old skool

Seven Quick Takes (v.9)

As always, visit ConversionDiary.com to read more quick takes or  better yet, participate!

1. I've had a really, really busy week. A lot is going on at work (I'm preparing for a press conference on the 26th and a big launch of something on the 2nd) and I'm trying to make sure I've covered everything. I've never done this before, so maybe next time around it will be easier. However, my workload at work is making my workload at school become a 2nd priority. At this point I'm just going for a B and a C. How pathetic. I never thought I would reach this point, but that is all I need to graduate. I usually hate to even make a B--so the fact that it has come to this? Sad. Oh well.

2. I'm setting up for a big meeting and presentation today when my a guy calls me on my work cell phone. I presume he first called my office and when I didn't answer (wasn't there), called my cell. He's like "Oh hi Jill, this is so-and-so. Do you have a minute?" I tried to be polite, and responded, "Actually I don't, I'm sorry. I'm getting ready for a really big meeting here in about 15 minutes."

His response? "Well, I hope it's an important meeting."

Are you kidding me?! This is a guy I have met once. In December. ONCE. Further, I hadn't heard from him since that initial meeting. I'm not typically a "what's-in-it-for-me" type person, but he's calling me because he wants something from me, not because he has something to offer. I just said, "You know, actually it is a very important meeting. I have a launch on April 2nd and this meeting is critical." Perhaps he was expecting me to be a shrinking violet, because when I said that and didn't back down...he changed his tone. Grr! What I really wanted to say was: "Ya know what buddy, you're only screwing yourself."

3. This is also work-related. I really have nothing else to talk about (sorry), but this one is funny. I talked to an older gentleman on the phone this week. Later that same day, I got a voicemail from him. Based on what he said, he did not remember he had talked to me. Fair enough, maybe he made a lot of calls. The next day though, he leaves another voicemail, and it was like he still didn't remember that he'd talked to me OR that he'd left me a voicemail. I sort of felt sorry for the guy!

4. The weather has been so nice this week, I am really excited for warm weather! Several days this week I rolled the windows down in my car...it was so nice to get some fresh air! I saw people out walking, wearing shorts, and a number of people running outside. It made me wish I was one of them (and I'm not much of a runner, though I need to be).

5. My Kentucky Wildcats won today! Woohoo! GO CATS! You can't consider yourself a true Kentuckian if you don't love Kentucky basketball. They played their first game in the SEC Tournament at 1:00 today. Fortunately we have cable at work, so I kept popping into the break room to catch a few minutes of the game. It is SO fun to get excited about UK basketball after a few abysmal years with the last coach. I would LOVE to be in Nashville catching some of the tournament!

6. I am in love with this apron. I guess I have a thing for red and polka dots, since I purchased a custom camera strap for my Canon 30D that is red w/white dots. My cousin told me it looked like I had a Minnie Mouse camera now. So I guess that means this is truly a Minnie Mouse apron,  but that's okay. I love it!

7. I am considering changing the name of my blog. Old Skool is kind of dumb. Yes I am "old" to be in school, but pretty soon I won't be (in school, that is). Plus it is just dumb--it doesn't tell you anything about me. Right now, I'm having a bit of trouble thinking of something unique. Any ideas?

That's all for now kids! Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

Seven Quick Takes (v.7)

As always...visit other Quick Takers at Conversion Diary, the gracious host of 7 Quick Takes.

1-
THANK YOU to those of you who expressed your condolences over the loss of my grandfather. I appreciate your words more than you will ever know. It is one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with. I am trying to focus on the happy memories, those that make me laugh, but even those still bring me to tears right now.  

2-
I don't know about you but I find myself incredibly annoyed when you're standing in line to order or pay for something, and the next patron walks RIGHT UP behind you. I really want to turn around and push them. I just don't like it when people get in my space like that. Similarly, I don't like when people stand really close to talk to you. I'm talking people you don't know or don't know very well. If we're bffs it is a little different.

