So, first things first. Tim DIDN'T get the job.
We aren't crying though, because he was offered a BETTER position with the same organization!
We are totally elated. He's really excited, and we are both relieved to know that we will be consistently employed. I didn't realize it until yesterday -- but we now both have jobs that have no ending (provided we perform well). Up until this point, Tim has had temporary jobs and deployments that make life-planning uncertain. I didn't think about it much until yesterday when I realized that we get to be in control now. Truly.
It feels great.
This weekend, we get to celebrate Tim's film from last year when it plays at the Landlocked Film Festival in Iowa City. (In other GREAT news, Tim and his writer/director signed a deal to have it distributed! So many happy things these days). Getting this job means Tim knows he can stay close to the film projects that make him happy. I'm so proud!
We also decided to splurge and stay overnight in Iowa City, to celebrate. We're headed out to dinner with friends after the festival, but not before we invite them up to our club-floor room with free evening hors d'oeuvres :) what WHAT?
Add that to a salon appointment this afternoon, trip to a local winery tonight, and boating on Sunday... and I think we have a pretty well-rounded weekend ahead of us. I might even break out a BCBG jumpsuit I bought in Nashville but haven't worn yet. Because it's a jumpsuit?
I'll keep you in suspense.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Going flippin' crazy
What: A perfect job opportunity for Tim
Landmarks Crossed: TWO interviews, one reference check (that we know of) and one follow-up phone call Friday reminding Tim that he is "a top candidate" and he would hear back Monday or Tuesday.
IT'S WEDNESDAY.
We feel so helpless. We have been holding our breaths now for at least 1.5 weeks! And I say "we" because I feel like I'm applying for this job, too.
We just want to return to the days of dual job-security. We want it so bad that only cookies + ice cream and a jumpy movie (Insidious) could console us last night. At this point, getting the job would be a BONUS. We just want to hear back yay or nay.
We both want to stop checking our phones obsessively.
And..... that is all.
Landmarks Crossed: TWO interviews, one reference check (that we know of) and one follow-up phone call Friday reminding Tim that he is "a top candidate" and he would hear back Monday or Tuesday.
IT'S WEDNESDAY.
We feel so helpless. We have been holding our breaths now for at least 1.5 weeks! And I say "we" because I feel like I'm applying for this job, too.
We just want to return to the days of dual job-security. We want it so bad that only cookies + ice cream and a jumpy movie (Insidious) could console us last night. At this point, getting the job would be a BONUS. We just want to hear back yay or nay.
We both want to stop checking our phones obsessively.
And..... that is all.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Back to Monday
What a weekend.
It was so perfect in my mind, that I am making a point to put it in here so I can remind myself later that this is what I like. (Sign of late-20s aging: reverting to a two-year-old's ability to remember preferences).
Friday: Work until noon (standard where I work. Jealous?), then lunch with friends at my favorite French cafe in Cedar Rapids (also the ONLY one). Dined on tomato mozzerella salad and croque madame. AND an almond fruit tart that was an edible piece of art. Came home, took a nap, then Tim came home to tell me about an awesome (second) job interview he had. Hopes are high! Then, we met friends/a sister for a movie and dinner at Hacienda, my second home. French and Mexican in the same day? Perfect.
Saturday: Slept in, got dressed, and picked up sister + friend for Marion farmer's market. Perfect morning to peruse with coffee in hand. Scored: bell peppers in crazy colors, local wine, avacado ranch dressing, mini-cinnamon rolls from a local bakery, pork tamales and pico (local). We walked across the street to check out a new wine bar. Drank a glass and picked at a meat and cheese plate. Left so I could make some returns at Talbots (see footnotes), then home again. JOGGED for the first time in I can't remember how long, showered. Left for a night out on the town in Iowa City with friends. Ate bolognese at a new Italian restaurant. Drinks. Drinks. ................... Drinks. McDonald's (oh, yes) and home.
Sunday: Slept in. Coffee in my jammies, loving on Frank, then cleaning the house. Showered and met my mom and sister for a local sweet corn festival. Bid on silent auction items, ate food stand food, played bingo. Left the festival for beers on the deck in Amana. Walked around Amana looking at cute things, then ate German food for dinner (delicious unidentifiable wurst and down-home sides). Laughed with the family. Took a picturesque drive home and learned that I scored my silent auction item. Yeah! Grocery shopping and then home again to watch Mad Men, read, and then fall asleep.
This morning was a multi-cup coffee morning because my weekend was so awesome. Tonight is dinner at yet another amazing restaurant with a friend. (Motivation front: We are finally making plans with all the wonderful people we know but whom we never see).
It's possible that after this week, the mister and I will both be gainfully employed. Send good vibes our way!
** Footnote: I can't believe I'm saying this, but all of a sudden I've taken an interest in Talbot's. I ordered a few Loft-type things online, but ordered too big and went to the local store to exchange and was the youngest person in there by at least 20 years. No matter, I FINALLY found a pair of grey-wash jean ankle pants that fit, and ordered a great khaki high-waisted skirt. Just because I am now a patron, doesn't mean I'm buying pants with elastic in the waist.
