What the Heck is a Michigan Turn Anyway...and Other Random Musings

Back in April, less than one week after I moved back to the Mitten, I was pulled over. What? I wasn't doing anything wrong? There I was, minding my own business, following my GPS and traffic, then Bam! Motorcycle cop in my rear-view mirror. Apparently I made an illegal left hand turn, and it was "posted five times". The cop had no sympathy for the fact that I just moved here one week ago, though clearly evident by my Tennessee license plate and Florida driver's license. AND he even pointed to my GPS and said "just following instructions, huh?". I drove away with a ticket and a "meet me in court and I'll drop the charges down to a violation so you don't get any points". Grrr....

You see, here in city, we have something really lame-o called Michigan Turns. It is where you have to pass the street you want to turn left on (even though you could physically turn left), go down about a block, and do a u-turn around the median only to go back to the road you originally wanted to turn left on to then turn right. Huh? You follow that? Well, me either. Still don't really understand it, though now abide by the law.

This past Tuesday was my court date- and $150 later, I walked out of there a free woman. Well, I was never technically not-free, but at least I don't have any points on my license. That was my first time at court, and hopefully my last. What a waste of time.

So...other random musings..I have a short work week coming up, which is just fine by me. This past week, a guy on my team was out on vacation, so it was a trying time. It's tough being the new girl, being busy and not getting any help from anyone. Yesterday, I was completely, utterly emotionally and physically exhausted by the time I got home. But I got a good night's sleep and today is Saturday!

On Thursday, we are leaving for our annual trip Up North, and this time we are breaking into teams and having a weekend long scavenger hunt. Stay tuned for more details on that- I'm confident I'm on the winning team! I know Lesa, Ryan and I are three of the most competitive people, and we're all on a team together. You hear my, Jennette? You're going down ;)

Tomorrow we're heading into Manchester for Ryan's niece and nephew's birthday party. Taylor is turning two, and Wes is turning 4. I'm going to try to remember my camera because they are two of the cutest kids ever.

Now, time to start cleaning the house and running some errands. This stuff just doesn't get done by itself, unfortunately...

Y'all vs. You Guys - South vs. North

Y'all- used in addressing two or more people, one of whom is addressed. Chiefly South Midland and Southern US.

You guys- the Northern, slang, ugly, uneducated phrase for the above.

Perhaps one of the things I miss most about living in the south is the warm, comforting, hospitable accent. And the use of the oh-so-wonderful word "y'all". I sure wish we used this phrase up here! In addition, I miss my friends, the music, the city, the food, the history, the culture and Elvis.

Happy Monday, y'all. I'm SO happy it's over with :)

Misc. Musings

Currently...

Excited about: Our looming trip to the Great Up North

Worried about: Kaia's terrible separation anxiety. It's been really hard for her now that I'm working.

Reading: Harry Potter- Half Blood Prince

Loving: This Saturday morning with my man. We are just relaxing with coffee and about to eat BLTs. Now that I'm back to work, this is my most favorite time of the week.

Hating: The fact that as of September 30, I may or may not have a job anymore.

Wondering about: Goodby, Silverstein and Partners

Craving: a don don

Listening to: Sports Center on ESPN. When Ryan is home, it's ALWAYS on.

Dreaming about: My wedding, of course :)

New Favorite Hangout: Gusoline Alley in Downtown Royal Oak. A great local dive bar.

Missing: My mommsy

Love this pic of my guy. Isn't he handsome?

So.....

....I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!! Congrats to my brother, Carl, and his girl, Jaime. She is due in January, and I am so happy for them :)

Fire Drill

Yesterday, right smack dab in the middle of a busy morning at CE, alarms started sounding and lights started flashing. I heard a few of the veteran employees groan "not a fire drill- I have way too much to do right now", and even heard some say they may just stay at their desk. Well, not possible, in that seconds later the floor admin was shepherding us all toward the stairway. From my previous post about my first day at CE, you probably know I work with over 1,000 people. Have you ever had to evacuate with that many people? It's a slow process, to say the least.

As we were heading down the flights of stairs (sure feel bad for those on the 9th and 10th floors), I'm sure some others like me wondered- for just a moment- if it was a real emergency, rather than just a drill. I couldn't help but think about 9/11, and what the occupants of the World Trade Center were thinking on that fateful day when their fire alarms went off. Did they think it was a joke? Did some of them want to stay behind, or did they stay behind, because they had too much work to do as well? For those who did evacuate, what were they thinking during their loooonnnggg walk down? Were people panicking? I can't even imagine the pandemonium that would have ensued yesterday should everyone have been pushing and shoving to get out.

