An Exciting Change

An exciting change is coming my way.  I am excited (duh, I've said some form of 'excite' three times now) to say that I have accepted a new/different job.  I'll still be working at the same place, just within a different division of my current department.

Without going into too much detail, I can say that I'll be taking on an entirely different role.

I will be taking on a ton more responsibility, be challenged, and have the opportunity to travel internationally.  And trust me, these places are much more exciting than Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Groton, Connecticut, and even Bonita Springs, Florida.

This job opportunity first came up back in October, and at the time - I was totally pumped to make the change.  I was confident that it was the right move for me to make, had "broken the news" to my supervisor and project lead (I must admit - they kind of like me), and mentally prepared to leave the team I loved and had been working with for the past two-plus years.  There was really no doubt in my mind. 

Of course, due to requirements and regulations set forth by the intern program* that I'm currently in - I had to sit tight and wait until I graduated... And hope that the job was still available come June.

*I have a post solely dedicated to my experience as an intern brewing for you in the ol' noggin'.  So hang tight, friends.

 

The job offer resurfaced a few weeks ago, and my mind was far from made up.  I started having serious doubts about which was the right place to be.  I really do love the people I currently work with, and while the actual job/work is far from challenging or interesting - I'm good at it, and in three years time I have become a semi-expert on the subject (scary).

It wasn't about the money, either.  I wish it would have been because I'm sure that would have made my decision easier.

My current supervisor (who I have grown to like a lot) gave me totally unbiased advice and said, "Don't let them pressure you into going.  But don't let us guilt you into staying."

They totally had me on the guilt.  There are three people in my group (some of my favorites, no less) who have invested a lot of time and knowledge in me, and I was/am so worried about disappointing them.  They all understand and are supportive, of course.  But still!

I went and talked to the intern career field manager about my predicament, too.  She recently accepted a new job, herself - so I knew she would probably have similar feelings.

Like my supervisor, she gave me totally unbiased advice and said, "Flip a coin."  After I laughed at her, she continued to explain.  She said, "Heads you stay, tails you go.  If it's heads and you feel disappointed - you know you should go.  If it's tails and you feel excited - you know you should go, too.  Your heart will tell you what you really want."

She was right.

So, I have three weeks left in my current group.  It is weird to know that I'm leaving soon, but I'm very excited for the change, the challenge, and to be in a group that has a true plan and vision for me.  And maybe I'll be able to share some awesome trip adventures along the way.

Perhaps, Amsterdam this fall?

Source

We shall see, friends.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Filling in some blanks with Lauren

[1] The best surprise ever would be Ryan planning an elaborate trip for us.  It wouldn't even have to be elaborate - even just a day trip would be fabulous.  This would never happen.

[2] Walking down the aisle to Ryan at our wedding is my most favorite memory.  So far.

[3] The hardest but most worthwhile thing I have ever done was moving 2,500 miles away from home/Washington to go to college at Southern Illinois and not knowing a soul.

[4] The best part of my day is right when I get home from work and I get to decide what's on the TV for a few short moments.

[5] Something I like that most people don't is Pauly Shore movies.

[6] Something I am willing to fight for is my marriage and my family.

[7] Something you might not know about me is I have never seen Star Wars.

Take Luck,

LP

Cold of the Century

I just had bronchitis back in March, so at that point I felt like I had hit my "really sick" quota for the year.  Wrong. 

A few weeks ago, I filled in some health-themed blanks with one of my favorite weekly link-ups.

It was then that I had started to feel crummy.  It all started with a sore throat (that quickly went away - hallelujah), and progressed into congestion and some chest gunk.

Last week, after a week of the funk, I finally went to the doctor.  She said I had a sinus and upper respiratory infection, prescribed a nice, 5-day Z-Pack antibiotic, and sent me on my way.

The medicine quickly zapped the wah-wah-wahing that had taken residence in my head, and started to break up the nastiness in my chest, introducing a super sexy cough.  On Saturday, Mom and I headed to Seattle to take pictures of Rachel, and on Sunday I had a lovely coffee date with Sarah, but otherwise I rested and let my butt make a really nice imprint on the couch.

Before I knew it, Monday was here and the head-wah-wah-wahing had returned full force.  I dragged myself out of bed and got ready for work, and counted down the minutes until I would call my doctor's office back to say, "Help me.  I'm coming in."

    I had no intentions of coming back to work.

The doctor prescribed a second round of stronger antibiotics and said my body is too tired to fight the crud off on its own.  Super.

I felt worse as the days went on.  Tuesday and Wednesday I stayed home from work and clocked some major nap time on the couch with puppies, drank my weight in water and orange juice, and willed myself to feel better.

