that stands out is the fact that I can wear jeans to work! The dress code at my new job is so much more formal than my last job. I pretty much wear a dress, suit, or a jacket/blazer Monday - Thursday. I have really had to invest in my wardrobe in the last couple of months. Here's just some of the suits/jackets I now own:
Might not look like much, but it felt like a lot when I had to swipe my debit card. Ouch. I just kept saying, "it's an investment, Lisa." I have always been a firm believer in dressing for the job you want, not the one you have, and have also thought that when I dress nicely, I feel better, and I then perform better. So, for the most part, I don't mind dressing up every day. It's nice to leave the house feeling polished and put together!
But I love it when Friday rolls around and I can put on some jeans or a casual sweater dress/tights combo. I feel like more of my personality & personal style shines through on Friday.
And I can wear the fun shoes that just don't go with the more formal suits/dresses! I love fun shoes that are a little different! Like these plaid ones below that I plan on wearing with a sweater dress and brown tights tomorrow!
There are so many little things in life, like casual Fridays, that makes me so happy.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone! The 10 days of Thanksgiving posts will continue so check back on Saturday and Sunday!
Happy Friday everyone! I love Fridays for many, many reasons but one that stands out is the fact that I can wear jeans to work! The dress code at my new job is so much more formal than my last job. I pretty much wear a dress, suit, or a jacket/blazer Monday - Thursday. I have really had to invest in my wardrobe in the last couple of months. Here's just some of the suits/jackets I now own:
Might not look like much, but it felt like a lot when I had to swipe my debit card. Ouch. I just kept saying, "it's an investment, Lisa." I have always been a firm believer in dressing for the job you want, not the one you have, and have also thought that when I dress nicely, I feel better, and I then perform better. So, for the most part, I don't mind dressing up every day. It's nice to leave the house feeling polished and put together!
But I love it when Friday rolls around and I can put on some jeans or a casual sweater dress/tights combo. I feel like more of my personality & personal style shines through on Friday.
And I can wear the fun shoes that just don't go with the more formal suits/dresses! I love fun shoes that are a little different! Like these plaid ones below that I plan on wearing with a sweater dress and brown tights tomorrow!
There are so many little things in life, like casual Fridays, that makes me so happy.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone! The 10 days of Thanksgiving posts will continue so check back on Saturday and Sunday!
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