Things have been an absolute whirlwind lately and I apologize for the lack of updates. it's not like it's a whirlwind of incredibly exciting things...just lots of STUFF. Life stuff.
Work for me is crazy busy. C.R.A.Z.Y. I will update on that at a later date, but just know that the next time you see me, I may have pulled a Britney Spears and will be sporting some fancy new blonde extentions on my bald head. But no matter how crazy I get, I will never flash the paparazzi. Take comfort in that.
Stella is BUSY. She is all over the place; all the time. Yet, she can not walk on her own yet. Just crawls all over and pulls up on everything and walks up and down the couch and back... She actually will sit in her room and play with toys by herself. She pulls EVERYTHING off of the bottom shelf and watches me put it all back up - to turn around and do it again. What a fun game!
Toby is working hard too. He works 6am - 3:30 pm every day and then has had a couple side jobs that he is currently working on.... AND since he has such a huge heart and can't say no, he has volunteered to cut the neighbor's grass while they are on vacation...in addition to all of our yardwork... And it's been SO hot outside - he is exhausted from working in the heat a lot. Poor guy.
Our weekends are full from now until August. It's all filled with lovely events but it's kind of stressing me out to know that in addition to 40+ hours of work-work, I have no downtime to get the REST of my life in order. (Control freaks unite!) The house is going to suffer (more!) - it's already suffering. You know it's bad when you find your child eating dirt clumps out of the living room carpet.
Welcome to my world!!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Because I don't have time to write anymore...
Father's Day
Blowing Bubbles with Dad:
First Sucker:
Looks like she's wearing a tutu (she's not - her skirt was riding up.)
Another Pool Party with the Fam:
Blowing Bubbles with Dad:
First Sucker:
Looks like she's wearing a tutu (she's not - her skirt was riding up.)
Another Pool Party with the Fam:
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Down on the Farm
I just wanted to post some pictures of my Great Aunt and Uncle's farm in Studley, Virginia because I LOVE it there and it's so cute. We go atleast once a week for fresh veggies so if any Richmond peeps want to go with me and Stella one day, please join us!! (Studley = Mechanicsville = not far!)
There are the treasured Hanover Tomatoes!
There are the treasured Hanover Tomatoes!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Stella's First Pool Party!!
Here she is modeling her suit:
Arriving at the pool (that was a long 50 feet stroll from our house):
Sitting poolside:
In the pool with Grandpa:
Baby's First Float:
Mama forgot her sunglasses so she stole from her daughter. (Funny story: Toby came by to talk to us all and it was a good 20 minutes into the conversation when I realized I had those glasses on...so I said "Good Lord! These are Stella's glasses, I forgot mine, I don't think I look cute or anything." And he said "Well I thought they looked a little small...")
And the expected crying spell when we had to get out and go home:
But if somebody stayed in any longer her feet would have been totally shriveled - they were well on their way!
Arriving at the pool (that was a long 50 feet stroll from our house):
Sitting poolside:
In the pool with Grandpa:
Baby's First Float:
Mama forgot her sunglasses so she stole from her daughter. (Funny story: Toby came by to talk to us all and it was a good 20 minutes into the conversation when I realized I had those glasses on...so I said "Good Lord! These are Stella's glasses, I forgot mine, I don't think I look cute or anything." And he said "Well I thought they looked a little small...")
And the expected crying spell when we had to get out and go home:
But if somebody stayed in any longer her feet would have been totally shriveled - they were well on their way!
Monday, June 04, 2007
To quote my brother...
"Apparently I am now a Maroon 5 fan."
He is so RIGHT. I have never gave 2 poots about that band either way...even when they first came out and everyone was raving...but their new album? Awesome. The "Makes me wonder" song made me bust into spontaneous clapping in the car yesterday. If you do not have this album, go get it. You'll clap while driving too!! (And Stella was not in the car...)
And speaking of brothers, mine left this morning for Mexico to visit Miss Kristen in Merida for a week. I hope he has fun but I want him back home already! I love having him here...better not get TOO used to it though.
Lots going on... I think... I haven't really had time to sit down and reflect lately - it's just been kind of a whirlwind. Since Carol's passing and since Dad's episode, I've been going going going - which might be a good thing??
