A lady I've known for a while (I knew her when I temped here in the past and she remembered me when I returned) shot me a message earlier asking what I was doing to lose weight, because whatever it was, was working. She said "it really shows! I cant believe no one has said anything! i was like wow, she is dropping weight fast~! Happy Friday! :-)"
Happy Friday indeed.
Always nice to get little confidence boosters like that. Anyway once I have some money to spend, my new best friend is getting some nice flowers at her cubicle. :-)
Final day at work wearing my comfy sneakers, my ratty (seriously I should throw them out) capri jeans, and my t-shirt featuring a T-rex wearing a Hawaiian shirt holding a toy spaceship (bonus if you get the reference). I'll miss the fun of wearing casual stuff to work, but am looking forward to dressing more like a grown up.
11 days until the moment of truth. Those free drinks on the San Diego flight will either be me nursing disappointment or me celebrating my massive victory. And in any case, we ALWAYS get our steps in at Comic-Con. This'll be my first year going with a FitBit, but my friend had one last year and she clocked us at SEVEN MILES by like 2 in the afternoon. So I'm not worried about walking off all the drinking we'll be doing.
And before that, 4th of July Camping Trip!
Friday, June 26, 2015
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Endings and Beginnings (Whole50, Day 38)
Tonight begins the closing weekend of performances for The Comedy of Errors. It's bittersweet. I've had a really great time on this show.
Tomorrow is also my last day in my current department - and since I realize I remarked about a month ago on getting a new job and haven't followed up since, I figured I'd finally give you some details.
Well...I figuratively tripped and fell into this new position. The manager of the marketing department reached out to me, seemingly out of the blue, about 2 months ago and asked if I was interested in applying for an open position on her team. I said I wanted to learn more, and so we talked, I applied, I interviewed...and then, nothing for a little while. I figured it was a "no", since it was such a long shot to begin with, but then after a few weeks she emailed again asking for a writing sample. I was pleased to be in the running still - I sent a sample, and then...nothing again. When I'd interviewed (both with her and with other higher-ups in Marketing) I was told, not unkindly, that they had several candidates in the works, so I assumed they'd gone with another choice. I wasn't brokenhearted, just a little disappointed (and it always sucks thinking it's a "no" when you don't have confirmation).
Then a few weeks after that, the HR head called me into her office to "discuss my application". Having only ever been called to HR for bad things (once to be deposed in the case of an evil coworker who'd filed suit against the company, once to get laid off, etc) I figured I'd messed something up. But she was very friendly and in a moment we were joined by the marketing manager, who informed me they'd be happy to make me an offer of employment.
Which was an excellent and happy surprise.
Because the dept I'm in now was already shorthanded, we agreed to a start date 4 weeks out.
I really like the dept I'm in and the team I'm on, but I feel that this is a great move for me, for several reasons:
Tomorrow is also my last day in my current department - and since I realize I remarked about a month ago on getting a new job and haven't followed up since, I figured I'd finally give you some details.
Well...I figuratively tripped and fell into this new position. The manager of the marketing department reached out to me, seemingly out of the blue, about 2 months ago and asked if I was interested in applying for an open position on her team. I said I wanted to learn more, and so we talked, I applied, I interviewed...and then, nothing for a little while. I figured it was a "no", since it was such a long shot to begin with, but then after a few weeks she emailed again asking for a writing sample. I was pleased to be in the running still - I sent a sample, and then...nothing again. When I'd interviewed (both with her and with other higher-ups in Marketing) I was told, not unkindly, that they had several candidates in the works, so I assumed they'd gone with another choice. I wasn't brokenhearted, just a little disappointed (and it always sucks thinking it's a "no" when you don't have confirmation).
Then a few weeks after that, the HR head called me into her office to "discuss my application". Having only ever been called to HR for bad things (once to be deposed in the case of an evil coworker who'd filed suit against the company, once to get laid off, etc) I figured I'd messed something up. But she was very friendly and in a moment we were joined by the marketing manager, who informed me they'd be happy to make me an offer of employment.
Which was an excellent and happy surprise.
Because the dept I'm in now was already shorthanded, we agreed to a start date 4 weeks out.
I really like the dept I'm in and the team I'm on, but I feel that this is a great move for me, for several reasons:
- Permanent employment > Temporary employment
- Especially at this company. I like it here.
