New Additions August 24, 2009

I’m proud to say, I’m going to be an Auntie of Three in February.  Babies, babies, babies are everywhere and I love it!!  My nephew Killian and niece Moira called me a few weeks back to let me know that  they “are going to be a big brother and big sister!!”  It was so cute!

It looks like Moira is ready to take on her new roll of “Big Sister,” she can hardly wait!

Killian told me he is going to teach the new baby how to talk, just like he taught Moira!

Look at the love, how could they not be ready to add a sibling!!

Congrats, Travis and Courtney!!

And well wishings to many of my friends who are expecting their newest additions into their families.  My friend Paula had her 2nd daughter, Baby Abigail, on Saturday!  Kaley (due tomorrow), Sarah (due today), and Jamie (due in 2 weeks) I know you are all miserable and anxious, but the wait will be well worth it (Not that I have ANY clue as to what you are going through)!!  You will soon be swaddling, loving, kissing, and hugging Avalon, London, and Adalyn!  I wish you the best of luck in your deliveries and look forward to meeting your beauties!!

For the first time… August 20, 2009

… in 18 years I’m not prepping myself for the beginning of yet another school year, and boy does it feel goood. I’m so thankful that I’m done spending countless hours reading and studying useless information that I will never apply to my human existence.  Not to mention, the 198398938 hours of procrastination when attempting a paper.  Ohhhh the papers I used to whip out of my hiney.  I don’t know how I ever pulled it off.  And I certainly don’t know how I earned a college degree from a highly ranked institution, but boy, let me tell, I’m thankful.  Did I mention that I’m thankful.  Well, I’m thankful.  Ironically, I do feel a bit out of sorts that I won’t be packing up my bags, loading my car, saying goodbye, driving 7 hours, and reorganizing my life in a temporary home in the sweltering mid-western humidity.  It’s a bitter-sweet moment; but really, I think I’ll be ok with not participating in the  said “ing’s.”

I guess I’m just…

Heellloo, Blogworld August 19, 2009

I’ve decided to come back to the blogging world.  My absence for the past three months is inexcusable.  Well.. maybe I do have a few excuses… after all, I have made the transition from living and working out of a hotel… to living AND working on my own.  The corporate world is new to me, as well as having MY first place.  I’ve needed time to make adjustments and honestly, the last thing I’ve wanted to do after spending 8+ hours in front of a dual monitor set-up, is spend time blogging.  Sorry.  But really, the truth is, I’ve wanted to spend time making MY first place cute and “homie,” if you will.  I absolutely love my little apartment, however hate the mice that came with it, free of charge.  Thank you landlords.  I think I’ve pretty much taken care of the mice.. the ones indoors at least.  I was having sleepless nights over the little buggers, but it’s all gooooood in the hood now.  Here are a couple of photos of my place:

Living Room

Other side of Living Room

LOVE it!

The Office

So many of you may be wondering how the new job is going?  It’s going, and by going, I mean… I love it!  I love it because of the wonderful coworkers I’m so lucky to have.  Although I’m technically “working on my own” now, the lovely ladies that so patiently trained me, are just a phone call/email/IM away.  Oh how I appreciate it, so so so much!  And now that I’m on my own, I am gradually getting more responsibility each month.  Each month I’m assigned 3-4 new agencies and by the time December rolls around, I will have 16 agencies.  This will be my entire territory.  I will definitely have my work cut-out for me, but I won’t be complaining (or I hope not, at least!)

The insurance industry is changing everyday, therefore I KNOW that I will never KNOW everything, nor am I expected to know it all, and this takes a great deal of stress off of me.  However, I do enjoy learning something new on a daily basis… it keeps the job somewhat exciting.

Now onto…. living on my own.  I’m still adjusting, but the adjust has been good.  Real good.  I absolutely love having my own place.  I have no one to tend to, but me, myself, and I!

I will try my best to actually post on a consistent basis between dual monitoring, not losing my noggin during the day, and traveling 750+ miles in two days, I’m sure it can be done.

It’s time for me to kick back and relax.. and let the good times rolllll.

