The Big Day...

...is April 7th. That is the day I begin my new career. I can't wait!!!

I still have to be "on call" with my old job for 2 more weeks (through April 18th), and I'm sure they will be calling me for assistance incessantly, but I can live with that. Knowing that there is an end in sight makes all of this so much more tolerable.

And on another positive note, I have tomorrow off for Good Friday!!! Really Good Friday if you ask me :-)

And, totally unrelated but vent-worthy, Bailey has her 5 year appointment on Saturday morning, which will no doubt be thrilling (note the sarcasm). She gets very nervous at the vet (and by nervous I mean completely out of control spastic). It usually takes 3 or 4 people to hold her down for her exam and her shots. Nightmare. I am seriously considering giving her tranquilizers before her appointment.

Yeah, Baby!

So, you can probably guess from the title of this post that I got the job!!! I am beyond excited and so ready for this change. For me, it's not just a job change. It's a career change.

Part of me (a very small part) feels a little guilty for abandoning the career that was my major in college, but after being in the working world for the past 5 years, I realized that finance was just not where my heart was. The only reason I really chose it in the first place was because I had to declare a major, math had always come easy to me, and I was blinded by dollar signs. In college, I thought that money equaled success and happiness. I have since learned otherwise. While it's nice to have, no amount of money will ever bring you true fulfillment.

Working in finance has afforded me many things (pun sort of intended!). I have made decent money and increased my earning power significantly over the past several years. I have been able to live the life I've wanted. I lived in a great (but very expensive) apartment in Boston for several years. I bought a house at the age of 24. I've gone on many fabulous vacations. I've been able to help financially support my husband's dreams. I've been comfortable. And it's been nice. But, the honest truth is I don't really like what I do. I'm bored. I'm frustrated. I cannot see myself doing this kind of work for the duration of my career. I don't know exactly what it is that I want to do, but I know it's not this.

After I made the scary decision that it was time for me to make a career change, I had to figure out what I wanted to do. So, I made a list. What are the things that I like most about my job and what is my job lacking? And after a lot of thinking, I realized that my favorite things to do are to be creative (and I don't necessarily mean in the painting a picture sense, but rather just innovating and finding new and better ways to do things) and to work with people. I want to feel like what I do makes a difference. And my current job gives me very little of that. Some days I feel like all I do is sit at a computer and crunch meaningless numbers. Fulfilling, huh?

So, with this information in hand, I set out on a search to find something that incorporates all the things that I enjoy and less of the things that I don't. And as fate would have it, I stumbled across this position accidentally. I never would have applied for it on my own because of my own self doubt. This is a zone 4 position. I know that means absolutely nothing to most of you, but here in the MM world, it's a pretty big deal. It's tough to get to that level and only the top performers and most experienced professionals are 4's. I don't know anyone here that has attained this level after only 5 years of professional experience. So, I pretty much figured that no one would consider me for a zone 4 position, especially in a field that I have very little experience in. Well, I guess I should not have doubted myself! My HR contact suggested that I consider this position. When I saw the job description, I couldn't believe it. It had me written all over it. I knew I could be a rock star in this job, but I just didn't think anyone would give me the chance to prove it. But, as luck and fate would have it, someone did. And I could not be more excited about it.

I am going to be working with the Operational Effectiveness organization to "Independently and regularly resolve situations affecting compliance, operational, and regulatory issues, utilizing in-depth knowledge of products, state/federal regulations, and company policy. Develops and implements procedures for resolving organizational compliance issues, making recommendations from a Divisional/cross-Divisional business perspective. Collaborates with business areas to develop or modify business operating policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory agencies and governances. Identifies training initiatives created by new regulations or knowledge areas needing further educational support and oversees and or develops and provides training." In addition, there will be a lot of process improvement work and a lot of collaboration with many different individuals across the organization. This position allows me to assess our business and come up with creative and innovative new or better ways to do what we do and then help people implement theses new processes. This position allows me to work with all sorts of people all the time. This position helps ensure that our company continues to operate in an efficient and compliant capacity. So, clearly this position embodies all that I am looking for in my career. How perfect is that?!?

Now all that's left to do is negotiate my transition date with my current manager. I know he'll want me to stay through first quarter close. I certainly don't want to go through yet another financial close process, but I can certainly get through it if necessary, because I know it's my last one ever!

So, on to a new adventure! I am so proud of myself for taking a huge risk and going outside of my comfort zone to try something new. I am proud of myself for going after and seizing this great opportunity that I once thought I'd never even have a shot at. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. I have a feeling that this is the start of something really great!

The Waiting Game

I just need to vent somewhere...

The wait to find out about this job is killing me! John kept saying that he thought I'd find out today (no clue why he thought so), but I am starting to feel like I'm never going to find out. I truly believe in fate, so if this doesn't work out that's fine. It just wasn't meant to be. And, eventually, I will find where I'm supposed to be. But if it does work out, how wonderful that would be! Either way, JUST TELL ME ALREADY!!!

