Its funny how the world moves.....I checked into my hotel this afternoon in Chicago. Here on business for a few days...But what is this block--this place?
Its the place where my old boyfriend's father took me to lunch a lifetime ago. I walked out of my hotel and just stared. At the parking structure. And flashed back to that nervous day of eating sushi for the first time and having NO IDEA how to use chopsticks. And feeling totally inadequate and embarrassed and really got the whole feeling of "wow your son is way better than me"
And so 10 years past. I moved to DC and moved on. And then the Chicago boy and I crossed paths about 3 years ago. It was amazing to catch up with him this love of my life or so it seemed that way in the last year of my college days. So we talked. And we emailed. And he told me all about how his family had really loved me back then. And they still asked about me. And if he knew then what he knows now how he would have kept track of me...and trying to make it work. So my sorority sisters were right. He did really love me. Much more than I imagined.
And then we met. Live. In Vegas. Neutral location right? This was my first trip to Vegas (and unfortunately is not my last.) So much going on all around me I found it hard to avoid focusing directly on the person I was there with--intensely. Almost as an escape from the environment. And what did I see? And unsophisticated man. Someone who had become obsessed with money and liked to spend a lot of time trying to impress me with it. Which of course was funny---I living in the land of tech millionaires was so accustom to lavish things buying the things that he considered extravagant...was common place.
And so I went home. And was overwhelmed with how my early adult life had collided -- crashed and burned--with my 30 year old life. How things that seemed to significant at the time were not at all what they seemed. Instead they were the direct result of my low self confidence and a serious inability to see my value.
I ask myself have times changed? Am I still in that place? Or do I see my value clearly now. Do I consider that the person that likes me may not be who I need after all? or do I give out to many chances to impress me with your wit. Do I consider how dating someone that lives 600 miles away might be a difficult option? Is it the right option for me who wants to have someone to share my life with? Or have I accepted the fact that this person is going to be so incredibly difficult to find that this distance is irrelevant?
I am happy. This decade brings questions . I am questioning other people's value inside my life. And trying to determine where my precious time should be spent. And not worrying to much about their needs...focusing more intensely on mine.
I am off to meet with TC for dinner with these thoughts carefully tucked away in my confident mind.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
TC Where are you?
"I think we have used up all of our travel karma" my text message reads.
TC spent 7 hours at the airport yesterday trying to get on earlier flights, running from terminal to terminal and then finally got on the 8:45 which sat on the runway for 45 minutes...I was looking at the flight status page on United and was horrified.
I have used up all of my travel God Karma. But thats ok. I will trade travel karma for TC.
So finally he arrives....and then proceeds to get in a cab that drops him off at the wrong location literally 3 blocks (separated by a park) away. Did I mention that he has a broken toe?
But at 1am in the morning all was well....it was sort of like spending time with someone I have known for 10 years. All of the emails exchanged over the past two weeks offered us a chance to dive deep and wide into our lives. So...two bottles of Zinfindel later and at 530am we ended the first date. Can't wait to see him again this evening...he is much more fantastic than I imagined.
TC spent 7 hours at the airport yesterday trying to get on earlier flights, running from terminal to terminal and then finally got on the 8:45 which sat on the runway for 45 minutes...I was looking at the flight status page on United and was horrified.
I have used up all of my travel God Karma. But thats ok. I will trade travel karma for TC.
So finally he arrives....and then proceeds to get in a cab that drops him off at the wrong location literally 3 blocks (separated by a park) away. Did I mention that he has a broken toe?
But at 1am in the morning all was well....it was sort of like spending time with someone I have known for 10 years. All of the emails exchanged over the past two weeks offered us a chance to dive deep and wide into our lives. So...two bottles of Zinfindel later and at 530am we ended the first date. Can't wait to see him again this evening...he is much more fantastic than I imagined.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Asile 6
And so I have been traveling. To all of the places you never wanted to go in the same week. Smushing NC into MO across one day and trying to remember what time zone I am in and what rental car is mine because I am confused after three days three cities. And all of this hazy thinking is the result of one brilliant afternoon on 9/11 last week. That was the day that I decided to go to the airport early....and ended up meeting a spectacular man seated next to me. Ok so He was no really supposed to be sitting in the middle seat but he did all the way to Chicago...
Laughter. Lots of laughter and tears from laughter. When is the last time I have laughed like this without fear or thinking about what to say next. Only savoring this moment that was so not supposed to happen for either of us. So not supposed to be on the 2:40pm to ORD. So supposed to be on a 4:20 and a 5 something. I noticed after a while that people around us were just looking over and smirking and just not sure what to make of the whole thing going down in aisle 6. And I remembered that my laugh is loud and joyful and felt all warm and happy inside.
And so we had a drink...before I departed to NC. (you might be asking yourself why did you fly to Chicago to then fly to NC and I would invite you to join us road warriors in our search for answers to these questions) When is the last time you found yourself wishing your layover was longer? Or wishing your flight was canceled?
I think the folks in NC truly believe that the smile on my face the next day was all about them....
3 days and counting and TC will be returning to DC for his bi-monthly visit. All of these emails and txt messages will have to be converted into live conversation and real laughter instead of smiles and goofy :---). How will that be? How do you convert bits to real life? How to you move from having open conversations over email to having to look the person in the eye and say what you want to say.
This is interesting and concerning and exciting all at the same time. When you think about how much communication is about verbal signs you wonder how verbal signs will change what you say...the guise of email is earth shattering to the dating scene and has flipped it on its head. I am a writer by nature. Words flow off my finger tips and I don't know if my brain is a quick in real life. All of these challenges will be faced down on Sunday afternoon. And on Monday and on Tuesday...until we are back to bits again.
