Man, this keyboard's dusty = I missed you guys :)

I hadn't even realized how long it's been since I posted - too long. Well, it's summer so work has been going crazy. I can't wait for the holiday season at the end of the year when things go on hiatus and I can relax a bit again.

Not much besides work and school has been going on in my life lately, though my man and I have been trying to make significant headway with our wedding planning. We aren't getting married until late next year, but why run the risk of succumbing to we-started-planning-too-late-and-are-now-freaking-out stress. Some things, like picking the venue were easy (well easier), while others, like the guest list(s), not so much. Seriously, how is it possible 1) that a person can know so many people and have so much family, and 2) that those people feel they can readily invite themselves to a wedding even if they are like a 5th cousin twice removed? People just love a party; especially when free food's involved :)

Anyway, my co-worker P and I are trying to start a small event planning business. It's still in the early stages and so, when we say that My Fair Wedding's David Tutera was having a seminar about getting started in the event planning business, we were excited to attend (using incredibly discounted tickets a la Goldstar, of course).


The even was a few blocks away from my office so we got there a bit early. It was a good thing though since the space filled up quickly.

I had my notebook and pen ready to jot down any helpful hints and anecdotes. I think the only event planning business related message that I took away from the night was 'Never undersell your confidence or expertise!' (good life lesson in cliché form) before the night turned into one big dish/gab session. It wasn't what I paid for, but it was still fun.

David told us about how he got started and what it's like working on his new show, but most of the night was taken up with Q & A. He answered everything that was asked, no matter how broad the topic, and even told us the truth about what really went down between him and Joan Rivers on The Apprentice. I would try to repeat it here, but honestly that portion of the night went in one ear and out the other as I lost complete interest in that show after the Omarosa days. It was an interesting enough event and David was very nice and (definitely) patient. Now if only he could do my wedding for me :)

So, how have you all been doing? I hope this Hump Day is treating you well - have a good one!

P.S. Has anyone seen The Expendables? If so, what did you think of it? I've heard that it is a completely over the top throwback to 80's action movies, and my man and I are excited to check it out (eventually). With promotion like this, how could anyone not be :)

I took a vacation and came back to a mountain (of paperwork)

Hey everyone...I missed ya :)

Sorry I've been away for a bit, first consumed by work, then on a much needed (albeit too short) vacation with the fam, then again with work. I'm back at work now, and am so happy that I was able to take the week's vacation with my family as my colleague and I were pretty much told that we were going to be so busy this summer that we shouldn't plan to take any time off for the next two or so months. It is going to be a long, hard summer.

Enough of that though. How are all of you doing? My family and I were lucky enough to rent a house in the Poconos for a week. I took a bunch of pics and enjoyed a lot of fresh air. It was a simply wonderful week, and a perfect family trip.

A fun park where we enjoyed mini golf, a driving range, batting cages, laser tag, the arcade, and (the best attraction) go kart racing!

The amazing backyard of the house where we saw an unbelievable amount of deer.

Some wild turkeys

The week was just so wonderful that, yes, it was that much harder to get back into the work groove. I'm still trying actually :)

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

See Paperwork Sit...

That's all it does. More and more of it keeps finding it's way into my office, and it just sits there. No matter how much work gets done, the piles still grow. I would send out a rescue flare, but imagine the fire hazard.

My boss actually had the gall to come into my office last Tuesday, look me square in the eye after glancing (with disdain I might add) at the literal piles of files and paperwork on my desk, filing cabinets, and floor, and say 'I am re-assigning these files to you. One has a 6/1 deadline, and another doesn't start until July...but it needs to be done by this Monday. The last one will be a problem and the guy will need some hand-holding through the process (to be read TIME CONSUMING) but I gave it to you since I knew you could do it.' She failed to mention the three other projects whose files where hidden in the middle and also have early June deadlines. I'm all for being a team player, but come on!

I would have said thanks for the confidence, but they are always giving me the problem files. Always. Did she immediately put all the paperwork towers that I've got going on out of her head? There is no possible way that I can stay on top of everything as it is, and then she drops the rest of the bad news bomb - the woman whose work is being re-assigned might be out for an additional 2 or more weeks. She already told me that she'd be back in 2 weeks to re-assign some more projects to me. Oh happy day.

Oh...and it gets even better :)

The next day, I was called into a meeting in which I was informed that yet another project was being re-assigned to me...with a deadline of last Friday. I quickly reminded the bosses that I would be out of the office on Friday, to which they responded that the deadline for me would be Thursday. One day to get everything done, on top of everything else that I already have going on. I could feel my blood pressure start continue to rise, but I just put on a poker face, said "No problem", and headed back down to my office. What else could I say? Much as I wanted to say "Well [bosses], much like the Inn at Jesus' birth, I'm all full up. So thanks, but no thanks!", I felt my actual response was more workplace appropriate.

