Guess Where I am Right Now!

I am sitting in my car right now waiting for the ice to melt enough for me to start scraping it off. I had to break the ice around my door frame just to get in! Why the bank is open on a day like this, I'll never understand. Luckily for me, I live pretty close, so I'm not worried about getting there, I just have to get my car driveable! Wish me luck!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPod touch]

This Week So Far

So Sunday I gave my first adult talk. I'm not really sure how I've managed to go so long without having to speak in church. Needless to say I was really nervous. I was asked to speak on avoiding distractions and partaking of the Sacrament with a broken heart and contrite spirit. I felt a lot of pressure to do a good job and express some concerns from the Branch Presidency. I was asked to take about twenty minutes which was really overwhelming, especially since I don't like to speak in front of people. I was so worried I wouldn't be able to fill my time. I ended up having to cut short my talk because I ran out of time! I got several compliments, so I must not have done too bad of a job.

Today was really slow at work. There were reports of freezing rain coming into the area so most people stayed away. It looks like the ice is coming in tonight. I'm looking forward to the "Texas style snow". Hopefully I'll get to build another snowman. No matter how bad the ice gets, it's unlikely the bank will close, so wish me luck in travelling safely!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPod touch]

Surprise!!

Happy Birthday!!
Jaylene or JJ, as I like to call her, asked me and another friend if we would help her plan a surprise party for her fiance, Brandon.

Emily provided the place, I provided the games (courtesy of Aunt Mar), and JJ provided the guest of honor!
We had so much fun. I was prepared to have the group play the m&m game, the hershey bar game, Chinese Writing, and Black Magic. All these games I learned to play over the Christmas/New Year holiday at Aunt Mar's.

We started the m&m game, and NO ONE could roll doubles. They were all such good sports, but it was clear the game wasn't much fun. Someone asked if we could set a time limit, so we decided ten minutes would end the game. After several rounds of almost no doubles, we added a rule that if you rolled a ten you could also take the bowl of m&ms. The game took off after that. I called time and they just kept going until the m&ms were gone. They were actually disappointed I hadn't brought more m&ms! So I had them play the hershey bar game, which they enjoyed, but since they spent so much time with the m&ms, we didn't have time for the other two games. Oh well, there will be other parties!!





As you can see, Bill was very determined to get to that chocolate bar.

At this point we decided to sing happy birthday and enjoy some birthday cake. Brandon wants to be a helicopter pilot, so JJ got him a cake he was sure to love:

All in all, I'd say the party was a success!

Maggie

I got a phone call today at work from a little old Scottish lady. I happened to have my cell phone next to me as I was trying to coordinate with my manager and answered the strange number. I was glad I did. She had Maggie.

I was a little surprised to get the call that Maggie had escaped her new home. Her new owner had not had a chance to update her dog tags yet. I was actually more surprised that it was Maggie who had gotten out. That's something that is usually much more Maia's style.

I called Jay and he tried to get a hold of the new owner, but as she was in meetings all day, she never answered her phone. So Jay and I headed to Carrollton to rescue Maggie.

It turned out Maggie was only three houses away from her new home, so Jay and I dropped her off and Jay blocked up the hole in the fence. I tried to play with Maggie while he was working, but she was pointedly ignoring me. I couldn't figure her out. It was like she didn't know me at first, but she was more than excited to see Jay. She has a doggie door in her new home, and she would run into the house and back out, around me and back into the house. Eventually, her new roommate, Bagel (a beagle mix), came to check us out. At that point, Maggie came over to me. I supposed she was mad at me for leaving her but not so upset she would allow me to play with another dog. It really hurt my feelings that she wouldn't let me touch her.

Once Bagel came out though, I got to pet Maggie. She sat for me and let me pet her ears and scratch her back. I even got to give her a hug and a kiss goodbye. I was so glad Jay was there. Even though I was pretty sure I was going to burst into tears at any moment, I was glad I had his support. I don't think I could have left without Maggie had I been alone, though I am glad I got to see her one more time.

Now I am almost hoping Maia will pull a similar stunt, assuming her new owner hasn't changed her tags...

Goodbye is the Saddest Word

The day I have dreaded has finally come. I type alone. Maggie and Maia have found new homes. They are away on trial periods, but it sounds like Maia is for sure where she will stay. I let Maggie go for her test run last night. She didn't really know what was going on and it broke my heart to let her go. I went back inside and just held Maia forever, crying.

Maia was taken tonight. She knew something was wrong. She'd spent last evening and this morning looking for Maggie and wandering around the house whining. I kept her with me as much as I could and tonight instead of excitedly greeting her visitors, she kept close beside me. She cowered when I put her leash on her and I had to pick her up and place her in the car. She was trying to tell me she did not want to go, and I really wish I could have told her in a way she would understand that I did not want to let her or Maggie go. I wish I could have told them so they would know how much I love them and how desperately I hope they are in better homes where they will live long, happy, healthy, well-loved lives.