Laughter. Lots of laughter and tears from laughter. When is the last time I have laughed like this without fear or thinking about what to say next. Only savoring this moment that was so not supposed to happen for either of us. So not supposed to be on the 2:40pm to ORD. So supposed to be on a 4:20 and a 5 something. I noticed after a while that people around us were just looking over and smirking and just not sure what to make of the whole thing going down in aisle 6. And I remembered that my laugh is loud and joyful and felt all warm and happy inside.
And so we had a drink...before I departed to NC. (you might be asking yourself why did you fly to Chicago to then fly to NC and I would invite you to join us road warriors in our search for answers to these questions) When is the last time you found yourself wishing your layover was longer? Or wishing your flight was canceled?
I think the folks in NC truly believe that the smile on my face the next day was all about them....
3 days and counting and TC will be returning to DC for his bi-monthly visit. All of these emails and txt messages will have to be converted into live conversation and real laughter instead of smiles and goofy :---). How will that be? How do you convert bits to real life? How to you move from having open conversations over email to having to look the person in the eye and say what you want to say.
This is interesting and concerning and exciting all at the same time. When you think about how much communication is about verbal signs you wonder how verbal signs will change what you say...the guise of email is earth shattering to the dating scene and has flipped it on its head. I am a writer by nature. Words flow off my finger tips and I don't know if my brain is a quick in real life. All of these challenges will be faced down on Sunday afternoon. And on Monday and on Tuesday...until we are back to bits again.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Some interesting questions/observations about logan circle...
A few interesting observations about my new neighborhood:
1.) Cute guys around the circle are usually not my "type" or really should I say I am not their type.
2.) where do the dead birds come from? I have found 3 dead birds so far this summer and its a bit sketchy.
3.) there are a few republicans in my building who don't know a thing about sunscreen. tanned and tanned again like hides these people are.
4.) where do dead rats come from and then who picks them up?
5.) sometimes men in my neighborhood walk around only with a cowboy hat on and some very interesting shorts...and work boots...and I try not to think about what they are up to...
6.) Whole foods seems to be a grocery store disguised as a pick up joint
7.) Cat calls in the city are much more formal than in other places. Calls like "Hello Lady you are HOT" instead of just whistles and other noises.
8.) Who gives all the bums chicken wings at night? There are piles of chicken bones every morning out in logan circle. Not clear on where they come from....
9.) there are TWO count them TWO places that serve gluten free beer right near by....
10.) Why is it that every time I am heading to the airport, I end up in a cab with three other people because the driver keeps pulling over and screaming hey "where are you going"? An affirmative answer of airport results in a "jump in" response.
1.) Cute guys around the circle are usually not my "type" or really should I say I am not their type.
2.) where do the dead birds come from? I have found 3 dead birds so far this summer and its a bit sketchy.
3.) there are a few republicans in my building who don't know a thing about sunscreen. tanned and tanned again like hides these people are.
4.) where do dead rats come from and then who picks them up?
5.) sometimes men in my neighborhood walk around only with a cowboy hat on and some very interesting shorts...and work boots...and I try not to think about what they are up to...
6.) Whole foods seems to be a grocery store disguised as a pick up joint
7.) Cat calls in the city are much more formal than in other places. Calls like "Hello Lady you are HOT" instead of just whistles and other noises.
8.) Who gives all the bums chicken wings at night? There are piles of chicken bones every morning out in logan circle. Not clear on where they come from....
9.) there are TWO count them TWO places that serve gluten free beer right near by....
10.) Why is it that every time I am heading to the airport, I end up in a cab with three other people because the driver keeps pulling over and screaming hey "where are you going"? An affirmative answer of airport results in a "jump in" response.
I don't want to jump in...unless this feels like something...
Should one date someone that wears boat shoes.....and of does not own a boat? Someone that is 37 and failed to have a relationship for the last 6 years? Someone who works to much? Someone that is so amazingly handsome but has no brains? Someone that heads out to church every Sunday? Choices...choices...choices.
A few lines from my favorite Cake song are useful when making these types of decisions
I don't want to think back to the one thing I wish I would have done....
People. Just do it. Just go where you want to go, do what you want to do, see who you want to see, let other people be uncomfortable if they need to be that way. Live the life that you imagine and throw caution to the wind....that is where it belongs. You never know until you ask, say how you feel, try something new, and live in the experiences you design.
I don't want to doubt you nor know everything about you....
Sometimes not knowing...like remember when you first started dating someone and they were all mysterious? might actually be more exciting then spending the first few weeks of your dating life drilling each other. Perhaps instead just snack on each other. Take a nibble here and there and have a good time.
I don't want to sit across the table from you wishing I could run...
This is a zinger for me...happens every single time before I end a relationship or fail to start one for that matter. When sitting with someone and you feel like wow---i need to run for it!!!! ABORT MISSION.
With all that said I am back in the game...slowly finding my way in and out of new lives of interesting people. Stay tuned.
A few lines from my favorite Cake song are useful when making these types of decisions
I don't want to think back to the one thing I wish I would have done....
People. Just do it. Just go where you want to go, do what you want to do, see who you want to see, let other people be uncomfortable if they need to be that way. Live the life that you imagine and throw caution to the wind....that is where it belongs. You never know until you ask, say how you feel, try something new, and live in the experiences you design.
I don't want to doubt you nor know everything about you....
Sometimes not knowing...like remember when you first started dating someone and they were all mysterious? might actually be more exciting then spending the first few weeks of your dating life drilling each other. Perhaps instead just snack on each other. Take a nibble here and there and have a good time.