Dad had his 1 week check up with the cardiologist yesterday and it went very well. Mom said the nurse came in and said "Mr. Taylor, you are a VERY lucky man."
I don't think I have TRULY sat down and thought about what happened to Dad. I think I have treated this situation like I did the situation with Carol... just kind of "ignored" it and pushed it away. This is going to sound crazy, but I STILL don't think I truly understand that Carol is gone. I'm afraid if I TRULY understand it, I'll go into a downward spiral. So I always keep my brain on this upper level, know what I mean? I did that the whole time Carol was sick too...
Mom was saying yesterday about how she and Matt were talking about how they both have been feeling anxious this past week.... thinking about what happened to Dad and all....
I think I'm different in that I am dealing with the Dad thing by NOT dealing with it and NOT thinking about "what could have happened..." I'm just moving on. Living life as if it didn't happen - except with some changes (more mindful of Dad's health (and ALL of our health) and well-being and eating habits, etc...) But other than that, I won't let my head "go there."
I always thought I was pretty healthy mentally, but maybe not? I don't know.......
I don't want to think about it. :)
I'll think about something else that is just lovely: work.
While I do like my job, I need something MORE. I want something NON-administrative. I am working on bigger projects (lately in Staffing) but I'm still an "Executive Administrative Assistant" and I'm still making the same money. Now, I understand it takes time to prove yourself and all, but I have been at PM for 7 years this summer (2 of those as a temp, but whatever...) So I am ready to move on... I have a great reputation here. I know they don't want to lose me...BUT I need more and the prospects are just not available here.
For one, the higher grade jobs are going to the University Recruits. Which is a catch-22 because this is the exact project I am working on in Staffing - our UR program. I am helping to plan events and also helped with onboarding the Summer Interns (who will also come into the company - if they perform well - at a higher grade job) which leaves NO room for the employees already in the company who want to move up. Gotta fill those UR quotas.
Which hurts my feelings, honestly.
These are KIDS. I mean, I could babysit them!! Yet they are coming into the company at double my salary with no experience. I have a college degree. I have 7 years in this culture. I have had exceptional performance ratings every single year. What's wrong with me? Why can't I get a Grade 8 (or above) job? I just want to be given a chance.
But jumping from the administrative track to the non-administrative track is nearly impossible. Especially at this time.
Sooooooooooo, I have been doing a bit of thinking on this one over the past week or so....
Option 1:
Leave the Company.
I have heard stories of excellent admins leaving this company to go onto another company as a manager with their own admin! I think if I can ENTER into another company NOT on the administrative track, I will not be type-cast or pigeonholed - and the sky is the limit.
Option 2:
Leave the Company for a management position somewhere else. Gain experience. And come back in as management - then I would be golden. I think this is my "dream" option and I don't think it will happen this way, but who knows?
Option 3:
Stay in current position and go back to school. This one is looking the most realistic right now...
I have applied for 2 positions elsewhere. I think I am going to leave it at that and wait to hear from those companies - if I ever do. In the meantime, i am investigating going back to school ONLINE. (I can't physically go back to school. I hardly have the time and energy to cook dinner each night...)
I was thinking about getting my certificate in Project Management. I think that may be a good field of study for an obsessive compulsive, insanely organized, process oriented individual like myself. I also think it's a skill that can follow me anywhere and can help to advance my career in any department - HR, External Affairs, Marketing, etc....
So.... my boss is out all week and I am using some time to contemplate my work life and to think about next steps.... any advice or any great online resources you want to pass along would be greatly appreciated, as I am not doing too good of a job concentrating on this one thing before something else pops up and interrupts me...
For instance, I worked so hard yesterday to build a cart at wal-mart.com with the CUTEST infant t-shirts and scooters...and mix all match-able. And then just forgot about it! I was laying in bed last night and realized I never checked out. Damn! So I'll need to re-do that today at some point... Whoa is me.
Stella and I had dinner last night with my former bosses and it was so great to be with them again. I laugh so hard when I am with them. I love hearing stories of my old department. I miss my boys but DANG I do not miss that department and the other people I had to deal with...and nothing has changed. Of course.