Home Sweet Home April 20, 2009

It’s been quite some time since I’ve posted, my apologies.. I was kindly reminded by my friend Rachel that I should write a new post.  I told her I was having a hard time coming up with something worth babbling on and on about.. since my life has consisted of training/working, living in a hotel, eating out, driving 4.5 hours home every Friday only to repeat that same drive on Sunday.  This has been the vicious cycle… going on week 5 now.  Let me tell you, not much is really going on in this hotel.  The weather has been decent, allowing for much needed fresh air and exercise come 4:15, but we’re back to a rather gloomy/misty/gross/nasty Monday… I won’t be making it out.

So you’re probably wondering what the purpose of this post is… I have to tell you, the only reason I have been making it through the weeks living out of this hotel, is because I know that I have an escape at the end of the week.  I’m already anticipating Friday..Why? Because I get to go HOME!  The last four weekends have been everything but ordinary… and I LOVE IT!  Not only do I get to visit with my family, which I will admit, I’ve been seeing less and less of them each weekend, but I get to be around some of the best people in the world… my FRIENDS, yes I do have some of them!! OH MY FRIENDS— we’ve been having a blast, to say the least!!  Each weekend brings a bunch of laughs, tears from laughter and many many memories!  I haven’t had this much fun in ages!  Did I mention my friends are awesome??!  Well, they are!!  THANK YOU FRIENDS FOR BEING SO COOL– and keeping me sane!

Here we are… the four of us that seem to out-do each preceding weekend!!

(Rachie, Johnna, Moi, Kristina)

I had great intentions of taking photos of my beautiful homeland, but coincidentally ran out of time, I was having too much fun.  That’ll hopefully happen when I go home this weekend… if the weather is cooperating.

And an update on my job, I’m still loving it.  I learned a TON today– like the underwriting shenanigans.  My brain is seriously mush right now— when asked if I had any questions, I stared blankly at her.  I couldn’t possibly think of anything.  I’ll think about questions later.

Well, this is basically just an update on my life.  There is nothing too major or exciting going on right now.  I hope all is well everywhere else!!!

Hawaii, Bahamas… April 2, 2009

Florida, Australia???!!  Any takers??

This is what I woke up to this morning.. I thought for a brief moment that I was on a tropical getaway.  I was quickly reminded of my current geographical location as I opened the doors and stepped onto the patio, definitely not warm, more like pretty darn chilly, yep, I’m still in Northern Michigan.  It was a nice thought though.  I’m not complaining by any means that I’m here, it’s absolutely beautiful– even though a tropical getaway would suffice at the current moment.  I was ecstatic this morning, already anticipating the end of the work day at 4:15 so I could take a walk along the shoreline; the sun was out and it looked deceivingly warm (the first time in the week that I’ve been here, can you say CABIN FEVER??).  However, I didn’t get to experience the sunshine while it lasted.  I sadly watched the clouds roll over the bright blue sky.. I considered putting my walk on hold.

Not so fast, what the heck was I considering???… I needed to get out of these walls that are quickly collapsing in on me.  The walk was glorious.  It was no walk in 80 degree weather (you spring breakers, enjoy it while you can.. and no I’m not jealous– ok, maybe a little bit!), but the smell of fresh air, sound of the waves, and the peacefulness around me brought me into my own little world, forgetting how cold it really was.  It wasn’t too bad, I promise.. maybe like 40ish.. tops.

This is when I snapped out of that little world of mine.. chunks of ice, still.. please, pretty please go away.  It’s April, time for some showers.. so we can have May flowers.. or June or July flowers, just sometime we’d like flowers… and no I don’t have the patience to wait until August for flowers only to get snowed on in September.  As you can tell, I’m greatly anticipating the summer months.  It’s been a loooong winter my friends.  The whole transition of seasons is the worst.. especially the transition into SUMMER!

I can wait; for the time being I will take the sound of the waves… that works for me, it puts me in a happy place!!

(I took a video of the sound of the waves but couldn’t get it to upload, sorry)  This will have to do.