I may see Maggie again if things don't work out at her new home. Both women have invited me to come visit whenever I want if they decide to keep my dogs. The best part about these women is they both already have dogs, and they work together, so Maggie and Maia may still get to see each other for play dates.

I just don't know which would be harder, visiting the dogs knowing I have to say goodbye again, or not visiting knowing I could have. I only have six months before I leave for Utah anyway. After that, I am sure I will be forgotten.

I love you Maggie and Maia!!

Christmas 2008- A Story in Pictures

Just a Quick Post

So I am not feeling well today. I actually haven't been feeling well the last couple of days. I think I'm just needing to adjust to having the heater on at night. It makes me really sick. Anyway, my manager sent me home early yesterday and today. I'm feeling better this afternoon, though. I better get well quick, because I am on vacation the rest of the week. I promised to help a friend pack for a move tomorrow and Karen comes in on Friday, and I still haven't done any Christmas shopping.

I've been invited to attend a Dallas Stars hockey game tonight, and I think if I'm feeling up to it, I'll go. I've been wanting to go forever, and have never before had a chance. I just better not eat anything...

I've spent the day resting and hanging out with the puppies. They are napping right now and I just had to snap a picture of Maggie. I didn't want to disturb her by getting up to get my camera, so I apologize for the grainy cell phone picture. But if you can see anything, you can tell that Maggie is sleeping with her panda bear. It's so adorable. Jay brought over some dog toys the other night. Maia is terrified of most of them (rubber bones, balls and the panda...) but she likes to play with the rope. Maggie on the other hand will play with most of the toys, but her favorite is Panda. She takes that thing everywhere. I looked over at her a few minutes ago and realized she was even sleeping with it. So cute!!

She loves squeaky toys like the panda. Maggie usually tears them to shreds looking to destroy the squeaker. It's really funny and maybe a little wrong that I find it so funny, but Maggie holds the panda upside down and chomps down on the most inappropriate spot looking for the squeaker. Hahaha. She cracks me up.

Anyway, if you can see the picture, enjoy!!
This one might be easier to see, though I think the first one is cuter...

Wow

I know it isn't gratitude month anymore, but I really have to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father.

As many of you know, today was our ward Christmas program. I was asked to write and plan it. Our choir was also asked to perform for both sessions of stake conference (not my program) last week, so I can understand how tired of Christmas songs they must be. They've had to pull out extra practices and I know it was frustrating for them to have to give up extra time to practice and perform. I myself was sick last week and missed the stake performance but I heard it was amazing.

With all of this going on, I was unable to get the choir to commit to a run through rehearsal of the program. I admit I was a bit frustrated and very worried. Those of you who know me understand that having things circling beyond my control is extremely overwhelming. I was also concerned about alienating the choir members by pushing too hard, so instead of pushing for a practice I decided to pray. I prayed we'd be able to sing our songs in a way that would invite the Holy Ghost and share my testimony that I'd written into the program. I also decided to make rice crispy treats to give to the choir members as a giant thank you for all their hard work.

I made the treats last night and kind of made up the recipe. I've never made rice crispy treats by myself and the last time I made them with my mom, my age was somewhere in the single digits. I figured they would be easy and fun. I got mint m&ms to mix in the treats. I cut them and packaged them and decided to try a piece of the left overs. This was at midnight or later last night. I'd already spent most of my evening creating the program to be handed out to the congregation and mixing up the rice crispy treats only to discover the bags I'd bought for them were too small at the opening. I had to get creative and cut open the bags and then tie them together. I was tired and extremely stressed out having no idea how the program would go or even how long it would be. So I popped a piece of rice crispy in my mouth and discovered to my horror it tasted like the olive oil cooking spray I'd used to coat the pan so they wouldn't stick. I had no time to come up with something else and I realize now it was a little silly, but I immediately said a prayer. I prayed that the treats would taste like they should since they were a reward for the choir. They deserved something for their hard work.

I again prayed pretty much all morning that I would be calm, that I could have the spirit, that the congregation would understand that the Christmas program was an expression of my love for the Savior, that the choir would be able to sing well, that the program would run smoothly, that we as a choir would be able to bring the spirit into the sacrament meeting, and that the rice crispy treats would taste good.

I got to church and made copies of the program. The librarian kindly offered to help me staple them together. I gave them to the ushers and asked them to hand them out. I joined the choir and church began. Then the time came for us to perform. I quickly realized the program was too short. I was mostly in panic that we were going to end too soon. I had visions of us finishing with a half hour to spare. I don't really remember much about the program other than I was pleased in the end. Especially with Kristi's solo. She wanted to sing and I told her great, go for it. I let her pick out her song and even though I had never even heard the song, I felt she should close the program for us. It was perfect. The song said exactly what I wanted to say if I could've figured out the right words. We finished ten minutes early which turned out to be perfect. President Weidman, one of the counselors in the stake presidency, was visiting and wanted to talk to us. He got up and shared some thoughts that went perfectly with the theme of the program.