I should note that on Tuesday night, Ryan was kind enough to bring a hot washcloth for me to put over my eyes.  After the second request for re-warming - he got the bright idea to put the washcloth underneath the sink insta-hot dispenser.  I heard "AH!" and "AHH!" coming from the kitchen... Because it's an insta-hot... And asked Ryan if it was too hot to put on my face. He said no, and placed it over my eyes.  It wasn't until he patted it down onto my eyeballs that I wondered if he singed off my eyebrows and eyelashes. 

Today, I decided to put my big girl britches on and go into work.

Yeah, that lasted about an hour.  As soon as I dizzily walked in the main door to my building, I immediately regretted my decision and said to myself, "You can do this.  Suck it up.  Take it an hour at a time."

The deal clincher was when my regular work-bathroom was being cleaned and I had to walk downstairs to another. The walk down and back up the stairs was a little too full of sweat, dizziness, and that newly familiar feeling of, "Oh, crap - I'm going to pass out."

I walked into my supervisor's office, and I think my pale white face said it all.

Needless to say, what I am now calling "The Cold of the Century" is really wearing out it's welcome.  Ryan and I, Rachel and Spencer, and my parents are all supposed to go to the Mariner game tomorrow (hello, Anaheim Angels and Albert A-jols) so I am really hoping that I will kick the funk before then.  

Otherwise I foresee major party pooper-age in my future.

Take Luck,

LP

She's Growing Up

Yesterday, my Mom and I headed across the pond to Seattle so I could snap some senior-esqe photos of my little sister, Rachel.  It is really hard for me to believe that she will be graduating from college in a few short weeks.  I am so proud of all her hard work, and she has grown into a seriously beautiful, talented, and fun little woman.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Besides the Armed Forces Day Parade-induced wiggling we had to do in Bremerton to get down to the ferry, and the 20-minute delay we had waiting for a train to move in downtown Seattle - it was a very quick and uneventful trip.

We even had the pleasure of listening to loud, straight gansta rap in the Subway on the Ave.  Awkward.

I'm hoping to round out this batch of graduation photos in a few weeks with photos of Rachy in her cap and gown... And some family shots too.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Filling in some blanks with Lauren... And trying not to drool over the doughnut.

[1] Something that is very near and dear to my heart is making the most of each day and letting those you love know you love and appreciate them.  They go hand-in-hand in my book.

[2] Being alive and living life! is good cause to celebrate.

[3] The most fun I ever had was at our wedding.  We boogied, sang, and filled the air with love.

[4] True friends are those that it doesn't matter how much time lapses between your visits/time together... Everything picks up where you left off last.

[5] Something that makes me terribly happy is making Ryan laugh.  It's terrible how happy that makes me.

[6] A good way to spend a sunny day is spending lots of time outside, taking the puppies for a walk, BBQ'ing, and drinking fancy drinks.

[7] My favorite celebratory food is ice cream and cheesecake.  I am good at finding any excuse for eating ice cream.

Take Luck,

LP

Practice

How many times have you heard the expression, "You know what they say..."? 

Probably a lot.

You know how they say that if you want a dog (or any pet for that matter), you should get a plant first?  You know how they say that if you want to have a baby, you should get a pet first?

Well.  Let me just say that in the last two days, Brock is giving us lots of practice for future children and the sometimes really unpleasant things that come along with raising kiddos (and, apparently pets!).

My parents trade-off checking on the puppies during the day.  The poor crazies are in their cages for 9+ hours and my parents are gracious enough to let them out to do their business and run around for a few minutes.

Yesterday, I had a voicemail from my mom that went something like, "Uhhhh, hi?  It's me.  I'm at your house.  Brock got really sick.  Really sick.  Uhhhh, I'm not sure what to do.  I'm going to do the best I can.  Uhhhh, call me?"

While I was dialing her back, I had a wicked fast daydream that included me answering the phone to hear, "Uhhh, yes.  Mrs. Peters?  Yes, This is the school nurse.  Little Billy/Susie is violently projectile vomiting and scaring the other little children.  You need to come get them immediately."

My poor Mom answered and began to tell the tale of what she found when she came into our house.  I will spare you the details, but I'm pretty sure she will be haunted for the rest of her life.  

The poor big guy is sick, sick, sick.  And we have done a lot of cleaning, cleaning, cleaning in the last 24 hours.

Last night didn't go so well and I ended up calling the vet bright and early this morning for an over-the-phone consultation and an invitation to be at his office at 8am.  

I swear we are putting at least one of his kids through college between Brock and Sonny.

I then called into work to say that I would be in late because I had to take Brock in.  My team lead is a dog-lover too, so she understands, but I feel so stupid saying, "Brock is really sick..." like he's our child.

I picked him up from the vet this afternoon with a heap of medicine, a very large bill, and instructions to keep him quiet and calm.  This guy?  Yeah, right.