PS.. sorry that this is the only thing in my life worth blogging about right now, it will get more exciting… maybe- just maybe!

Geek Squad March 31, 2009

I’d like to acknowledge my recently acquired membership….

to Geek Squad.   Not that I’m really a member, but I might as well be.  This is my current “office” set-up in my hotel room.  How many monitors can a girl have??  Believe me, I feel like a GEEK.  I’m glad to report, however, that two of the three are mandatory per my employer and Mr Mac is mandatory per moi!  Sadly, this isn’t even ALL of my equipment, there is the printer and fax machine, which will NOT be set up in my room, just too much going on.  Needless to say, I’ve been looking for a desk for my non-existent home office that will suit me just perfectly.  It’s been quite the process, I want it to be just the right desk, considering this is a rather large investment and office furniture is not cheap.  I think I’ve narrowed it down; hopefully I’ll place the order in the upcoming weeks when I actually have an idea of where I might be living, I’ll give a sneak peek after I order.

So an update on my actual job….All of my training has been taking place here in the hotel and things have been going fairly well.  I’m learning more and more by the minute.. I’m going to be a genius when all is said and done.  Maybe not a genius but pretty darn close.  I love what I’m learning and I love what I’m doing. (Something must be wrong with me, who LOVES insurance???)  It definitely helps that I have prior knowledge of the insurance industry, otherwise my friends, I’m pretty confident I’d be SOL.  I’ve been reading, and reading, and reading… boring.  Reading is not my favorite thing, especially if it isn’t for pleasure.  I feel like I’m not learning anything… I learn by actually DOING.  But I’m forcing myself to get through all of this reading because I know I’ll absorb some teensy bit of info somewhere in between the fine print.   In between reading and training I’ve been on the phone with IT for half my life time figuring out some computer issues.  I’m amazed at technology and what they are capable of doing remotely.  Honestly, I was on the phone for over an hour the other day while they monkeyed around with my settings and everything else.  It was worth my precious time because I’m all set to go for my training here on out.  My heart goes out to all of you geek squad members, my life would not be the same without your mere existence to take care of my petty computer problems.

Hopefully things will continue to progress!  Off to the pool.

Roughin’ It March 25, 2009

I’ve been on the go a lot this past week.. I guess that’s what happens when you join the business world– and believe me, I’m not complaining ONE bit!!  I’m ecstatic, actually!!  Yesterday I started my FIRST EVER FULL TIME (you know that salary thing?! Yeah, I’m getting one!) position with Michigan Insurance Company as their Personal Lines Account Executive (sounds pretty fancy shmancy, huh?!) for the northern, northern territory of Michigan, more commonly know as the UP.. yes, I’m a Yooper and yes I’m moving back to the UP after I’m fully trained.  However, I’m currently below the bridge with the “trolls” for the next month or two.

This is the bridge that is turning me into a troll for a few months, the Big Mighty Mac.. or the Mackinac Bridge (pronounced, Mackin-AW not Mackin-ACK).. connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas together!  Anywho.. enough geography lessons for the night, or month.

After being in Grand Rapids for a couple of nights, I’m now in Traverse City thru April, maybe May.  I’m fine with this as well… considering this is my view every morning that I wake up….

Not too shabby!  I feel like I’m at home; I nearly am considering I grew up on Lake Michigan.. and now I’m literally FEET from this beautiful fresh water lake!  The only set back, is the fact that over the next month or two the highest the temp will get will be in the mid 50’s.. meaning no basking in the glorious sun! Hence, no sun in the picture, hopefully he’ll peak thru one day.  I’m hoping that I’ll get to sit on the patio though over the next weeks, that should be do-able!

I have many of plans to walk the shoreline over the next month or so.. it goes on for miles

The intense training begins tomorrow.. there is so much to learn, but I have immense confidence in my trainers and myself that things will go smoothly.  And at the end of a hard days work, I get to come back to my view!

More pictures and updates to come as I begin my adventures around the city!

