Recurring Series – Page 112

A Day in the Life: October 30, 2012

Happy Halloween! Like always, I have no plans for this holiday. I am leaving work early (3:30) to attend my first therapy appointment (nervous doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel…) and then probably going out for dinner to avoid trick-or-treaters as much as possible.

It has been on my mind to do a day in the life post, like I’ve seen other bloggers do from time to time but man, it takes a lot of work! Still, this was fun to do and I thought it would be a fun glimpse into my life and what I do. Enjoy! (And try not to cringe too much as I switch around my tenses…)

5:46 a.m.: Alarm wakes me up.

6:08 a.m.: Finally force myself out of bed, after spending 20 minutes pondering about the last dream I remember having.

6:20 a.m.: After a short morning walk with Dutch and getting dressed, I am at the apartment gym for a short workout. I’m still taking it easy with exercise but shooting to get 4 days a week for now. After 30 minutes on the stationary bike, I head back home to do a short weights workout.

7:30 a.m.: In the shower and getting ready for the workday.

7:45 a.m.: After hearing strange noises in the living room while I’m in my room getting dressed, I go out to investigate and see that Dutch has gotten into the trash that was sitting on the ground. He is usually SO good about this so I was surprised and then upset with him. I put the trash up on the counter, quickly blow my hair dry, and then leave to take the trash out.

8:00 a.m.: Back to the apartment to finish getting ready.

8:30 a.m.: Leave for work. My morning commute isn’t too terrible, thankfully. It takes me about 20 minutes on average. Not too bad!

9:00 a.m.: Arrive at work, check email, and get set up for the day.

9:15 a.m.: Make breakfast. A simple meal of two pieces of cinnamon toast. This tends to keep me full for 2-3 hours, surprisingly!

9:40 a.m.: After some chit-chat, settling in, and answering emails, I can finally get started on my to-do list. First up: checking in on my advertising reps about media we want to place early next year. With a bunch of new giveaways starting soon, I’ve been researching new media. It’s the first project I’ve really gotten to “own” and take the lead on, and I’m really loving it!

10:00 a.m.: Start on a new analysis project I was given yesterday, reporting on the profitability of the various marketing tools we use in each of our giveaways. One of my main jobs here is analysis. I do a lot of analyzing results of past giveaways and reporting on the trends to help my director make decisions on what we should and shouldn’t do in the future. I actually love this, even if it involves a lot of number crunching and spreadsheets. It’s pretty interesting!

12:00 p.m.: Analysis is done! Whew. I answer some emails and update a spreadsheet related to the media research emails I sent earlier.

12:15 p.m.: Lunchtime! When I bring lunch to work (usually 3-4 days a week), I eat with my coworkers in our tiny little breakroom. Lots of chit-chat and giggles abound. It took me a while to warm up to everyone and I’m still not the most talkative one at the table (and I will never be) but it’s fun. Today, I had a Barilla meal that I learned about from Tina’s blog (these are seriously yummy!) with a side of applesauce. I do notice that these meals don’t really fill me up because I was hungry about an hour later. Bleh.

1:30 p.m.: After lunch, I get to work on updating our print run spreadsheet for December. The print runs are another big part of my job and I’m gradually taking these over, which is slightly scary (it’s a big job!) but also really fun. I mainly updated the spreadsheet to make sure it was reflecting any changes made in our media plans.

2:10 p.m.: Created a spreadsheet to guide me as I start inputting final costs into our data tracking system. I do this at the end of each giveaway, making sure it’s accurate and up-to-date for when we want to analyze the information.

3:45 p.m.: Quick break to open up a package from one of our printers: a Halloween basket filled with candy! Oh, so good yet very, very bad. I took a Butterfinger and a Reese’s back to my desk. Oops.

