evilgoddss

So, every year, the Christmas Card debacle strikes. The debacle being, with all the greatest intentions, I fail to get my arse in gear and the cards done in a timely fashion.

This year, they were done. Signed. Ready to roll on December 2nd. And my mother (aka she-who-is-retired) told me to bring them over, and she'd ensure they went into the post. (She really doesn't trust me.)

So, I did. And she admitted on Friday December 16th that she needed to put them in the mail.

In conclusion -- when my cards arrive after Christmas, it wasn't my fault this year. Mom's faith in the postal service is far greater than mine, methinks.

What a fabulous year this has been for me... and please, let that not now jinx me.

I quit my job in April. Found a new one in July. And I love my new job! I love the new company! I love the commute isn't draining my pocket book or patience.... there's just so much to love.

And the GO Train, while expensive, is cheaper than operating a car. Plus, I have downtown Toronto at my fingertips.

In other news, I'm officially a Mac addict. Nano, ITouch, IPad, and now... Macbook Air. And I think the Air is the best thing since sliced bread. And I'm Scottish, so sliced bread is pretty up in my list of fine appreciable achievements.

I'm still getting use to not thinking PC, I never realized how much I used the right click on the mouse or tap-pad until now. But, we're getting there.

This week, I revolutionized my workouts. Still committed to my cardio sessions, but I've started doing athletic conditioning interval training -- and wow. Dude. I've worked out on weights for an hour and had less "feedback" from my body. Seriously. It's awesome. I hope to, by March, be back into my best shape ever.

Hmm... what else. Oh, Lucky has fully recovered from TWO knee surgeries. (One for each back leg, the goober). And if my neighbours continue to be dicks (re: how they let their children do anything they want on their neighbours property), it looks like I'll be selling my house next spring. (Insert a *sob* here).

That's all folks!

My first two days have been great at Thomson Reuter. I think, hope, and believe that I'm going to really enjoy my career here.

My supervisor, herein named "V" is a kind, soft-spoken, and patient woman. I like her understanding that I'll be checking with her on things frequently. I support "T", "P" and "M" as well. And they are trying to keep the work off my shoulders and gradually bring it in. I like the camaraderie of the group, and look forward to truly being part of that.

Today was "M"'s birthday, and it was celebrated alongside of a co-worker "J". They ordered in a cake, sang happy b-day, and gave each a card. Nothing huge, but still a moment of celebration.

Thus far, I'm learning to read the minutes, format (as I once knew how) legal documents, and do other small tasks. Each a stepping stone up. I worry I might fail, and I'm nervous about doing so, because I want to be a great addition here.

Anyway... that's all I have. Nothing more or further to excite.

Okay, I posted on Facebook at 10 this morning this news, but I wanted to flesh out a longer post here.

You see, at 10:15, V. at Thomson Routers called and offered me the job. The salary range was 40-45k, and they offered it at the high range. (YAY!)

It includes a comprehensive health and dental package, 3 week vacation time, etc.

I start on Monday July the 11th as a glorified File Clerk. There's a better name for it, but that's the gist. Thomson Reuters owns a LOT of subsidiaries, and this is the head office. There are a lot of documents relating to the subs, as well as financials, that they need to keep track of. Plus, the who's who of each company, any position changes, etc. I'd be supporting a team of four.

I'd take the 7:53 GO Train into Toronto. Walk 5 minutes to the office, and boom. In. I'd catch the 5:10 GO Train home. I'm saving easily $300 per month using the GO Train vs car. ($3600 / year). And even better, that's 2 hours of my day that I'm not worried about what traffic is like.

Lastly, what does it say about a company when the lawyer you met for five minutes calls to say 'welcome aboard' later in the day?

I'm finally truly free of the heinous bitch.

I was all gung-ho to work on the baseboards this morning. I was in the garage cutting my corners, measuring twice, placing (and squeeing with joy when it all worked perfectly!)... and the rain came. And I mean RAIN. The walk from a car to front door could get you soaked!

I knew I should have moved the door between house and garage up the priority list. Bad me.

Still, I'm over half done. And while the boards do need painting, I'm thinking of leaving the ones in the back hall with just a coat of polyurethane. They look really nice! I'm going to get Dad's input before I decide, though.

Missed the farmer's market yesterday. Drew volunteered to go to Costco, so that shifted my plans around.

Oh, and I sent a 'very disappointed' email to Manpower Ontario for their poor response / lack of action for a paying client. I love writing those kind of letters. They make me feel rosy and evil.

So, I didn't end up going to Minacs. I did a review on the company, how they treated their employees, their overall rating as an employer and MAN did they come up short.

In the end, I voice my concerns, and they had excuses. Not. Good. Enough.

So, the hunt goes on. Today (June 2nd) I had a really REALLY good interview. Here's hoping the upcoming second interview pans out with a job! And a few other leads have come up.

In the meantime: I've been working on the house. Basement needed a new ceiling -- we're half way there. I've got to finish the skim coat and paint, but there's a ceiling! And it's NOT falling down!

Carpets for the halls & stairs and tiles for the front door and laundry hallway were installed today, and wow! Talk about improving the look of the place! I'm tickled! I've started on the new baseboards for the laundry hall. I'll finish those tomorrow. Mostly because I want the dog to stay off the floor while the grout hardens, and if I'm bouncing in and out of the house then he'll go nuts. The sink and washer/dryer are hooked up again, but I may have to get a plumber back to adjust the drain so the sink lays better. I don't think it's something I want to be doing.

The dog has surgery next week for a cruciatic tear. Or, he severed the tendons of his knee. This is the second round. Oy!

And the week of June 13th, I'll have my second interview. All in all, life is moving on.

It's been almost a year, and I've been very remiss online, in real life, etc with livejournal, facebook even, and definitely real time with my friends. Two words to cover this: I Suck.

However, I am what I am. A very lone wolf type of person. I cherish my friends, but if I go weeks, months, years between contact, I'm still okay. As long as they are happy and not needing me for anything, I'm okay with the silence. It's just wrong to assume THEY are okay on the other end. Again, all I can say is I am what I am.

Now, the cause of this post -- I recently realized I needed to get off the computer more (whether for work, school, etc) and get active. Because my weight it up, my energy is down, and summer is here (ish). I do not like traumatizing young children with flabby white skin. Okay, who am I kidding, I don't worry about traumatizing anyone. It's myself I don't want to freak out.

( 6 Week Body Busting )
In short: Let the games begin.

It's inconceivable to me that today is Aug 31st. I have no idea where the summer went.

(For that matter, wasn't it Christmas a few weeks ago?)

Alas, my lj neglect is symptomatic of my life. Boring.

Work.
More work.
Work
A few long weekends with house-project-work
Work
Massively expensive car repairs. Gah.
More work.
and just for good measure, a vain (read: futile) attempt to sew.

Yup. There be the last 92 days of my life.

Boring.

One day, there will be a moment of thrill /excitement, and much like everything else, I'll miss this too.

How bad is it to consider going to the movie theatre just to by candy floss? Not to see a movie, or buy a ticket, just to spend $3.00 on a big old bag of pure suger?

Anyone?