Time for Change

Since moving back to Dallas, things have been a bit crazy.

I moved on Wednesday (March 3rd), had an interview Thursday, had an interview Friday, spent the entire weekend working on a presentation for an interview, had an interview Monday, a very close family friend passed away Tuesday followed by two interviews that afternoon (I usually shut down when someone close passes away, so this was difficult), interview Wednesday followed by a job offer, funeral Friday.

9 days: 6 interviews, 1 job offer, & a funeral in 9 days.  I've been busy.

Obviously, I accepted the job offer.  The company called me after seeing my resume on a job board, but the funny thing was I sent them my resume in December when I decided to move back to Dallas.  I never heard anything, but they had just hired a new recruitment staffer the week before! Lucky me :)

The company I accepted the offer from is a lot like my previous employer in OKC.  Same job, same product lines, same concept...but I really think this will be a better fit for me as far as how they structure their work. #Winning.

I don't actually start until Monday, but it's been sooooooo nice getting to relax for the last 2 months!

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I've also been enjoying some quality family time....including with the animals.

All aboard!

I finally finished February's Meal-of-the-Month on March 7.  I made Julia Child's Boeuf à la Mode.  Basically, it's a roast braised in wine...AMAZING! That post is coming soon!

My dad got off work on bereavement leave for the funeral, but they pulled him from his entire trip last weekend...tough! I looooved getting to spend 4 whole days with him!

I've also made my room back home feel a lot more like...well...ME! It's made the biggest difference having a space set up that feels like my own with all of my stuff set up semi-permanently the way I like.

The west wall. This is the typical view as I walk in.
Oh, hey Tucker...I've missed you!

Northwest corner. Morning ritual :)

North wall & my Grandad's credenza.  To the left, there is my gettin' ready station.  Filing and sewing machine in the middle, desk stuff to the right.

Northeast corner.

Closet that only holds a 1/4 of my clothes.  I've also taken over the coat closet in the hallway.  The other half is split between storage and my suitcase under the bed.

Some of my shoes with my life-changing shoe boxes.

I could fit a lot more clothes in here without this tower to hold stuff....but it just holds too much stuff. (Bags/purses,  jewelry hanger, more shoes, workout stuff, etc.)

Laundry, which must be kept in the closet with the door closed.  Marley is the family's designated Panty-Snatcher.

East side...

Southeast corner

Better southeast corner

South wall. My nightstand is fully loaded 'cause there's only room for one...plus check out my new rug ($12 @ Hobby Lobby)

Southwest corner. My laptop exactly where it is 90% of the time.

Of course, there are a few things that aren't the way I'd like.   For one, take a look at this pic again.

What's missing?

No curtains, though the curtain posts are already drilled into the wall.  The rod isn't long enough & I need to pick up another one.  So where are the curtains? Domino is keeping them safe.

Alpha cat.

Sick.

Then there's the empty shelf with only one picture on it.  Don't know what to do, if anything, here.

Lonely shelf on the south wall :(

 And of course, there's the pièce de résistance.  My dad was a big pheasant hunter in his twenties & this is his pride & joy.  My mom got it remounted & restored about 5 years ago as a Christmas present.  Dad's worried to put it in storage so it doesn't get hurt, so for now it's above the door.

Birdie.

It's definitely been a big adjustment moving back in a house with 3 1/2 (Ry's girlfriend is here a lot) adults when I've been so used to living alone, but overall it's working out swimmingly! I've also been continuing to run a lot, which is so much more fun with my mom's dog's company everyday.

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I also gave up fast food for Lent.  Three pretty significant reasons why I did this year.

1. I'm trying to save money & eat healthier. Money has obviously been tight given that I haven't had a job. Plus, I'm provided food at home for free (even though I'm the one doing the cooking about half the time.  There's no need to spend the cash on it.  I've also eaten terribly all fall and winter & my jeans could tell. I've really put a lot of effort into cutting out the crud since moving back!
2. I haven't given up anything for Lent since high school.  I grew up in the Methodist church, where giving up something for Lent is encouraged for those who want to do so, but not really pushed for those who decide not to. Originally, I wasn't going to give anything up but I had a change of heart.
3. I have been focusing on my faith a lot lately. I'm usually very private & quiet when it comes to my faith, but it is something I have found is more important to me now than it has been in a long time.  I put so little emphasis on spirituality during college and I have noticed a huge difference in my outlook  & overall happiness since I've been working on my relationship with God. I am happier and my anxiety has been at an all-time low. I am handling adversity & crises better than I have ever been able to. I typically prefer to focus on my faith at home through scripture, prayer & meditation. I've also had a hard time finding a church that I am comfortable in. I felt like giving up something as easy & mindless as grabbing fast food while out running errands would be a great reminder for me to thank God for all of the blessings in my life, especially the people who I love so-so-so much!

