on my own, here we go

It’s been a very interesting few weeks, but the interviews (which have all gone so well!) are over, and all that I can do is wait.

Except, I’m not.

Instead, I’ll take a note from one of my favorite 80’s flicks and live life for a bit and see where I end up. I’m pretty sure my phone gets reception inside or outdoors, so I’ll be back in a few. So with the words of Ferris to inspire - I’m out. See you soon!

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

Through some sort of divine intervention I was forced to watch Grey’s Anatomy tonight. I know what you’re thinking, this must have been very painful torture. I was quite pleased when my Music Choice channel was switched over to ABC automatically at 9 (actually, a little frightened, since I rarely have the TV on at all, and I completely forgot that a recorded episode must also be watched live, and also forgot that it was Thursday, let alone 9pm.) Anyways, I always enjoy the life insight from Meredith’s voiceover’s, and while I don’t feel like explaining everything that happened today - or didn’t happen - her analysis from the end of the episode should suffice.

No matter how many plans we make or steps we follow we never know how our day is going to end up. We prefer to know what curve balls will be thrown our way, but its the accidents that turn out to be the most interesting parts of our day; the people we never expected to show up, the turn of events we never would have chosen for ourselves.

With Red Robin having completely altered their MO, I’ve had more time on my hands recently - this has been good, as I’ve had time to look for a new job. I had an interview last Thursday at a law firm, and today with a company in Bellevue for an admin/reception position. I also have two!! interviews on Friday (one with LexBlog, which I am thrilled about - hello to anyone from LexBlog stopping by! - the other, for a contract position at your favorite megasoftware firm on the Eastside). I’d be lucky to score any one of these jobs, but some have some more perks than others. I don’t expect to really know what will happen until Friday at the earliest - I expect tomorrow to be very quiet.

However, I would be excited if I got a call for This Job. My cover letter was genius - I actually said that drinking their product in college would be an asset for the position as I fully support the company’s product, fun culture and mission! That said, I just want a new job.

This time has also given me time to get shit done in my life.

• 10 load of laundry: done!
• bathroom clean: done!
• girl scouts tracked down for some delicious samoas: done!
• xmas gifts put away: done!
• a little early spring cleaning: done!
• finances organized…..ok, not quite there yet.

I’m looking forward to an easy, stress free day tomorrow. 54 and sunny in Seattle may just call for a long walk. I enacted the 24 hour rule for some problems with work, so I may have some phone calls to make, but with my 100% phone call return rate with my resumes, I may just let it go in favor of restoring some positive energy for my future.

Spring is in the air! The first day is not for 19 more days, but today’s fresh, mild air in pairing with a very welcome new month on the calendar is a sign of a new beginning.

In that, I have decided it’s time to change some things in my life. About a year ago (almost exactly) I was in desperate need for a job, what with my bank account dipping a little too low and my paralegal course nearing an end, I needed to find recourse, and fast. At that point, I knew I had a safety net in Red Robin. It wasn’t a choice, especially when, a year ago, The Recession was at it’s darkest low.

However, it has occurred to me that this job is now my choice. I have the experience and education to find better, and I have the time. I have spent my days scouring indeed.com and craigslist for jobs that I would be happy working. I had an interview last week, and it went so well! I should hear back soon. I have another interview at a company in Bellevue on Wednesday, and have sent out several other resumes for positions for admin support positions, for paralegals, and even a blogging job in Pioneer Square (how much fun - and how perfect - would that be?!) The thought my days at RR are numbered is only making work that much more annoying. The little things sure add up! I took an extra day off this week to get through this changing time.

I’m so excited that, in just a few days, I may have an entire new life! I am just so glad my friend Kristie gave me a bottle of wine for Christmas that I haven’t opened until now. It sure is nice to have during times like this!

Today, I am thankful for my best friend, who puts up with my shit through thick and thin. My girlfriends, who I have the most fun with - even when we are brokenhearted. My family for answering my calls 5 times a day. My job - and job security. Thankful for health, and health insurance. Thankful for espresso beans and apple slicers. Thankful that the girls at the espresso stand are so nice. Thankful for living in such an amazing city, and that I found such a safe apartment when I had to get out of the west side asap.

I’m thankful that 2 years has gone by so fast, and that I’m so much stronger, and things are still getting better.

I have so much figured out, and I’m thankful that I can keep on going from here.

In lieu of anything actually interesting to write, here are a few links to keep you entertained for a few minutes instead:
Summary of 99% of The People You Will Meet In College

Anderson Cooper in the Midst of Looting Chaos

Medical Teams International (where I donated money to help the Haiti rescue efforts)

Gonzaga Law School’s Twitter

Interest in Law Schools Increase (but I read an article elsewhere today that said applications nationwide are currently DOWN…can’t find the stupid article though.)

