My Home Away from Home

Everyone spends more time during the week at work than we do at home. And as of late I've been spending even more time at work making a few extra bucks with some overtime. My average workday has been about 10 hours and 15 mins physically at work in the building, mostly at my desk. Then add about 45 mins each way for commute and I spend a good amount of time related to work. I try to make my little cube as homey as I can and thought I'd share with you, my loyal followers, a little more into my day.

The human cattle line herds into the building this way, you're lucky if you get into the front lot, which means you have to be at work like 10 minutes early otherwise you get to park in BFE and hoof it to the door. The above picture was taken on a particularly dreary day, but the sun hasn't been all that engaged with appearing lately. Beep your badge at the door, no tailgaters! and then you are on your way to your own little piece of paradise for at least the next seven hours and forty-five minutes. 

Here it is! My home away from home. I'm a neat freak when it comes to my desk. I like to keep everything neat and organized, everything has a place. Your desk should be representative of your personality but you don't need to have a crap ton of shizz all over the place. If you were to walk by my desk (which you probably wouldn't I sit in a dead-end in the corner of the department) I think you could get a good sense of what I like, clearly Notre Dame Fan, and I like Harley's. You might also notice my flag there on the far right. It works like a mailbox flag, if it's up, I'm at my desk, if you don't see a flag, you won't see me. [this was requested because you can't see my head over the wall and I'm so far away people liked to be able to see if I was there without hiking four miles and making a wasted trip, it comes in handy]

This is the majority of my eyeline here in my cube. You'll notice the iPod, a MUST to block out the annoying noises that you hear throughout the day. I have some eye candy up there, Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, it's nice to have something good to look at. Have to have a fan as well, you never know what the weather inside will be, hot then cold, then cold then hot, dress in layers. Motivational magnets up there on the right, just above the frequently used numbers. Yes that is a cat taped to the top of my monitor, I'm becoming quite the cat lady at work, I only have one and they think I'm bound for the crazy spinster cat lady land. A beautiful computer background is important for morale as well, right now mine is signs of spring, because I'm ready for the sun to come back. The lucky troll keeps a promising watch over me as I complete my daily tasks, and of course I had to have some Harley in there too.

Dr. Seuss's lost Poem, that man can really write from the heart. We love stuff like this, funny, ironic, and pretty much spot on. It's amazing how much life imitates art sometimes, have you ever seen 'Office Space'? Yeeeeahhhhh, I'm gonna need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday too...

Here is just a close up on a few things you might have missed in the pictures. The top picture is how far away I am from the windows, another reason you need to keep your desk cheerful. Page Turner has a very lovely tree at her desk, ask her about it sometime.  In the 2nd row left, this is a collection of treasures sitting under my monitor. The green egg is silly putty, the little clogs are from a friends mom who went to Europe, the Alice 'toothpick' holder is from OL when she went to Disney, the Believe rock was the 2012 word of the year and served as a reminder, and there is a bottle from the Page Turner when she went to the Titanic museum in Branson. We try to bring back pieces of the outside world to those who couldn't get away at the same time.The picture next to it, is a collection of things sitting on top of my cabinet. OL hates those flowers I've had them since I started like five and a half years ago, she keeps telling me I need new ones. There is a pinewood derby car, a Dum Dum man I got with sucker wrappers, a secret santa Tiki fountain, an Eiffel tower replica I found at target for a dollar, and the penguin I painted at the pottery painting store, also some sand and shells from TT's visit to Florida as well. Then you'll find my treasure troll, the most AMAZING smelling lotion I've ever come across, and my Harley calendar.

Some could argue I have too much crap at my desk and that it looks like someone threw up random things on it. But I like to keep it bright and cheery and make it mine. Some people have way less, and believe me there are people who have way way way more stock piled and crammed onto every open space. I'm there more than I'm home and I like my desk just the way it is! Thanks for stopping by today and hope you enjoyed a little insight into my workspace. :)

Go Get Your Mail

I’m at a perplexing crossroads in my life I feel like lately. Which is slightly absurd when I really think about it. I have a steady job that I have no fear of losing, I’m finally getting things paid off, I live with my grandparents so I don’t have much to worry about in the form of housing, but I just completely feel like something is missing and I can’t even to begin to figure it out.

While talking with a friend the other day contemplating applying for a position in the company that on paper sounds just like what I need. A job that would allow me to travel, more money, and work more with people BUT it could possibly involve moving to a random state and picking a random city to live in, inside I FREAK out. There are possibly other positions that could become available in the Dallas area, but a few weeks ago when I started really considering it I broke out in hives… hives?! That has never happened in my life. I’ve come to the realization that I am a complete chicken shizz when it actually comes down to making a big change like moving to a place where I know no one. The idea on paper seems whimsical, a chance to start a new, meet new people, see new places.. but logistically it scares the crap out of me. Where do you pick to live, how will you make friends, bills, is it safe. O. M.G. freak out.  Then I think about being so far from home, missing my family, and who would take care of poor little Oliver if I couldn’t take him with me? So as I’m sharing my internal freak out thoughts with my friend, she tells me in a better way, but basically I need to stop being so scared of life and get out there and make things happen. She feels she has lost out on so much in her life because she was too scared. When she first moved to the area she lived in an upstairs apartment and was too scared to go outside and around to the front to get her mail, she made her husband go and get it.