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Finally, I decided to make one more big change.

Cut the hairs.

I had been thinking about this one for a few weeks.  Since my hair hasn't been growing despite fish oil supplement, biotin & prenatal vitamins (all promote hair growth!) for 12 weeks (including biotin for the last 9 months), I decided it was time for a big BIG change.  I really want my hair to be at the bottom of my shoulder blades ideally...but more importantly I want it to be one length (instead of accidental choppy layers created by damage) & h.e.a.l.t.h.y!


I've also been trying to phase out my bangs, but I love with them at the length they are now! It seems like they belong with the rest of my hair even though they are really long.  Funny thing is, my new stylist (Ludi) didn't touch 'em.

Overall, I'm really happy with my not-so-bobby new bob.  I wanted a mix between Nicole Richie cir. 2008 & Heidi Klum cir. 2011.

I think it was an absolute success!! I'm also really proud of myself for not backing out of a potentially scary situation.  I did have a minor panic attack when Ludi cut 5 1/2 inches of hair off the back of my head, but I calmed down by the time the shears were put down.

LOVE IT!

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I hope you enjoyed all of the changes that have been going on since moving back to the Big D! I miss everyone in Oklahoma & elsewhere in the world, but it has been really nice being back home! LOVE!

I Made the Decision, Just Not the Timeline

This is not my favorite entry ever, but it's one that needs to be made.

In my New Year post, I talked about how I decided to make a big change in 2011. Some of you already know, but about a week before Christmas I got fed up with missing my family and feeling like Oklahoma just isn't working for me anymore.  I decided that within the next six months I wanted to move back to Dallas.

I've been really happy with the decision and was ready to move toward making it happen (finding a job in Dallas before moving, etc.) on my own timeline.

I really didn't want to run away from Oklahoma, though. I loved it here for the last 5 1/2 years.  I gave it a lot of time and nurturing and love and heartbreak.  I gave it more energy than some people thought it deserved.  All the same, I chose to live in Oklahoma throughout college and after, and I'm happy with that decision.  But, it's time to move on. I need a change. I need to be closer to my family (for me and for them). I need someplace better that will treat me well.  Maybe it's not the Great State's fault, but my time in OK over the last 2 years has not been gentle.  I guess I just got to the point where I felt that all of the crap is sign that maybe I don't belong here anymore. Maybe things aren't working out because they're not supposed to work out here.

I decided to wait until I found the RIGHT job in Dallas, not just any job.

Enter Snowpocalypse 2011 (The first one, not the one about to occur in the next 36 hours).

Our office was closed Tuesday with discretionary attendance Wednesday and Thursday.  Imagine my surprise when my manager called me at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to talk about "changing my role in the company." What he meant was either demoting or firing me, depending on the CEO's decision. Immediately, I put the job search into overdrive.  I wanted to plan for the worst or at least have a backup plan to leave as soon as I could.

I was fired on Thursday over the phone (#tacky). If you ask me personally, I'll tell you more details, but not here.  I'm angry and frustrated and maybe a little defeated...but it's giving me a kick in the pants to be where I really want to be. On a side note, I have gotten overwhelming support from my co-workers who have such good friends to me over the past several months. I'm so thankful for them

So, at the end of February, my time in Oklahoma will be up. It's going to be sad, but I'm excited to be moving on to (hopefully) bigger and better things. I have exactly three more weeks left, a lot to get done, a lot of fun to be had, and a whole lot of jobs to apply for.

I'll be moving back into my parents' house (where my brother currently lives....REALITY CHECK!!!) temporarily until a couple of things are secured:

• A new job
• My credit cards are paid off (difficult when you have no new income...)
• My savings are built up a little more
• I find a new place that I both love and can afford (possibly with a roommate to share expenses)

On the short term, I plan to be there 3 months.  In reality (without a job), it's looking like closer to six months. I think the time there will be positive and I'll get to spend some quality time with my mom and help her out. She has fibromyalgia and struggles with most day-to-day exertions. With my dad traveling for work, I'd really like to help her out with the little stuff...picking up prescriptions, going to the store for her, running errands, etc....and continuing to do so after I move out.  This was a big motivation for me moving home in the first place. I'm also looking forward to helping my dad be more active (he keeps mentioning how he would enjoy biking and walking with me instead of alone).

