Reminiscing

10 years ago, it was the Friday before Labor Day weekend. I was hugely pregnant and very uncomfortable and irritable. I had been the new media specialist at GNMS for a month. I was exhausted. Nate was at Dragon Con- over an hour away- playing board games with friends. I ate ice cream and popcorn for dinner and played Plants vs Zombies before going to bed early. 

I woke up at 3am when Nate came home and got into bed. I got up to go to the bathroom and when I came back to bed, I thought I was peeing on myself. I went back into the bathroom and realized my water had broken. Nate had barely fallen asleep when I woke him up to tell him. We both tried to go back to sleep, but couldn't. And then we basically didn't sleep for the next 4 months. 

Files Complete!

Today I unpacked the last box of files and sorted them into their appropriate filing cabinet (I opted for a year-by-year system).  I went through approximately 80 boxes (I found even more after my initial assessment) and 24 years worth of paperwork.  I thought it would take me about a month to finish and I was right.  I feel incredibly accomplished.

Relaxing Lunches

I am making the most of every lunch that I am not a teacher. I am not eating at my desk while working on lesson plans or answering emails. I am not eating in the cafeteria while giving the evil eye in order to keep 12 year olds from starting a food fight. 

I am sitting at a table. I am reading a novel.  I am enjoying it. 

I’m cool

Maybe I'm just a Gen Z-er at heart. 

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/29/1119886246/gen-z-is-driving-sales-of-romance-books-to-the-top-of-bestseller-lists

 

Unexpected Pizza Party

Yesterday the CEO came by my desk and told me to order lunch for everyone who was in the office because we got good news about a contract. So I ordered pizza and it was good. 

A Miracle of Science

Over the weekend, a friend fixed the gears on my new bike. Before this, I've only had a single speed cruiser so I had no idea how life changing gears on a bike could be when riding up hill. Science is amazing!

Moving Furniture

Today at work I decided to rearrange furniture to better help my filing system and work space. I moved 4 desks and 5 large filing cabinets (including emptying each into boxes before moving and then replacing all the files after). 

Like being a media specialist, I like how many different kinds of things I get to do. 

Korra’s Birthday Party

Yesterday Korra had a couple of friends over to swim and eat cupcakes yesterday to celebrate her upcoming birthday. Even though it was small (she only wanted to invite 4 friends and only 2 were able to come), they had so much fun. 

ClueTown: Decatur Square

Today we did a ClueTown book with our friends Hannah and Kyle. It was a fun scavenger hunt despite the hot, humid weather and then we enjoyed dinner at Brickstore afterwards. 

On Hold

I've spent a good amount of my time at work this week on hold with Microsoft and TechSoup. Not a single one of my questions has been answered even after multiple phone calls and chat sessions. I imagine most of my day tomorrow will be spent the same way. 

Found in Filing Cabinets

On today's edition of Things I Found in Filing Cabinets: a genealogy book about a family from North Carolina, a bag of cat treats, an HTML coding book from 1998, 11 medals from 5Ks, a knit cap, and a small Christmas tree. 

Weirdest Resume

Today I downloaded about 80 resumes for 4 different jobs we've posted. One caught my eye. I can't explain all of the levels of weird happening in this resume. First, it was 7 pages long. Second, the applicant's name is Tyme. No last name. Third, the whole first page looked like a magazine cover with the title "It's About Tyme." Fourth, based on further research, Tyme is at least 58 years old. I have so many questions that I'm begging our HR manager to bring them in for an interview. 

Anniversary Surgery

Today is my parent's 42nd wedding anniversary and also the day my mom gets shoulder replacement surgery. Thinking about them a lot this morning. 

Decaf Coffee

Every morning I make a big urn of coffee for staff but don't have any of it because of my caffeine issues. Today I found a French press in the cabinet so I'm buying a bag of decaf coffee in today's office Instacart order so I can enjoy coffee too!

Unread Emails

One of the managers that I work for shared his screen on our zoom call today and he had 5311 unread emails. I thought I might have a panic attack on his behalf. 

“Lost” Phone

Nate got me an Apple Watch. I really like it but the absolute best feature is that it allows me to "ping" my phone. I am forever "losing" my phone. I know it's in the house (or in the office) but I'm often unsure exactly where. It's easier and slightly less embarrassing than regularly asking others to call my phone- especially since it's probably on silent. 

Kitten Duty

Korra is taking on a lot of extra responsibilities with the kitten. He still stays in her room pretty much all the time. She feeds him twice a day, which also means she wakes up by 6:30 every morning (even on the weekend) because he starts crying for food by that time. She cleans his litter box every night and gives him fresh water. She's not always in the mood to play with him as much as he wants to, but she's doing a good job with that too. 