I know I need to just suck it up and “go get my mail” but how and where do you even begin to start? I’m in desperate need of some sort of change whether that be in my career or in my personal life, like finding a passion or a new hobby or something. I just crave something and I can’t even figure out what that something is. A big part of me is just so scared to take a chance. I’m so careful and I have been my whole life, I just always like to have a safety net there to catch me, or more so I guess, it’s just easier to not try and then you don’t fail, but that won’t move you forward. It’s exhausting these days trying to figure this all out. I’ve mentioned it before, but life events in these economic times are just so skewed from what they used to be. Many people my age still live at home because they can’t find jobs etc etc. Which means the whole “adulthood” has been pushed back a bit. I just don’t know….

How do you get over being such a chicken shizz and make something happen? I’m not saying life has handed me lemons by any means, I know I’ve got it pretty good. I’m just missing that icing on the cake, that extra sweetness to make it just that much better. I’m ready to “go get my mail” I just don’t know where the mailbox is…

In a Man's World

I am kinda sorta looking at new cars. I've had Simon for about 6 years now and we're up to about 140k, so it's not unreasonable that a new car is on the brain. Moreso I just want something new. Every so often (like every 6 months it seems) I think I want a new car, I always talk myself out if, but none the less we do this dance. Research, research, research some more, and then stop short of actually test driving anything, because at this point I have talked myself out of it and don't want to fall in love with anything. That all changed yesterday....

Remember I went to the car show? I saw all those new cars and that new car smell got stuck in my nose. It was like a drug, I need that smell I thought to myself. So yesterday I did the unthinkable.... I went to a dealership for a test drive.... BY MYSELF! Holy moly.

I should preface this story with the fact that I am a research-aholic. I check Edmunds, consumer reports, blogs, forums, anywhere you can think of to see what others think of the vehicle I am researching at the time. Working in a automobile industry I see the values of cars everyday. I checked NADA and even KBB and I knew where my car was valued at. I had checked the rates in the credit union, and I knew what I wanted my payments to be, so I knew about where I needed to be with the amount I finance. So to the dealership I went...

I was test driving the new Chevy Cruze. Which is nice, it's super fancy on the inside with touchscreen navigation/satellite radio, push button start, heated seats, remote start and on and on and on. It's smaller than my car though, and I rather enjoy my space. So after the test drive, while impressed with the looks, not a huge fan of the space issue, and the steering wheel doesn't telescope or move as much as I would have liked for my height and driving position. But humor me with your numbers Mr. Salesman.

While on the test drive the appraiser was looking at my car. Also Mr. Salepeople...know your audience. I realize a young female walking into the showroom alone would normally be a bulls-eye and you can pull out all your "girl" tricks. But sir, when I begin chatting you about the Corvette's in the showroom and inquire about the new Stingray, I feel that should have been a heads up. Also while on the test drive as I'm asking about other vehicles, I'd think you'd be aware that while not an expert, I am not dumb when it comes to automobiles.  Keep in mind reader that this was the first car I have test drove, even if I were in love with this car, I would at least need to test drive a competitor just so I don't get large purchase Heather buyers remorse which often accompanies large purchases (aka anything over $100 I analyze and do the whole, is this a want or a need chat). 

So.. time to talk basic numbers. Granted I know that my car has high miles, but having checked my sources I know what my car is worth. Your low ball offer of $2500 was an insult, telling me that is your best offer, leads me to believe that is your best offer. So... no go dear sir. My brain is on shutdown, I would like to go now.

After that offer, I did the whole need vs want conversation on the drive home. I think I'm going to stick with good ole Simon for as long as I can (which was my original plan when purchasing him, so why did I even dream I needed a new car) But I did take this as a great learning experience. Why do car purchases have to be who is the best negotiator? Why do you say that is your best offer when 1-I told you what I wanted for my car, then seem confused when I'm not pleased. 2-You could have "got me close" to what I was looking for but I "didn't want to deal" It's a confusing thing looking at cars. Why do we have to go through this exhausting ritual. Blah, it makes me never want to buy a new car. But like I said, I've learned something and will be better prepared when I really am ready to buy. And just because I go in alone, doesn't mean I should be treated any different, especially when I express that I'm not illiterate when it comes to cars, show a girl at least a little respect!

The Birthday I Gained My Age in Pounds

Holy sweets and foods batman! This birthday was my 27th, and I think I gained 27lbs, not kidding! It has been a busy birthday weekend and I am pooped! I even kind of did an around the world food tour for my birthday.

Thursday: My friends are moving to Hawaii. I know how terrible for them, so we had a going away/Heather's birthday dinner at the Mexican restaurant. They were made aware of my birthday and I had to wear a sombrero, but there was free dessert.