4:10 p.m.: I finish up with the spreadsheet (are you keeping track here? My life is one big spreadsheet. I’m surprised I don’t dream about dancing spreadsheets and AutoSum buttons. Sigh.) and cross it off my list! Onto the next thing…

4:15 p.m.: Begin generating a report on the number of impressions for one of our giveaways for the month of November. We send these out monthly to various contacts and it’s a project I’ll have to finish tomorrow.

4:45 p.m.: Make a to-do list for tomorrow, take a quick bathroom break, gather all my stuff, and shut down for the day!

5:00 p.m.: Leave work and commute home. My commute home takes anywhere from 25 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on how long I have to wait to get out of my office park. Today, it’s a 45-minute ride. Fun times.

5:45 p.m.: Arrive home, give Dutch hugs and kisses, and quickly start a bubble bath. (Side note: bubble baths are one of my obsessions. I take them at least 4 times a week. Usually 5 or 6. I love them.) While soaking in the tub, I read this book. I am loving it so far and can’t wait to review it on this blog in a few weeks!

6:05 p.m.: Get dressed and ready to leave for book club!

6:15 p.m.: Leave for book club, get totally lost because my GPS took me the opposite way, but end up pulling into a shopping center where – gasp! – the restaurant is. Score!

6:30 p.m.: Arrive for book club and yay, I’m only the fourth person there! (And one girl ends up being someone I went to high school with. Small world, eh?) This is actually the first book club I’ve attended. I went to a meet-and-greet last month and had brunch with the leader on Sunday, so I felt more comfortable than I usually would. We discussed The Heretic’s Daughter, ate tacos, and chit-chatted about all kinds of things. It was fun! And I’m excited to do more with this group. Take THAT, social anxiety!

8:30 p.m.: Get back home. Time for tonight’s episode of The Voice, some cookies (my dinner totally did not fill me up! So, necessary?), and snuggles with Dutch. And writing this post!

10:15 p.m.: Another walk with Dutch, bedtime routine, and then settling in bed with my book!

10:45 p.m.: Lights out! Snuggling with my blankets, pillow, and snuggly sausage and being very thankful that tomorrow my alarm won’t go off until 7:30. Yeeeees.

Categories: Recurring Series

Five For Friday: Why I’m Doing NaNoWriMo This Year

1. Because I want to write a book. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) involves writing 50,000 words in one month. It equals out to about 1,667 words a day. I’ve tried to complete NaNoWriMo two times, once when I was in school full-time while working part-time and the other last year when I fell behind early and just gave up since I didn’t have a clear idea of my novel. And while there are some criticisms of NaNo, I think the positives far outweigh them. If I want to be an author, if I want to write a book, I think this is a great test to see if I have what it takes. To write a novel you have to have more than just a passion for writing and the skill to do it – you also have to be willing to work hard and put in lots of hours.

2. Because I want to say I did it. This is one of those goals I constantly want to achieve. Writing 50,000 words! In one month! So crazy! I’ve had two failing attempts at it and it makes me think I don’t have the fire in me to write a novel. I think completing NaNo will be the first stepping stone I need to get the process of writing, editing, and hopefully publishing my first novel a reality.

3. Because I want to get into a habit of writing every day. I have really fallen out of the habit of writing daily. When I was younger, writing was such a part of me that I couldn’t imagine going a day without writing. Then came college and I started this blog and got wrapped up in academic writing and blog writing and actual fiction writing fell to the wayside. I would still daydream about stories I wanted to write someday, that need and passion for writing fiction was still alive and blooming inside me, but I never set aside dedicated time every day (or even every week) to write. At first, I blamed school so I told myself when I finished school, then I would have time to write. I would have so much more free time! Oh, that “When…then” syndrome. Such a devious little liar! Once you fall out of practice with writing every day, it becomes so hard to get back into it. I think the practice of sitting down at my laptop and churning out 1,667 words a day for 30 days straight is something that will help me get back into the habit of writing fiction on a daily basis. (And also help me see that I do have time for writing.)

