Time Zone Troubles

In my research and methods class we are supposed to interview two people about their decision to attend graduate school. The two people I chose are not in my timezone. One is in Chicago at Northwestern University and the other is in Cambridge, MA at Harvard Divinity School. I'm really excited to hear about their experience in deciding to go to grad school. These are two people I met at church and have known for quite awhile. I love that we're all out doing our thing in grad school.

 I've had some poor communication with Janae she emailed me Wednesday to set up a time for "tomorrow." I read it Thursday and didn't pay attention to what date the email was sent so I thought "tomorrow" meant Friday. After getting that straight here we are on Friday and we said 5 PM EST. I thought that was 2 PM Utah time. Wrong again! I'm just glad I was early, and didn't leave her hanging AGAIN. She proposed we use Google Video Chat. I've never tried it, but after looking into it I think it seems really neat.

For the past few months I've been assuming Chicago is 2 hours ahead, but good thing I had this experience that lead me to double check. They're only 1 hour ahead.  We're going to use Facebook video calling, which I haven't tried either. I hope the interview with Luis goes smooth. 

Journal Time

Today has been a day of lessons and good times. This is definitely a journal entry type of post.

For the past few weeks I have been dealing with a salesman that wants to control every last detail. I'm sorry, it doesn't work that way. You bring me the deal, it gets approved, and you get the hell out of the way. OHH no, he wants to come up with checklists for how this deal will work. I'm sorry but this is what we do and what we do has worked for years. We don't' need 50 emails about a revised checklist.

So I'd say today was the 2nd time I got annoyed with him to the point that I was a little rude. So what I cc: the customer on the question she asked. It saves time from me telling you, who then has to tell her. No need for a middleman, that's how things get confused.

After I knew he was pissed I decided I better let my boss know before he let her know. I started thinking about an earlier event in the week where we honored a woman who has been with our company for 25 years. All of her former bosses went on and on about how she has always shown professionalism in the workplace. My attitude today did not reflect professionalism and I told my boss my thoughts about how I felt like I failed in that aspect and should probably just answer the salesman's questions without having an attitude.

Don't know why I let it stress me out so much.

To de-stress I went to the gym and did day 15 of Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer. Today the workout switched up and kicked my butt. To relax I went to the pool afterward. It was my first time and WSU's pool.

After the workout I was starving. I invited my brother to Wing Nutz where we had the special, 20 Southern Hottie wings and a pitcher of Bud Light. I had a good time with him, but poor him, he had to listen to me rant. I love him.

Homework

Yesterday I was going to post this picture on Instagram and possibly Facebook. 

I've never done so much homework in my life.
 Seriously all day Sunday and after work until midnight.
I'm tired and we need toilet paper. 

Fortunately my phone was dying so I had time to think before posting. I thought about how hard it would be to sit down for 5 hours and write if I had kids and how new parents are probably more exhausted. I'm lucky to have the opportunity to be in this master's program. It's my first semester and it's been fun. I like my cohort and look forward to getting to know everyone more. I've finished two of the three classes this semester. One big professional writing project left and I'll be done with my very first semester. 

I'mReadyForA---Break!

I've never gotten around to writing about how much I like my job. I've been working my ass off and I'm tired, but fulfilled.

Monday was day one of our big system conversion to the program I went to Sioux Falls to learn about.  I went in Saturday until midnight to help get things ready. Everything so far in our loans department is going smoothly.

The deposits department is a different story. 

I know there was no way to fully predict what might not work, but holy shit, I don't think anyone was expecting the chaos we've been having for the past few days. All departments have been trying to filter customer service calls because the queues are filled to capacity and no one can get through for help. It feels good to do CS calls, it's been over a year since I moved to the loans department. Most of the customers I helped were understanding, but there were a few that tested my composure. Poor Denise(my boss) was so overwhelmed she bursted into tears and was sent home early. It has been frustrating and I can feel the tension in my shoulders, but I love my job. I made cookies to take tomorrow. It helped me relieve some stress and everyone deserves a treat for all of their hard work.

I like to wear my Guatemalan apron

Today the Health Department called to see if I wanted to come for an interview for a Health Educator position, I declined, my loyalty is to TAB-they treat me good.  I want the health education experience, but it's not something that is going to work for me right now. I just got accepted into graduate school, Weber's Masters of Professional Communication program. I'm not quite sure where I want to take myself, the major is broad which allows each student to choose their focus. My thoughts are to either continue with health education or do something relating to business. Along with my acceptance letter came two assignments. What a wonderful way to welcome us.

My weekend was busy. I got off at about 6:00 PM on Friday and went over to the hospital to see Angel's new baby. While I was there Stela texted me that she was at the hospital with her baby because he had RSV. Same hospital, so I told her I'd meet her in a bit. I kind of felt in the way, but I just wanted to check on her and the baby. I'm still not past my dislike for Aaron, but from what I see he's a great dad who loves his kids. He also had a Jazz hat on so that's a step in the right direction ha ha.  They're out of the hospital and he's doing better.

So sad, makes me not want kids. He had his mocos sucked out and an IV put in. 

I left the hospital about 8:00 PM to get ready for my date with Ashely. She was supposed to take me to Andy's to eat greek, but we ended up at the Copper Club.  There was a lot of diversity at the club, from cowboys to gangstas, maybe because options are limited in O-town. I saw plenty of familiar faces. It was my first time there and I liked it.

While I was at the hospital I got a call from AGP who was drunk and could possibly need a ride. I never heard from him again. I saw a post on FB from his friend trying to raise money to get him out of jail. This is his second time in about a month. He's screwed! I ignored his calls all night and the next day, pretty tired of trying to help. Still love him though.

Finally went to bed around 3:00 AM then woke up at 9:00 AM for breakfast with my grandparents. We went to Dee's. Yum! Yum!

I went to Yoga at 11:00 AM and then stopped by to visit Kiki & Family.

3:00 PM I had sushi with Taylor & Amanda, friends from jr high/high school.  It was a good time, but not enough time, I had to be to work by 5:00 PM until midnight.

I've had way too busy of a schedule so Sunday I didn't leave the house. I slept until 3:00 PM then just lounged around catching up on Pretty Little Liars.

Now I just need to get past week 1 of the conversion, look how messy my desk is. Full of sticky notes.

Just a few more things...  

I celebrated Fat Tuesday with Sarah. We went out for ice cream at Farr's Fresh, where you pay by the ounce. I thought it was so funny when I asked Sarah why she didn't fill her cup up, she said because she didn't want me to have to pay to much, OK sure I'll pay! LOL 

I've seen chairs like this around work and of course no one wants to sit on them because it looks liked they've been pissed on. 

Well I now have a pee chair. The ice pack I had on my back leaked. 

WSU 11th Annual Gospel Festival

Tonight my mom and I went to the WSU 11th Annual Gospel Festival. Gospel is one of  my favorite genres of music. The thing I enjoyed most was the presence of God in the place. It's so amazing that a community can gather together, no matter what church they belong to, to praise the Lord.

Taking pictures was shunned upon and I was asked to stop. I did get a few shots, but they aren't great.

Griffin Memorial Church of God in Christ Choir

WSU Choir

I was able to record a little, but the videos don't compare the how good it sounded.

  Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!

                                                                                                       -Psalm 150:4

 

These are the True Vine Dancers. Their performance was amazing. I didn't record the most powerful part because I was overcome with how beautiful it was. 

It's Going to Be Alright

Awesome drummer

WSU Choir performed so well on this last song. I didn't start recording soon enough.

Closing song with all of the choirs