Ok, vent over.

Updates Galore!

Whew! It's been a crazy few days in Melissaville. I woke up on Friday with a very sore throat. Not good! I haven't been sick once all winter, not even a sniffle. I was so hoping to make it through these gloomy months unscathed, but alas, I was not so fortunate.

After leaving work at noon on Friday (although I did work all afternoon from home...I heart remote connection!), I began to feel a little better, so John and I ventured over to Crystal and Marty's house for "game night". There was a group of about 15 there and we played "Pictionary" and (after a few too many cocktails) "Charades". It was a little sloppy and a lot of fun. But, sadly, I think my carelessness (a.k.a., wine, champagne, and some Smirnoff Raspberry drinks) came back to bite me in the arse.

Saturday I was not feeling so hot, but I did muster up enough energy to try another new "Turbo Jam" video. After sweating it out for an hour or so, I had to get ready for the Century 21 Gold Ball at the Hotel Northampton. The ball was nice...good food and drinks and very good company. John's colleagues are so nice and so welcoming...truly a great group of people. We both were feeling a little tired and under the weather, so we attempted to make it an early night. But, my dearest darling husband locked his keys in his truck! Left 'em right in the ignition. Can you even believe it! And, to make matters worse, just last week, AAA called him to see if he wanted to renew his membership and he said NO! Thankfully one of John's colleagues who does have an active AAA membership was kind enough to call on our behalf and get someone to come open the truck. We had to wait over an hour for someone to show, but that sure beat John breaking his window (which he actually suggested he do...seriously why do men think like this?).

Sunday morning I felt pretty darn good! We slept in, went out for a mighty delicious brunch, went grocery shopping, and then went to the movies to see "Fool's Gold" (where we pigged out on all sorts of yummy, fattening movie snacks). I actually liked the movie...I thought it was very cute and I sure didn't mind looking at a shirtless Matthew McConaughey for 2 hours. But after getting home that evening, the sickness hit me like a ton of bricks! Runny nose, cough, fever, body aches. Yuck! I had to stay home sick from work on Monday on account of my feeling so poorly. I slept most of the day and did absolutely nothing. I barely moved from the couch all day. It definitely paid off, though, because I felt a million times better yesterday, and I feel even better today (except for the muscle in my neck that I pulled trying to itch my own back in the middle of the night). Hopefully I'll be 100% before my trip to Boston this weekend. Fingers crossed!!!

And on a final note, there may be some developments of the job/career front for me. I won't say too much right now, so as not to jinx myself, but this could be something great!

Birthday Bonanza

Apparently our parent's generation was really bored about 27 years and 9 months ago, because it seems like everyone we know has had a birthday within the past couple of weeks. We've been out to celebrate two birthdays in the past two weeks alone.

First was Dave. For Dave's 27th birthday, we went to dinner at Mama Iguana's in Northampton (mmmmm...burritos!) and then followed that up with some bowling (which of course I did not object to). Here are some pics from the night:

Dave behind the bar using some special vibrating Guinness pouring contraption!

Me participating in one of my favorite hobbies...bowling!

It's a little tough to see, but Dave only got a 59! We're still picking on him for it!

This past weekend it was Steph's turn. We celebrated her 27th birthday by going out to dinner at Osaka in Northampton. I was really excited to go there because I had heard great things about it, but it was a total disappointment. We didn't get seated until nearly an hour after our reservation (granted there were 13 of us and I can understand that it might be a little hard to accommodate that many people), our service was so super slow, the portions were really small and the food was not that great (the soup was very fishy tasting - and there was no fish in it, the edamame was so salty is was almost inedible, and they didn't even serve noodles with your meal - you had to order it as a side, and of course, pay extra for it). I might be willing to go back to try their sushi (which I've heard is very good), but never their hibachi. I'd much rather go to Goten or K's for hibachi. I'm sure, however, that if I do go back, it will be without John because, after that experience, he refuses to go back. Other than the poor service and food, the night was fun. Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure:

At Steph's house before dinner (notice how pale I am compared to everyone else...gosh I need a tan!)

Me and the hubby before dinner (and lots of Saki!)

Steph and her boyfriend Andy

Our dinner being prepared...always fun to watch!

John's response to the service and food!!!

And finally, as previously promised, here is a picture of John and I on our 7th anniversary. Awwww!

Mother Nature...She Ain't No Friend of Mine

Blinding sunshine, temps cruisin' up into the 40's, the sounds of melting ice dripping off of trees and houses, muddy puddles left behind by melting snow, all sorts of people out and about in the neighborhood running, walking their dog, taking a leisurely stroll, etc... My goodness...you might think it's spring in New England!!!