….& my new favorite song

A friend of mine and I were talking about life and dating at work the other day, and the concept of dating “below” came up. It was actually about one of her interest’s still dating a girl in high school. Granted he’s only 19 himself, but I quickly said “Oh…I know.” 2 ex’s of mine dumped for 19 year olds…girls 5 years younger than me, and worse, 7/8 years younger than THEM.

Guys, it’s time to grow up. We’re adults, this is the big leagues. 19 or 29, grow up. I’ve resigned back to my old checklist, and as dissapointed I am in myself for dating the youngens that won me over for a month or two, I’m excited that I still have it in me. 2 dates in and I’m awaiting the arrival for a third with someone very much playing in the big leagues.

If only if he played on time. Can’t expect too much. Can I?

Good thing that, in the end, I’ve got a laundry list of things I need to do anyways on my own whether or not he ever shows up (or at least calls). I somehow created a new idea for a delicious burger at the bird, and am preparing my submission to corporate this week. (Of course I’m not doing this for shits and giggles - $250 just for getting the recipe to a test kitchen! More money if it ends up on a menu. Wish me luck!) Law schools are taking their sweet time to decide if I am worthy, but the envelopes should start rolling in any day now…as always in life, I’m hoping for a big one. Work work and more work takes all my time, and I’ve less resolved and more committed myself to the gym. Back to 125 or bust! The best feeling is out-doing the other gymmers - it’s a physical and morale booster, and on top of the endorphins it’s one of my new favorite places.

Ah, 40 minutes past ETA and nothing. Shocker. So glad my friend Kristy bought me a bottle of wine for Christmas, just now delivered! I’ll give it 20 - then it’s time to break out the unfinished high school scrapbook and get something done!

In the big leagues, men are good at two things: handiwork, and breaking hearts. Those of us women playing need to learn the same, apparently.

So what happens when you decide to give it one more chance? To throw it all aside, and decide that maybe, just maybe, someone getting a college education with goals and a Southern charm could be different?

They ditch you in the rain at 2 a.m.

See, I’ve dated two guys from work prior. And both times it ended in a terrible, complete disaster. One dragged out for almost 4 months. The other cheated on me, and I have no solid proof. But I’m not an idiot. And this guy….this guy took a liking to me. And despite all the words of caution - mostly from my best friend who is right 101% of the time - I thought I could risk it.

Wrong.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Do it a third time, now I have a bad habit.

What developed from a phone call that we weren’t going to see each other until sometime next year ended up “Meet me at a bar”. Soon into that he ignored me and his friends called me out on me “having a thing for him”….very opposite of the real situation, at least from the beginning. Upset at the obvious locker room talk and that everyone was drinking AGAIN, including the person of interest who said he didn’t drink much, I stepped back…and they all decided to after-party. I was not invited, and ditched on the sidewalk because they didn’t pay their tab and had to dine and dash.

Classy, I know.

So in the end, I’m now home, fuming and muttering bad things, picking up my phone and setting it back down, knowing nothing is going to be said anymore, but really, this was the ending from the start. This is the destiny at the dirty bird unless you get knocked up. Or unless you date me, because then you marry the next girl you date.

That’s my mantra. I am The One Before the One.

….I told my friend this, a friend that I sorta kinda dated on and off last winter. I’m not sure what that kickstarted in his brain, but he has a relationship on the brain for the first time, and very recently. I’ll reserve any comparative emotions, but I’ve been much more inclined to spend time with this person: he actually responds to my texts, and takes me out on legitimate dates. Perhaps this is a sign?

But really, the best omen of the next year: I will be ringing in the new year working until midnight. Making good money, but working. On my feet, in heels.

It’s time to grow up.

I’ve laughed a lot in the last few days. Mostly at others’ expenses. Laughed at emails posted on office doors, laughed at drunk one night stands, and laughed at failed relationships that result in progressions in my own. And laughter really is the best medicine, especially considering how absolutely miserable I was just a few days ago.

Last night was a good night. I had a margarita and a half, clearly supporting the drinking habits of the aged and underaged alike more than my own. A few hours of rockband and a drive into and back from the abyss that is the depths beyond the suburbs of Seattle, somehow it ended up being 4am. If you’re up at 4am and not crying, it’s always a good night.

And I still was awoken by the weekly Wednesday yard crew at 9am. Very glad I am on vacation for three days.

Which gives me time to think about the next year. I’ve settled on a resolution, and resolved to learn how to bake/cook. You see, I can’t cook. I burn water. Once, I was attempting macaroni and cheese….yes, mac and cheese…in my college apartment, and completely forgot about it. About an hour later the smoke alarm goes off while I was studying, and I realize the apartment is filled with smoke. The water was gone, the macaroni had burned.

….I can’t cook.

My mom has offered to teach me, and I’ve found a class at the local community college if I managed to ever find an extra $300.

Speaking of which, my tax return is going to be a treat this year. But suddenly, I really don’t want to spend it on a cooking class. A ferry trip to my parents, yes. A class to learn how to cook shrimp? I can’t justify it.

Could you?