Friday: February 8th! The real deal, as of 7:29am I am officially 27.  Holy moly sweets. There were donuts, cookies, cupcakes and MONKEY BREAD! Lunch out was a slight disaster but we made it work (stupid Panera and your redic lines, but BK is there) Then after work I got my haircut (hello layers) and then we had Chinese (I was mad craving some eggrolls) I was then serenaded by the man who clears the tables and boxes up your food (um amazing voice, everyone stared) but there was free desert ;) (are you keeping up with how the lbs can really add up?!)

Look at the beautiful tulips from OL :D

A.Drama really knows how to decorate a cake! 

Saturday: I worked all day then had a dinner date, pizza, more food..yum, with some friends and then we went bowling. I suck at bowling but man it is a cheap and entertaining way to spend your evening with friends. NiBo was present too, he took the pic. Then it was back home for a little TV and off to bed, early morning headed to Chi!!

Sunday: Birthday weekend tradition. Head to Chicago for the Auto Show! We made a pit stop in Page Turner land for some 50's style breakfast and then headed up 55 to McCormick Place. Luckily we didn't get lost and traffic wasn't too bad on the way up or back. Gpa couldn't go but wanted us to make sure we picked up brochures for him to check out. I checked out all the cars that are on my possibly buy list and narrowed it down to just a few. I have a few months to research and talk myself out of it. But we had a great day! NiBo ran into a few rodents while were at the Kia booth, luckily they were kind enough to pose for a picture. We did quite a bit of walking around so hopefully that helped to shed some of the monkey bread and donuts away.

The new 2014 Corvette Stingray

I don't feel any wiser and luckily didn't go grey or wrinkly overnight. I look forward to what the rest of the year brings, hopefully some nice changes that have been long over due for such a nice lady such as myself.

Just a shout out to everyone who wished me a happy birthday or helped to make my day special. And thanks to you blog reader for stopping by today!

10 Things: I Have A Few Questions

* Does thinking you might be a hypochondriac in fact add to your possible hypochondria? 

* Are Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles really appropriate for the workplace? 

* Would it be unhealthy to give up every kind of beverage except for water for lent?

* Since P. Phil didn't see his shadow, what defines 'early' spring?

* Is it wrong to just want a simple thank you for your hard work?

* Why was February the month that got shortened out of the other 12?

* Could the sun be anymore MIA lately? 

* Have you seen any Cadbury mini eggs in stores?

* Do you think your luck factor is upped the week of your birthday?

* Why do you have to bring the treats to school when it's your birthday? 

If My Siblings Were Zomies

We'd look like this...

NiBo

A.Drama

Not to brag, but I think I make the best zombie. My giant head is just what a decomposing corpse face needs. These photos were brought to you by "Dead Yourself" available now in the iTunes store ...for free! The Walking Dead Returns Sunday! Who's ready for Rick to kick some Governor bootay!   

Is It Spring Yet?

I don’t know about you but I am over winter. Sayonara old man winter, Punxatawney Phil says early Spring and that can’t come soon enough.  All I want to do when it’s dreary and gray is hibernate in my warm cozy house and watch TV and be a non-productive member of society. But alas, life must go on even when the skies are gray.

I’ve been putting in some extra hours at work for overtime, I don’t know if we will ever get caught up, and actually right now I kinda hope we don’t. I’m saving the extra money for a new car and a great vacation. I had lunch with an old boss a few weeks ago and she totally called me out. She said remember when you said you were waiting to finish your degree before you started really working on your career? Um oops that was like 3 years ago. And Jillian has been calling me out on my lack of participation with the gym. I sit and complain about being fat, yet just sit and complain. I dream of a different position within the company, but just sit complacently in the same department that I started in. Bottom line, change is scary, yet if you never do something different you’ll always have what you’ve always had. Snore.

Regrettably weight does not come off as easily as it comes on. I’m still hovering around 11lbs lost total, kind of at the plateau. I’m working on overcoming my lack of energy in the evenings and just need to force myself to go, I have a looming 80 days left to be ready for races I have signed up for. Yikes, zero barrier is fast approaching. As far as my career goes, there are definitely more things I can be doing, you have to be able to help yourself around these parts. My first step was reaching out to my old boss, part of helping yourself is know when to ask for help or advice. She suggested I find a mentor in a different area to learn more about the business side of our giant company. Have any of you ever had an official mentor, or do you just use peer mentors and seek advice from others.

My OT motivational buddy keeps saying she has a good feeling about 2013. I feel like the past couple years everyone has said this will be the year, great things will happen. The past couple years haven’t been bad by any means, but there really is something that feels different about this year. I think I might finally have the strength for change this year. In just one short month I’ve already purged so much, both physically (I cleaned the crap out of my closet) and emotionally. I’ve already felt the pendulum change towards thinking more for myself and what I want rather than how it might make others might feel. I’ve let go of some past baggage and let people fade from my life who don’t really need to be there anymore and it feels great. So if the first month of the year is any indication of how the rest of the year will turn out, I have a good feeling. Bring it on February!