I don't want to sit across the table from you wishing I could run...
This is a zinger for me...happens every single time before I end a relationship or fail to start one for that matter. When sitting with someone and you feel like wow---i need to run for it!!!! ABORT MISSION.
With all that said I am back in the game...slowly finding my way in and out of new lives of interesting people. Stay tuned.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Change Change Change......
Let me introduce you to my new attempt at life: city living. This process has been so unbelievable as well as good as well as bad as well as confusing. Getting used to:
1.) parking 4 blocks away
2.) taking my dog out for a walk instead of having a dog door
3.) sharing a building with neighbors who keep sending me nasty grams with stuff like "we understand you are taking deliveries through the lobby" "we understand you did not use the elevator pads"
4.) walking everywhere--which is good not bad
5.) having a yoga studio just a hop skip and a jump away
6.) running into about 10 men every afternoon at the dog park who seem to be the only do owners in my neighborhood
7.) figuring out that I have to go up on the roof to get my ac serviced...and that would require me to get a key to the back deck of a neighbor and his permission
8.) being away from my old support group
9.) trying to fit every possible thing you need to do when you move into a schedule that is packed with living, working, and job searching
10.) waking up every morning and hoping its just going to eventually work.....
The drama around closing has somewhat subsided. The leak has been repaired...but the huge hole in the ceiling needs to be patched. Eventually it will all work out. Breathing in and out.....
Off to study with Nancy this week...my yoga teacher from Maui. Very excited about getting out of my head and into a different groove that doesn't require stressing about license plates, leaks, cranky neighbors, or anything else on the list!
1.) parking 4 blocks away
2.) taking my dog out for a walk instead of having a dog door
3.) sharing a building with neighbors who keep sending me nasty grams with stuff like "we understand you are taking deliveries through the lobby" "we understand you did not use the elevator pads"
4.) walking everywhere--which is good not bad
5.) having a yoga studio just a hop skip and a jump away
6.) running into about 10 men every afternoon at the dog park who seem to be the only do owners in my neighborhood
7.) figuring out that I have to go up on the roof to get my ac serviced...and that would require me to get a key to the back deck of a neighbor and his permission
8.) being away from my old support group
9.) trying to fit every possible thing you need to do when you move into a schedule that is packed with living, working, and job searching
10.) waking up every morning and hoping its just going to eventually work.....
The drama around closing has somewhat subsided. The leak has been repaired...but the huge hole in the ceiling needs to be patched. Eventually it will all work out. Breathing in and out.....
Off to study with Nancy this week...my yoga teacher from Maui. Very excited about getting out of my head and into a different groove that doesn't require stressing about license plates, leaks, cranky neighbors, or anything else on the list!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Closure--Literally
This last week has been the biggest nightmare of my life. To summarize:
2.) All real estate agents involved in the problem, that would be Andy Higgins and Mary something a rather were completely incompetent to resolve this problem. These idiots actually thought they were going to get Bank of America to provide a loan to my buyers after the lender did not return any calls for TWO DAYS.
3.) After Bank of America did respond to the buyers guess what-----these morons decided to cash out some of their 401K to cover the difference needed in the new loan(is anyone asking why did they need a new loan in the first place? Where is the accountability from the lender on the first mistake? Why isn’t someone standing on the desk of the mortgage guy?) and then decided to have this check sent in the US MAIL. I am shaking my head while I write this.
4.) The idiot agent duo didn’t even think WOW---these people used to have a mortgage approved by Chevy Chase Bank, maybe we should call them again. ITS FRIDAY PEOPLE. I screamed at my agent after finding out about the check and said by 11am they had to contact a new lender.
5.) Of course the idiot duo are telling me all about how Chevy Chase Bank is well known in the area-----I stamped this right out and said I am really tired of hearing who you know, how you are a BIG SHOT and just about everything else you are saying. In other words....please spare me. Its like I am being sold a car that is going to die 10 minutes after I drive off the lot.
1.) Get BRIDGED. This happened Thursday afternoon, right after the 401k call which slapped me into reality QUICK. E*Trade mortgage broker calls back, sorry you don’t quality for a bridge.
2.) My DC agent looks at me and says WHAT? That is ridiculous we are calling my mortgage guy and he is going to get this DONE.
3.) After moving all day I drag my ass up to local coffee shop and fill out an online application. Get back to my new place and immediately get a call from the new mortgage broker, Matt Gilday. This guy rocks and is totally on it. Gets it signed and done by Tuesday afternoon.
4 .) Meanwhile, the buyers claim they are ready to close Tuesday afternoon...so we push closing on my new place to Wed. Guess what? Of course, paperwork is not ready! BIG SURPRISE! In the end we ended up closing on Wed morning and I bought my new place Wed afternoon.
Future tips....get a lender that can bridge. Get an agent that has a clue. Make sure about week before the close that you have a mortgage from your buyer. DON"T trust your agent.....next time.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
10,000 things....go wrong
Why is it so HARD to sell and buy a house? Tonights question is motivated by events that are happening to me personally---unfortunately. So, where are we now?
1.) Today, my buyers mortgage vaporized. Two problems: 1 need rental confirmation (um, couldn't they have checked in on this like 6 weeks ago?) 2 they make too MUCH money for the loan program(don't need to repeat myself do I?) Let me say here: DO NOT USE BANK OF AMERICA. I can not believe the horror of today while everyone and their mother who is involved in this process was pained from 9am to 4pm when the finally surfaced and listed these two problems. I am astounded by their complete disregard to the situation...two people waiting to transact obviously AND their lack of preparation. Can you imagine dealing in the final hour with a mortgage broker who is not responding to you?