So, yeah, I got fired.  But, everything is going to be just wonderful. I'm in a little bit of a pickle right now, but it's all going to work out just fine! 

She's Got Moves.

For old O'Connell's last night open, a bunch of us went and had a blast of time (minus that one unmentionable part, but it was still overall a solid night).

This lady was having the best night of her life. Shake your groove thing, California Girl.

My camera died before things got interesting, but here's what I took up until then!

Absolutely love this one!

Tracy and the DJ.  Mohawk dude in the background.

Life of the party.

I have no idea how this happened but I LIKE IT!

Last pic before battery death.  Ignore my bra and the ridiculous shadows on my face.

And for the Grand Finale? A peek at Tracy winning the "Ugliest Dance" Contest.

There's nothing about this video that isn't perfect.

Meet the New Baby!!

No, I didn't have a baby, crazies.  Nor did someone I know.  No, this is not a pet name for a new boyfriend or anything like that.

I crossed something off my resolution list.

That's right....I freakin' finally got a new car!!!

It's a 2011 Mazda3 i Touring. I LOVE it.

Zoom-Zoom

I know, you're not supposed to buy a car "new," but I didn't buy it.  I decided to do a lease...this is going to help me out of a bajillion ways, like leave me room to save more money every month for something "used" after 42 months. It will also reduce stress about not have a $350/mo car payment.  I'll actually get to keep what little bitty savings I do have.  With extra money, I can pay some extra debt off and actually start paying my student loans.  Even better, I no longer have to worry that the Civic is going to shake itself off of the highway any day now. I also don't have to buy new tires ASAP.

The other side.  LOVEloveLOVE.

This process started realistically in October. I test drove the 3 (liked it) and thought it would be too small for me to consider buying for the next 6 to 8 (to 10) years because of that whole "I want to be mommy" hormonal business. Still, I couldn't help but forget that the car was at my price point, fun to drive, very "me"...the 3 was on my mind frequently.  Earlier this week, I realized how serious it was that I get out of my Civic soon...sooner than I could afford a decent down payment; sooner than I would be ready for a $350/mo payment. Then I considered a lease...three and half years is a much more realistic time frame to be without a car seat in the back, so I had zero problem going into this fun and sporty car.

Such a good car for the last 6 years; but let's face it: she had a REALLY rough year in 2010. Two car accidents, enormous alignment issues,  muffler was toast, inaccessible oil tank (I could fill, but not change) & a missing side mirror.

On a lease, you basically pay a low monthly payment that is meant to pay off the most expensive chunk of the car's value. Realistically, you pay 30-40% of the car's value in order to have the rights to drive it for the term. They usually last for 36 months, but Mazda does them for 42. What's left over is called the residual, or the estimated value of the car after depreciation. At the end of the lease, you can either keep the car (pay the residual) or return the car.

Let me be clear: leases are a terrible long-term investment.  However, in the short-run, they are a great, low cost option to get into a car when you can't afford to buy it. This is great for people like me who are recently starting out, trying to save money, don't have savings and who need to get a new car.  It's also an option for those who always want to drive the newest car on the lot.

Now that that's all taken care of, here's the goods.  I got an outstanding, out-of-this-world deal.  If you ask, I'll tell you all the details.  Basically I came in with an ideal scenario...I walked out getting ev-er-y-thing I wanted, then a little extra.  I know I made the right decision for me and I had a really positive buying experience!!

I went to Bob Moore Mazda in north Oklahoma City, and Terry was my salesperson.  Terry was not too pushy, was very kind and did a good understanding my reservations to make a decision that night.  I stepped out a few times to talk to my parents, and they thought I was getting a better deal than they had expected. I also got a great trade-in on the Civic (40% more than I expected great) & a cash rebate back to help me out with paying some (credit card) bills.

My Sales Person, TERRY!!!  I actually drove it home and got everything approved on Friday night, but there was a problem with the leasing document, so I came back first thing on Saturday morning.

The Civic meets her replacement.  This picture does make me kind of sad, though.  Younger, better looking car replaces the loyal original.

I walked (drove) out in a brand new car that I love that has almost everything I could have dreamed for in a new car (minus a sunroof, navigation and keyless driving). BUT I do have the following amazing new features:

• Bluetooth phone systems
• Black exterior/black interior (exactly what I wanted)
• An awesome suspension systems
• Hidden compartment aux plus/phone charger outlet
• A working keyless entry system (I'm easily impressed)
• Power driver's window down AND up (really really easily impressed)
• Optional manual tranmission (this is so cool)
• Telescopic steering
• Thermometer
• Cuteness factor
• She smiles...