3-
I've realized I'm not a great "networker." I don't have difficulty talking to people at all, but when I'm at these events where I don't know anyone, I have a hard time walking up to a stranger, introducing myself and starting a conversation. I'm always worried and nervous and feel like a fraud (weird?!). It's sort of like dating--what if we have nothing in common? What if I have something in my teeth? What if they ask questions and I don't have answers?!  I need to get better at this--any tips?

4-
Having missed two full days of work this week plus the bulk of a third, I am way behind this afternoon. I shouldn't even be typing this. My dad saw that picture of my office that I posted last week and said it looked like there was more coming in than there was going out. Ha!

5-
Just in case you're curious, this post has basically been on my computer screen for like...most of the day. I'm having some trouble thinking of fun topics today.

6-
Tonight (Friday) is my little cousin's 8th birthday party. They are having it at a YMCA-type party center with a bunch of inflatables, a little dance floor, and a basketball court. He has good birthday parties! When I was a kid I sometimes had slip 'n slide parties because my birthday was in the summer but if I didn't have the slip 'n slide (or Crocodile Mile for those of you who remember that!) I just had cake and birthday hats and all that jazz! It was still good stuff tho :) Anyway his party is like 1.5 hrs away so we will have to leave as soon as I get home from work and we will still probably be late.

7-
I don't know that I've ever mentioned this before (because it is dumb) but my favorite drink is Sprite. There seem to be a bunch of haters out there as far as Sprite goes. Another girl (and myself) had to beg to get Sprite in the vending machine at work, and a lot of times when you go to people's houses and stuff they'll have gotten sodas for the gathering, but they don't get Sprite. What gives?! I should just be grateful I have something to drink at all, I know...but last night I was somewhere and had to drink a Mountain Dew. Ick.

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Just realized I forgot to change this from "draft" to "publish" yesterday. Oops!

Seven Quick Takes (v.6)

Boy, it has been awhile since I'd done a Seven Quick Takes! I've been slackin! Seven Quick Takes is hosted by Conversion Diary. Visit Conversion Diary for more 7 Quick Take'rs!

1. I have had an incredibly busy week. I have had a 10:00 meeting and a 2:00 meeting every day this week. Note to self...these are not optimal meeting times, as they break up your day and prevent you from getting much accomplished.

2. My thoughts and prayers have been with a dear friend much of this week. Her family has experienced a great tragedy as an explosion at her grandparents house took her grandfather's life and left her grandmother in critical condition. Her grandfather, a retired state trooper and licensed firearms and ammunition dealer, was so badly burned that his body has yet to be positively identified. I cannot even begin to imagine what their family is going through. I haven't seen my friend in a couple of years but my prayers are with her regardless.

3. Classes started on Monday. There isn't much I can say because AS YOU CAN SEE I am jumping for joy. Bursting at the seams with happiness and excitement.

4. Did I mention that I finally got an iPhone? Because I did and it is awesome! I love it! I actually got it right before Christmas. I was shopping for my dad...I was purchasing a "Go Phone" for him and while I was there I bought myself an iPhone. After getting the money refunded for my bombed-out Blackberry, and waiting for my upgrade date with AT&T...I was finally ready. My time is running out though--should I buy the Apple Care Plan? If you own an iPhone...chime in with your thoughts on this.

5. I still haven't taken down my Christmas decorations. As we speak I stare at my Christmas tree. I know I said I'd take them down last weekend...but yeah, just didn't get around to it. I guess I will try to do that this weekend. I kind of dread it.

6. Last night at Kroger (grocery store), I saved $25 using coupons and my shopper's card. I don't think I've ever saved so much on one trip. It was quite the awesome feeling! I felt like I'd won a prize or something!