But wait! Not so fast. After a few glorious days, winter is rearing it's ugly head again. Tomorrow will bring a nasty wintry mix of snow, sleet, and rain followed by a week of temps in the 20's. Well, I don't know about you, but I am fed up with this! I want spring to be here already. I want sunshine. I want warm breezes. I want to see flowers sprouting and trees budding. I want the birds back! It has been a very long winter and I am officially done with it. I am dying to ride my bike, go for a jog where you actually go somewhere, play some tennis, go for a hike, eat ice cream (well, that's really a year-round activity for me, but I can somehow justify it in my mind when the weather is nice). I want to roll the car windows down and feel the wind on my face. I want to wear bright colors and open-toe shoes.

Yesterday I had visions of all these wonderful things. As Bailey and I were on our glorious hour and a half long walk soaking up the endless sunshine, I was thinking that this really might have been the turning point. Wonderful spring weather actually felt like it could be reality sooner rather than later. I could tell that Bailey felt it too. She strutted her stuff all over town like she knew we were on the verge on something fantastic. She had a renewed vigor in her step and a twinkle in her eye. I'm sure as all of my springtime visions were whirling around in my head, hers were too. Long walks with her beloved doggie-mama, playing fetch in the park, car rides with her head out the window, romping through the woods on our long hikes, swimming at our special spot, squirrels to chase everywhere! Oh, what a life to live!

Well, today we both got a big old slap in the face as we watched the weather report. Mother nature was only teasing us. Yesterday's fantastic weather is gone just as fast as it got here and we are reminded that we are far from being done with the winter blues. So, it's back to scarves and mittens, back to shoveling snow, back to running on the treadmill. Ugh! And we aren't the only ones that feel this way. Just this morning my mom and I were discussing developing a "two year plan" to move somewhere warm. A big part of the reason that I still suffer through this dreadful weather is because I want to be close to her. But, if she came with me somewhere warm?!? That would be perfect! All of my weather woes would be solved! Now I just need to convince my dad, my sister, my in-laws, my friends, and of course, my husband that we need to go south. Do you think I can do it?

Hello Old Friend!

I haven't been good about updating my blog lately. Not because I have nothing to write about or because I haven't had time, but rather because I just haven't felt like it. It's not a matter of being lazy...believe me I have been anything but...but I just plain old haven't felt like writing. Maybe it's the cold, dreary winter that seems as though it will never end (another 6" to 10" of snow today...ugh!!!), or perhaps it's how busy I've been both at work and at home the past few weeks, but whatever the cause, the blogging has been on hiatus. So here I am today to kick start the blogging action again.

A quick synopsis of the past few weeks...John and I have both been extremely busy at work, especially John. He is such a hard worker and now that he is working for himself he is 100 times more dedicated to his work. I've been seeing him a little less than normal these days, but every time that fact starts to make me sad he reminds me that he is doing this for us. For our future. So that we can comfortably live the life that we want for ourselves and our future family. And I know that it is all worth it. So, for now, my time away from John will be poured into myself...working out, studying for my personal trainer certification, spending lots of time with my wonderful Bailey, watching my DVR'd girlie shows that John hates, and just enjoying some alone time that I get very rarely these days.

Other than that, things have been fairly quiet. We had a wonderful Valentine's/Anniversary dinner at Wiggins Tavern in the historic and beautiful Hotel Northampton. John made reservations for us there weeks ago but kept it a secret from me. It was such a wonderful surprise because we have never been there before. We love going out to dinner and have visited nearly every restaurant in Northampton at one point or another, but we've somehow never been to Wiggins, so it was great to finally check it out. Our dinners were delicious too! I do have a picture of us from that night (our 7 year dating anniversary!), but have yet to upload it to my laptop.

And speaking of the Hotel Northampton, we will be back there in just a couple of weeks. The Century 21 "Gold Ball" is being held there on March 8th, so we will be dressing up in our finest yet again to enjoy an elegant night out with John's colleagues. I think it's kind of funny...neither of us have ever been to a ball before this year and this will be our second in just one month. Don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining. In fact, it's quite the opposite. I love, love, love getting dressed up and going to a fancy occasion. And I love to meet new people and socialize and do new things, so keep the balls coming!!! HA!

We also have a trip to Boston planned in a couple of weeks to visit friends. This trip is LONG overdue! Not only do we miss our friends and want to see them, but we miss our city! Our home sweet home not so long ago. We definitely do not visit as much as we should (especially considering it is only an hour and a half car ride). Part of it is the cost of visiting (anyone who knows Boston knows how expensive a night out on the town is, let alone a whole weekend), and part of it is finding a place to stay (which also involves finding a dog sitter). But mostly it is due to the fact that it is just hard to get away for a weekend with our busy lives. We really should be better about making the time for ourselves and for our friends. So, to Beantown it is! We'll be squeezing in visits with several different friends, and although it will no doubt be hectic, it will be so worth it and so much fun!

Well, on that note, I'd better wrap this up and get back to work. It's a snowy mess outside and I'd like to get this weekend started early :-)