- Employee-sponsored healthcare>>>>>>>>>>CoveredCA (omg don't even get me started)
- It's an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and utilize the (admittedly small) marketing background I cultivated working with nonprofits
- Proofreading for spelling and grammar (which I like doing anyway)
- Talking about travel (which I also really like) and finding fun ways to describe and present travel opportunities
- Apparently there's this massive Christmas party every year where you can win cool prizes (I could never go in the past because I was a temp but I heard amazing and hilarious stories)
- Oh and I almost forgot to mention PAID TIME OFF, which I haven't had since I left Perfect World to work at California Theatre Center...my first paid holiday will be Independence Day, which makes me smile
- Good pay, which will help with my aggressive savings plan
- Company matching on my 401(k), of which I plan to take full advantage
So yeah, I'm excited and nervous and a little terrified. But mostly excited.
I bought a dress at Ross today, to wear on my first day as a Marketing Specialist. It was $8, and ten (10) sizes smaller than the dresses I used to buy.
I'm still very much in the middle of my journey, but that felt really good. Twelve more days!
Haha Day 51 is the day Panda and I fly to San Diego for this year's abbreviated Comic-Con adventure. I have free drink tickets for Southwest Airlines, so... BARGAIN BASEMENT MIMOSAS! Hahaha....
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
"Why, What an Intricate Impeach is This" (Whole50, Day 36)
The last few nights have been pretty rough. I've been revisited by some of the stupidly frustrating insomnia I haven't had in a long time. I'm not sure what I've done to trigger it (lately even when I've been stressed out it hasn't affected my sleep this much.) Likely caffeine. I drink a lot of coffee and tea. But then who knows.
I'm sad that we only have one more weekend of Comedy of Errors. I really like the people I'm working with, I like performing outside, I like that company in general. I'll definitely audition for their season next year.
We had our first read thru for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee last night in Gilroy, and it was fun. I think the show's going to be good as well as well-received (this company has a loyal audience and this is their 50th production, so I get the feeling the vibe will be good in general.) It'll be nice to perform in a musical again. I haven't done that in a really long time.
Steps have been erratic. I always get them in on show weekends, likely from schlepping set pieces up and down that damn hill. I have tonight off and may go for a walk or a hike or something. Maybe that'll help me sleep better tonight, too.
This morning I sat on the couch to lace up my shoes and my smaller cat climbed into my lap and laid down purring. That cheered me up a little. ...although it also made me consider blowing off work to sit at home with the cat, haha.
Food-wise has been boring and routine - the cupboards are pretty bare as this weekend AGAIN I neglected to stock up and batch cook. Maybe tonight my walk will be to the grocery store and back.
I'm really excited to go camping with friends over 4th of July weekend. It seriously can't come soon enough. Oh and I start the new gig on Monday.
Channeling that Tom Hanks movie today in the hopes of reaching my specific Whole50 goal. Also: "Oh there he goes, off to write that hit song, 'Alone In My Principles'. " Heh.
Happy Tuesday.
I'm sad that we only have one more weekend of Comedy of Errors. I really like the people I'm working with, I like performing outside, I like that company in general. I'll definitely audition for their season next year.
We had our first read thru for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee last night in Gilroy, and it was fun. I think the show's going to be good as well as well-received (this company has a loyal audience and this is their 50th production, so I get the feeling the vibe will be good in general.) It'll be nice to perform in a musical again. I haven't done that in a really long time.
Steps have been erratic. I always get them in on show weekends, likely from schlepping set pieces up and down that damn hill. I have tonight off and may go for a walk or a hike or something. Maybe that'll help me sleep better tonight, too.
This morning I sat on the couch to lace up my shoes and my smaller cat climbed into my lap and laid down purring. That cheered me up a little. ...although it also made me consider blowing off work to sit at home with the cat, haha.
Food-wise has been boring and routine - the cupboards are pretty bare as this weekend AGAIN I neglected to stock up and batch cook. Maybe tonight my walk will be to the grocery store and back.
I'm really excited to go camping with friends over 4th of July weekend. It seriously can't come soon enough. Oh and I start the new gig on Monday.
Channeling that Tom Hanks movie today in the hopes of reaching my specific Whole50 goal. Also: "Oh there he goes, off to write that hit song, 'Alone In My Principles'. " Heh.
Happy Tuesday.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Easy Like Sunday Morning (Whole50, Day 27)
Comedy of Errors is opened and I'm really pleased with it and having fun. We have an evening show tonight, and it's going to be strange (and bittersweet/ wonderful) to not be in rehearsals starting Monday. But I'll have a chance to do a LOT of chores and random things I've let slide for a while. I'm considering bumping my step goal back up to 10K and getting back to walking/ jogging every evening.
Today I made a massive breakfast with Whole30-friendly foods, since there's a lot to be done today.
It was delicious and very filling. And it was kind of nice to take some time to prep, cook and eat my own food again.
