Last Day

Today was my last official day at work. While I am really going to miss a lot of the people, all in all I felt like this:
I finally graduated from my first job/company post college.

And if anyone is feeling down, quit your job and send out a farewell email. People will have really nice things to say about you. Thanks everyone for the kind words and encouragement.

Max in A Box

Max missed me too. He kept trying to get me to take him to Seattle in my suitcase.

Weekend Update

It's been a great couple of days in SLC.

Saturday morning I met up with some people that I heart and had breakfast at my favorite cafe. Steph and I then went and saw the worst movie ever, How She Move (the poor grammar of the title should have been a clue). You have to know it was REALLY BAD because I am that person that loves these stupid and predictable dance movies, but this was just lame and the crying little kids that kept telling their parents they needed to go poo did not help either. The night ended on a high with a delicious dinner out, running into some friends from the ward, and hours of entertainment with Photo Booth.

Sunday I had "vacation church" up in Park City at Sundance. We saw The Grand Jury Prize: Documentary - TROUBLE THE WATER about a family's Hurricane Katrina story. It was crazy to actually see the home footage of what it was like being stuck in the water and trying to re-build their life after.

Then we saw The Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic - FROZEN RIVER about a struggling mom and a Mohawk Indian girl who team up to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States from Canada. I really enjoyed both movies. Thanks Steph, Chels, and Em for some good times.

DataProm

What a day. My flight to SLC was like an episode of Lost. I was stuck sitting next to Hurley while Charlie (the guy was in a band on his way to Sundance to play a gig) and Echo (who was talking 50 decimals too loud) chatted it up the entire 2 hour flight. I made it and headed into the office.

It was SOOOO good to see my friends again. I really missed everyone. It was a little weird because everything was the same and it almost felt like I had never left. It was refreshing to see so many familiar faces.

Next it was off to the DataProm and I must say it was a great night. I was very impressed with the night. The food was good, the video was quite funny, and the company was great. There were a few moments that "got weird" and we are all sick of the same people always getting things, but I'm not complaining. I know some of you are wanting my rude play by play of the night, but overall I really did think it was a great event and there are some things I am not willing to share with the world wide web...sorry.

As the night was ending and the inappropriate conversations were at a high, I started to get really sad. As I said goodbye to my friends it finally hit me that this really is goodbye. I will stay in contact with them and see them again, but I also know that it will not be the same.

My emotions are all over the place and I can feel the reality of all this change sinking in, but I also know it will all work out.

Max and the Crazy Cat Lady

Today I really miss Max. I miss sitting at my computer while he wraps himself around my neck. I miss his early morning muddy visits. I miss him crying until you pick him up. Good think I get to see him tomorrow!

The End

My business travels with DMark have come full circle today. My first business trip with them: I missed my flight. My last business trip with them: my flight was canceled.

So True

Jim Gaffigan is so dang funny. This is just an audio clip, but it makes me laugh every time I hear it. I love the part about being to lazy to use the shift key!

Random Update

So I made a friend...at church! I know, who would have thought.  Not to dig on Utahns, but the people in my ward here are a lot nicer and when I say nicer I mean in that real/sincere/none judgemental/none hypocritical way.  I met her last week and we had the normal small chat.  This week she came and sat by me and I knew we were a pair when she leaned over after the family home evening announcement and said, "So when do we get to do grown up activities.  I don't want to build sleds out of cardboard on a Monday night.  I would rather stay at home and watch reality TV."  I brightly smiled back and said, "So I guess that means you don't want to play broom hockey in the gym after with me."  I told her we should get together sometime and she was all for it.  I think I can safely move her out of the "psycho girl" catagor, but there still could be a "crazy gril" in there so we are not totally in the clear.     

What else...oh ya, job hunting.  Did I mention that I HATE looking for a job.  I have a couple interviews this week and am getting lots of calls, but it is hard.  How do I know if I will like the company, the work, the people, or the work environment?  Also, what do I really want to do when I grow up?  

Seattle is really growing on me.  I like all of the different neighborhoods.  I like that the air always feels fresh and clean.  I like that the people are so laid back and very casual.  I like all of the new places.  I like hanging out with my brothers.

On the other hand, I miss lots of people from back home.  Today I got so excited when I walked to my car and saw "Steph's car" parked right next to mine.  Oh wait, Steph is not here.  I miss going to lunch with the ladies at work.  I miss our "double dates."  I miss sitting in the corner making sure all is well.  I miss Max.  

All in all, things are good.  I am still happy and have not freaked out...yet! 