While we lost a precious hour of the day, I'm thankful CE took the time to do the drill. Now, in the event of a real emergency (especially if the power goes out), I'll at least know where the stairwell is.

Doggies in the Window

Every day, without fail, I come home from work to this:

I guess it's safe to say my Kai and Boom miss me while I am away. Even if you're not a dog lover, there's no denying that a dog's love is nothing other than unconditional. I always look forward to pulling into my drive and seeing my doggies in the window :)

Misc. Musings

• Less than three weeks until our annual canoe trip up north. I am so excited I can hardly stand it!
• Today is Mitten Kitten Stef's birthday- happy birthday, love! There's a big party at her parent's house tonight, so it will be a good time seeing everyone.
• I survived my first week of work, and I'm happy to report that I will be going back on Monday ;)
• I am a reality TV junkie. It's Saturday and I'm in eager anticipation of Frank and Ali's blowout on the Bachelorette on Monday. Lame, I know. (And P.S. Kendall/Anne- I've already read the spoilers. Are you surprised?)
• The Brooks n Dunn farewell concert is in about 2 weeks, and I Really, Really, Really want to go. Ryan- are you listening???
• I went to bed at 8pm last night. Girl was tired after working a full week for the first time in three months!
• I miss my doggies terribly during the day while I'm at work. I'm happy that later today they get to run, run, run out in the coun-treeee!
• I'm thoroughly enjoying this lazy Saturday morning with my man. My motivation was checked at the door this morning, and I'm a-ok with that.

Happy Weekend, y'all!

Stef, me and Jennette- all set for a day on the river (first annual canoe trip '08)

Sealing the Deal

What can I say. Once a Mitten Kitten, always a Mitten Kitten. Well, that and mean Policeman said I had to become a state resident before meeting him in court at the end of July. Wish me luck with that ;)

First Day Re-Cap

Well, thank goodness that's over with. There is nothing worse than a first day of work, and I consider myself to be outgoing and friendly. So how do shy people accomplish such a feat?

Check it out- how's this for being official:

Snazzy! Keyless access into the main part of the building. The bummer: have to have it on you at all times.

Here's a rundown of my first day:

1. A guy in my orientation class was late. Really, dude? You're showing up late on your first day, in this tough job market, and making us all wait on you? That's professional.
2. I found out fast what it's like being just a face within a company. There's almost 1,000 people at this agency. What a huge change from the everyone-knows-you agencies I just came from.
3. I was a little bored, but to be expected. I'm sure in a few weeks, I'll look back with envy!
4. I found out today that one person on my team is leaving the agency next Friday. He's been with CE and on this account for over three years. The one and only other person on my team has been with CE for just two weeks. Uh oh!
5. You can get lunch from a deli down on the main floor. Sandwiches, salads, chips, etc. Good stuff, fresh daily, made-to-order. I ordered chicken salad on a wrap, but when I got up to my office (cause the new girl always eats alone the first day :( I found out it was tuna, not chicken. Great. I'm new AND that one who smells up the office with tuna.
6. I missed my cs2 girls.
7. I missed my B-Squared girls.
8. My commute is awesome. Seriously. 20 minutes there, 20 mins home. Hip hip hooray! Rush hour in the city and the burbs is horrendous. I got majorly lucky.
9. Honestly, it was really good to be back at work and back in an agency again. The stress, the deadlines, the creative people all around you. Loved it.
10. I'm on a PC, not MAC :(

So, now that my first day is over with, I'm totally ready for tomorrow!

32 Already?

My most favorite person is 32. How is that possible? I remember when we were in high school.

Ryan is a manly man. A Marine. I love that about him, and it seems he is just getting better with age! Strong, confident and loyal to his family and friends. Constantly this guy is making me laugh, and I love that one day, he'll make a great dad. He plays like a kid and works like a man. But most of all, he makes me happy.

Happy Birthday to the love of my life! I'm proud to be your girl.

So...What Exactly is a Mitten Kitten?

When living in Memphis, I think I got a few laughs when I called Michigan the Mitten State. Or maybe it was because I pointed to my hand to show where I lived. On second thought, it could have been both of these things, but I bet my yankee accent had a little something to do it, too. Anyway, I digress...Michigan is shaped like a mitten- thus, the Mitten State. And now, meet the Mitten Kittens!