Caution! Do Not Enter. March 22, 2009

I’ve been home for nearly 12 hours and this is what you see upon entering my room…

I have to say I’m a tidge embarrassed about this sight, it’s rather frightening.  I’m home for just a few short days, and I’m home to conquer this beast.  It’s currently beating me.  I’ve sorted through just about all of my clothes.. got rid of 2 garbage bags full of things I’m desperately not wanting to part with, but really.. will I ever really wear them?  I mean, the last time any of it was worn was like 5 years ago… could there be that chance? Maybe someday? NO.. absolutely not, that’s my mentality right now.  I’ve got more crap than I know what to do with.  And the sad part is, this isn’t even all of it.  My mom kindly reminded me last night that I’ve got my junk in her trunk because apparently I’ve got too much junk for my own trunk.. and yes, this was the case… my ass  was currently full…(the trunk of my car, people)… I’ve got stuff in storage.. and I’ve got stuff at my dad’s office.  UGH– does it EVER end???  Maybe I need to stop shopping… just maybe, but that’s highly doubtful. I’m challenging myself the month of April… I’m going to go the entire month without buying a single article of clothing.. this includes shoes and accessories.. MARK MY WORD… I just said it.  I need your support in this challenge, because believe me, it’ll be a tough one.

So back to THIS disaster…

You are probably wondering what in the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks do I all own?  EVERTHING.  That’s what it feels like at least.  I’m determined to be organized upon leaving tomorrow afternoon.  The bins are all categorized… Long/short sleeve shirts in one bin, skirts/shorts in another, sweaters, jeans/pants.. the list goes on and on. But.. I WILL have this all finished before the end of TODAY.. and will put the finishing touches on tomorrow- otherwise, I swear, I might get… I don’t even want to know what the outcome would be.

I would just like to point out… do you see Mr. Mac playing peek-a-boo in the upper left hand corner?  He is perched up on two decorative pillows, currently known as my desk.  This, my friends, is where I’m hiding.. I’ve been sucked into the corner of doom.

I really need to get back on with this battle against myself.. I’m heading into town to take on part deux. I WILL win.

Dismal Days March 3, 2009

I’m not going to write about something that we are all very well aware of, but I will state it, Our Economy is Down in the Dumps causing for some Dismal Days.  

We have yet to see better days and I’m very confident that these days are in the months coming.  Of course there have been projections, projections, projections… how many more (negative) projections can we take?  Come on people, we absolutely NEED to stay optimistic.  It is our own pessimism bringing us down even further.  That’s not to say I’m blaming “us,” but we need to do our part in bringing this economy up.  I whole-heartedly understand that many upon many have lost their jobs and are struggling in the job market to grasp on to anything at all.  My advice to those people: keep moving forward; stay positive; network, network, network; expand your possibilities, after all, anything is possible, right?!; network (did I mention that already); and most importantly keep yourself in the market, DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOURSELF (going along with staying positive, I suppose!).   Finding a job is tough, I know first-hand, and I’m very thankful for my current position (Thanks OT Mama!)

(Don’t we all wish this were the case!)

 

So without an income or a decrease in household income, ones spending decreases (Supply/demand.. get it? got it? good!  My Economics degree is really paying off in this blog.. thank you Dad and SMC). Anywho, sooo if your “leisure” money is decreasing (you know, the manicures, pedicures, cute outfits, new shoes, household accessories, fancy cars, extravagant houses, vacations etc etc etc) you should still allow yourself these special treats every so often.  I am in no way making a recommendation to get yourself in debt, but IF you WERE to treat yourself, do so LOCALLY, pa-pa-pa-PALEASE!  I don’t intend to beg, but really, the importance of mom-n-pop shops is vital to a small community (or any community in fact), and that’s what makes the locale someplace special.  With that said, yes, it may be a bit more expensive, but the quality of the merchandise and most importantly the customer service is half of what you are paying for.  Isn’t it a wonderful thing when you walk into a quaint boutique and are happily greeted by an associate who is more than willing to help you out (and who actually ENJOYS being at work), explains the merchandise, and most importantly assists you in meeting your needs.  Is it obvious yet that I work for one of the Oh So Cute Mom-n-pop shops?!  I wouldn’t have it any other way!  Ever since I can remember, the importance of supporting local businesses has been embedded in this noggin of mine.