2.) My other agent, the one working on the property I was to purchase FAILED to cash my escrow check. She kept saying its no PROBLEM. I have been so so so so busy that I just had to go with it. SO, I get a call from my mortage broker about this....of course bc this is a SIGNED contract right???? Who in the end was fine with it but again...hassel.
3.) The same agent FAILED to convey the proper closing time to the sellers. SO, this afternoon she was fighting with the owner about when she planned to vacate. This is all in vain of course because I can't settle before the buyers on my end finish their transaction.
So....where do we go from here besides to the wine cabinet? Tomorrow (fingers crossed) the movers are going to be here at 9am. And they are going to take my things and put them in the truck. I have no idea if I will have a place to take them....I will be sitting here waiting to hear if the closing on my home has completed so I can purchase the new pad. Great. Movers may be sitting around for hours while we wait and wait and wait. All for about 110 an hour of course. And then at some point I am going to have to make a call about whether I move into storage if the whole thing falls apart.
Grrrrrrrrrrr........
1.) Today, my buyers mortgage vaporized. Two problems: 1 need rental confirmation (um, couldn't they have checked in on this like 6 weeks ago?) 2 they make too MUCH money for the loan program(don't need to repeat myself do I?) Let me say here: DO NOT USE BANK OF AMERICA. I can not believe the horror of today while everyone and their mother who is involved in this process was pained from 9am to 4pm when the finally surfaced and listed these two problems. I am astounded by their complete disregard to the situation...two people waiting to transact obviously AND their lack of preparation. Can you imagine dealing in the final hour with a mortgage broker who is not responding to you?
2.) My other agent, the one working on the property I was to purchase FAILED to cash my escrow check. She kept saying its no PROBLEM. I have been so so so so busy that I just had to go with it. SO, I get a call from my mortage broker about this....of course bc this is a SIGNED contract right???? Who in the end was fine with it but again...hassel.
3.) The same agent FAILED to convey the proper closing time to the sellers. SO, this afternoon she was fighting with the owner about when she planned to vacate. This is all in vain of course because I can't settle before the buyers on my end finish their transaction.
So....where do we go from here besides to the wine cabinet? Tomorrow (fingers crossed) the movers are going to be here at 9am. And they are going to take my things and put them in the truck. I have no idea if I will have a place to take them....I will be sitting here waiting to hear if the closing on my home has completed so I can purchase the new pad. Great. Movers may be sitting around for hours while we wait and wait and wait. All for about 110 an hour of course. And then at some point I am going to have to make a call about whether I move into storage if the whole thing falls apart.
Grrrrrrrrrrr........
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
My Mug: Take Two
So my skin is looking and feeling GREAT! Why is this happening????? I have been on Clinque crack for the past two years and need to loose that feeling for good. It seemed like every time I presented myself at the counter there was yet another cream or polish or scrub that I must have to make the whole "system" work for me.
I hate to write this in fear that I will jinx it but here is goes...the new beauty regimen.
1.) Papaya Enzyme Mask
When I was in Maui I had this excellent facial. Afterward I bought this massively over priced small bottle of papaya enzyme. Its powered and I imagine you could purchase it at some health food store or online for much cheaper. In any event....you mix it with plain yogurt (the good stuff not anything filled with corn starch etc you need the enzymes in the yogurt) and slap it on your face once or twice a week for about 10 minutes. Beautiful! It gets things moving if you will and encourages turn over.
2.) Honey
Yes, thats right HONEY. RAW. I also picked this up in Maui and I put it on my face in the shower every morning while I roll through the rest of my routine. Strange. You would think it is sticky but its not. It actually absorbs into your skin with the steam and there is very little to rinse off after you are done with the rest of your shower madness. Plus, it tastes good!
3.) Paula's Choice Super Recovery Antioxidant Oil
This stuff RULES. I put it on my face after I use toner. It seeps in and makes your face feel so smooth and really encourages it not to dry out throughout the day. I put face cream over the top of this and get on with things.
Three small changes and a world of difference. I have finally given up my Clinque habit forever...or at least until this stops working.
I hate to write this in fear that I will jinx it but here is goes...the new beauty regimen.
1.) Papaya Enzyme Mask
When I was in Maui I had this excellent facial. Afterward I bought this massively over priced small bottle of papaya enzyme. Its powered and I imagine you could purchase it at some health food store or online for much cheaper. In any event....you mix it with plain yogurt (the good stuff not anything filled with corn starch etc you need the enzymes in the yogurt) and slap it on your face once or twice a week for about 10 minutes. Beautiful! It gets things moving if you will and encourages turn over.
2.) Honey
Yes, thats right HONEY. RAW. I also picked this up in Maui and I put it on my face in the shower every morning while I roll through the rest of my routine. Strange. You would think it is sticky but its not. It actually absorbs into your skin with the steam and there is very little to rinse off after you are done with the rest of your shower madness. Plus, it tastes good!
3.) Paula's Choice Super Recovery Antioxidant Oil
This stuff RULES. I put it on my face after I use toner. It seeps in and makes your face feel so smooth and really encourages it not to dry out throughout the day. I put face cream over the top of this and get on with things.
Three small changes and a world of difference. I have finally given up my Clinque habit forever...or at least until this stops working.
My Mug Makes CSI Website
Ha! I had a great laugh today when a friend from graduate school wrote to me and said:
"is this you on the CSI website?" Or someone that really really looks like you?
It appears that me mid sentence has made the front page......check it out I appear after the block slides to the right that says CSI NetSec 07...
http://gocsi.com/
"is this you on the CSI website?" Or someone that really really looks like you?