The lady we were filling in for actually surprised everyone and showed up today, so I just gave her all her files back. We'll see if she works the full week. I have my fingers crossed :)

All that made me so frustrated with work last Wednesday, that I sent this e-mail to the mail room supervisor (who also periodically fixes our copiers when they act up) regarding the copier breaking down just when I needed it:

'Hello,
The copier is jammed. Again. Sorry in advance.
It, of course, chose to start behaving like an insolent little child at exactly 6:40pm, leaving that wonderful surprise for everyone to walk in to in the morning.
Thanks'

I hope he had a laugh, or a least a chuckle, when he read it.

My man also came to the City to have lunch with me last week - it was the highlight of my workweek :) On the way to the restaurant we see this...

Morbid, but true.

This week has to be better. I just have to take deep breaths and keep looking forward to the long weekend. Anyone have any Memorial Day weekend plans? I will be attending Sis 1's college graduation!!! Wow, time really flies :) I am so excited for, and proud of, her!

Now, back to work. Have a great day everyone!

Happy Mommy's Day :)

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms (the soon-to-be moms, the new moms, those that have been moms for years, the moms to their pets, the misc. relatives that act like/are thought of as moms, etc.) out there :) I hope you all has a simply wonderful day!

My mom and I went on a lovely Mother's Day cruise. My sisters are still in school, so today it was just me and my mom :) Sis 1 and Sis 2 were definitely missed, but it was great spending some alone time with my mom. My dad followed us over to the dock, and waited with us until the boat departed. I'm a huge homebody, so getting the opportunity to spend time with them like that was wonderful.

So, my mom and I got our boarding passes...



and boarded once the boat finally pulled up - 10 minutes late. It was so windy that it took them three tries to actually dock well enough to let us on.


Mom and I were a party of two, at table two :) We had a great table (we snagged the window seats) and had wonderful table guests.

The food was pretty good - especially the pasta dishes - and the views were wonderful.

My mom doesn't get into the City much, so it was nice to see the sights with her - especially all the bridges and Lady Liberty.

On another note, there was an accident on my route to the train station. It actually happened over a week ago, but they still haven't cleaned up or moved the damaged van.

The damage is so drastic that one has to wonder how it could happen. Thank God no one was hurt. An MTA worker said that a truck accidentally backed into it, at full speed, and threw it back into the building.

However, I find it interesting to imagine that either 1) this is the result of a Hulk smash, or 2) that darn Edward Cullen had to save Bella again.

Have a wonderful rest of the night everyone. How is it possible that Monday is almost here again?

It's Earth Day and everyone's flashing E signs.

Well, I haven't actually seen anyone flashing the E sign in real life, but everyone's doing it on the EDAY website :)

Image found here

It's Earth Day :)

I thought that there would be a fair at Grand Central Station today, but it's not until tomorrow. I'll probably walk over to it during lunch to enjoy the live music, and pick up pick up any freebies - if there are any.

And Happy Administrative Professional's Day (a little belated)

to all the Admin Pros out there!

Image found here

I addition to the solo gift I bought for my assistant, P and I bought each of the assistants in our department a Mojito cupcake from Butch Bakery.

The Mojito cupcake topped with an edible chocolate disc

The cupcakes were alcohol infused so they were a bit hit. The site describes the Mojito cupcake as a "rum-soaked lime cake with mint white-chocolate ganache". Mmm! P and I ordered 4 of those and 2 Beer Run cupcakes (yummy chocolate beer cake with beer infused buttercream topped with a pretzel) so we could each have one. I really liked it, but P wasn't impressed.

Obviously since they have alcohol in them, we put printed disclaimers on the bags letting the assistants know that they were to be enjoyed after work. My assistant ate hers at lunch anyway - and just happened to exclaim "It tastes just like a Mojito!" as the boss walked by - but at least it didn't make her tipsy :)

I also gave each assistant a little high-five trophy.

A high five award :)

I made labels for them that said 'Happy Administrative Professional's Day 2010'. Just a little something that they can keep on their desks to be reminded that they, and all their hard work, are appreciated.

I can't believe it's almost the end of April. My middle sister will be graduating from college in just over a month! Anyone else have any graduations coming up (your own or one you are attending as a guest)?

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

I wonder if (5:30pm) Friday knows how much I love it.

5:30pm on Friday likes to play hard to get with me. It takes forever to get here (and this week has been especially long), but it is one of the absolute best feelings when it finally shows up. I just have to get through about 3.5 more hours (thank you lunch hour) and then I can finally breathe and relax a bit.

Has it just been me this week, or have any of you also had the workweek from hell?

The weather was so lovely earlier this week, and now it's all overcast again. But even though it's going to rain, it's Friday so the smile's still on my face.

A few pics from earlier this week...

Adorable :)

 

Spring is in the air

With Spring comes lovely Spring flowers... and movies! So, is anyone else planning on seeing Kick-Ass this weekend? :)

Happy Friday everyone!

It's another lovely day in the neighborhood

It's nice and sunny outside without being too hot - exactly the type of weather I like :)

P and I went to the Great Bridal Expo last night. My groom-to-be had to work but P's fiancé, L, came along. It was fun - I entered a few contests, enjoyed some cake, and collected dozens of flyers, business cards and magazines. We only stayed for an hour or so since the event space was too hot and crowded. It was nice to talk to other brides and get some ideas though.

So, any fun plans for the rest of the weekend?

Have a wonderful day everyone!