7. I may have mentioned that my doctor put me on blood pressure medication around mid-December. The good news is that my blood pressure is down (but this could also be related to: the fact that I've stopped eating Chick-fil-A, the fact that I've been exercising and trying to lose weight, or the fact that my hubby is now home). Bottom line: blood pressure getting better. The bad news is that I've noticed I feel very tired. Sometimes around midday I just crash, literally. I have, on some days, closed my door at lunch time and spent my lunch break taking a nap. I've been hoping I'd get used to it...but so far no dice.

Have a happy Friday and a great weekend everyone! :)

Seven Quick Takes (v.5)

Seven Quick Takes is hosted by ConversionDiary. Visit to link up with other "quick-takers!" :)

1. Last night I wrapped my first Christmas gifts of the season. One is for my mother, the others are for my husband. And two of them are technically anniversary gifts since our anniversary is 2 weeks before Christmas.

2. I think they are getting ready to build on the lot next door to us. One part of me is happy because it looks pretty awful right now, but another part is kinda bummed. I kind of like only having the neighbors on one side, haha.

3. I sincerely apologize for mostly only blogging on Tuesdays and Fridays recently. It has been a really tough semester of class in addition to personal changes and such. I wish I could say I would do better. I mean, that is my hope and everything but I'm just not sure how quickly I can make it happen. Next semester is my last (thank you Lord above!) and I will be taking the capstone course which is a killer, I hear. Plus I might be busier at work...

4. The reason I might be busier at work is that yesterday afternoon my supervisor/director resigned. It was kind of shocking the way it occurred. It was an "I have just resigned" and then a bolt out-the-door situation. It happened so late in the day, and my "boss-boss" wasn't there so I couldn't go talk to him...so I don't know how things are going to play out. My Friday to-do list instantly grew, as did my list of "questions/reminders for myself."

5. I am considering going back to my natural hair color. My hair has been light for so long, though, that I'm not even quite sure I know *what* my natural color is. Here are two pictures a couple years apart that probably show a pretty good representation of my natural color...even though the 2nd picture looks lighter and more auburn, there was no color on it. Strange...

January 2002

March or April 2005 (I think)

6. As I eluded above...our anniversary is fast approaching! Next week will mark five years! Sometimes I cannot believe it has been 5 years, especially considering I'm only 26! Unfortunately both of us will be traveling (separately *sad face*) on our anniversary and getting back pretty late. Celebrations will have to be delayed.

7. We ordered some new furniture last weekend! It is very exciting. It probably won't be delivered for another week or so, but that is fine with me. We ordered a dark brown leather sectional, new coffee/end tables, an "official" dining room table w/6 chairs, and a console table for the living room. This will allow us to add furniture to 2 of the 3 currently empty rooms. We'll have real dining furniture, and we'll move our current sofa set to the upstairs loft/tv area (assuming it will fit up the stairs). The front room will still be completely empty but I'm not too worried about it. The good news is that we got all this furniture for between 43 and 50% off, plus no delivery costs! Even still, it was quite a chunk of change, so I don't think we'll be buying any additional furniture until after the holidays!

I'm so glad it is Friday...it has been a long week! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Seven Quick Takes (v.4)

Seven Quick Takes is hosted by ConversionDiary. Visit to link up with other "quick-takers!" :)

1. I have had a long week--I've already worked 38 hours and still have a full day to go! On Tuesday, my day started at 8am, and I did not get home until 10pm. No lie. You want to hear the cherry on top of that story? My boss called in sick that day. I normally would not even mention this if it weren't becoming such a pattern...ayy. Anyway, I probably shouldn't complain about my long week, because I'd say my husband has easily worked 50 hours this week, AND I'm thankful just to have a job.

2. Remember I mentioned like a month ago that my Blackberry was official a junk paperweight? We JUST NOW got a refund. Seriously! The good thing, though, is that we did get the refund, so all's well that ends well I suppose!

