Work Update

It's been so long since I've blogged, that I figure I have to dedicate at least one whole post to work.

*collective groan*

(This isn't work - it's from when I was in Oregon. I just think it's a FABULOUS shot of us. Plus, I love my outfit/shoes.)

There is no other way to put it: I am a workaholic. That is ALL I do.

I was recently made manager of our newest (and largest EVER) Client. The day before I left for Oregon, Nick (the manager of the program I manage - It makes sense, just trust me) came to my boss, Christy and closed her door, which never happens. She came in a few minutes later as I was closing up for the weekend and told me that we had to change my signature in my emails. She changed it from "Content Associate" to "Content Manager" and then said, "Congratulations." It was great! I was so overwhelmed for quite a while there, but after last week (this update will come in a minute...keep reading) everything took a turn for the better.

When I was in Oregon, John called me to tell me that he had an interview and test set up for my department the Wednesday I came back from vacation. That was quite an experience. It was super weird hearing him in an interview and then seeing him for the first time in almost one year. I don't think there are words. Christy and Mayu both loved him in the interview and then his test was surprising in a few ways. He didn't use "track changes" correctly - he did it the hard way - and he got REALLY far. He's been with us for almost 2 weeks and is doing really well.

Thursday, 14 October was our all hands meeting at work where they do all the major updates for the past 2 months and announce the employees of the approaching 2 months. Mayu was announced as one employee of the month and then Christy kept talking and announced the second employee of the month was yours truly: ME! I was so touched by the things she was saying about me. There is no better feeling than hearing how appreciated you are by your co-workers (and superiors). I'm so greatful that I could make her proud and ease some of her stress at work. I love her and the leadership she brings to our department.

Ok. I think that's it for the work updates for now.

Things that induce laughter/smiles/happy feelings in me today:

1. I told you all that John would be in more posts, more frequently. Maybe one day I'll even put a picture up or something.

2. Chelsea is getting to know John a lot now because she works with him, goes to church with him, and John lives with one of Chelsea's closer friends. She is constantly telling me how John is NOT AT ALL what she pictured. hahahaha. I never said I had good taste or that I was only going to date the popular kid.

3. I have 2 new books to read. ...I just need to find the time.

4. Along with employee of the month came a bonus. I'm putting toward my next big purchase.

5. John sings in the choir that I joined with my boss. He is EVERYWHERE.

Trip to See a Friend

I needed to take a vacation before work spiralled out of control. So, I packed up and flew to Klamath to see my Stella!

I flew right in to Klamath and guess what? NO ONE WAS WAITING FOR ME!

*guilt trip*

It turns out, my flight arrived like half an hour early. So really, I was only alone for approximately 3.8 minutes and then Alli and Nic were there to get me. With a sign. Hahaha!

I cannot thank Alli and especially Nic enough for letting me come and crash at their place. I don't think that Nic knew what he was getting himself into when he agreed to let me come for the entire weekend.








We went hot tubbing at Alli's parents house.

Nic had coupons for free 15 minute fabulous water massages (I don't think I've been more relaxed since before Gramps died).

We, of course, made treats, treats, and more treats.

This is just scratching the surface. Needless to say, I was SUPER depressed to come home. I can't wait to go back one day.

Thank you again, Nic, for letting me steal your wife's attention for a few days. I love you both!!

Things that induce laughter/smiles/happy feelings in me today:

1. United screwed me on my flight home. BUT, I got a $150 certificate to use on any flight in the US. Now, I just have to decide if I want to use it to go to Shauna's homecoming (HOLY COW she'll be home soon) or go to Seattle to see my sibs/nieces.

2. I love having my sister-in-law (future) live with me. She's a constant buddy and I adore her. She fits right in with all of us. And John commented on how close we are last night. (Yes, John is back...brace yourselves for future posts.)

3. I've started going to choir practice with my boss from work and I am in HEAVEN. I can't comprehend how it is that something as simple as singing is relieving so much of my stress...