It appears that me mid sentence has made the front page......check it out I appear after the block slides to the right that says CSI NetSec 07...
http://gocsi.com/
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Expatriate? Not with this group...
Fantastically funny interview this past week with a company who really needed a full set of clues on how to send someone to India. I went in knowing that the position was of high interest, but with the mind that I was not willing to move unless the package was adequate. Wow. Was I overwhelmed with their arrogance and underwhelmed with their intelligence. Fascinating.
The interview began on the wrong note when the VP explained that "He REALLY needed an American to head over the and get some more work out of these people." Perfect. Like we are running a slave shop. I asked him about his progress, problems and offered my typical bag of India based cultural solutions. He didn't really seem interested in hearing what I had to say, just that he was looking for a salesperson who could get it done. I then offered my 2 cents on how this role should be projected to the outsourcer (in a way that conveys authority and independence). Which was obviously ignored....as when I asked about the package he informed me that:
1.) they would be providing me with funds for traveling to the different locations inside India (like yeah? um, who would not being doing that?) btw: he prefaced this statement with "well let me start off by telling you that we would be paying for"
2.) the outsourcer would be finding me housing. (ok, so I am envisioning having to argue with some middle management moron about what is acceptable and what is not rather than having an allowance)
3.) that he would be flying me home to work with the team in the US 4 times a year. (UGH, that is WAY to much. he obviously has never done that trek over and over and over again. Talk about eating up three weeks every two months.)
And thats it.
UMMMMM....my mind was flushed with a million things that he failed to mention like say a driver? insurance? dual-health care insurance? disability? repatriation insurance?
So I asked about the driver to which he responded that well I could pay for that myself. LOL.
At this point I was finished with the conversation so I asked if there were any more questions......the guy that was also part of the interview that reports to this VP says:
"what REALLY, REALLY scares you about this"
Like he is talking to Susie Smith from small town Kansas who has never left her neighborhood.
I dug in:
"Nothing about India scares me. I have been there during terrorist attacks in Dehli when they shut the city down. I have survived 4 feet of water in Bangalore. What I would need to have to take this type of position is the ability to act as an independent operator with the full support of my US based management. This would entail flexibility in understanding things are going to arise that you do not expect."
Like what he asks??
"For example, India operates on bribes. You have to grease the wheels if you need to get something done like turn on a phone in your apartment. "
LOL. They both sat there like a deer in a fast approaching car's headlights.
"Well, (VP) we would not be interested in being involved with something like that. If you needed to give someone a bribe....you would be on your own....."
Deep Breath. Laugh. Depart. Fully aware that there is a job out there that will take me to India but in no way shape or form is it this one....
The interview began on the wrong note when the VP explained that "He REALLY needed an American to head over the and get some more work out of these people." Perfect. Like we are running a slave shop. I asked him about his progress, problems and offered my typical bag of India based cultural solutions. He didn't really seem interested in hearing what I had to say, just that he was looking for a salesperson who could get it done. I then offered my 2 cents on how this role should be projected to the outsourcer (in a way that conveys authority and independence). Which was obviously ignored....as when I asked about the package he informed me that:
1.) they would be providing me with funds for traveling to the different locations inside India (like yeah? um, who would not being doing that?) btw: he prefaced this statement with "well let me start off by telling you that we would be paying for"
2.) the outsourcer would be finding me housing. (ok, so I am envisioning having to argue with some middle management moron about what is acceptable and what is not rather than having an allowance)
3.) that he would be flying me home to work with the team in the US 4 times a year. (UGH, that is WAY to much. he obviously has never done that trek over and over and over again. Talk about eating up three weeks every two months.)
And thats it.
UMMMMM....my mind was flushed with a million things that he failed to mention like say a driver? insurance? dual-health care insurance? disability? repatriation insurance?
So I asked about the driver to which he responded that well I could pay for that myself. LOL.
At this point I was finished with the conversation so I asked if there were any more questions......the guy that was also part of the interview that reports to this VP says:
"what REALLY, REALLY scares you about this"
Like he is talking to Susie Smith from small town Kansas who has never left her neighborhood.
I dug in:
"Nothing about India scares me. I have been there during terrorist attacks in Dehli when they shut the city down. I have survived 4 feet of water in Bangalore. What I would need to have to take this type of position is the ability to act as an independent operator with the full support of my US based management. This would entail flexibility in understanding things are going to arise that you do not expect."
Like what he asks??
"For example, India operates on bribes. You have to grease the wheels if you need to get something done like turn on a phone in your apartment. "
LOL. They both sat there like a deer in a fast approaching car's headlights.
"Well, (VP) we would not be interested in being involved with something like that. If you needed to give someone a bribe....you would be on your own....."
Deep Breath. Laugh. Depart. Fully aware that there is a job out there that will take me to India but in no way shape or form is it this one....
Friday, April 13, 2007
And the winner is.....
Back from my latest adventure in the world of business travel. Charlotte, NC. Humor surrounded by during my visit on all sides.....
1.) neither me or my boss had the correct information for where we were supposed to show up so we did a lot of huffing around town...in new black pumps of course.
2.) men I dined with decided to spend the drink venue discussing the ins and outs of why its great that they never see their wives.
3.) a cab driver assured me that Charlotte was just about over the the demolition it endured after the "Yankees" came through. Its probably important to mention that this cab driver recently arrived from Somalia so this information was definitely picked up during his stay in NC passed along by some bright mind..
4.) I tried to enjoy my Indian meal which was curtailed by the people running the restaurant dimming the lights to almost nothing and telling me they were trying to close....right after they delivered my food. Take out anyone?
