I'm Not Opinionated

Week 2

2008-08-24T20:53:00.001-07:00

Well...no luck this week. I am going to start working on this fast and furious this week. Wish me luck!!

www.my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Fat Counter

Taking Control

2008-08-24T20:36:00.005-07:00

I haven't been able to get into the mood to do my assignment for my first class tomorrow. My MBA program started last week and the first assignment is due tomorrow by six o'clock tomorrow afternoon. I am a procrastinator by nature but recently I haven't been able to get myself in the mood to do anything other than eat and sleep.

After some reflection, I realize that the problems I am having getting motivated stem from the fact that I feel life is controlling me when I should be in control of my life. I have been trying to lose weight...but life gets in the way. I have been trying to do things around the house...but life gets in the way. I am trying to go back to school...but life gets in the way.

This evening, I went outside and sat out in the spa to do some thinking and realized I am not depressed, although it feels somewhat like it because I want to eat and sleep all of the time, but I am upset that I am not in control of my life. While admittedly, I am not in a tailspin by any means, I just don't have the control I need to have so that I can move forward in the most efficient manner.

As most of you know, my current field of employment is shaky at best. While I can do nothing about the current state of my employer, I can position myself to be ready for any situation that might come my way. I will not be blindsided again. I can control my attitude toward school so that I can get as much out of it as possible. I can control my gym regime and eating habits so that I can lose the weight I would like to and gain the added self-esteem that comes with it.

Reading several of my recent posts, I realize I have allowed myself to become less positive that I would like. Hopefully, that changes tonight!

Have a great week!!

D

Weight Loss Counter

2008-08-17T20:46:00.002-07:00

I went to the doctor the other day and I weigh more than I ever have in my life. I have been trying to go to the gym daily and eat better but have been having real problems keeping myself on track. I am hoping this post will help keep me on track!!

www.my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Fat Counter

Work Ethic

2008-08-17T20:35:00.003-07:00

I am noticing that the work ethic in my field seems to be suffering. I know that this is a market environment that many in my field (including myself) have not seen before. That said, I will work just as hard in a down market knowing that it will pay off in the good times.

Many of our reps have become non-responsive. I know it must be difficult to work hard for very little money but at the same time if you sign up for a job...you need to do it to the best of your ability. Maybe I am living in a dream world...

This continues to disillusion me about the field of work I am currently involved in. I always thought we were helping people...every day it becomes more and more obvious that most in the field were not in the business to help people but help themselves.

Many of the industry are looking at potential jail time for their actions in the past few years. Though I have not been involved in any of these activities I have a stigma attached to my name because I worked in mortgage banking.

As I start my path toward my MBA tomorrow, I am also trying to begin a new career path - maybe in a field such as Human Resources. I know I may have to start from the bottom again...but it will be worth it to again be in a field where I can be of help to someone!!

Burned Out

2008-08-12T16:41:00.003-07:00

Have you ever felt like this??

I am burned out - it seems to get worse every day.

School starts Monday - hope it will improve my attitude!!

The Countdown Begins...

2008-08-11T12:06:00.001-07:00

I only have one more week until classes begin for my MBA. This is one young man who is not excited for school to start.

****Emphasis on Young****

2008-08-07T10:38:00.003-07:00

My cousin Jenny On The Spot had a post about spelling yesterday so I thought this quiz was appropriate. I wish they would me know which one I missed!!

Your Spelling is Good

You got 9/10 correct.

Your spelling is generally pretty decent. You are prone to a few mistakes, but the mistakes you make are pretty forgivable.

How's Your Spelling?

Complacency

2008-08-04T14:04:00.003-07:00

Complacency: self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies

As most of you know, myspace now allows you to display to others your current mood. It provides many different adverbs to allow you to describe your current situation or state of mind. When looking through the list (which is huge) this weekend, I chose complacent. I thought it accurately portrayed my current state of mind.

I thought nothing of it until I watched the movie "Swing Vote" this weekend. For those of you who may not have heard of it (this is assuming anyone still even looks at this blog since it has been almost a year since my last update), the (overly simplified)premise of the movie is that the presidential election has come down to one state, and the state cannot certify it results because the vote of one man was not recorded accurately. The two candidates start pandering to this man who has absolutely no clue about anything that is going on in the world around him. The experience helps him be able to overcome his complacency. I'd tell you more but don't want to ruin the movie. While not the best movie of the year, I do think that it should be required viewing in high school government courses.

