I don't think I'll ever live by myself

As stated in my previous post, my family is out of town this weekend, so I have the house to myself.

While I usually enjoy a nice amount of "me time," I've discovered that I generally suck at living by myself. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to always have to live with a roommate because being alone all the time isn't fun. Too easily, I could find myself being a hermit, on the couch, watching TV, and talking to the walls (I haven't talked to the walls this weekend, but too long by myself and I just may start).

I've also discovered that I need more friends that live in town.... that I don't work with.... and, are preferably single. All of my good friends that live here are either married or in serious relationships. Last night, I was talking with my friend Mare, from Arizona, on the phone and then started Facebook chatting with my friend Elizabeth in NYC. It hit me how much I miss them and some of my other friends that don't live in Florida. I used to see them 3 or 4 times a year.... we traveled all over the country for girls' weekends. But, now, it's been years since I've seen any of them and I miss them terribly.

I also wish I could find a nice male companion, lol. You go to too many of these work events by yourself and it begins to suck.

But, here's the problem with that. I have feelings for one of the guys I work with. And, even as I write this, I hope NO ONE I work with ever finds this blog, because then I may just have to quit my job and move. I'm only half-kidding.

I'm extremely picky. It takes a lot for a man to get my attention. Well, this one has gotten it and I'm stuck. He's a great guy and we're good friends. And, we work together. And, that's a problem.

I honestly feel that we'd be pretty good together, but I'm not sure if he feels that way. To be perfectly honest, I'm too chicken to risk it. We are friends and we do have fun together, so I'm really nervous to ruin that. Sometimes, I get the feeling that he could feel the same way.... but, then I remember "If he's into you, he'll find a way to be with you." Well, we've known each other for a while now... so, if he was into me, wouldn't we be together?

I know I should move on and find someone else. But, I wasn't looking for him, he just showed up. I've had distractions and minor flirtations since I met him, but no one has been able to hold my attention the way he does. Maybe I'm not giving the other guys a fair chance? Or, maybe I'm not supposed to be?

I bring all this up because I was at a semi work event last night. And, if anyone from work reads this, then they'll REALLY know who it is that I'm talking about.... so, pray for me that no one I work with will ever lay eyes on this blog. Well, he was there... we basically met there. We weren't there together, but I had his ticket. I wasn't expecting him to act like my date, but he kind of did. We walked around the event together. At one point, I drifted away and I looked over to see him looking for me.... once he found me, he came right over and stayed by my side until we met up with other people from work. Then, he did his own thing for a while, only to venture back over to me. He made sure that I was ready to leave before leaving. Again.... not a date, but sometimes felt like one.

This isn't quite the first time something like this has happened. We have moments like that. And, maybe it's all in my head. But, then someone will make a slight assumption that we're together or something and I think, Well, maybe not in my head.

Last night and this morning, I've been really trying to converse with God about this. If he's not that one that He wants me to be with, right now (or ever), I want to be open to something or someone else. Then, nights like last night.... or days like a few days ago happen... where everything seems to fall into place. And, I wonder.... God, am I on the right path here?

I know that a few of my "real life friends" read this blog. So, if you're reading, then you probably already know all of our history. Please advise.

If there are any "blogger friends" reading this.... I'd like your advice, too. Because, I'm at my wits end about it.

*sigh*

Does anyone out there (blogger friends or "real life" friends) know a nice guy that lives in the vicinity of Central Florida (or would be willing to move here.... kidding.... sort of)? If so, could you send him my way?

Thanks.

A case of crazy stubborness

This weekend my family went down to Ft. Myers to watch Boston Spring Training. They asked me to join them, but I'd already committed to going to two social/charity events for the station. Nothing I'd be working at, but just being out in the community.

Last night was a Wine Festival downtown. I actually was really looking forward to it.... several of my friends from the station were going to be there. As I posted yesterday, work was slow, so I was able to leave right at 5:30 (UNHEARD of).

I ran home, glammed up a bit, and then headed out to go back into town. Parking was insane, so it took me like 20 minutes to find a place. Finally, I found the best space I could and then went to get my phone and keys. I went to grab the ticket.... and, no ticket.

No, that's not possible, I remember putting it in my purse.

I searched all throughout my purse and my car. No ticket. You've got to be friggin' kidding me.

The station was about 6 blocks away, so I went back there to look for it. Went through my office, looked in studios, couldn't find it anywhere.