All of these activities pale next to the ridiculous stint that occurred during our speaking session. The plan was to raffle a class seat....so I begin casing the room and collecting cards. About 1/3 of the way through the room, I hear my boss ask "What province is the town of Blah in" to which someone answered the correct Canadian province.....and they he gave away the class. Great. So, someone in the crowd says to me "I think he already gave away the class????" To which I responded, well, he is going to have to give away another one.....
So, the message here is continue, all of you, to work on your "thinking on your feet" skills. It works. Ironically the person who asked the question was the WINNER of the class!!!!
1.) neither me or my boss had the correct information for where we were supposed to show up so we did a lot of huffing around town...in new black pumps of course.
2.) men I dined with decided to spend the drink venue discussing the ins and outs of why its great that they never see their wives.
3.) a cab driver assured me that Charlotte was just about over the the demolition it endured after the "Yankees" came through. Its probably important to mention that this cab driver recently arrived from Somalia so this information was definitely picked up during his stay in NC passed along by some bright mind..
4.) I tried to enjoy my Indian meal which was curtailed by the people running the restaurant dimming the lights to almost nothing and telling me they were trying to close....right after they delivered my food. Take out anyone?
All of these activities pale next to the ridiculous stint that occurred during our speaking session. The plan was to raffle a class seat....so I begin casing the room and collecting cards. About 1/3 of the way through the room, I hear my boss ask "What province is the town of Blah in" to which someone answered the correct Canadian province.....and they he gave away the class. Great. So, someone in the crowd says to me "I think he already gave away the class????" To which I responded, well, he is going to have to give away another one.....
So, the message here is continue, all of you, to work on your "thinking on your feet" skills. It works. Ironically the person who asked the question was the WINNER of the class!!!!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Approved!!
Ahh.....resting easy this afternoon upon learning that Elwood passed the test. Not sure what the test really was? Maybe an owner test? I think the email I had to write to the condo board about Elwood was more about are you a good owner rather than is your pet a maniac. I wrote that we were looking forward to meeting all of our new neighbors and would be taking good care of them by making sure Elwood was not an unhappy barking dog. And they bought it so that is all that matters.
In other news I have to share my new cuticle makeover tool that I am in love with. Paula's Choice, a cosmetic line crafted by the Cosmetic Cop is offering this fantastic Cuticle Stick that fits in your purse with no issues....no worries about the cuticle oil spilling all over the shop. I think this stick has traveled about 5,000 miles with me so far this year and its a breeze to apply when flying, driving, sitting at a keyboard or just doing nothing!!!! Her creams are fantastic as well--love the Super Recovery Anti-Oxidant oil. Its great for super dry skin that seems to creep up on me during winter time!
In other news I have to share my new cuticle makeover tool that I am in love with. Paula's Choice, a cosmetic line crafted by the Cosmetic Cop is offering this fantastic Cuticle Stick that fits in your purse with no issues....no worries about the cuticle oil spilling all over the shop. I think this stick has traveled about 5,000 miles with me so far this year and its a breeze to apply when flying, driving, sitting at a keyboard or just doing nothing!!!! Her creams are fantastic as well--love the Super Recovery Anti-Oxidant oil. Its great for super dry skin that seems to creep up on me during winter time!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The Elusive Page 6
Page 6 where are you?????
Lets back up. Made an offer on a fantastic new place and I am in the throws of all the minutia that accompanies buying and selling----downsizing, giving crap away, evaluating everything I own, finding a mortgage, repairing everything that the home inspector found (to the tune of $2000.00 thank you) and in the midst of it all the condo docs for the new pad arrive today. My biggest concern, of course, is making sure Elvis Woodsman (most know him by Elwood. remind yourself with picture at left) has a well respected place by my side in our new home. Page 5, last section titled "pets" starts off with some comment about it being illegal to breed dogs and then...........nothing. Page 6 is missing. Grrrrr......
So...we wait and see until someone finds the missing page 6. In the meantime, I will get a fresh glass of ice water (ice maker apparently was broken who knew) flood my basement (new sump pump) and turn off and on a light in the basement with the new switch (who knew code required the switch near the door to turn that light on??? here I have been walking across the basement for 5 years!) to get my last few days of enjoyment out of this place now that everything is working so properly and up to code. Hell, I might even go up on the roof and check out the piece of wood that is completely invisible to the naked eye from the ground that required painting (love the home owners association)!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The ides of March
Ahh....back from Mexico and living in the whirlwind of the Ides of March. Every year something happens during this dreadful time when I assume my astrological signs go bad. One year it was a divorce, another a LSAT score gone bad, or remember that boyfriend that decided no to wear deodorant during this same week....you get the picture.
This week I have lost my car keys, burned my hand with scalding water, lost power at my house for a whole day when I really needed to work, got sick....then got sick again in Mexico and well...the week has not yet ended. Why did I allow a home inspection to occur during this time frame? Curious.
This week I have lost my car keys, burned my hand with scalding water, lost power at my house for a whole day when I really needed to work, got sick....then got sick again in Mexico and well...the week has not yet ended. Why did I allow a home inspection to occur during this time frame? Curious.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
the art of the speaker phone
my boyfriend has stopped using his headset. i worry it will end our relationship. seriously. all day long i listen to men rattle on about how important and great whatever it is they are referring to or taking about is in a LOUD voice. the last thing i want at the end of the day is to call the sfo to hear a yell in response.
is there an art to the speakerphone? Yes. Apparently there are well documented protocols out there that people are writing about but when do folks inside the walls of the office get a chance to learn about these hard and fast rules? (hard and fast is added her for emphasis) its clear there is a decline of mental capacity inside America, and I fear items like this one, that seem so small and insignificant, are really very very very very important.