How can you not love a car that smiles back at you?

Anyway, I can't wait to drive you in it! I love my new car!!!

Now do I have to name it?

Check out that booty.

Just a quick update on meeee

I wish I had a better post for you, but this is all I got. I wanted to give everyone a quick update on how my New Year's Resolutions are going.

1. Run 365 miles: I feel like I'm becoming addicted to running.  So far, I've crammed in 15.5 miles as of January 15 (morning time & haven't even run today), so I'm on track.  I plan to be ahead by the end of this weekend because I usually run a lot over the weekends (even before I set the concrete goal).

I also experienced my first crazed runner idea this  week when I decided to go running at Lake Hefner on Monday (the day it snowed) at sundown (when it got down to 20 F with 20 mph winds and freezing rain). I got in 4.5 miles (then died).

I've also been spending some time on runner's world to try and get all the more into it, and I'm thinking about signing up for a race sometime this summer or fall.

I can tell my endurance has gone up significantly. On days when I'm not feeling too physically beat up, I don't get tired until after 2 miles (which is a pretty big deal for asthmatic me).  Overall, I've been craving running more and more, so I'm excited to see how the next few weeks progresses.

2. 12 books: I've been running during too much of my free time to read....

3. 12 recipes: This week I am making cream of mushroom soup (Julia Child's).  I had the cream of mushroom soup at Paseo Grill, which is fab-u-lous, so I'm hoping it's better than that!!!

4. Spend less time online: I have not been successful. I watch a lot of tv online (esp since I got rid of my cable package, saving me $50/mo) while I'm getting ready, cleaning, etc. and it's just too easy for me to get distracted.

I just found out yesterday that I can watch Instant stuff on Netflix on my iphone while I'm running on the treadmill, so I plan to take advantage of that (I love Dexter) more than a little so I can run on the treadmill and not get bored.

5. Date: I'm sorta talking to someone, but it's not any huge deal (as of right now). I refuse to let dating stress me outt. This is one resolution I don't mind putting at the bottom of the "priority" list and leave it completely omitted from the "things that cause anxiety" list

6. New Car: Still lookin', still savin'

7. I just realized I don't have a 7.

8. Photo blog: Not successful in the slightest. I think I should start taking my camera on runs. Lake Hefner is just gorgeous!!

9. Blog better: I'm blogging aren't I?

10. Better than last year: So far, so great!

I just like it, okay!

This was a PhotoCabine shoot Kirsten and I did the night of the OU/Tech game. This thing is so much fun (especially after we got the timing right :o)

Almost as fun as the photobooth at Kelly and Micah's wedding, except I didn't have to get dressed up.

Some 365 to Take a Break from Studying...

Still working on that 5-Day Maximum Upload for the next few weeks!!

BTW, I scheduled TWO doctors appointments today for next week AND worked on my Halloween costume for about 20 minutes :o)...and of course I'm working toward those Straight A's in between study breaks. #waytogome.

09/30/2010

Day 221: It has begun. Again. (sigh)

10/01/2010

Day 222: What a lucky day!!! Left OKC for Dallas! West End is always a blast for OU/TX :o)

10/02/2010

Day 223: BOOOMER!!! OU/TX at House of Blues...and a "W!!!"

10/03/2010

Day 224: On our way back to OK. Thanks for the traffic, @$$holes.

10/04/2010

Day 225: Studying fiend. Midterms are awesome.

I must be a glutton for punishment. I keep talking about how busy I am all the time. The fact of the matter is that I love being this busy (I just can't stand the stress).

I was thinking today about all of the things that I want to do with my life...starting NOW. You all should know by now that I love learning new things and google-ing my way to expert status on variety of random subjects. I've gotten to the point now where I should be getting serious about my hobbies and goals and all of those things.

So, here are some goals for the next three months. Three months before the end of this year means I need to get busy!!! I really didn't set a New Year's Resolution this last year because I was such an emotional disaster and so unsure about where my life was going/what I would be doing. Right now, I am happy with where I'm at, despite a little uncertainty.