Went back home, even though I was sure I didn't leave it there. Looked all over the house. No ticket.

Then, just when I'd given up and was going to call it a night, the evening DJ called to say he'd found them.

Sigh.

At this point, it was a matter of principle. I planned on going to that stupid wine festival, I was going to the stupid wine festival.

I headed back to the station to get the ticket and then back to the wine festival. At this point, there was only about an hour left to it and it was starting to wind down, so I found a parking spot right up front.

I did manage to see a couple people I knew. Most of the wine was gone (and, after everything, I needed it). As I was walking out, M from the station called out to me. Thank goodness. I ended up hanging out with her and her boyfriend until pretty much everyone was gone.

Then, I went back home to crash.

Tonight, I have to go to another event. I will make sure I have my ticket in hand. Although, I'm not quite sure very many people my age will be there, lol.

I'd like for this weekend to be over, please. I should have gone to Ft. Myers, lol.

Special thanks to my cousin Heidi who kept my company and listened to my craziness from her house in New Mexico. I would have loved to joined you for Breakfast and Movie Night.

I'm clearly a committed employee....

I'm sitting at work, which is slightly slow today. I mean, there are things that I could be doing, but they aren't exactly pressing, either.

So, I've been reading blogs all morning. I went to lunch early and then came back to read blogs. I just started reading Megan's from Tales of the Trees and I find it absolutely entertaining, lol.

Yesterday was INSANE. I'll have to post about it. And, I'm just a bit burnt out. So, today is a completely lazy day.

My boss just walked by my office and I actually minimized the screen, lol. I felt like a kid getting caught reading a magazine in class.

This is going to come across as very shallow....

But, is it too much to ask the President to stop clogging up my Primetime TV?

I get that what he has to say is important, but must he say so much of it?

For over a year, my TV shows have been pre-empted for political talk. First with the preliminary races and debates. Then, for the conventions. Then, for debates. Then, for election coverage. Then, for preparations of the Innauguration.

Usually, by the time the elections are over, so are all the special speeches. But, no, not this year. We get a new speech every other week. I expect the State of the Union Address. We all know that's going to happen. TV plans for it. And, obviously, in event of major tragedy, there is a speech. But, must we constantly hear about plans for the economy, education, saving the whales, and world peace?

Just do it, already. I want to watch American Idol.

I know.... I'm a horrible person. It's not that I don't care, it is just that I'm tired of it.

I'm sorry, but aren't you married?

Happy Monday!

Ok, so a slightly odd thing happened to me the other day. I was working (not the unusual part) and met a guy, who is affiliated with work. The atmosphere at the event I was at was fairly casual and everyone was having a great time. This guy and I started chatting.... he used to work in Promotions (not at my company) and found out that I just became the Promotions Director. We were getting along great, but I thought nothing of it. Everyone was getting along and we were talking work.

Later on in the evening, I left the room that everyone was in to collect my things. He casually followed me and playfully tried to dissuade me from leaving. Then, he was asking me how to get from where we were to another location in the area (he's from out of state). I answered his questions and we both joined the rest of the group in the other room. Again, I didn't really think much of it.

Then, after saying my goodbye's, I left. Well, said guy follows me out to my car. Now, I'm actually starting to get puzzled (yes, I realize slow on the uptake). So, he has this digital camera that doubles as a video camera and he's recording me, as he's asking all of these questions. Weird.

Then, he proceeds to out-and-out hit on me. Huh?

Aren't you married? Wait, yes, you are.

Oh, but your wife is in a different state than the one you are currently visiting. Well, then, my mistake. Suuuurrrrre, let's go out.

Seriously?!?!

I was dumbfounded the entire drive home. I mean, I'm not married, but I do take marriage seriously. And, where in the world would anyone get the idea that I would be willing to be a part of marital infidelity? Obviously, this guy doesn't know me too well.... but, really, I don't think I come across as the mistress type.

And, being honest.... were he not married, I would probably have been interested. He seemed nice, he was cute, and we got along really well. However, that whole being married thing sort of puts the kabosh on me ever going there.

I found out later that he went out with someone else who happened to be there (not related to work). Glad it worked out for him in the end..... hopefully, his wife gets a clue. I don't even know the woman, but I seriously feel for her.