So lets look over the simple rules people are talking about:
1.) DONT YELL.
This seems simple, but everyone yells into their cell phone like its a two way radio so I don't envision this habit declining rapidly.
2.)Announce your name in a group setting.
Again, simple manners. People tend to forget that others do not recogonize your voice. Just think of it this way..your not howard stern. or jerry seinfield. or ted kopel. Those are the only people that pop to mind outside of the NPR gang that I would "recogonize" if they called me on the phone.
3.)Don't talk over others.
Stop talking and start listening America. I could use this sentence repeatedly over and over again and it would be applicable to just about everyone I meet. SHUT UP!!!!
4.)Don't take another call when you are on one already!
How many times have you heard Ralph pick up and tell his wife that yeah, he will pick up some wine on the way over to the Howard's that evening? enough said.
5.)Avoid multi-tasking.
Stop shuffling papers and typing while you are on the phone. Trust me, you have TIME for this call that you are taking. Are you Donald Trump? Then maybe you don't have time but then ask your self, Donald, why did you accept the call in the first place?
6.) Turn off your other phone.
I love listening to the macarena or other ridiculous tunes flow out of cell phones (that people have not learned how to turn off??)
7.) Do not EAT or COOK while on the phone.
How about some flames and sizzle please? Some chomping? No thanks. Also, don't take me to McDonald's with you! I am sitting at my computer working and don't need the hunger pangs evoked by listening to your order.
8.)Make sure others can hear you.
How many times is there someone on a call talking and I speak up asking them to increase their volume and everyone else is like yeah, I couldn't hear them either. Make sure people can hear you--and ask people to speak up!
so will the speakerphone end our relationship? no. but i have asked very nicely for him to stop using it all together..... :--)
is there an art to the speakerphone? Yes. Apparently there are well documented protocols out there that people are writing about but when do folks inside the walls of the office get a chance to learn about these hard and fast rules? (hard and fast is added her for emphasis) its clear there is a decline of mental capacity inside America, and I fear items like this one, that seem so small and insignificant, are really very very very very important.
So lets look over the simple rules people are talking about:
1.) DONT YELL.
This seems simple, but everyone yells into their cell phone like its a two way radio so I don't envision this habit declining rapidly.
2.)Announce your name in a group setting.
Again, simple manners. People tend to forget that others do not recogonize your voice. Just think of it this way..your not howard stern. or jerry seinfield. or ted kopel. Those are the only people that pop to mind outside of the NPR gang that I would "recogonize" if they called me on the phone.
3.)Don't talk over others.
Stop talking and start listening America. I could use this sentence repeatedly over and over again and it would be applicable to just about everyone I meet. SHUT UP!!!!
4.)Don't take another call when you are on one already!
How many times have you heard Ralph pick up and tell his wife that yeah, he will pick up some wine on the way over to the Howard's that evening? enough said.
5.)Avoid multi-tasking.
Stop shuffling papers and typing while you are on the phone. Trust me, you have TIME for this call that you are taking. Are you Donald Trump? Then maybe you don't have time but then ask your self, Donald, why did you accept the call in the first place?
6.) Turn off your other phone.
I love listening to the macarena or other ridiculous tunes flow out of cell phones (that people have not learned how to turn off??)
7.) Do not EAT or COOK while on the phone.
How about some flames and sizzle please? Some chomping? No thanks. Also, don't take me to McDonald's with you! I am sitting at my computer working and don't need the hunger pangs evoked by listening to your order.
8.)Make sure others can hear you.
How many times is there someone on a call talking and I speak up asking them to increase their volume and everyone else is like yeah, I couldn't hear them either. Make sure people can hear you--and ask people to speak up!
so will the speakerphone end our relationship? no. but i have asked very nicely for him to stop using it all together..... :--)
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
being sick of being sick
Ugh. When is the last time you have been really, really sick. It hit light a flash of light on Friday, suddenly I was down for the count. And I mean DOWN. I have not slept this much since I was like 10 years old. Today is Wednesday and finally feeling like being vertical is workable.
When you have nothing to do but stare at the wall its amazing what you can contemplate...consider...and really evaluate. I have spent the last days thinking about life, my house, moving, my relationship, whether I want a family, how my life should be shaping, and where my passions are going to take me next. I have only come up with a few answers but I look forward to the coming weeks to see how the change that I have invited feels inside my life.
I don't think I have mentioned the a fore mentioned "change." I put the house up for sale...or at least its going up for sale tomorrow. Trying to spark some inertia to get the wheels of change up and running again. Its time for a stretch. I am stuck. Stuck. Stuck in the same position and need to be challenged a bit. I am so stressed, freaked out, and otherwise just plain scared about making this change, but in my mind those flags mean....its right.
When you have nothing to do but stare at the wall its amazing what you can contemplate...consider...and really evaluate. I have spent the last days thinking about life, my house, moving, my relationship, whether I want a family, how my life should be shaping, and where my passions are going to take me next. I have only come up with a few answers but I look forward to the coming weeks to see how the change that I have invited feels inside my life.