4. Because I want to bring my characters to life. Writing fiction is a funny process. At any point in time, I have dozens and dozens of characters I’ve created and plots I’ve brainstormed and settings I’ve pictured floating around inside my head. It’s my favorite way to escape when I’m in the middle of a boring meeting or in the car or when I’m trying to fall asleep. I have characters who have voices and thoughts and ideas and stories that are aching to break free from the confines of my mind. I want to bring them to life. I want to write their words and discover how they truly are. I’m realizing how crazy this sounds to someone who doesn’t write fiction, but these characters are a part of me and I just want to get their story written.

5. Because I’m crazy. Obvs. You have to be pretty crazy to decide to take on NaNo. As exciting as it is in the beginning, as you begin to outline your story and brainstorm characters… the reality is that it’s hard to write 1,667 words every single day – especially with a full-time job that tends to take a lot out of me. Writer’s block happens. You begin to doubt your story. And sometimes? Sometimes you just don’t want to write or you actually have absolutely no time to breathe, let alone spend an hour or two in front of a screen to write. It’s a crazy challenge to take on, but I’m in the excited phase right now and I’m ready to be a little crazy in the name of writing.

Any other NaNoWriMo crazies out there? I’m stephanywrites, if you want to connect!

Categories: Recurring Series

A Weekend in Pictures: October

This weekend was a busy one. It was full of fun fall events, spending lots of money, and just trying to soak in all the weekend hours I could before another work week begins. Busy weekends and slow, relaxing weekends are equally my favorite, but I know I couldn’t do weekends like this every weekend! It can be exhausting! Fun as heck, but exhausting all the same.

Saturday, was the SPCA 3K Pet Walk event with Dutch. The last time I went was years ago with Minnie and it has definitely grown enormously since then. Dutch did amazing in the walk! For a 10-year-old dachshund (i.e., his little legs are SHORT!), he was weaving in and out of the crowd like he was in a big race, running past the bigger dogs, and being the little competitive spitfire that he is! The race went in a loop around Straub Park and near the Vinoy, but there wasn’t an actual end to the race, so I’m basically saying Dutch came in first. We were also interviewed during the race, which was interesting.

My mom and I left around 11:00, dropped Dutch off at home so he could take a long nap, and then went over to my grandparent’s house to drop off a strawberry shake for my grandpa and hopefully see Baby Mia. She was sleeping but then woke up and we got some snuggle time in with her. Newborns are the sweetest. Of course, hearing she stays up from 10pm – 4am? Ehhh… I am so not ready for that anytime soon! No clocks are ticking for me! Cuddle sessions, yes. Zombie exhaustion, no.

After our snuggle session with Mia, we headed over to the mall for lunch, a hardcore spending spree, and froyo. Thanks to some good sales and coupons, I spent less than I budgeted for and didn’t feel this pressing need to buy, buy, buy. I had a few “necessities” in mind and ended up buying a few things I probably don’t need, but there was a different vibe to my shopping this time around and it’s pretty refreshing. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been really thinking about my clothing and spending habits with them and I’m planning on starting a fun series about it soon. I’m excited to further minimalize my wardrobe and discover my style better.

We weren’t done yet, though! We came home to drop off all our purchases (which included a new comforter set for my bed. I’ve been waiting on getting one because they’re all so pricey, but found one for $27 at Target!) and I took a quick 30-minute power nap before we headed out to the movies. I’ve been wanting to see Pitch Perfect forever and it didn’t disappoint. It was funny and sweet and had some really good singing moments. I was a fan of Rebel Wilson before this movie but even more so now. She’s just amazing. Plain and simple.

After my crazy Saturday, I was ready for a low-key Sunday to watch football, do some reading, and cross a few items off my to-do list. I slept in, went out to brunch, and the rest of the day was spent being lazy but also slightly productive. I also carved a pumpkin and he turned out pretty cute! His smile is a bit lopsided but it’s all good. It adds character!