4. I have so much going through my head 24/7. I can't think...

Blue October ...again...

I'm super behind in my blogging and I apologize. Allow me to back-blog for the next few days.

In case you all haven't noticed, I'm a HUGE Blue October fan.

Their latest tour is called, "Pick up the Phone," and goes towards raising suicide awareness. There's a suicide hotline out there that the lead singer, Justin, is a large advocate for because he's called it.

The opening act was Parlotones from Johannesburg, South Africa. They were slightly more emo (in fashion) than I prefer, but they were actually pretty legit and decent. I'm going to look into buying their CD as soon as I have life enough to go and search a music shop.

I always enjoy seeing newer bands that don't have that much live exposure because of their quirks. For example, the Parlotones drummer was visibly keeping time. I could read his lips and see the beat count. It was classic.

Then, Blue October came out.

OH.

MY.

GOSH.

I still can't believe how amazing they are live, even after all of this time. Just thinking about it makes me yearn for another concert!!

Things that induce laughter/smiles/happy feelings in me today:

1. CB Hudson.

2. Justin Furstenfeld.

3. Ryan Delahoussaye.

4. Matt Noveskey.

5. Jeremy Furstenfeld.

6. Chelsea. Thanks for going with me again. :)

Chelsea's birthday party

I don't know how - and I don't WANT to know - but Bryce knows about this little restaurant in Hollywood that does a nightly drag show, Hamburger Mary's. We went there to celebrate Chelsea's birthday and had a BLAST!

The queens:

Chelsea got to participate in a booty shaking contest with all of the other birthday girls. Chelsea didn't win, but we had a blast cheering for her!

I know its weird, but it was SO fun and we're going to go again soon.

Things that induce laughter/smiles/happy feelings in me today:
1. Jereme's girlfriend Christy came for a visit. She's tons of fun - I like her!
2. Enchilladas. YUM!
3. I'm not going to San Diego to see Alli. I know you're all wondering why this is on my happy list. I'll tell you: I'M GOING TO OREGON!

4. Mockingjay comes out on Tuesday! I'M SO EXCITED!!

5. Chelsea got hired at the place I work, SQA!

6. VH1 Classics.

Roots

My grandfather did quite a lot of research before he died about our ancestry. My uncle took over after and found several famous names we're related to; however, that isn't the purpose of this post.

We have a lot of European blood in us, including Irish blood. Our family name, Conley, is the Americanization of the Irish "Connelly." Connelly is even a family name of legend in Ireland.

I love my Irish heritage for some strange reason. I've always been a big fan of anything out of Boston (RED SOX, BABY!), I've always had a fondness for St. Patty's Day, and my favorite color, for as long as I can remember has always been green. I love fairies and took two Celtic legend classes in college. A good Irish brogue makes me weak in the knees. I love Irish rock bands; nobody rocks harder. I adore James Joyce and William Butler Yeats. One of my favorite satirists is Jonathan Swift because Irish babies just sound delicious as a main course. And I hear their beer is the best in the world.

I had the opportunity to go to Ireland in 2005 with the British Literary Tour and felt at home stepping off the ferry. I fell in love with every part of Ireland I touched, from Dublin to Knocknarea to Innisfree. I stayed in world-class hotels, small and cozy bed and breakfasts, and dingy hostels. I toured castles and rode a bike around a small island.

I love Ireland and hope to go back one day.

And of course, I love "Waking Ned Devine."

Things that induce laughter/smiles/happy feelings in me today:

1. "American Slang" by The Gaslight Anthem.

2. The Canny Brothers.

3. Anna McPartlin's novels.

4. Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins comes out in 8 days!!! I CAN'T WAIT!

5. How can someone piss you off so much but at the same time make you laugh more than anyone you know?

GUESS WHAT?!

I bought a car!