I took some great pictures with Stella and her "uncles" and I'll insert them here from home tonight....
Last weekend I hosted a "Girl's Day" for a big group and we all just got together and worked on crafts - mostly scrapbooking but one friend knitted, another group painted knobs for a dresser they are refinishing.... I spent the whole day trying to organize my 1000+ pictures of Stella to get ready to scrapbook. I was successful after a bit of whining and griping and help from friends... NOW I'm ready to scrapbook. I need to start planning the next one. I'm thinking it might have to be a Stephanie's 31st Birthday Craft Day. I can't think of anything I would rather do, honestly. When did I turn into such a old lady nerd??
I am looking forward to a weekend AT HOME. I have so many piddley little things I want to do around the house that I just never have time.... like take all of the stuffed gorillas that Toby and I have given each other over the years (it's a little bit of a tradition) and put them on Stella's toy shelves...or file bills and paperwork...or reorg the laundry room...or whatever!!!
I think Sunah may be coming over to do a little scrapbooking at my dining room table at some point which will be great to get me back "in the game."
Toby is going to see Tool tomorrow night - I got him the ticket for his birthday. Then I think he'll be having Heath and the other boys over this weekend... I'm SO glad they have the garage and pool table there so I don't have to worry about them drinking beer and driving. I'm a tad worried about the Tool concert....but they are all grown men and I can't control them. If they get DUIs then that's fine. I'll just make Toby's life a living hell. If I don't divorce him. THAT is how much I hate drinking and driving - and I can't even venture to guess how many times I have asked him and his friends to NOT do it. Oh well, it's in God's hands...I can't control grown people.
On another note, I probably should go get some work done. Like building that Wal-Mart shopping cart again. Important stuff here, people!!!
He is so RIGHT. I have never gave 2 poots about that band either way...even when they first came out and everyone was raving...but their new album? Awesome. The "Makes me wonder" song made me bust into spontaneous clapping in the car yesterday. If you do not have this album, go get it. You'll clap while driving too!! (And Stella was not in the car...)
And speaking of brothers, mine left this morning for Mexico to visit Miss Kristen in Merida for a week. I hope he has fun but I want him back home already! I love having him here...better not get TOO used to it though.
Lots going on... I think... I haven't really had time to sit down and reflect lately - it's just been kind of a whirlwind. Since Carol's passing and since Dad's episode, I've been going going going - which might be a good thing??
Dad had his 1 week check up with the cardiologist yesterday and it went very well. Mom said the nurse came in and said "Mr. Taylor, you are a VERY lucky man."
I don't think I have TRULY sat down and thought about what happened to Dad. I think I have treated this situation like I did the situation with Carol... just kind of "ignored" it and pushed it away. This is going to sound crazy, but I STILL don't think I truly understand that Carol is gone. I'm afraid if I TRULY understand it, I'll go into a downward spiral. So I always keep my brain on this upper level, know what I mean? I did that the whole time Carol was sick too...
Mom was saying yesterday about how she and Matt were talking about how they both have been feeling anxious this past week.... thinking about what happened to Dad and all....
I think I'm different in that I am dealing with the Dad thing by NOT dealing with it and NOT thinking about "what could have happened..." I'm just moving on. Living life as if it didn't happen - except with some changes (more mindful of Dad's health (and ALL of our health) and well-being and eating habits, etc...) But other than that, I won't let my head "go there."
I always thought I was pretty healthy mentally, but maybe not? I don't know.......
I don't want to think about it. :)
I'll think about something else that is just lovely: work.
While I do like my job, I need something MORE. I want something NON-administrative. I am working on bigger projects (lately in Staffing) but I'm still an "Executive Administrative Assistant" and I'm still making the same money. Now, I understand it takes time to prove yourself and all, but I have been at PM for 7 years this summer (2 of those as a temp, but whatever...) So I am ready to move on... I have a great reputation here. I know they don't want to lose me...BUT I need more and the prospects are just not available here.