Anyway, I have a bridal shower for a friend of mine to attend this afternoon for a sadly-brief time, after which I'm rushing back to the park for our first Sunday evening performance of Comedy. I'm hoping very much that the weather forecast is correct and the weather will be, mercifully, a little cooler than it has been recently.
Today I made a massive breakfast with Whole30-friendly foods, since there's a lot to be done today.
 |
| Sweet potato home fries, eggs over easy, avocado (of course) and a new addition to my arsenal, coconut water! |
 |
| *scarf* |
...although to be honest I'm kind of thinking the extra sweating may help my weight loss? Is that crazy?
I hope it's not too crazy. I have a specific goal I want to hit by Day 51. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, ...
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
"What a Coil is There, Dromio" (Whole50, Day 23)
Blech. Sorry for not updating. As I said last time - there's no time.
I've taken to showering in the evenings, to get all the filth off me from rehearsal and also to give myself a few more precious minutes of sleep in the mornings. Even so, I am a complete zombie at work and drink lots of coffee and tea throughout the day to stay awake. Probably more than is healthy, but as I've stayed on track with the eating plan I'm not going to worry about it too much.
It does suck that I haven't been able to batch-cook (or even buy groceries) in so freaking long. This weekend I will be doing so, and Monday night is going to be outstanding because I have no rehearsals.
Monday (Day 1 of Tech) was very frustrating, since it was in the high 90's/ low 100's all day and we had to be outside hauling heavy scenery and electronics (and then performing under heavy costumes and makeup). Yesterday the cooler weather was a huge relief, but when it started sprinkling rain at the end of the evening we had to hustle to carry everything back into the shed and get the painted pieces covered with tarps. It's still sprinkling today, a miniscule relief for this ridiculous drought. I'm thankful for the rain, insignificant though it may be, but I am wondering if there's a contingency plan for the show if there's rain during rehearsal/ performance times at the park. I guess we'll find out if it's still raining tonight.
I am excited for CoE to open and I feel like, for the most part, it's a good and fun production. I'm peeved that my boots, which I'm wearing for the show, chose tech week to start shredding apart (I'm not kidding...pieces are literally starting to sling and hang off as I walk. I may need to replace them, but of course it's summer so no one sells boots, at least not boots I can afford).
The Bernstein concert on Sunday went pretty well and I got a lot of good feedback on the duet I sang with one of the area's best-beloved sopranos. It made me happy that she was so nice and funny and awesome. In my experience, the attitude of "local legends" can be kind of a crapshoot. But she was amazing to work with and I thought we did well. Our necklaces matched completely by accident, which made me smile. And I wore my dress from Bella Cantorum, my high school choir, which I'd worn well over 10 years ago and hasn't fit me in a long time. So that felt good. Oh, and Nancy loaned me a vegan cookbook which looks great - I'm not a vegan but some of the recipes will be an awesome addition to my current repertoire, and more veggies never hurt anyone.
As far as fitness goes, there have been lots of organic chicken sausages, crudites, avocado and raw fruits as well as scrambled eggs going into my belly lately. And I wear my FitBit almost all the time (my Luce costume prevents it but I still wear it under my Duke coat). Actually, a lot of women in the cast wear FitBits under their garb. And we *all* get our steps in by the end of each night, between the show and the hiking around and the carrying everything/ setup/ teardown.
In short, if I haven't hit my next weight goal by Day 51 (which will actually be a bit after CoE closes) I will be severely upset. Heh. So cross your fingers for me.
I promise to update about the job soon. New one begins June 29.
Almost halfway through Whole 50!
I've taken to showering in the evenings, to get all the filth off me from rehearsal and also to give myself a few more precious minutes of sleep in the mornings. Even so, I am a complete zombie at work and drink lots of coffee and tea throughout the day to stay awake. Probably more than is healthy, but as I've stayed on track with the eating plan I'm not going to worry about it too much.
It does suck that I haven't been able to batch-cook (or even buy groceries) in so freaking long. This weekend I will be doing so, and Monday night is going to be outstanding because I have no rehearsals.
Monday (Day 1 of Tech) was very frustrating, since it was in the high 90's/ low 100's all day and we had to be outside hauling heavy scenery and electronics (and then performing under heavy costumes and makeup). Yesterday the cooler weather was a huge relief, but when it started sprinkling rain at the end of the evening we had to hustle to carry everything back into the shed and get the painted pieces covered with tarps. It's still sprinkling today, a miniscule relief for this ridiculous drought. I'm thankful for the rain, insignificant though it may be, but I am wondering if there's a contingency plan for the show if there's rain during rehearsal/ performance times at the park. I guess we'll find out if it's still raining tonight.