3. I am 26 years old, but for the past 2 weeks I have been taking my blood pressure daily and keeping a "diary." It is not good, people, not good at all. When I went to the doctor a couple weeks ago (about my allergies), they said my BP was high and to ask the doctor about it. So I did. He goes "oh yeah...and it was a little high last time too." High BP runs in my family, so this sucks. I should be more proactive about it and exercising more, but I haven't. It isn't that I don't want to--I just need to MAKE time.

4. When I had such a long day on Tuesday, my mom came up to "babysit" her granddogs. I didn't want them to be alone for such an extended period of time with no potty break, so I asked her, and she was like "YEAH!" I think all parties involved enjoyed themselves, haha. I felt bad for her though...because she got home even later than I. I told her to just stay the night, but she had to go home. I'm sure the dogs got NO treats or anything while she was here...ha!

5. Earlier in the week, I registered for my final two MBA classes. They start in early January. It will be (another) tough semester, I'm sure, but I'm just trying to keep in mind that it will be my last! I debated on just taking one class (the required one), walking in May graduation, and finishing up with an elective in summer. On the one hand, I just want to get done, but on the other hand it would be nice to have a little less pressure. I'll probably just stick with my plan for now, unless something changes.

6. I found out today that I'll be going to St. Louis for work in early December. I've actually never been to Missouri so that will be another state to cross off my list! I purchased my plane ticket for just $165 AND I have a nonstop return flight. Hooray for Southwest! 

7. I think I need a personal assistant. The problem is I am not that cool, nor can I afford one. Right now I need the oil changed in my car, my dogs taken to the vet, my house cleaned, my groceries purchased, dry cleaning dropped off, and several other things that keep getting pushed back. I'm not a total diva, I promise. I just have homework...which I should be doing now...

On that note, peace out bloggies! Have a great weekend!

Seven Quick Takes (v.3)

In an effort to revive this thing I call blogging...here's your weekly dose of me! Brought to you in the form of Seven Quick Takes. Visit other "Quick Takers" at Conversion Diary.

1. Let me just start off by saying...I'm writing this blog when I definitely should be in bed. DEFINITELY. Especially considering that by 9:00 last night, I had fallen asleep on the couch in an upright position. I may or may not have had a Finance book in my lap, which may or may not have contributed to my drowsiness. It is midnight, and this is the latest I've stayed up all week. I'm sure I'll pay for it tomorrow.

2. My job is kicking my butt. Well, let me rephrase that. The job is going well, it is the commute that is kicking my butt. I live in the same town as my job, just 16 miles away! Our locations, however, could be considered polar opposites. It takes me forever to get home, and this makes me sad (and tired). But like I said, the job is going well. I don't know if I ever mentioned this, but at my last job we only worked 35 hours a week, 8:30-4:30 each day. While it might not seem like such a huge deal...working 8 to 5 is a big change! Plus last week I worked about 47.75 hrs...but who's counting, right?

3. I've been really stressed out. Today I broke down and cried. I've been worried about all my homework. I was later than usual getting home. I came in and the dog (which one I do not know) had been sick and doo-doo'd everywhere. I take them outside and they run into my neighbor's back door (no lie). Spend an hour cleaning up the mess. Then I try to order a pizza (do not judge me, I'd had a hard day). Well...my street is so new it is not on any map. I put in my address on the Papa John's website and it can't find me! Anyway. Called the Papa, the Papa who had in fact delivered pizza to me before, and guess what I did. Argued with Habib the Manager! He informed me he did not deliver pizza here and wanted to "transfer" me to another store (like 2x as far away). I informed him that oh yes he did and told him turn-by-turn exactly where I was located. Somewhere in there I also said, "Please do not interrupt me." You know what he said? "Oh. Okay. I get this right out to you." That's right you will...anyway it was after all that jazz that I started crying.

4. I'm getting my hair did on Saturday, by a new person. It is actually a man, recommended by a friend. I've never had my hair done by a man before, but let's hope it goes well and doesn't take four hours like my last hair experience! The bad news is that my appointment is at 7:30 in the morning, but apparently he's in high demand, and I got roots a-showin.