Famous Friends

I bet you never knew I had so many friends that look like famous people! 

For You!

I dedicate this post to one of my readers. You know who you are and the rest of you will think I'm weird, but I am so deal.

Hang in there my friend. This is so it will feel like I am still there. :) 

Favorite Find

I am a fan of 411 to be connected with local businesses, but who wants to pay for this service. Now, thanks to Google, you don't have to pay any more. Today I learned that you can call 1-800-Goog-411 and get the same service for free. How awesome is this!

My one gripe, I use a blackberry and the letters on my phone don't match up with 800 numbers that use words so I have to remember to call 1-800-466-4411. Such a hard life I live.

Not in Kansas Anymore

 I was at the store last night when it started to snow.  Since I am use to the snow I did not think anything of it.  I was in no hurry and by the time I was back in my car, the little city of Issaquah had about 2+ inches of snow.  Again, I was not worried as I drive in the snow all the time....but they do plow the roads in Utah.  No only had it snowed, but it rained a little and then froze.  My bother lives up this huge hill and after trying to find a flat back way in I gave up and parked at the store at the bottom of the hill.  My nice brother met up with me and walked up the hill to his house as we watched cars try to make it up the hill.  It really was a funny event.  All of a sudden people were offering us rides up the hill, to help push others out of the way, and everyone came out to see the snow.  We even saw a few people on sleds.  Who owns a sled in Seattle?  

2nd lesson learned, Seattle does not plow during snow storms....hurry home while you still can.

Seattle Update

Well, I have passed the week mark. My brother Jared hooked me up with a bed in his guestroom and there have been just as many sunny days as rainy days.

Work has kept me pretty busy, but I did have a good interview on Friday. It was with a marketing agency based in NY that is looking to open a Seattle office. They do marketing for T-Mobile which would be fun, but I would be the only person in the Seattle office for a few months. I am not sure if I could do this as I feel like I am already going crazy working from home. I really miss the social interaction of my coworkers.

I have met up with a few friends from my past and keep running into people from Spokane which is weird since I have not seen most of them in over 8 years.

Other then this, it's been good to spend time with my brothers and getting to know all the areas of Seattle while trying not to get homesick thinking of all the great people I miss.

Sad Moment

Today I had my first sad moment.  I was at the kitchen table working with the TV on in the background.  I thought I heard my cat and without thinking I called for him.  When I stopped typing to look up for him I realized he is not here.  

It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To

What an emotional couple of days it has been. I am now officially in Seattle living with my brother and while I am excited about things, it was also very sad to say goodbye to so many great friends. I wish it did not take events like moving to a new state to make me realize I am the luckiest person in the world. Being surrounded by such great friends is all a person needs to make it through the bumps in life. Thanks so much to each and everyone of you for being a part of me.

Being the great friends you are, you threw me a going away party and made sure my last night in town was one I will never forget and always be grateful for.

Michelle - You took and chance and hired me over 3 years ago. Not only this, but you taught me everything I know. I will miss the days of laughing so hard that we get in trouble; the random things that come out of your mouth; and always being 2 steps behind you on the office gossip.

Steph - This is my favorite "Family Portrait." There are way too many things to post. Thanks for always walking me off the ledge and complaining with me along the way. I owe many lost hours of my life watching reality TV to you and now I too have issues with the Tivo being full. Thanks for keeping me laughing and obsessed with music.

Stephanie - Thanks for so many great hair cuts and singing along at the salon too. I am sad we did not go dancing more, but that was the best night every.

Sarah - You and Todd were my favorite work duo. I will always remember your Elvis, sound effects, killer cooking, and card games.

Nic - I was thinking back to our first encounter and I'm not sure why you let me stick around.  Man I was on one that day; sorry.  I will miss our random IM bitch session, but will think of you as I listen to my favorite "lady" singers.

Amy - It's a good thing they pay you to not tell.  Your pictures are safe with me....for now.  Don't forget you too can do it. 

Steph K - If I had one wish, it would be that you and Danny lived next door so Danny could make everyone dinner and we could stay up late watching TV and playing cards every night.  Thanks for the best night ever!  I will miss our daily catch ups. 

Matthew - Thanks for coming.  I am going to miss our daily banter and my personal spell checker.  Girls are evil, but hang in there. 

Mandy and Charlie - Keep the ward in check and give a rude comment or two in my honor.

Danny - You truly are the funniest person I know and your mad cooking skills are not to shabby.  Don't forget about me when you are famous. 