One of my favorite bloggers, Mrs. Newlywed, blogged about a slightly similar situation a while back. I don't get people. Where do they get the idea that cheating on your spouse is ok?

And, where do they get the idea that just because you are single means you're willing to pretend that someone, who isn't, is?

St. Patty's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Today is a fun day, but it's also a bit of a sad day. 5 years ago today, my step-dad Mike passed away. He was a really great man whom I miss. It's really hard to believe that it's been 5 years. In some ways, it feels like yesterday and in others, it feels SO much longer. So much has changed.

My mom and brother (Mike was his biological father) went to a Boston Red Sox Spring Training game, to honor him. We always try to do something fun on March 17th. Well, they do. I always seem to be working, lol. Today was no different.... since I just got the job, I couldn't take off.

Instead, I ended up working a 12 hour day, lol. We had a remote and one catastrophe after another with our engineers. So, at the last minute, I went out there to engineer it. It turned out to be a fun remote, though.

And, just because I am in a rambling mood........ I have been in a bit of a weight and exercise funk. I *need* to lose weight, but I can't find the energy to get out there and exercise everyday like I should. I know I should "just do it." But, boy, it's hard. Anyone have any tips to get me jumpstarted? Once I get going, I'm good about keeping it.

I hope everyone had Luck O' The Irish today!

George is BACK!!!!

There's only one man I love more than George Clooney.....

.... and that's Dr. Doug Ross, as played by George Clooney.

I seriously adore George Clooney. Even with his commitment issues, I just love this man. He's the epitome of HOT. And, he has this boyish charm that just KILLS me.

I actually started watching ER again (I watch a season or two and then fall off for a couple of seasons), just because I was convinced that George would come back for the last season. "Even if it's just for 5 seconds, at the very end, it will be enough." Yes, that has been my mantra for the past 8 months.

Well, tonight, he's back! I actually gasped and yelled "George" when they showed him on the screen. And, he came on early in the show, too!

This makes my heart happy. I'm seriously as giddy as a schoolgirl, right now.

My "try not to think about work" Saturday

Ok, I have a confession..... I'm a workaholic. Period. I just am. If you've read my blog, at all... you should know this. I believe it's one of the pitfalls of doing what I love.

With the exception of one yucky job I had, I've been blessed to always enjoy whatever job I had. Teaching dance, working at a dance shoe/clothing store, babysitting/nannying, substitute teaching, working at the station, etc. I've enjoyed all those. And, I usually enjoy the people I work with. Of course, there is the grind of working, at times. But less so than people who absolutely HATE what they're doing.

Anyway, because I like what I do, it doesn't always feel like work. And, therefore, I sometimes go overboard. As this was the first "official" week on the job (keep in mind, I've been acting as the Promotions Director for a month.... and, have been working in that office and at the station, for 3 1/2 years), it was a really, really crazy week.

For all intents and purposes, I was out of the office for 4 days in a row. Wed, Thurs, and Fri of last week was dedicated to the Radiothon. Then, on Monday, I had two meetings in the morning. As soon as the Dept. Head meeting was over, I headed over to the Strawberry Festival Parade. Long story short, I had to be in it. I didn't get back to the station until 3.... so, yet another day of not being in the office. Then, on Wed, our Promotions meeting (which is usually only about 30 mins) last an hour and a half. Thursday, I was at a monthly event from 5am until 11am. Basically, it was a lot of catch up.

So, with my schedule this week and my tendency towards working too much, I've tried not to think about it this weekend. Yeah.... not doing so great there. I checked my work email this morning to find an email from one of my salespeople.... we have a big promotion coming up and the agency sent us a contract, on Tuesday. I emailed the salesperson on Friday to see if he had sent it back. I get an email saying, "No. I thought you might."

Now, why in the world would I sign and notorize a contract that had HIS name on it? So, now I'm going to have to scramble to make sure everything is caught up on Monday.

And, I keep waiting for an email from one of our promoters. He was supposed to send us a press release on Friday for a Monday morning announce. Still haven't heard from him. And, it's slightly stressing me out.

..... Because, I'm working the overnight shift tomorrow night. No one could do it and so the PD asked me to bail him out. So, I'm working from midnight until 5am. Then, I come back to work at 8:30 and have to stay until my Monday meetings are over. I'm supposed to be able to leave after that, but all the salespeople are in the office on Mondays.... so, I have the sneaking suspicion that I won't be able to get out of there like I'm supposed to.