I don't think I have mentioned the a fore mentioned "change." I put the house up for sale...or at least its going up for sale tomorrow. Trying to spark some inertia to get the wheels of change up and running again. Its time for a stretch. I am stuck. Stuck. Stuck in the same position and need to be challenged a bit. I am so stressed, freaked out, and otherwise just plain scared about making this change, but in my mind those flags mean....its right.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
SuperFood
Its January and we are all thinking about eating healthy. Everyone of course accept my mother who surprisingly seems to be eating boxes of cookies, cake, chocolate, pie, brownies, and muffins without any recourse. Your right--just returned from a trip to see my family. I survived their attempts to fatten me up and have jumped back into my attempts for finding delightful foods this January that taste good and are good for you.Over Christmas P and I enjoyed lunch at Mark & Spencers. Next time you find yourself in London, enjoy a bite to eat at their lunch counter that reminds me of the pictures Norman Rockwell painted of past lives. The English have an amazing ability to evoke memories of the past while serving you in the present. They have found a subtle agreement between our attempts to change and hold on to memories.
Yes--about that super food salad...
We enjoyed lunch and I was delightfully inspired to retreat to the other side of the pond and cook up something similar: Super Food Salad
2cp butternut squash
3 beets
1.5 cp broccoli or brocollini
.5 cp of tomatoes
enough lettuce to cover your plate
2 tbls olive oil
1 tps salt
about 1 tbls poppy seeds
Turn the oven on to 400 and peel the squash. Cut into small peices. Attempt to AVOID cutting yourself (I need to be more careful). Place squash into glass dish and lightly toss with olive oil and salt. Roast for about 30 minutes or until cooked. (no longer firm)
While the squash is cooking, take beets and wash them. Poke holes with a fork about 5 times around the fruit (careful...beet juice is used to color things for a reason...) Wrap up each beet in tin foil and place in the oven with the squash. Beets will take about 60 minutes to cook. When you remove the squash, turn the oven down to 350.
As you cook the squash and beets prepare the rest of the salad. First cut up the tomatoes into small pieces or use cherry tomatoes, which make life really easy, and cut them in half. Set aside.
Cut up broccoli and place on a baking sheet covered with tin foil. Set aside until squash and beets are finished cooking. Then spray broccoli lightly with olive oil and place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes until the tops start to brown. WATCH the broccoli to make certain you have control over your broiler...which will crisp things quickly.
Place everything you just cooked into a bowl and mix well without squishing the squash. Toss the "salad" with poppy seeds. Salt to taste. If mix seems to dry, add a little olive oil or put some on the dinner table so your guests can doctor it to their taste.
Plate up a bed of lettuce and place the salad on top. Enjoy!
And why is this SUPER?
Poppy Seeds have: "Thiamin, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Copper, and a very good source of Calcium and Manganese."
Butternut Squash: "very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium and Magnesium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium and Manganese."
Broccoli: "this food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Protein, Thiamin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Potassium and Manganese."
Tomatoes: "This food is low in Sodium, and very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium and Manganese."
Finally, this recipie should feed about 4 servings at:
157 calories
8 g fat
20g carbohydrates
4.9g sugars
4.8g protein
100% Vitamin A
60% Vitamin C
9% Calcium
9% iron
WOW! That is super!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Drumroll Please: Enter 2007
Life is catching up with me..slowly and I am on my way back to focusing on the things I love...like writing this blog. This year I am shifting my focus to tell you about two things: my ashtanga practice and my gluten free food quests. I hope the plan will work....fingers crossed.
Today I will simply start by saying I am working to find a balance. My mother used to tell me that I am good at so many things...that it will be difficult to choose. Mastery. Mastery of one item where we focus, and focus, and focus again. This is what ashtanga yoga takes and until a few weeks ago I realized that I was hiding from the commitment. One of the instructors at my studio said:
WHY--WHY are you coming to this class????????? You know what you are suppose to be doing.
Feeling sheepish-I said yes.
You are never going to move, shift, and develop your own practice until you make the commitment.
The "commitment" is Mysore. Mysore is morning practice. Starts at 6am. Ends at 8am. My practice is small so it takes me about 1 1/4 hr. I love Mysore. I hate getting out of bed at 5am. the studio is 35 minutes from my house. I have a dog. I have a job. I have a life.
And this is what George Leonard writes so beautifully about in his book title "Mastery". The commitment that Mastery takes and the process you have to endure along the way. Endure is the wrong word....lets use enjoy as Leonard would like us to...
This book is getting its point across in a lot of ways. I hear people talking about what they want to accomplish instead of where the journey will take them. People quit when they can't win the 12 triathlons they compete in during a summer. People ditch school / marriage / cars/ old pets / boyfriends / hell even their kids!
I am working on enduring the path--enjoying the path--and recording the small, small, small changes it brings me each day.
Today I will simply start by saying I am working to find a balance. My mother used to tell me that I am good at so many things...that it will be difficult to choose. Mastery. Mastery of one item where we focus, and focus, and focus again. This is what ashtanga yoga takes and until a few weeks ago I realized that I was hiding from the commitment. One of the instructors at my studio said:
WHY--WHY are you coming to this class????????? You know what you are suppose to be doing.
Feeling sheepish-I said yes.
You are never going to move, shift, and develop your own practice until you make the commitment.
The "commitment" is Mysore. Mysore is morning practice. Starts at 6am. Ends at 8am. My practice is small so it takes me about 1 1/4 hr. I love Mysore. I hate getting out of bed at 5am. the studio is 35 minutes from my house. I have a dog. I have a job. I have a life.
And this is what George Leonard writes so beautifully about in his book title "Mastery". The commitment that Mastery takes and the process you have to endure along the way. Endure is the wrong word....lets use enjoy as Leonard would like us to...
This book is getting its point across in a lot of ways. I hear people talking about what they want to accomplish instead of where the journey will take them. People quit when they can't win the 12 triathlons they compete in during a summer. People ditch school / marriage / cars/ old pets / boyfriends / hell even their kids!
I am working on enduring the path--enjoying the path--and recording the small, small, small changes it brings me each day.
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