Unless they're really cute. ** End footnote.
It was so perfect in my mind, that I am making a point to put it in here so I can remind myself later that this is what I like. (Sign of late-20s aging: reverting to a two-year-old's ability to remember preferences).
Friday: Work until noon (standard where I work. Jealous?), then lunch with friends at my favorite French cafe in Cedar Rapids (also the ONLY one). Dined on tomato mozzerella salad and croque madame. AND an almond fruit tart that was an edible piece of art. Came home, took a nap, then Tim came home to tell me about an awesome (second) job interview he had. Hopes are high! Then, we met friends/a sister for a movie and dinner at Hacienda, my second home. French and Mexican in the same day? Perfect.
Saturday: Slept in, got dressed, and picked up sister + friend for Marion farmer's market. Perfect morning to peruse with coffee in hand. Scored: bell peppers in crazy colors, local wine, avacado ranch dressing, mini-cinnamon rolls from a local bakery, pork tamales and pico (local). We walked across the street to check out a new wine bar. Drank a glass and picked at a meat and cheese plate. Left so I could make some returns at Talbots (see footnotes), then home again. JOGGED for the first time in I can't remember how long, showered. Left for a night out on the town in Iowa City with friends. Ate bolognese at a new Italian restaurant. Drinks. Drinks. ................... Drinks. McDonald's (oh, yes) and home.
Sunday: Slept in. Coffee in my jammies, loving on Frank, then cleaning the house. Showered and met my mom and sister for a local sweet corn festival. Bid on silent auction items, ate food stand food, played bingo. Left the festival for beers on the deck in Amana. Walked around Amana looking at cute things, then ate German food for dinner (delicious unidentifiable wurst and down-home sides). Laughed with the family. Took a picturesque drive home and learned that I scored my silent auction item. Yeah! Grocery shopping and then home again to watch Mad Men, read, and then fall asleep.
This morning was a multi-cup coffee morning because my weekend was so awesome. Tonight is dinner at yet another amazing restaurant with a friend. (Motivation front: We are finally making plans with all the wonderful people we know but whom we never see).
It's possible that after this week, the mister and I will both be gainfully employed. Send good vibes our way!
** Footnote: I can't believe I'm saying this, but all of a sudden I've taken an interest in Talbot's. I ordered a few Loft-type things online, but ordered too big and went to the local store to exchange and was the youngest person in there by at least 20 years. No matter, I FINALLY found a pair of grey-wash jean ankle pants that fit, and ordered a great khaki high-waisted skirt. Just because I am now a patron, doesn't mean I'm buying pants with elastic in the waist.
Unless they're really cute. ** End footnote.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Sign me up
What a week. It's been both crazy busy and laid back. And for the first time, I feel like summer is starting to wind down and I better get in the game for a few last farmer's markets, days at the beach/on a boat, etc. I have not met my goals for working out (not even close), but with the weather cooling off some, I think it's time to start running outside after work. AT LEAST just taking a walk, haha.
It's going to be a great weekend with friends and events, and I'm excited! I haven't been home in awhile to just putz around, so I'm looking forward to coffee in my jams and some cleaning. Oh, and Food Network.
I'm thinking about houses again lately, too. I don't know what my obsession is, but I love the comfort of a home. The house I grew up in was torn down last year to make room for a new Casey's in our little town, and I looked at some pictures again this week. It was hard to see my house come down. Super hard.
We loved that house. It was huge and old, with a great big porch on the front where I spent thousands of hours porch-swinging. Our yard was huge with flower patches, a garden and big trees (some of them apple trees). Inside, we had big rooms, creaky floors, drafty windows, ugly carpet and bad plumbing. But I loved it. Every inch. The house had a personality, for sure. It had warmth.
I really hope that someday soon, Tim and I can buy a house and make it ours. So much of my life story to this point has involved a home, and I know I can't go on much longer living tenament-style with neighbors above, below, across, etc. It's sooo much more to me than just the ability to choose a paint color.
I want roots.
It's going to be a great weekend with friends and events, and I'm excited! I haven't been home in awhile to just putz around, so I'm looking forward to coffee in my jams and some cleaning. Oh, and Food Network.
I'm thinking about houses again lately, too. I don't know what my obsession is, but I love the comfort of a home. The house I grew up in was torn down last year to make room for a new Casey's in our little town, and I looked at some pictures again this week. It was hard to see my house come down. Super hard.
We loved that house. It was huge and old, with a great big porch on the front where I spent thousands of hours porch-swinging. Our yard was huge with flower patches, a garden and big trees (some of them apple trees). Inside, we had big rooms, creaky floors, drafty windows, ugly carpet and bad plumbing. But I loved it. Every inch. The house had a personality, for sure. It had warmth.
I really hope that someday soon, Tim and I can buy a house and make it ours. So much of my life story to this point has involved a home, and I know I can't go on much longer living tenament-style with neighbors above, below, across, etc. It's sooo much more to me than just the ability to choose a paint color.
I want roots.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Ah, gees.
Most weeks, I don't leave my desk for lunch. Either I'm cramming it in so I can leave at 5 p.m., or I'd just rather catch up on my blog roll and news sites than leave to get lunch or eat in the break room.