5. Last week I joined a gym. I have been once. I have determined that I need more hours in the day as well as more motivation. Have you any suggestions...please pass those my way.

6. Because my brain is gooey...how about some pictures for these last two?

My bubby and me last Saturday night. His college band was playing an "exhibition" at a high-school band competition here in town. It was the first time I'd ever gotten to see one of his college marching band performances. I also got to meet his girlfriend, and she is very pretty and sweet. Usually he dates girls that don't have much to say (for whatever reason), so I like this one already, haha :)

7.

My honey TJ and me a couple weekends ago before Big Blue Madness. It was AWeSOME. UK Basketball is going to be great this year. Love him ♥

That's all I've got for now peeps...I hope you all have a great weekend! Have a safe and Happy Halloween! :)

Friday (on Saturday): Seven Quick Takes (v.2)

No, I haven't lost it...I know full well that it is Saturday, and that this should have been done yesterday. I just didn't get around to it, okay? I actually thought about it, around 7:20 as I was getting dressed for work. I was already running behind schedule so there was no sitting down to blog for me. Anywho, let's do this thang...

1. I just mentioned "work." Yes, I'm finally off the dole (aka unemployment). I think I'm going to like my job. I do not like the commute. I was spoiled living in Connecticut, because I was only 6 miles from work and I could get there in about 10 minutes. Now I'm about 16 miles from work and it takes me 30-40 minutes to get there and longer to get home. It's annoying, but I guess I'll deal. I don't mind so much in the morning (who am I kidding--I''d rather be sleeping!) but I don't get home till almost 6:00 some days and that is aggravating!

2. Last Sunday I went to church! I actually didn't go to the Methodist church I referred to previously, but a Baptist church that is pretty close. My grandmother had mentioned it specifically, then the guy who installed our blinds Saturday said he went there, too. I decided to give it a try, and I really liked it. This little old lady who sat in front of me talked my ear off before and after the sermon, and her husband gave me a life saver mint. It was really cute :) I am hoping to make it back tomorrow!

3. The weather has really been cooling down! In the mornings I have been cold...and right now I'm cold, actually. I'm trying really hard to NOT turn on the heat. We've yet to receive an electricity bill, so I have no idea how much the bill might be. Once I have some kind of idea, then maybe I'll turn the heat on. TJ always says I freeze him to death...so I don't imagine I can hold out for too much longer. Brr! The leaves, however, have not really started to change. That is one thing I'll miss about Connecticut. Fall in New England was soooo gorgeous.

4. This morning's to-do list looked like this: wal-mart, dog baths, dishes, mail, pick up living room. So far, I've crossed off bathing the dogs and doing the dishes (problems with the dishwasher, grr). I've started the mail. I had a HUGE stack of mail to get through and now it is separated into piles--Action, File, Other. I still need to pick up the downstairs and go to walmart...but I am of course procrastinating!

5. I think I've decided that after you buy a home, the realtor must give your name and address to everyone in town--dentist, dry cleaner, church, interior designer, plumber, etc. Why? Because I keep getting random mail from businesses. It is addressed with our NAMES--not just "our friends at..." How would they know it was ME? How would they know to send me something? Any insight peoples?

6. Sometimes Facebook friend requests are so random. I occasionally get one from someone I went to high school with but wasn't really a friend. In fact, sometimes I'll get them from people who didn't even like me (or so I thought). I don't know what to think about that.

7. I need some ideas for a Halloween costume. I have never been one that is good at thinking up really fun/creative/unique costumes. My cousin on the other hand...she always had the best costumes. My brother is pretty good, as well. I don't typically like to be anything that is super scary, but any other ideas you have? please share! :)

Have a great weekend! :)   

Friday: Seven Quick Takes (v.1)

This week, I'm taking a page from Chelsea's book and doing something called "Seven Quick Takes." You can visit www.conversiondiary.com to visit other Quick Takers. Yes Chelsea I copied and pasted that line from you blog. Hope ya don't mind! ;) Ok, here goes...