Can’t Stop

We got a new board game yesterday called Can't Stop and we've really enjoyed playing it together! I think my mom (and aunts and grandma and cousin) would really enjoy it too. 

Breakfast Date

Since Nate and I both work from home on Fridays, we decided to have a breakfast date today. We went out to Thumbs Up Diner and it was really delicious and nice to be together. 

Taco Party

Today is my first party as planned by the party planning committee (mostly me). Already a bunch of staff have been working on the taco themed jigsaw puzzle I bought and eyeing the peanut butter pies I made that are chilling in the fridge. I also made about a gallon of margaritas- which doing that in the middle of the work day felt so weird. The taco bar will be delivered at 4:30 and I hope you play a few rounds of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. I think it's going to be a big success!

Halfway Done

Today I finished going through all the boxes of old files. Now I only have 10 large filing cabinets to go through and then to organize everything. It feels like a big accomplishment but I don't think anyone else will be impressed until it's all the way done. 

484

I found out that there were actually 484 people who applied for my job. 

How in the world did I stand out?

Kitty in a Stroller

He got in there by himself. He stayed for a while. 

Troop Leader

Last year, I was a pseudo/sub Girl Scout leader for Korra's troop while the other leader was on maternity leave. I tried, but let's be honest: I had zero energy for anything much less things to do with children. But this year… I'm 100% in. We now have 3 leaders and only 4 girls but whatever. Last night was our first meeting of the year and I had songs, games, crafts, and we even picked a badge to do over the next 2 meetings. Everyone had fun- including me!  I didn't feel exhausted going into it or when I left. It was great. 

STD

Human Resources asked me to be put on the agenda to discuss STD. I made them explain to me what THEY think STD stands for. (It's Short Term Disability). 

When I introduced them today, I couldn't help but see what the staff thought STD stands for. I  just said, "Now HR would like to talk to you any STDs… Turns our out it's not the meaning most of us think of."

Korra and her kitten

365 Days

I've done an entire year of Duolingo Spanish!

Some Things I'm Into

I heard about the School of Needlework for Disobedient Women and I want to be a part of it so so much.

https://www.weku.org/kentucky-arts-and-culture/2022-08-09/school-of-needlework-for-disobedient-women-where-art-meets-activism 

My cousin Julie introduced me to Elyse Myers (because I don't have any of social media) and I can't get enough.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BVH_lY3vro 

New Responsibilities

Today I added a new aspect to my job- assisting with recruiting.  That means I have access to my own resume... and the 173 other people who applied for my job.  I feel amazed that somehow my resume stood out.  I also feel pretty awesome and proud of myself.  I also have my 30 day performance review today. It's hard to believe I started this job a month ago!

Face Painting

We spent the majority of the day with the Sniders. First we had lunch at the pool and then we went to Monday Night Garage where it was family day for their anniversary weekend. 

The kids loved the bouncy house, face painting, and corn hole. I loved talking with friends. 

Alex’s Favorite Toy

Alex likes to bite, attack, carry around, and lick this little dinosaur stuffed animal. 

Atlanta United

Today we're at our first Atlanta United soccer game!

COVID roller coaster

Yesterday I felt fine. I was sure I do not have COVID. Last night I was really congested. I was sure that I do have COVID. This morning I got my test results- I don't have COVID. 

I do have something, so I'll lay low (no yoga tonight, work from home a few more days). Hopefully I'll feel better by Friday so I can still do the fun weekend things we have planned without worry. 

Working from Home

I'm probably working from home for the rest of the week. Either I have COVID and need to isolate or I don't have COVID and need to keep myself away from the office to stay healthy. 

It's a little boring but it has its perks. 

Ice Cream for Dinner

Celebrating a successful first day of school!

COVID hits the office

5 coworkers have tested positive for COVID this morning. 2 others are home with symptoms. I took a home test this morning (negative) but scheduled a PCR for this afternoon because my throat feels scratchy. 

It feels like Christmas all over again. I feel guilty that I wasn't more careful. I feel worried about how this will impact Korra. I feel out of control. At least I can work from home without it being a big deal (unlike teaching). But man, this sucks. 

First Day of School (Part 2)

Korra and I walked to school with 2 families from our complex. I thought I was totally fine. No feels but relief about not a first day of school for the first time since 1988. But then I got there and I got really choked up. I cried. I can't put the feelings into words but the feelings were/are there. 

Korra got a little teary and was feeling nervous but I know she was excited, too. 5th grade!  It's hard to believe. 

First Day of School (Part 1)

It's 6:15am on the first day is school and I'm not feeling panicked and overwhelmed. I know there are many parts of teaching I love/loved but the first day of school is not among them. I am so thankful that I'm not teaching this year.