I would be lying to you and myself if I said that I didn’t shop at department stores, Banana Republic, GAP, etc… I’m guilty ok.. everyone likes a good deal every now and again… but I also try to do my best with the boutiques.  That’s where the best merchandise is anyway, I’m pretty much guaranteed to not see my twin every time I turn around or the same furnishing at a friends house.  The larger stores are pretty much inevitable, I understand that, if they are suffering can you only imagine the suffering of the independently owned operations?

The idea of this post has been scattered for a few days now and my intentions were not to lecture, but a matter of staying positive.  There are many things I could touch on but don’t want to get too political, so I’m just going to leave it where it is.  I understand, times are tough, but do what you can to help out your community.  EVERY-LITTLE-BIT-HELPS!  Lets regain our focus and turn these dismal days into Oh Happy Days!

Bloody-MaryDutCom.com February 25, 2009

Everyone enjoys a good ole Bloody Mary, right?!  I know that I sure do, although I will admit, it took me awhile to actually like them.  At first,  I think it was just the condiments in them, you know, the pickles, celery, green olives (jalapeno stuffed if I was lucky), pretty much the whole garden in the tomato juice, that really attracted me to this “oh so healthy” beverage.  And then I really started getting a good taste for them… and sometimes even craved them.  Ever since my Canuck uncle passed along his Bloody Caesar (Canadian vocabulary, eh?!) recipe to my dad and now down to my brother I’ve been a HUGE fan and compare my bloody’s to his everywhere I go.  Lucky for me, this past weekend, while in Chicago, my brother, Dustin, who we call Dut because I couldn’t say “Dustin” when I was a wee-lil girl, made some deliciously good cocktails for the crew.  And let me tell you, he had everyone talking about them for the rest of the weekend.  Dut has this sciene down to a “T”– and that’s no joke.  It’s all about precision.  Precision that I’m probably not supposed to be leaking out for the whole world to read, but really, you can’t miss out on this… and that was decided amongst my friends.  We came up with an idea that Dut should start a blog called “Bloody-MaryDutCom.com,” although I don’t think he is aware of this idea, that’s why I thought I’d post about it first!    The blog would consist of any bloody-mary recipes and suggestions to spice it up a notch (and the “DutCom” part because it goes so well with .com, get it!? and it is Dut who has his PhD in bloody-Mary making– ok so we need to get a life apparently).  But who knows how long that would live for and if Dut would actually do it.. actually I know that he wouldn’t….  So, here I am, about to let you in on a couple of secrets that make this recipe one of a kind. 

First, and the most important of them all, instead of using regular ole, thick, disgusting tomato juice, you HAVE to use clamato juice.  I know, I know it sounds nasty, clam and tomato juice, but it’s so much better.  The difference in consistency is outta this world.

Second, using a good vodka always helps, but that one is always up to you.  I’ve heard of some people using tequila, but that just sounds WRONG.  But… whatever tickles your pickle and makes you a happy camper, than so be it!  Actually, you can enjoy one of these bad boys virgin style and you’d never even know the difference.

Next comes all of the special ingredients (I’m sure I’m missing something, it’s honestly like a chemistry project)… I don’t know all of the specific measurements and I’m sure death would doom over me if I did and I let the world have at ‘em, so I’m going to play it safe and let you in on as much as I know.  So here it goes: celery salt, pepper, tobasco sauce, worcestershire sauce , a splash of lemon juice if you so please, garnished with a pickle, celery, and jalapeno stuff olives.  Obviously all of the goodies (the veggie garden) don’t need to be added, but they just make the drink SO much better.  Having all of the ingredients added leaves you with a kicker of a cocktail, expect some spicy-ness to hit those taste buds!

Well, I hope to see the light of day for the next week or so, he shouldn’t be too mad, right?!(I love you, Dut!) After all, I only want everyone else to experience this deliciousness!

Any recipe suggestions for an even BETTER bloody mary?!  I’m always up for something new!

Bottoms up-