I had never meant this to be my program. I was supposed to be behind the scenes. It was the choir's Christmas program in my mind. But the branch knew I was the one who planned the program and I got so many compliments today. I thanked each person and pointed out that it wasn't because of me that everything worked out so well. How ungrateful would I be if I took the credit?

I got home with a couple extra rice crispy treats. I left them for mom and Jay. But I decided to have one myself. By then, I'd forgotten about the olive oil disaster of the night before until I took a bite of my treat. I burst into tears. It was really good. It's so silly. It's just a mix marshmallows, rice crispies, and m&ms. But I was filled with such a strong feeling of gratitude and love. I realized how much my Heavenly Father loves me. He not only helped the program to run smoothly, but He even attended to the silly detail of making sure the choir got a yummy treat as a reward. I was so thankful He would do that for me.

[My Bank] presents this certificate to

ME!!

"In recognition of your outstanding achievements, which will have a long-lasting effect on [my bank]. This certificate is presented for ranking in the top range within your Market in the Breakthrough Performance Plan. Thank you for your dedication, and effort toward the Breakthrough Performance Plan and for living the [my bank's] Spirit each and every day."

Tonight I received my award for my 3rd quarter performance. My dad was kind enough to spend the evening with me and my regional managers. We were treated to dinner at Blue Mesa Grill Cafe in Southlake. My dinner was great (until the server dropped my Dr Pepper in it!!). I got to know a new teller who works in Colleyville and I got to see a more personal side of my regional managers.


Plus I got a gorgeous award I can put on my desk and a plaque to keep at home!!




Me with my regional managers:

Steve (the big boss), me, Katrina, and Jeff.

Thanks, Dad, for coming. It meant so much to me to have you there!!




I also owe a big thank you to my manager, Matt. He wasn't able to attend tonight (and it wasn't like it was a celebration just for me. There were at least 25 others being recognized). Just four months ago (really only 4 months? It feels like 4 years...) I was struggling desperately to save my job. I worked at a different branch with a vastly different manager. The guy was a jerk to put it nicely. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't do anything right. With my personal life in shambles and a new, uncaring manager, the stress level was overwhelming me. My job was on the line. Luckily, Matt decided to give me a chance. He saw in me what my prior manager refused to (or maybe Matt was just desperate to fill a vacant position at his branch). I can promise you I don't do anything different at this branch. I am just in a better environment. I now work in a place where my quirks make me funny instead of weird. I am given the time I need to finish my tasks and am allowed to learn other aspects of banking. I am allowed to speak my mind without fear of retaliation. (Though I rarely have anything negative to say, so why would Matt get mad at me?) My integrity is never questioned or tested. I feel like I am respected. I come to work and leave happy each day. It's been so freeing to work at my new branch. And look at me now. One quarter I'm just this side of getting fired, and the next, I'm right on top.

Another JJ and Marilyn Adventure

So I've been feeling very overwhelmed and stressed lately and as you know I decided to just step back and cut out some of the things I couldn't handle to go back to when a few other things were settled. BEST idea I've ever had. I can still feel the stress but it is much lighter since I'm beginning to prioritize the order in which I am dealing with everything.

Today was my day off and I had a list about a mile high of errands I needed to run. I picked the three that HAD to be done today and made time to meet JJ for dinner.

I had an excellent day. I let myself take my time to get ready and enjoy some Christmas music. I then ran my errands and met up with JJ.

Another friend of mine had suggested I try a restaurant up in Frisco. I've never had Indian food and since she's Indian she thought it would be a good way for me to introduce myself to that food. JJ's never had Indian food either so we went up to Masala Wok and it was fabulous! JJ tried the Ginger Chicken with rice and I had the Blazing Masala noodles with chicken. (That is what my friend recommended I try.) We had also been told to have the chicken lollipops as our appetizer. (My new favorite snack!!) JJ thought we should try a dessert and I thought it was funny she picked the tres leches cake since that is not really Indian. Well, it turned out the cake was still frozen (there was no way they could thaw it today with how cold it's been!!), so they brought us samples of the other two desserts which I'm guessing are Indian. One was some kind of milk bread in honey sauce and the other was some kind of sweet cheese in a milk sauce. Both were very interesting, but not quite my taste.

I love talking to JJ. She's so great with listening to my concerns. She always knows whether she should just sympathize or offer advice. I guess that comes from a nearly twenty year friendship. Gulp... Has it really been that long?? (I'm so OLD!!) I love letting her talk too. It's nice to feel like I can give something back. And sometimes it's nice to just sit and reminisce about our days as super-awkward teenagers.

Plus with it being so cold, I got to wear my gorgeous leather jacket, a gift from my Aunt Mar, and my lovely purple scarf, a gift from Karen. It's funny how wearing something can make you feel closer to the person who gave it to you.