Well today has been…

As Christmas creeps closer I get more and more excited but it seems like little things keep popping up to bring my mood down.

#1 Today my brother booked himself into jail to serve a 60 day sentence. It sucks, but honestly it could be worse. He gets work release so he won’t lose his job, it’s only 60 days, and it’s one step closer to getting his shit taken care of. It’s mostly a downer because my mom is “devastated,” especially because he won’t be around for Christmas. I don’t have kids, so maybe I can’t relate, but I think we should focus on showing him positive support, not making it about us or making him feel shittier than he already does. So there’s that.

#2 The bosses were a little annoyed with me and my co-worker for overlooking a mistake on a Schedule A we sent out. It’s a super easy fix, but the sales man is dramatic so we’re guessing that’s what stressed my boss out the most. Either way, I found it hard to get bitched at, then get together and exchange secret Santa gifts. I got exactly what I asked for, an Amazon gift card to buy Kindle books.

I pampered myself today thanks to an old classmate who posted on Facebook that her spa was in need of pedicure and manicure models. I was able to get a luxury manicure for 70% off. Tomorrow I have an appointment to get my hair trimmed and eyebrows waxed.

I’m glad it’s Friday. I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Connections

My brother started working at TAB this week. He looks so handsome in his business casual attire. I hope this new position opens great opportunities for him. We were on break talking about all the great people we work with and I was going on about how I often blur the lines of hierarchy. I haven’t forgotten that I came from working the graveyard shift in customer service and never see them as below me. I also don’t lack the confidence to introduce myself to those who are above me.

I can think of three reasons why I am friendly and say hi to everyone. The first being I’ve had more than one person throughout my life tell me I come off as bitchy and that’s not the impression I want to make. If I’ve come off that way it’s probably because I was masking insecurities that came with being in a new place, with new people. Second, I credit my master’s program for giving me the confidence to be who am I and not be afraid to have a voice. My final influence comes from my previous co-worker, Jake. The man can talk. He taught me how important it is to connect with people and form relationships. Recently I’ve found this new joy in getting to know people. Everyone has unique characteristics and stories that I don’t want to miss out on.

Look Who's Moving to Bolivia & Chicago

This weekend I said adiós to two inspirational men. I’m excited for the new experiences they're going to have and wish them the best. Don't give up and remember that there are people back home who love and support you.

Saul

Saul is on his way to Bolivia to serve a mission for the LDS church for two years. I’m really excited for him to be doing something positive with his time. I think missions are great for boys because they move out of mommy’s house and learn sacrifice and independence. Saul really impressed me with the speech he gave on Sunday at church. He was well prepared and is a natural public speaker. I’m going to miss walking over to Smith’s on my lunch break to hanging out and catch up. I look forward to receiving emails soon about his journey. Here are a few picture from his farewell events.  

 

Going away dinner with the cousins. Jose, Bro, Saul, Priscilla & Nene

Marisela, Ponchito, Marky Chon, Saul, Priscilla, Stella

Bolivia

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Luis

I met Luis about 8 years ago when we both belonged to the Apostolic Assembly.  We’ve had some fun and strange times. I can’t express enough how proud I am of his academic success and personal growth. He recently graduated from the University of Utah and is now on his way to Chi-Town to get his Ph.D. at Northwestern University.

Back when Luis was in high school I had to help him with his math.

Homework got boring so we made rice krispies.

Bye Luis!

Yay for technology I'll be able to keep in touch with both of them. I can't wait to see fun pics on Instagram Luis.

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.

March #11-14

Hey ya'll it's been awhile. This is a catch up on my March photos. Somedays I didn't stick to the topic, so I'll show what I've got from that day.

#11

Someone You Talked To Today

My grandparents usually invite me to breakfast on Saturday. This Saturday I said no, because I was feeling lazy. I called them right back and said yes, because I never know how many more breakfasts I'll get to have with them. I don't want to miss out. 

#12

Fork

So there is no fork in this pic, but this story is more meaningful than a fork. My bro and I did a 9 mile bike ride today. Mondays we have dinner together so here's what we made, chicken souvlaki, greek brown rice, and pita bread. 

#13

A Sign

I got a book in the mail today and found this inside the front cover. It made me laugh and then think about the books I've lent out that never found their way back. 

#14

Clouds

Again, nothing to do with the topic, unless you get creative and think that his shirt could relate to clouds, blah, blah, blah.  I had to take a pic of Jose because he looks so good. We went to visit his brother David at Millcreek Youth Detention Center. I finally got approval to visit so I have been going to see David weekly for the past 5 weeks. Jose has been able to go twice. He should be getting out in May. He's been there for about 20 months. It frustrates me that no one goes to visit him regularly. It breaks my heart at the end of each session they way he asks if I can come back next week. "I'll be here bro." I think he really needs a strong support system in and out of these programs he's been in for the past 3 years. I hope that when he gets out Jose and I can continue to be positive role models.