My Civic Duty Fulfilled!

Since getting married, I've been changing my name with all the companies I deal with, but I forgot one...The Registrar of Voters. In the primary, I voted absentee using my previous name and address with the intent of making the changes before the November election. Well, the deadline to change this came and went before I did what I needed to do. My sample ballot was mailed to my mom's. I could have voted at my past polling place in Escondido, but didn't think that would be convenient during the work week. Instead, I decided to vote early over the weekend at Registrar of Voters in Kearny Mesa...so did everyone else (or so it seemed in the County).

When I tell you how long it took me from start to finish, I'm sure you will say that I should have made the trip to Escondido to vote after work on Tuesday as I thought many times during my time in line. It took me (drum roll please) three and a half hours from the time I got in line until I walked out with my "I Voted" sticker.

Thinking I would get an early jump, I left D sleeping in bed at 8:10 and headed to Kearny Mesa. I had to park over a block away. At that point, the line snaked into the parking lot, down a long hall and back up and around several more lines before finally making it into the office to vote. In line, I met a woman who was voting early because she was leaving on vacation and others who forgot to do absentee and wanted to avoid the lines on Tuesday. There were all ranges of people there in line from the first time voter to the woman who had voted in every election since 18 (now in her 60s). Parent with young children instilling the value of voting, new citizens voting in their first election, families, singles. In spite of the long lines, spirits ran high at the prospect of what's to come. Regardless of personal beliefs, we were all united in our goal...to make our voices heard by giving up some time in our busy lives.

I finally made it to the counter and was re-registered with my new name and address. The only down side is that I had not prepared myself for the San Diego election pool. I voted and walked out feeling accomplished, hungry, thirsty and tired knowing that I could ignore the continuing political ads until the results are announced on Tuesday night.

So, to all of my readers, make sure to take the time by Tuesday November 4 and vote. The County is expecting a 75-80% turnout, so plan to wait in a line, but in the end, it's all worth it!

Happy Monday! I'm feeling a little bleary eyed this morning, although I don't know why. It's not like we had a rockin weekend or anything. Friday morning started in grand fashion...I slipped on my way into the shower. I'm sure D had quite a sight when he came in to see what all the commotion was. Basically, most of me was on the floor of the tub with my left leg dangling over the side. At that moment, I didn't know whether I should laugh or cry and if I didn't have work commitments that day, I would definitely have take a mental health day! Fast forward through a busy day of work (testing and presentation), to a finally Friday feeling. D and I were so burned out from the week that we finally used an Applebees gift card for dinner. Then, it was home to the DVR before an early (for a Friday) bedtime.

Saturday morning, the fall came to haunt me...I was sore from end to end. Since I promised D I would go to a signing with him, I made it out of bed. After the signing, D went off with his friend and I went grocery shopping. OMG...grocery prices are insane! I stuck to the necessities (and even cut back on those) and still felt like we needed to go on a hunger strike for a while. At home, the groceries got put away and I parked on the couch. At one point, I fell asleep and was out so hard, I didn't even hear D come home. We both decided to take a nap (which ended up being 2+ hours). We were supposed to attend a Halloween party that night, but I was still so wrecked, we cancelled and stayed home.

Sunday, we cleaned around home (it's definitely a work in progress). I ran out to get the last of what I needed. Then, I morphed into Suzy Homemaker making pasta salad for lunch this week and stuffed shells to pop in the oven for dinner one night. I was so proud of myself that I accomplished so much. The rest of the day/night was spent relaxing and hanging out.

Now, it's Monday of another busy week and I'm hoping that this week does not work us both into exhaustion. Have a great one!

Sometimes it's Not the Answer You Want

So, I got my answer and it wasn't the answer I wanted...the answer was no. I totally understand that it wasn't the right place for me to go, but it's hard to not feel bad and wallow. So, that's what I do for a while and then move on...the worst part is my feeling like I disappointed all those who were rooting for me. Let downs suck the big fat one...time to wallow and regroup!

Two Words...

So, today's entry can be summed up with two simple words...

JUST CALL...

Is that too much to ask?!? Monday, I heard you'd call me on Wednesday. Well, today is Thursday and I am getting tired of my heart almost jumping out of my chest each time my phone rings...

Plus, I think I sprained (or heavily tweaked) my right hand and it hurts...I almost slipped on these stupid balls that fall from the trees at work on Monday and tried to catch myself and jammed my hand against the car.

Now...I wait...to be continued!

Busy Busy Bee!

Life is so busy that I haven't had a chance to blog...lots happening in the last few weeks. Some highlights include:

• Prospective Jay Oh Bee: In the last two weeks, I applied, interviewed and presented for a prospective position. The position is still in the system I work for, but on a larger scale. It would be a good stepping stone on my way to a director position and would get me that needed experience that I lack. It would also be closer to home (5 miles) for now and would be a nice raise...which could get us closer to our dream of buying a house. I had a final interview last Wednesday and have been on edge ever since waiting to hear...I go back and forth between the positive and negative. I heard this morning that they will have a final decision on Wednesday. I'm worried about the outcome because I heard such good feedback from the interviewers and my family has been telling me how proud they are of me, which is a potentially huge let down for all of us if I don't get it. At least, I know that I won't hear anything until Wednesday and can stop jumping at my phone ringing.
• Mom and Meema: They've been through the ringer with all the workers in and out of the house over the last 6 months. Mom's bathroom is done and looks so good...I'll take some pictures this week when I visit. There was drama with the guy doing the work that started to take its toll, but now it's done and they can go back to life. Mom is starting to do ministry of the sick for the church once a month at a nursing home. She said it was difficult to see people younger than Meema in that situation, but it made her more thankful for Meema's health.
• Social Events: Last weekend, we did dinner with our friends, Sheilina and Chris. I met Sheilina almost 20 (yikes) years ago when I started at Palomar College. We met over food in the cafeteria and spent the next few years in search of breakfast. Sheilina is always a good time and has the best heart in the world...she and Chris are on their way to joining the club (marriage). That same weekend, Mom, D and I (Meema wasn't feeling well) met my first "real" boss, Lois and her husband Alan, for brunch at Valley View Casino. We all had such a great time catching up. Lois and I had some perceived drama when I left that job, but we've moved past that.
• D: He has been so amazing and encouraging through this whole process. He is also under a lot of job stress...he really needs to get out of his current job. It all came to a boiler on Friday, which was not the way either of us wanted to start the weekend.
• Getting it Together: So, with everything in flux for us, we decided to take space by space and clean out. Saturday, we cleaned out cabinets in the kitchen. After cleaning the spaces out, I cleaned the kitchen and D did the bathroom (fair trade if you ask me). At the end of it, we had lots to take to Goodwill and a big sense of accomplishment. So big, that we rewarded ourselves with a stop at Islands for a burger and a beer.
• First Anniversary: I can't believe that it's almost a year...I need to start thinking of a good idea. Especially since D told me that he's been thinking about it and that it's the paper anniversary. I was seriously shocked that he knew this...will wonders never cease!

Well, I have lots on my plate again this week, both at home and work. Hope all is well with everyone and sorry for the gap in blogging. Until next time...

Jay Oh Bee Updates

So, I finally heard (after 2+ weeks) that I didn't get the job I interviewed for. BUT, there is a new job prospect on the horizon. Last week, I got a call from my contact at another district. She got a director position elsewhere and wanted to know if I would be interested in applying for her position (it's a supervisor). The call came late Wednesday afternoon and the deadline to apply was Friday. That night, I worked on the materials for almost 5 hours and managed to make the deadline. My current boss talked to them about me wanting to move up and has encouraged me to do this...he told me that the last two in the position have gone onto become directors. I got an email yesterday and I have an appointment on Friday for an interview and performance. Part of this process entails a 5-minute presentation to the panel. So, now, I have until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday to work on the presentation and email it to them by the deadline. I have cancelled all my plans this week to devote to this project. I am so excited about this opportunity...I would actually supervise 3 employees (instead of just having the title) and would get a nice raise in the process. It's also closer to home so I could save on gas. There are so many positives that could come with this position, but I am staying focused on each step. So, on Friday at noon, if you could send some good jay oh bee vibes my way, I would appreciate it!

Little Sleep...The Story of a Class Reunion Weekend

So, this past weekend was D's class reunion...hard to believe that it's been 20 (gulp) years since high school. Even harder to believe is that in one year, we'll be attending mine. This reunion thing has been such a big deal for D...he missed the 10 year because El Ron gave him the wrong date. So, last week was spent prepping for the weekend in the middle of so many other things.

Friday: We left work early (around 1:00 instead of noon as originally planned) to run some errands before heading to EC (Macy's for a shirt for D, Cheesecake Factory lunch with gift card, Nordstrom Rack to pick up D's pants). After a quick shower and change and packing, we headed out the door to hit traffic heading east on the 8. We rolled into town around 7:15 to meet El Ron and Perlina (his "friend") for dinner at Celia's. Our next stop was the last quarter of Central's football game to start the reunion meetings. A woman came up to me and said, "You're D's wife. I've seen you on his Facebook." This was so random to me...I guess that's life in the technology era. After the game, we headed to a party at home of classmate's parents. It was so cute because the mom was in front of the house with a flashlight directing people onto their property and the dad was in the back guiding people into parking spaces. We had fun hanging out...Perlina and I let the boys do their thing while we people watched. Two girls across from us, in a not so discreet manner, asked "who are those girls over there" complete with a vehement head jerk in our direction. The highlight of the evening was watching a very inebriated girl swaying back and forth while placing her hand on some male at all times (probably as balance). Because it is the desert and there are bugs, a cockroach was running about the patio and some of the guys starting kicking it around. All of a sudden, we hear a loud slam (heel on concrete), followed by silence and gasping, and "That's how it's done". The inebriated girl killed the cockroach with her heel. Perlina and I could not stop laughing...I had tears running down my face from laughing so hard. Shortly there after, we made our way home for a quick nap (about 5 hours of sleep).

Saturday: We all met some people for breakfast (Celia's again...gotta get my fill of the Special Quesadilla) before running around. We took a quick nap before getting ready for the reunion. The reunion itself was fun...it was funny to see Julie McCoy Cruise Director (aka my husband) running around talking to people. I am married to quite the social butterfly! During the slide show, there was a picture of D with his skateboard...too funny! At the event, they had a memory table with photos of all the classmates that had died...there were so many and we heard that there were at least 2 more not displayed. It was a true awakening because I didn't think after 20 years there would be so many. I met some cool people who told me about D and what a smart ass he was (and he still is), but how great he was. After the reunion, we changed and headed to The Owl (some bar in EC) to hang out before a late night Denny's run complete with about 40 people. Finally, around 4:30, we went to bed.

Sunday: We got up and did a last breakfast before our Super WalMart run and heading home. We got home around 4:30 and took a nap...we were both so dog tired that we couldn't move.

The reunion was fun...I tried to let D have his social time without having to worry about me. I found out this morning that one of the girls (who I'd met before and was part of the Who are those girls conversation) thought I was stuck up to everyone. I was pretty upset about that because I thought I was cordial. It also brought me back to high school and I thought I was done with all that BS...oh well!