Erin - Thanks for being one of my few church friends.  You are great. 

Jill - What would we have done without our church friend/TV watching buddy.  Can't wait for you to come out this summer. 

That's right.  Nothing like a loving gesture.  

The food was delicious!  Thanks to all involved. 

Em - I am sad we did not hang out more often sooner.  What can I say, I owe you my unhealthy obsession with BC.  I will forever be indebted to you.  

Dewey - I had to post this picture because we look way hotter in it.  

Dewey - No one has dance moves quite like you.  I will miss our movie adventures and random get togethers.  Some of my funniest/favorite Logan memories involve you, me, the island market, Tabby, and that night in my backyard on the hammock. :)  

Courtney - I always leave our outings with a smile and in a better mood.  How do you do that?  Maybe I should try all that positive thinking crap.  You are great! 

Chelsea - Again, I wish we had started hanging out together sooner.  Thanks for the BC tip.  Who knew two girls from different parts of the world would end up in the same place twice and have so many things in common? 

Carlee - I think you should adopt my 2008 theme: Fornicate in 08.  You are my idol. 

Annie - You always make me giggle and constantly amaze me at how strong you are.  We made it through a few crazy roommates, but at least we had fun along the way.  Keep me posted on any updates with your going away present.  Try to find some non Canadian guy friends, but save one or two for me.  

Angela - I am really going to miss our daily chats and lunch endeavors.  Hawaii and Vegas were great and I hope we can add a few more destinations to this list soon.  Remember that you are a capable and strong woman.  Thanks for being such a great friend.  

There were a few other good friends that were not able to make it, but I love and will miss all of you.    

Learned the Hard Way

Seattle life lesson #1 learned the hard way: Never leave the house right before rush hour traffic without going to the bathroom.  

Last Lunch

My last day in the office was last Wednesday. For my "Last Lunch" we went out to my favorite dive, Greek Market. I had to see my chef boyfriend Anthony one last time. It was great fun. Lost of people came, we ate good food, and Ang even hooked me up with a cake later in the day.

To each of you that made it, I leave my fond farewell and a parting message. To those of you that were not able to make it, we missed you and hope you were back in the office working towards my "Christmas Miracle."

Liz - Good luck taking over my spot, you will do great!
Carlee - Remember it is junk mail and spam and Jesus said love everyone.
Cory - You with the Gold Star award hands down for being BFF with Beth.
Matthew - Thanks for always keeping me laughing. You are amazing. I think we should open our own business. I could bake and you could harass the customers.

Scotty - Stay out of the bath, away from blue screens, and know that I am only an IM away.
Melanie - Thanks for always keeping me laughing. Good luck on your new endeavors.
Stephanie - You are the best. Always so happy and funny. We will always have Tim Riggins.
Ryan - You will always be the owner of my jumbo cookie heart.

Dave - Stay crazy and funny.
Angela - Drink your juice and hang in there. You are so much stronger then you give yourself credit for. Remember you are amazing!!!
Natalie - I will never have another dip or sauce without thinking of you.
Tony - Stand your ground and don't give into Duffy. You rock!

Courtney - Remember, the trick is to be bitchy, but nice.
Kristen - Who knew we would have lasted this long. I'll keep your secrets if you keep mine!
Eric - You and your family are the best. Thank you for sharing them and their spirit with me.
Stephanie - Thanks for being Max's favorite "second mom."

Matthew - Hang in there, you will make it through the next few months and be taking over that place in no time.

Travis - Good luck on your new work responsibilities. Don't screw it up.
Landon - Stay away from the ladies.
Stacy - You are a great mom. Good luck with the new addition.

Thanks...and I'm Off

Thanks so much to Steph, Steph, Ang, and Danny for the best going away party every! I have so much to blog about, but since I will be on the road in less then 7 hours I'm off to bed. Thanks everyone. I am really going to miss all of you!

Ode to 2007

Highlights from 2007

So I have re-written this post about 12 times....how can you really summarize an entire year in one post?

184 blog posts
21 Concerts
1 obsession with Brandi Carlile
4 pretend boyfriends
2 boys that wanted to be my boyfriend
0 boys that were actually my boyfriend
2 new eyes
2 times seeing Ellen
1 vacation to Hawaii
2 trips to Las Vegas
1 new niece
50 new friends

Really, it as a good year. No major complaints, only a few rough patches and for once I am really excited at what the new year will be like. I have no clue where I will be in life at this time next year, but one thing is for sure. I will blog about it along the way.