For one, the higher grade jobs are going to the University Recruits. Which is a catch-22 because this is the exact project I am working on in Staffing - our UR program. I am helping to plan events and also helped with onboarding the Summer Interns (who will also come into the company - if they perform well - at a higher grade job) which leaves NO room for the employees already in the company who want to move up. Gotta fill those UR quotas.
Which hurts my feelings, honestly.
These are KIDS. I mean, I could babysit them!! Yet they are coming into the company at double my salary with no experience. I have a college degree. I have 7 years in this culture. I have had exceptional performance ratings every single year. What's wrong with me? Why can't I get a Grade 8 (or above) job? I just want to be given a chance.
But jumping from the administrative track to the non-administrative track is nearly impossible. Especially at this time.
Sooooooooooo, I have been doing a bit of thinking on this one over the past week or so....
Option 1:
Leave the Company.
I have heard stories of excellent admins leaving this company to go onto another company as a manager with their own admin! I think if I can ENTER into another company NOT on the administrative track, I will not be type-cast or pigeonholed - and the sky is the limit.
Option 2:
Leave the Company for a management position somewhere else. Gain experience. And come back in as management - then I would be golden. I think this is my "dream" option and I don't think it will happen this way, but who knows?
Option 3:
Stay in current position and go back to school. This one is looking the most realistic right now...
I have applied for 2 positions elsewhere. I think I am going to leave it at that and wait to hear from those companies - if I ever do. In the meantime, i am investigating going back to school ONLINE. (I can't physically go back to school. I hardly have the time and energy to cook dinner each night...)
I was thinking about getting my certificate in Project Management. I think that may be a good field of study for an obsessive compulsive, insanely organized, process oriented individual like myself. I also think it's a skill that can follow me anywhere and can help to advance my career in any department - HR, External Affairs, Marketing, etc....
So.... my boss is out all week and I am using some time to contemplate my work life and to think about next steps.... any advice or any great online resources you want to pass along would be greatly appreciated, as I am not doing too good of a job concentrating on this one thing before something else pops up and interrupts me...
For instance, I worked so hard yesterday to build a cart at wal-mart.com with the CUTEST infant t-shirts and scooters...and mix all match-able. And then just forgot about it! I was laying in bed last night and realized I never checked out. Damn! So I'll need to re-do that today at some point... Whoa is me.
Stella and I had dinner last night with my former bosses and it was so great to be with them again. I laugh so hard when I am with them. I love hearing stories of my old department. I miss my boys but DANG I do not miss that department and the other people I had to deal with...and nothing has changed. Of course.
I took some great pictures with Stella and her "uncles" and I'll insert them here from home tonight....
Last weekend I hosted a "Girl's Day" for a big group and we all just got together and worked on crafts - mostly scrapbooking but one friend knitted, another group painted knobs for a dresser they are refinishing.... I spent the whole day trying to organize my 1000+ pictures of Stella to get ready to scrapbook. I was successful after a bit of whining and griping and help from friends... NOW I'm ready to scrapbook. I need to start planning the next one. I'm thinking it might have to be a Stephanie's 31st Birthday Craft Day. I can't think of anything I would rather do, honestly. When did I turn into such a old lady nerd??
I am looking forward to a weekend AT HOME. I have so many piddley little things I want to do around the house that I just never have time.... like take all of the stuffed gorillas that Toby and I have given each other over the years (it's a little bit of a tradition) and put them on Stella's toy shelves...or file bills and paperwork...or reorg the laundry room...or whatever!!!
I think Sunah may be coming over to do a little scrapbooking at my dining room table at some point which will be great to get me back "in the game."
Toby is going to see Tool tomorrow night - I got him the ticket for his birthday. Then I think he'll be having Heath and the other boys over this weekend... I'm SO glad they have the garage and pool table there so I don't have to worry about them drinking beer and driving. I'm a tad worried about the Tool concert....but they are all grown men and I can't control them. If they get DUIs then that's fine. I'll just make Toby's life a living hell. If I don't divorce him. THAT is how much I hate drinking and driving - and I can't even venture to guess how many times I have asked him and his friends to NOT do it. Oh well, it's in God's hands...I can't control grown people.
On another note, I probably should go get some work done. Like building that Wal-Mart shopping cart again. Important stuff here, people!!!
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