I got the 2010 Nissan Rogue SL and I am in LOVE!

Its front wheel drive and has a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine and 170 horsepower. I got the premium package, so it came with a Bose sound system, 6 CD changer, 3 months of free satellite radio, a ridiculous amount of air bags, a freaking huge glove box and center console, bluetooth, and its entirely keyless. I mean, ENTIRELY keyless. As long as the remote is within a certain range, I don't need to use my keys or remote to get in or start the car. (There are a lot of other features, but I'm not going to list them all here. It's too time consuming.) And quite possibly my favorite feature: it has a moon roof!

I spent quite a lot of time researching cars to buy before I made a final decision and this was definitely the best deal. It's 4 star government rated in front crash safety for both driver and passenger and rollover safety and 5 star government rated in side crashes for front and rear seats. It gets around 22 MPG (city) and 27 MPG (highway), which is practically nothing next to Phoenix, but let's face it: Phoenix was special.

Speaking of Phoenix, my mom, Jereme, and I took him over to Carmax to get him appraised and they only wanted to give me $750. Seriously? For that awesome car??? We decided to take it to the Nissan dealership and see what they would offer -turned out to be a really good idea! While we were discussing the car I wanted to buy I mentioned the [potential] trade-in and they quickly offered to appraise it. They came back and offered $800 (SERIOUSLY!?). My dad said that wasn't enough, we needed at least $1,000. So they obliged. :D! So Phoenix helped me put $5000 down on my car! See? I told you he was amazing!

The total cost of my car: $26,020. I got a better interest rate if my dad cosigned with me, so we did that and then as we're signing the papers with the finance manager, she starts talking about warranties. They have the standard 3 year limited warranty and then there's a special warranty deal with 3 options. I chose the TOP most option (for a mere additional $24/month) and when I did that, she gave me 0% interest for the life of the loan AND my payments don't begin until November 5, 2010.


Moral of the story: Research pays. Or, in this case: saves!

Things that induce laughter/smiles/happy feelings in me today:
1. My car also comes with "Mood Lighting" - I have yet to figure this out. Hahaha!
2. Fat Guy across the street saw me come home from work today and when I got out of the car he yelled, "Congratulations!" I said thanks and then he said, "And you look REALLY good driving it!" ...awkward...
3. I can't believe the crap Beetlejuice is pulling.
4. I GET TO SEE ALLI IN 17 DAYS!! Although, if I count the way Alli's family counts, its more like 5 days. Hahaha!
5. I'm super excited to take Rogue to San Diego in a few weeks!
6. Jereme's girl friend is coming in like a week and a half! I better start cleaning...
7. I have a massive crush on Ron Weasley.

Mormon Night

Every year, Dodger stadium hosts Mormon Night. And every year, it's Dodgers versus Padres. One day, I hope they give us a different team. That's beside the point, though.

After I got off of work, Chelsea picked me up and we booked it to a friend's house who then drove us (like a MANIAC, I might add...I'm amazed I'm alive) out to LA for the game.

I REALLY needed to get out. I don't seem to have the opportunity very often with work demands and it's only going to get worse over the next few months. That's a post for a different day.


We tried to get a bunch of the people that were there from our singles' ward to sit together. Really, it ended up just being the people we carpooled with sitting together and one member of the bishopric sitting semi-close to us.

We had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost to the Padres (BOO)! ...Like I care... Where was I? Oh yeah. We had a lot of fun and I even got to witness a real, live in-stadium home run because the Dodgers players weren't paying attention.

Things that induce laughter/smiles/happy feelings in me today:
1. I could potentially have exciting news soon. Like, as in, tomorrow-soon. Maybe.
2. I'm learning the seriousness of the phrase, "Be careful what you wish for" the hard way.
3. "The Nanny." I can't get enough.
4. Jereme's girlfriend, Christy, is coming!!
5. It's finally August - which means: I GET TO SEE ALLI SOON!!