My favorite eight girls in the world. We have all grown up together, and somewhere along the way nicknamed ourselves Mitten Kittens. We have seen it all together- love, heartache, happiness, sorrow, marriage, death, good times, bad times, vacations, college, babies, real-life issues. The list goes on. We can go months without seeing each other, but then pick right back up like we've only been apart for a day. So, here's a little bit more about each of my girls (from left to right):

Jen- loyal and trustworthy as the day is long. I've never met anyone who doesn't like Jen. She's funny, sarcastic, kind and patient. She would do anything for any one of her friends. She's a wife, a mom and a sister, and the only daughter (and youngest) like me. She has amazing parents, who she has kindly shared with each one of us girls.

Carmen- our southern transplant. Who comes home to visit us and has the slightest southern drawl. She has a tremendous heart, loves strong, plays hard, and is extremely outgoing. She's a lover of all things music, especially Texas country. Carmen is trendy, fun and has the patience of a saint. We are constantly trying to get this girl to move back home!

Jennette- our hometown Kitten. She absolutely defines loyal and patient. She's funny, caring and is the best homemaker. She cooks a fab dinner every night, recycles everything she touches and has the greenest thumb of us all. She has been with her husband for over 12 years now, and is the reason why Ryan and I are together now.

Sarah- my very first friend when I moved to Manchester. This girl is good at EVERYTHING she does. Sports, cooking, being a mom- whatever she touches you know she will be good at it. She's hilarious, has a big heart and is a homebody like me. She, too, has patience that defies the norm, and thinks everything and everyone is "kinda-cute".

Stef-sweet, hardworking, outgoing, reliable and always there for you. What she lacks in height she sure makes up for in personality and love. She loves to dance, drink wine, knit and garden, but is NOT a good driver ;) She's in her glory being a mom, and would go to every single Madonna concert if given the chance.

Tracey- the one to do many things first. First to graduate from college, first to marry, first to own a home, first one to have a real job. She's smart, dependable and trustworthy. An amazing wife and an amazing mom, she doesn't take short cuts in anything she does. She has the biggest heart and is the most understanding person I know.

Elesa- my wittiest friend. Sarcastic. Fashionable. Looks GREAT without makeup. She gave the group our first "niece", and is the best mom. She's a no-nonsense type of gal, and should write a book about all her mom tips. A rock during the hard times, but flirty, fun and fabulous in the good times. Don't try to debate with her, you won't win!

Leigh-defies all odds. The definition of strength and will. She's faithful, fearless and a believer. She always knows what she wants and goes after it, no matter what it takes. Constantly she surprises me, and has the largest support system I have ever seen. And, to top it off, she has perfect hair that looks good even if she doesn't blow dry it!

So, there you have it- my Mitten Kittens. Eight amazing women that I thank God for every day. I love these girls!

"Having these women in my world has meant not only acceptance, but radiant joy and laughter that knocks me right out of my chair. Through our darkest moments, we have lifted each other up. In every moment of grief we've shared, our laughter is a life vest, a secure promise that we will not go under."

Well, It Was Fun While It Lasted

But it's unemployment no more- I've got me a J.O.B. You are now reading the blog of the newest Project Manager at Campbell-Ewald. I'm honored, excited, flattered, nervous, enthused, anxious, happy, thrilled, loving life, apprehensive...among other things. I'll be part of the Chevrolet OLM (online media) team, and I start Monday- woot woot! Campbell Ewald is one of the largest advertising and digital agencies in the US, with other 30 clients and $2 billion in annual billings. The best of the best works there, and they chose ME. I've known I wanted to work for this agency before I even moved back to Michigan, so this truly is a dream come true. For now, it is a temporary position (anywhere from 3 to 6 months) due to a long standing relationship between agency and client coming to a close, but I've always said I just needed to get my foot in the door and then I'll take it from there ;)

Learn more about this amazing agency here.

4th of July Weekend- Besties, Babies and a Ballgame

I think I've forgotten how busy you are when you live in your homestate, especially during the summertime. This Fourth of July weekend was one of my favorites yet- my mom and other friends visiting, cookouts, lazy days at the lake, catching a Tiger's game at the ballpark... I had a BLAST, and feel like I'm still paying for it. It's Wednesday and I'm just exhausted, but it was well worth it! Here are a few pics from the weekend.

And Just Like That...

...I have three face-to-face interviews set! When it rains, it pours, but this time in a good sense. The first is at 9am this morning, so this is the first I've seen 6:30am in a loooonnnngggg time. More details to come, and as I said to Ryan "Mama's gettin' a J.O.B.!!!"