Watching this movie made me realize how I did not want to be complacent any longer. Some days I feel like these days I am just going through the motions. I feel that I have been floating along since last August when my former employer went bankrupt. In November, I was lucky enough to find another job in my field and while I enjoy it, I am almost to the point where I have outgrown it. I have found that on average after about 6 months, I can perform my job on autopilot and grow tired of the day to day redundancy. Unfortunately, because of the current state of my industry and the economy as a whole, it is my best interest to stay the course. I do see some opportunities on the horizon...just would like for them to reveal themselves sooner rather than later. I know, I know...good things come to those who wait. To my credit, I am doing what I can to expedite the process and working toward a goal. I start work on my MBA in two weeks! In February 2010, I will have my long awaited Master's degree...and hopefully some added opportunity to show for it!

Going forward, I will do my best never to become complacent. There is always something one can do to better themselves and improve their situation. Self-satisfaction I can live with - being unaware of the actual dangers surrounding me and my own deficiencies I cannot.

300 Days

2008-08-04T13:59:00.002-07:00

Wow...

300 days since my last post. My last post that I notice promises a "real" post the next day. Not only was there not a "real" post, there wasn't a post at all.

And now it is almost a year later...so much has changed...so much has stayed the same. Time to get caught up!!

Where does time go?

Fun posts

2007-10-08T22:24:00.000-07:00

Some fun posts below. I'll post some real posts tomorrow!!

10 year old blues

2007-10-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

A father asked his 10-year old son if he knew about the birds and the bees. "I don't want to know," the child said, bursting into tears. "Promise me you won't tell me." Confused, the father asked what was wrong. The boy sobbed, "When I was six, I got the 'There's no Easter Bunny' speech. At seven, I got the 'There's no Tooth Fairy' speech. When I was eight, you hit me with the 'There's no Santa' speech. If you're going to tell me that grown-ups don't really get laid, I'll have nothing left to live for."

Church Gossip

2007-10-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose in to other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told George (and several others) that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing.

George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny... he said nothing.

Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house... walked home... and left it there all night.

Ya gotta love George.

Premier Week!

2007-09-27T23:37:00.000-07:00

Premier week has been great...even better than most as when you are unemployed evening tv can be what you live for!

I missed Chuck earlier this week. TiVo was having issues. I plan to watch it online tomorrow. The other new shows I am excited about are:

Private Practice - Thought they did a good job with Addison's exit from Seattle Grace. High hopes for this one.
Pushing Daisies - Have to wait a couple more weeks for this one.
Back to You - This one looks good...I miss the good sitcoms!

And of course the old favorites are back too!

Grey's Anatomy - Again thought they did a good job with the characters exiting the series. Looks to be a fun season!!
Desperate Housewives
Brothers and Sisters

I can't wait for the Sunday premiers of the latter two!!

Lost comes back in December and of course American Idol in January!!

Since I'm Posting Videos...

2007-09-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here is one from one of the best movies of the summer!!

ABC Videos

2007-09-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

ABC has done a great job not only in these videos but also in the music selections for their shows. If you watch and listen closely the way they integrate the music into the television shows is amazing. Grey's Anatomy is the master of this! I remember one scene in which Meridith had to remove a bomb out of someone and the lyrics perfectly matched the scene.

Can you tell I am excited about premier week!! My only disappointment thus far is that the cable was having issues last night and I missed the first episode of Chuck!!

Only three months left...

2007-09-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Until Christmas!!! I can't wait!!!

Big Brother 8

2007-09-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

In my blogging absence, I missed posting on Big Brother 8. This was an awesome season! Thanks to TiVo, I didn't miss an episode!!

The only bad thing is that Danielle didn't win! Not too worried...she was the runner up and you know ED(her Dad) will share his winnings!!

Good job Danielle!!

Only a few months until American Idol begins!!

So I am thinking about a new hairstyle...

2007-09-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Now that I seem to have some time to grow my hair out away from the public eye, I am thinking about doing so. I have found two examples of what I might like to do. Take a look and let me know which one you like.

Option 1 is to the left.

Option 2 would not let me save. Visit this website:

http://matrix.com/find_your_hair_style/mens/style_17.aspx?scroll=0

Let me know! Option 1, Option 2, or something else!!

What a ride...

2007-09-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Life, like my posting has been very lackadaisical lately. Things have changed greatly since my last post. As most of you know my company shut down operations on August 16 and filed for bankruptcy a few days later. Looking back, August 16th, though one of the saddest days of my life, was almost a relief. I had known since the market turned the first week of August that our company was at risk to the market movement. I worried for almost three weeks before the official announcement was made. It was a relief finally knowing where we stood.