These last 2 weeks, however, I've decided to leave my desk for lunch when possible. I went home a few times, ran errands, etc. Upping my energy for the afternoon = win. Today, I decided to head to a nearby, nearly deserted mall to wander around and get a replacement for a hair product I use (mall contains an assortment of sad curio stores, government offices, the hair salon I go to, and a few food places). After I bought the product, I still had 40-some odd minutes to waste. I got some lunch. Ate my lunch. Still 25 minutes of "free time."
So, I headed up the escalator to the Hallmark Store to buy a new Yankee Candle car air freshener (only the best for my Malibu Maxx with 2 Xs).
............ and I walked out with $50 worth of Yankee candle air fresheners (home and car) and a candle.
What is WRONG with me? In retrospect, that is way too much to spend in one shot on freshening air.
Moral of the story: if you are a bored spender, eat at your desk.
These last 2 weeks, however, I've decided to leave my desk for lunch when possible. I went home a few times, ran errands, etc. Upping my energy for the afternoon = win. Today, I decided to head to a nearby, nearly deserted mall to wander around and get a replacement for a hair product I use (mall contains an assortment of sad curio stores, government offices, the hair salon I go to, and a few food places). After I bought the product, I still had 40-some odd minutes to waste. I got some lunch. Ate my lunch. Still 25 minutes of "free time."
So, I headed up the escalator to the Hallmark Store to buy a new Yankee Candle car air freshener (only the best for my Malibu Maxx with 2 Xs).
............ and I walked out with $50 worth of Yankee candle air fresheners (home and car) and a candle.
What is WRONG with me? In retrospect, that is way too much to spend in one shot on freshening air.
Moral of the story: if you are a bored spender, eat at your desk.
Monday, August 1, 2011
1 Week Down
So, first and foremost, I have a new nephew! He is so precious and I never thought I could be *thisinterested* in a baby. Such a sweetheart, and I spent the weekend with him and my family in St. Louis. Can't wait to see him again in a month! I could keep gushing, but I'll save that for the next 1,000 posts ;)
Last week was a win (I'm deciding) on the motivation front. I hit the bike trails twice after work and totally went all in -- I was so tired after the 1.5 hour ride that I couldn't lift my bike up the steps into the apartment again. This week, my goal is to do some activity 3 times.... biking or elliptical/treadmill. Just slowly build in exercise until I can trick myself into loving it.
On the food front, I did OK, too. More meals than not were pretty low-cal (I can't count this weekend), and I used a few Special K shakes to right the ship. Also, because I'm too lazy in the morning to pack a real lunch. Morning laziness = the final frontier for me and motivation. The snooze button and I have a longstanding relationship that is not easily breakable.
Aside from overall health, here is my list of other requires-motivation stuff I want to dig into:
1. Actually plan outfits. This might seem really vain, but my inability to decide what to wear in the morning + snooze-button lovin' = questionable appearance most days. I've been getting inspiration from style blogs (I wish I could just hire this girl to dress me). I just want to look organized, know what I mean?
2. Develop another hobby: I have a keyboard under our guest bed, a dollhouse that needs repairing, and now the above item makes me wish I could sew.
3. Take the GMAT. I've been honing in lately on my career path and grad school, and step one is a big, scary test. Time to just do it before even more years fly by.
This list (which is cool and awesome) is starting to sound like a New Year's Resolution list (which is cliche and lame), so I'll stop there. If you're stalking this blog and want to share what motivates you to stay healthy/try a hobby/wake up at an appropriate time/improve yourself professionally, please comment!
Last week was a win (I'm deciding) on the motivation front. I hit the bike trails twice after work and totally went all in -- I was so tired after the 1.5 hour ride that I couldn't lift my bike up the steps into the apartment again. This week, my goal is to do some activity 3 times.... biking or elliptical/treadmill. Just slowly build in exercise until I can trick myself into loving it.
On the food front, I did OK, too. More meals than not were pretty low-cal (I can't count this weekend), and I used a few Special K shakes to right the ship. Also, because I'm too lazy in the morning to pack a real lunch. Morning laziness = the final frontier for me and motivation. The snooze button and I have a longstanding relationship that is not easily breakable.
Aside from overall health, here is my list of other requires-motivation stuff I want to dig into:
1. Actually plan outfits. This might seem really vain, but my inability to decide what to wear in the morning + snooze-button lovin' = questionable appearance most days. I've been getting inspiration from style blogs (I wish I could just hire this girl to dress me). I just want to look organized, know what I mean?
2. Develop another hobby: I have a keyboard under our guest bed, a dollhouse that needs repairing, and now the above item makes me wish I could sew.
3. Take the GMAT. I've been honing in lately on my career path and grad school, and step one is a big, scary test. Time to just do it before even more years fly by.
This list (which is cool and awesome) is starting to sound like a New Year's Resolution list (which is cliche and lame), so I'll stop there. If you're stalking this blog and want to share what motivates you to stay healthy/try a hobby/wake up at an appropriate time/improve yourself professionally, please comment!
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