I am excited for CoE to open and I feel like, for the most part, it's a good and fun production. I'm peeved that my boots, which I'm wearing for the show, chose tech week to start shredding apart (I'm not kidding...pieces are literally starting to sling and hang off as I walk. I may need to replace them, but of course it's summer so no one sells boots, at least not boots I can afford).
The Bernstein concert on Sunday went pretty well and I got a lot of good feedback on the duet I sang with one of the area's best-beloved sopranos. It made me happy that she was so nice and funny and awesome. In my experience, the attitude of "local legends" can be kind of a crapshoot. But she was amazing to work with and I thought we did well. Our necklaces matched completely by accident, which made me smile. And I wore my dress from Bella Cantorum, my high school choir, which I'd worn well over 10 years ago and hasn't fit me in a long time. So that felt good. Oh, and Nancy loaned me a vegan cookbook which looks great - I'm not a vegan but some of the recipes will be an awesome addition to my current repertoire, and more veggies never hurt anyone.
As far as fitness goes, there have been lots of organic chicken sausages, crudites, avocado and raw fruits as well as scrambled eggs going into my belly lately. And I wear my FitBit almost all the time (my Luce costume prevents it but I still wear it under my Duke coat). Actually, a lot of women in the cast wear FitBits under their garb. And we *all* get our steps in by the end of each night, between the show and the hiking around and the carrying everything/ setup/ teardown.
In short, if I haven't hit my next weight goal by Day 51 (which will actually be a bit after CoE closes) I will be severely upset. Heh. So cross your fingers for me.
I promise to update about the job soon. New one begins June 29.
Almost halfway through Whole 50!
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
"This Thing All Things Devours..." (Whole50, Day 15)
Time. There's no time.
Things have been extremely busy lately. Unfortunately this means a lot of raw fruits and crudites and more eggs than I know what to do with, since I haven't batch-cooked or bought groceries for the house in too long.
In a week we'll be in tech for The Comedy of Errors. It has its kinks to work out, but for the most part it's feeling solid and I'm having a really fun time with it. I wish the damn bugs in the park would stop biting me (through my clothes. It's not like I'm traipsing around in shorts or something. These things are biting my knees through my pants, for heaven's sake).
I did have to lower the daily step goal on my FitBit, for the time being. I want to make sure I'm at least doing SOMEthing, but there's no way I can go walking or jogging for an hour after doing overtime at work (8-6 every day this week), rehearsing until 10, and attempting to get enough sleep to make this all possible. Thankfully the show involves a big opening dance number and a lot of walking, climbing, and hauling set pieces up and down hills in the amphitheatre. So I am getting exercise.
I have to drop off a tax form at my mom's CPA and I have been meaning to do it for about 2 weeks now. I think tonight I'm just going to give it to my mom to give to him, since there's no way I'll be able to get to his office.
On the plus side, this weekend is the one-night Bernstein concert and it'll be fun and hopefully well-received (and, worst case scenario, it goes horribly and people hate it and I mess up and make an idiot of myself, but it's only one night!).
I have no jeans and I need to get some. I wonder if I can visit the Ross by my work at lunch.
There's just no time and my head's just spinning...
Things have been extremely busy lately. Unfortunately this means a lot of raw fruits and crudites and more eggs than I know what to do with, since I haven't batch-cooked or bought groceries for the house in too long.
In a week we'll be in tech for The Comedy of Errors. It has its kinks to work out, but for the most part it's feeling solid and I'm having a really fun time with it. I wish the damn bugs in the park would stop biting me (through my clothes. It's not like I'm traipsing around in shorts or something. These things are biting my knees through my pants, for heaven's sake).
I did have to lower the daily step goal on my FitBit, for the time being. I want to make sure I'm at least doing SOMEthing, but there's no way I can go walking or jogging for an hour after doing overtime at work (8-6 every day this week), rehearsing until 10, and attempting to get enough sleep to make this all possible. Thankfully the show involves a big opening dance number and a lot of walking, climbing, and hauling set pieces up and down hills in the amphitheatre. So I am getting exercise.
I have to drop off a tax form at my mom's CPA and I have been meaning to do it for about 2 weeks now. I think tonight I'm just going to give it to my mom to give to him, since there's no way I'll be able to get to his office.
On the plus side, this weekend is the one-night Bernstein concert and it'll be fun and hopefully well-received (and, worst case scenario, it goes horribly and people hate it and I mess up and make an idiot of myself, but it's only one night!).
I have no jeans and I need to get some. I wonder if I can visit the Ross by my work at lunch.
There's just no time and my head's just spinning...
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