1. Knit my Halloween Costume.
2. Sew a dress for Christmas parties.
3. Make artwork to go above my sofa.
4. Help my team win #TheBiggestLoserOOSI with healthier eating, a workout regimine and much less drinking.
5. Get my Christmas shopping done prior to the week before Christmas.
6. Finish (Start) my entertainment cabinet.
7. Make Lobster Tails.
8. Work on a budget.
9. Save for a new car (January purchase, probably).
10. Meet quota at work for the next 3 months.
11. NoBloPoMo.
12. Catch up with some friends I've been neglecting since starting the new job.
13. Strive for a more stable love-life (this may be self-induced, and may not happen until after the 3 months, but alas...).
14. Get myself to all of the appropriate doctors (ob-gyn, physician, dentist, dermatologist) with my rockin' new health insurance.
15. Straight A's. I know. I'm crazy.

15 GOALS IN 13 WEEKS!!!

365 for the END OF SUMMER!!!

I can't believe that summer is over. I can't believe it's already almost OCTOBER (which is the best month of the year, in case you didn't know). So many exciting things are starting up soon. OU/TX this weekend (Texas Still Sucks), more b-e-a-utiful fall weather, Halloween, Thanksgiving & OF COURSE Christmas. I love it!!!

So to end things right, here is the end of 365 "Summer." I know it's a little sparse, but my life is insane right now. INSANE. You get the idea. I've got to get these things in a little more timely manner!! 5 pictures is A LOT easier than 30 ish.

Without further ado...

08/29/2010

Day 189: Studying at Picasso Cafe in Paseo!!!

08/30/2010

Day 190: The last was a fluke....REALLY the last time we'd get to see Megan before she heads back over to Ireland. We had a lovely dinner at 1492 with the best (yet not cold enough) queso ever.

08/31/2010

Day 191: I think I hate grad school.

09/01/2010

Day 192: Today was total crap, but that's a pretty sunset.

09/02/2010

Day 193: Just studying for my spelling test. FML.

09/03/2010

Day 194: We went to Royal Bavaria with Jessica and Brian, plus two of Brian's friends from his study abroad in Germany!!

09/04/2010

Day 195: GAMEDAY!!!!!!! Season Opener :o)...I love football season.

09/05/2010

Day 196: So happy we got to go to Hosty on Labor Day weekend! To bad things got a little "out of control" after getting home. Oh...we don't know the girl in the background!

09/06/2010

Day 197: Kirsten & I were a little hungry. And, a little hungover.

09/07/2010

Day 198: Honestly, I don't know. I was exhausted and didn't have any other ideas for a picture that day.

09/08/2010

Day 199: Cuppies & Joe, Kirsten and I's favorite little cafe for studying on Wednesday nights!!

09/09/2010

Day 200: "Isn't she lovely?" - Hair dying extravaganza! Can't believe I'm at Day 200!!!!

09/10/2010

Day 201: Stayed in and organized my closet on a Friday night.

09/11/2010

Day 202: Gameday!! I can't believe I look decent in this picture because I look like hell in every other. It was hot hot hot and I was NOT sober. Wish Bailey had a mouth in this picture, though :o(

09/12/2010

Day 203: I was in so much pain after the day before...my shower saved me. I spent at least 3 hours in here over several sittings because it's the only thing that keeps me from puking

09/13/2010

Day 204: Spent the ENTIRE night working on this stupid theorist paper. I went to Picasso Grill in Paseo, where it was Motown night. Sadly, I could not participate :o(

09/14/2010

Day 205: Paper = DONE!

09/15/2010

Day 206: I had coffee at 6:00...oops. Didn't get home til a little later than expected #worthit! :o)

09/16/2010

Day 207: Went to the fair.

09/17/2010

Day 208: I had an extremely awkward and terrible date. To make up for 2 hours of torture, I treated myself to a new jar of black bean salsa.

09/18/2010

Day 209: I had a sore throat & my Chloreseptic spray leaked all over my ticket. Then I found out that my sore throat was really closer to the flu than anything else. :o(. Worst. Game. Day. EVER.

09/19/2010

Day 210: I used the opportunity of being sick as hell to re-watch one of my all time favorite television series from the beginning!

09/20/2010

Day 211: Still sick. Season 2.

09/21/2010

Day 212: Nope...not better. This day, though, I had a paper to write for class due that night. Awesome!

09/22/2010

Day 213: I LOOOOOOVE my pumpkins.

09/23/2010

Day 214: I've been really really bad about taking pictures lately. Here's my dinner from Louie's with Darin & Shane at Louie's On the Lake. Ugh I have so much going on!!!

09/24/2010

Day 215: We went to Libby's in Goldsby and Bradley ruined a picture.

09/25/2010

Day 216: Kirsten spent the night. hahahahaha.