1. My Blackberry is DONE. KAPUT. Well, sort of. What I really mean is that it is currently (and forevermore) serving no other purpose than a regular cell phone. Why? Well my husband purchased this "unlocked device" for me from newegg.com instead of getting it from AT&T. Apparently they lied. Research in Motion, the manufacturer of Blackberries, says my phone is an illegally modified device which is in violation of Blackberry policy. There is nothing I can do to get it unblocked. It worked for about 3 months and then Blackberry "caught it." Dang them. Perhaps I shall say hello to an iPhone soon...but I'd like to get some $$$ back from New Egg first (unlikely).

2. I start my new job on Monday. I will be the Community Outreach Coordinator for a local company. The good news is that this is a new position. The bad news is that this is a new position, so I'm not entirely sure what I will do. I'm sure I'll figure it out. I meant to wake up early enough this morning to drive there, and test out how long the drive will take me, but as you can see I did not do that and am instead here blogging. This probably means I will need to set many alarms on Monday to ensure that I wake up on time. At any rate, I'm nervous about the job. I hope I like it and can do well.

3. We have two friends coming to stay the night tonight. I am very excited. Actually, it is my hubby's cousin and his wife. Tomorrow morning we are going to try to get tickets for Big Blue Madness. If you're not a UK Basketball fan, you probably don't know what that is. It is the first official practice of the season for our b-ball team, a BIG DEAL and open to the public. We have a new coach this year, so naturally the entire state is going to try to go. I really hope we can get tickets! During my sophomore year in college, I won a hundred bucks at Madness by eating a pint of ice cream (in 2 bites, no lie) and making a basket. Worst bball shot EVER. It hit the front of the rim and SOMEHOW made it in. The guy who's ball went in right after mine was TICKED. Me on the other hand, I was a hundred dollars richer :)

4. I went to the doctor earlier this week because I thought I had given myself a hernia, which I already told you. He gave me some medicine and luckily, my cough and side pain are getting better. Unfortunately, I now have a really bad headache/neck-ache (I don't think the two [dr. visit and headache] are related). It has been hurting since yesterday. This happens pretty regularly, which sucks. I'm sure my liver appreciates all the Advil I take. I once read somewhere that you shouldn't be taking OTC pain meds more than 2-3 times a month. I was then convinced I was a total pill-popper, because what the crap, sometimes I take them 2-3 times in one day. Here's hoping the my headache/neck-ache gets better really soon.

5. I need to go get my driver's license and car registration changed today. Why today? Well, because I start work on Monday and because I will likely have to drive a company car at some point, they probably want me to have a license from this state. I have been putting this off all week. Naturally it is pouring rain today. I guess that is my punishment for being a procrastinator.

6. I got a postcard earlier in the week, addressed to my husband and I, inviting us to church services at a nearby Methodist church. I am not really familiar with the Methodist church, as my husband and I were both raised in Baptist churches. So guess what I did? I got on The Google and searched "baptist vs. methodist." I didn't learn much about the differences, other than robe-wearing, female ministers, and the differences in the methods of Baptism. I'm not opposed to trying out a non-Baptist church, I just wanted to get a little background info.

7. The company where I had my 403(b) invested/managed sent me a check for $500-ish dollars. Obviously my first instinct is, "Woohoo! MONEY!" The issue is that I don't know WHY they sent me this check. I recently received something stating I would receive a check if I had less than $1,000 in my account. According to my paystubs, I should have had A LOT more than $1,000 in the account. So now I'm wondering if perhaps I didn't fully understand the letter, or if my employer did not pay in the monies that were deducted. Of course, this will require me calling this company and getting an explanation. I hate those types of phone calls. Isn't that what adults do? Oh, wait...nevermind. UGH.

Okay bloggies, that's it for today. Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! :)