Let's hope tonight (and tomorrow) are a big turn around for the big fella.  I don't think I could handle any more of the last 24 hours.  I have enough future-baby-practice, for now.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up with Megan for Dear Monday!

Dear Monday, I was awake before the alarm because of my sweet husband.  That and the fact that I couldn't breathe out of my nose.  Let's hope Tuesday is a little different.

Dear Mother's Day at Point No Point, With five adults and five (yes, five) crazy puppies - I don't think the trip and experience was as relaxing as any of us had hoped.  Little Maggie was trying to dig herself to China, Sonny wanted to play in the water (but was intimidated by the kelp), Teddy was/is a monster biatch, Brock is a big frothy beast, and Dexter is just an old fart trying to show off for the ladies.  I will remember it forever.

Dear Work, I am very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.  Change is good and I am embracing it.

Dear Albert Pujols, You will soon be in Seattle playing the Mariners.  If it begins to rain Monopoly money, all I have to say is - it was Ryan and I had nothing to do with it.

Dear NCAA Softball Selection Show, Just like during my first three years in college (unfortunately, not the fourth year) I tuned in last night to see how the NCAA Tournament bracket would look.  The amazing (and weird) part was that those old and familiar feelings of nervousness and anticipation were very much inside me.  Days like that, I miss the game very much.

Dear Hubs, This Mother's Day was just like the previous three - which meant you said to me, "I thought about getting you a Mothers Day present (from Brock and Sonny)... But I didn't."  You sure know how to make a lady feel special.  It's the thought that counts, right??

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Happy Friday, all!  Filling in some health-themed blanks with Lauren.  This is entirely appropriate since I feel like da-doo-doo.

[1] On a scale from 1-10 the frequency with which I get sick is a 6 or 7.  I have a really lame immune system and catch lots of sickness.  This sickness I have now is courtesy of my favorite husband.

[2] The last time I felt sick was .... Oh, yeah!  Today!!  The crud started yesterday and is rolling right along with no regard for the lovely, lovely weather we are having.

[3] The worst part about being sick is feeling totally drained of energy because all I want to do is lay on the couch, cover myself with a blanket, and sleep it all off.

[4] When I am sick I like to be taken care of by being brought warm bowls of soup, juice, and any other random thing I might ask for.  Hugs and love pats from Ryan are always welcome, too.

[5] Something I do to keep myself healthy is eat pretty well, drink lots of water, exercise, and get lots of rest.

[6] A secret remedy I use when I'm sick is to sleep as much as possible, drink fluids, eat whatever sounds/tastes good, and hot showers.  I try not to take over-the-counter medicine unless I'm really, really struggling.

[7] One thing that always makes me feel better when I'm sick is chicken noodle soup.

Not only do I feel like da-doo-doo today, but I also have my six month dental cleaning/check-up today.  Can the day get any better?

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Monday is here.  Wah, wah.  Let's start the week off on the right foot with some letters with Megan!

Dear Monday, I'm tellin' ya - Monday mornings out of the office are the best.  I think they should be required.

Dear Sonny, Your poor little back has been hurting you for the last few days.  Your little whimpers just kill me because I don't know what to do for you.  If only you could talk instead of bear into my soul with your little eyes.

Dear Brock, I love how crazily you smell my clothes (and Sonny, too) after we've come home from the vet.  You are like an over-protective Dad who's wondering where his children have been.

Dear Tiff, You led me to a copy cat Panera recipe for their chicken noodle soup.  This just re-solidifies our already best friendship. 

Dear Dexter Season 7, I am willing time to go faster simply to see how the major cliffhanger of Season 6 plays out.  Your series premiere on September 30 feels like eons away. 

Dear Hubby, I cannot tell you how much I love it when you are in apprenticeship class versus working in the shop.  The amount of laundry that awaits me is much, much less.  And I love it.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Hooray for Friday!  As usual, I'm filling in some blanks with Lauren!

[1] My bedtime routine includes washing my face, contacts out, glasses on, brushing teeth, flossing, night lotion on, taking vitamin, grabbing a fresh bottle of water, hopping in bed, and continuing to find the cold spots in the bed until sleepy time.

[2] I am super sleepy lately.  I slept for 12 hours last night and could have slept 4 or 5 more, fo sho.

[3] I can't stand Styrofoam because it makes horrible, horrible sounds.

[4] My idea of relaxation would be sitting on a quiet and secluded beach with my tootsies in the sand and a reading a good book.

[5] If I had an extra $50 I would go buy more maxi dresses.  They are my weakness right now.

[6] The best thing about a bloggy friend is they can be supportive and caring even when they only know part of a story.  I also feel like I get to know these people through the stories they share, and I hope they feel like they get to know me through my stories and rambling too.

[7] A recipe I've been dying to try is this white chicken enchiladas with green chili sour cream sauce.

Take Luck,

LP