So, besides slightly stressing and blogging about work, what have I been doing today?

I laid around and caught up on "All My Children." Then, I walked 4 miles and did Pilates for an hour, which felt AMAZING. I so desperately need to get back into an everyday, hardcore workout routine. I then went out with a friend to see "He's Just Not That Into You" for the second time (still like that movie and want to be the exception). Now, I'm watching Harry Potter on ABC Family.

Tomorrow, I plan on going to church. Then, I get to have lunch with one of my best friends, Shannon. We have been friends since 10th grade. Even though we live only about 7 miles from one another, we haven't been able to spend time together since like October. Shannon is a fabulous lawyer and works out of town. I'm really looking forward to some chat time with her.

Ash, Myself, Shannon, and Meg... at Shannon's wedding

After lunch, I plan on cleaning a little and then resting for the overnight shift.

Please cross your fingers and pray that I'm able to get everything done that needs to be done while I'm on the air. Also, please pray that Monday morning goes well so that I can go home and SLEEP.

Have a great Sunday!!!

New look....

For some time now, I've been wanting a "pretty" look to the blog. Finally, I have one.

Thanks to Krystyn from Krizzy Designs for doing such an awesome job!

What do you think?

St Jude Radiothon.... and some news

Our annual St. Jude Radiothon was last week and couldn't have gone better!

It is typically a VERY busy and stressful week. Our T-Shirts came in Tuesday morning. Myself and the interns spent most of the afternoon folding 720 shirts.

Wednesday morning, I had my regular Promotions meeting. Then, our rep, Toni, was there by the time we got out of the Promotions meeting. We had a Radiothon meeting with everyone involved and then lunch. Then, it was time to hunker down and get everything set. Luckily, once we were ready to go for the next day, we had a great dinner at GrillSmith.

Thursday morning, I was at the station at 4:45 am. We run the radiothon from 5am-7pm. It's a long day of answering phones, mailing TShirts, and running around to make sure everything gets done. Several of my friends stopped by to help, so that was nice.

I can't explain how much I live for our Radiothon. It's my pride and joy. It's a very tiring event, but it's so much fun and so rewarding.

Thursday evening while I was cleaning up and making sure we were ready to go for the next day, our PD  asked me to plan to meet with him around 10:30 or 11 to "talk some turkey." Now, you don't just say that to someone who hasn't been sleeping well all week.... who has been at the station for over 15 hours... who has accepted that she's not going to hear anything about the job until the next week. Needless to say, I was stressing.

Friday was another EARLY morning.... 4:45. Luckily, I brought my camera.

D and I at 5am

J and I at 9am

One of the neatest things about the Radiothon are getting to know the volunteers. They all come for different reasons and it's hours of sitting in a room, learning about them and why they help St. Jude. The phone room goes from BUSY one minute to silent the next, all day. So, it's such an interesting mixture.

Here's a room full of volunteers, busy taking donations.

At about 11am, I got pulled away from all the madness and into a meeting with "the bosses." Long story, short.... I got the job!!!!! I'm officially the Promotions Director.

They wanted me to keep it quiet until after the Radiothon, where they would email everyone and announce it, along with the total. I don't think I'm a great actress, though, lol. A couple people knew I was being pulled into a meeting, so when I came out NOT crying, they sort of figured it out.

The excitement was short-lived, though, because it was time to get back to business. Everyone worked hard.... but Toni and I busted our BUTTS to get the job done. Both of us had a personal investment in doing well.

Along the way, I got an email from Tunie. I'd spoken with her earlier on Thursday. She sent me a beautiful email stating how proud she was of me. It was so touching.

Around 3pm, the Sheriff's Dept came to answer phones and drive it home. I swear, those guys (and girls) are hysterical. I look forward to seeing them each year.

J and I at 6pm.

At 7:30pm, we finished the Radiothon, having made over $175,000!!!! Most stations are down by about 30%-35% from last year. We were only down about 15%. And, we're a medium market. The large market, less than 50 miles from us, raised $202,000. So, we did really, really well! Thanks to our listeners, we always do an amazing amount of fundraising for St. Jude.

Toni and I at 9pm... when everyone else was gone and we were cleaning up, lol.

After everything was put away, we met the Sheriff's Dept at a local sports pub for drinks and fun. Overall, it was an AWESOME few days.

And, I got the job, lol!!!