Life in the past month has been strange. After being layed off, I almost immediately turned down a job in South Carolina. In my heart I knew that moving back to South Carolina was not in my best interest.

I have taken several short trips in the past month. After being home a week and deciding I might go crazy sitting still, I used some frequent flyer miles and went to visit my Aunt Lisa and family in Fresno, CA. It was a good time to be with family.

I also spent a pre-planned weekend with Shan, Cody, and Jaymeson in Dallas at Six Flags. It was great. The boy loved every ride he was tall enough to ride! It was awesome to ride roller coasters with him! I can't believe he is growing up.

My friends and family have had some difficult issues this month as well that have weighed heavily on my heart. I won't go into it but to all of you, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

In addition, some friends have gone through similar situations with their jobs in the mortgage industry. In dealing with their frustration, they have chosen to use their blogs to vent their frustrations to the point of alienating their friends by their choice of words. I cannot judge these persons because I understand first hand the frustrations they may be feeling. Instead of getting angry, I am choosing to use it as a learning lesson as to how to manage frustration appropriately.

To update you on the job search, I do have a couple of irons in the fire. Hopefully I will know more soon. I am in a good position and can make it to the end of the year with little difficulty. I am learning to take a break and enjoy the time off...though surprisingly that can be difficult some times. Who knew! It is strange to think that when I am working I can't wait for the vacation and know that I have an extended period of free time, I can't wait to go back to work!

Bottom line, I know that many have been worried about me. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Things are going well and I am hopeful for that future!

I remember know why I like blogging. Not only does it keep an record of the fun times in life, it is an outlet to keep in touch with friends and family. I hope to be back on the bandwagon!!

Happy Thursday!!!

D

Have you ever had this kind of day?

2007-07-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning perfectly happy. Last night was interesting. I was so tired I felt like I dies when I hit the bed. I slept very soundly until I had the dream. I was dreaming someone was teaching me how to water the cactus outside. We were watering the cactus with a hose (why we were watering the cactus I have no idea). While watering, I noticed that a snake was wrapped around the cactus. I was fine with the snake. What I wasn't fine with was that when I stepped back another snake jumped toward me...I literally jumped out of bed!! That dream is the only thing I can think of that made my day go the way that it did. When I got to work my demeanor almost immediately changed. I was in a horrible mood. I knew this but could not seem to do anything about it. It took me all day to pull myself out of my bad mood. I hate days like that.

It made me almost fall off the wagon. I haven't had a coke - and by coke I mean the southern coke that stands for any type of pop (thought I would use the midewestern lingo as well) in almost two weeks. I stood firm! I have to give myself props on that one!

I think I am just exhausted from moving and it caught up with me today! At least I am feeling better now...and promise not to have one of these days for a long time to come!

Hope you had a better day!

D

A New Home

2007-07-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

After weeks of negotiations, I am now the owner of my very own home!! I purchased a condo last Tuesday. 3 bedrooms/2 baths! I will have pictures soon!! I moved in this weekend! I absolutely love it!!

Suffice it to say that I have been a bit preoccupied but I am going to do my best to get back to the blogging world! I have missed everyone!!

Talk soon!!

D

Paris Voted!!

2007-07-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

I know I have been gone for a while....an explanation to follow...but I thought this was a great way to announce my return!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19512569/

Paris Hilton takes the time to exercise her right to vote. In fact she voted for President just last year! How fun is that!!

Tribute to Melinda!

2007-05-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a shocker...for the second year in a row the best singer has been voted off American Idol before their time.

I will admit that I was very upset on Wednesday and quite frankly still don't care if I watch the finale now but I have to remember that Chris Daughtery should have won last year. Look where he is on the top of the charts....where is Taylor Hicks? Melinda will do well....this was not the end for Melinda.

As an added bonus, the AI tour will be in Phoenix the day of my birthday...guess where I will be!!!

I'm back!!!

2007-05-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ok....I've decided I'm back from my sabatical!! So Sorry!! I know everyone looks forward to my commentary and life stories and I have disappointed you!

Thank you for all the phone calls telling me that I need to get my rear in gear and start blogging again!

I will play catch up for the last couple of months. Stories of seeing old friends, making new friends...and of course my new car!!

The Landlord

2007-04-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry I can't get the code....this is too funny...even if in poor taste!

http://sjl.funnyordie.com/v1/view_video.php?viewkey=3efbc24c7d2583be6925