This was one of those perfect fall weekends where I was able to partake in some fun fall traditions and the weather cooperated for the most part (it reached the low 80s, but it was nice compared to the miserable heat we’ve been experiencing for months). It’s actually starting to feel more like fall and there’s a crispness to the air in the morning and evenings. I am so excited for cooler temps and for the holiday season to kick into gear!

What is your favorite fall tradition? When was the last time you carved a pumpkin?

Categories: Recurring Series

Five For Friday

1. It’s that time of the year! Time to plan my 2013 cruise. I was thinking about forgoing a cruise next year (based on some comments I received after my second cruise) but when I sat down and thought about it, I realized this was my life and my vacation! If I love to cruise, I should go on cruises! I’m only 24, I have plenty of time to travel the world and see different sights. I have an intense love for cruising and nothing gets me more excited than planning for and anticipating boarding another ship. I feel at home on ships. It is where I feel the most alive. So I spent this week researching May 2013 cruises and deciding, along with my mom, exactly what tropical destinations we want to visit. We settled on a few (our favorites being Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Aruba) and it’s just been so exhilarating to begin the planning process and imagine what our fourth cruise will look like. Time to start saving!

2. Dutch did better with his separation anxiety this week. We bought him a toy, but he’s not very interested in it. (Possibly because we filled it with kibble and not a treat?) He was quiet on Wednesday and Thursday when we came home so I’m not sure what helped! He’s getting more exercise, but hopefully, he’s just getting used to the new place. I also spoke to my downstairs neighbor on Saturday about it and she’s not upset, just concerned for Dutch. So that’s good! We’re trying not to announce when we leave and try not to make a huge deal when we come home and find him crying. So we’ll see how he does next week. Stay tuned!

3. I’m starting Gone Girl this weekend, for our October #twookclub chat. Our numbers at the chats have been low lately, so I’m hoping to see a bunch of faces at October’s chat! Gone Girl is a super popular book right now so I’m hoping that will help and I think it’ll make for a GREAT discussion. Also, voting for our November book closes on Sunday so get your vote in if you haven’t yet.

4. Thank you ALL for your advice on my last post. It was one of those posts that was so cathartic for me to write and I appreciate all the advice given, as I’m going into this new journey with blinders on. I have no idea what to expect and I’m a bit terrified of talking to someone I don’t know and laying out my problems. I don’t do that. But in order to grow and figure out how to stop the cyclical behavior, I have to start speaking up and being open. Here’s to a new journey!

5. Friday couldn’t get here soon enough! I have a fun weekend ahead of me: a 3K Pet Walk with Dutch in downtown St. Pete (still trying to decide if I want to dress him up. And no, he will not be a hot dog. Or a taco.), doing some shopping (yay for bonuses!), and carving a pumpkin. It may not feel like fall at all outside (oh, 80-degree temps, how I am starting to loathe you!) but I’m doing all I can to embrace this season. Happy weekend!

Categories: Recurring Series

Five For Friday

1. Proactiv and me are not working out. I started using the products a few weeks ago twice a day and it severely dried out my face. So I switched down to once a day and then down to once every other day when my face was still feeling itchy and super dry. Then I started waking up to red splotches on my neck, puffy eyes, and redness around my eyes, and realized I probably had some sort of allergy to the products. I waited until my face was cleared up from the reactions to try again (once every other day) but I still woke up with splotches on my neck and puffy eyes so I guess it is time to call it quits. I’m sad because it was starting to work but I need to find something gentler on my face and more all-natural. (Any suggestions?)

2. I had my review last Friday! And it went amazing! I try to keep work chatter to a minimum on this blog so I won’t delve into the details but suffice it to say, I emerged from my boss’s office with a smile and my insecurities surrounding my work performance vanished. Yay!

3. My cousin had her baby on Tuesday! Her name is Mia Jayne and she was 8 lbs, 6 oz, and is a little chunkster already. My mom and I went to the hospital Tuesday night to see her and she is just absolute perfection. My cousin was completely worn out but an absolute trooper with all the guests (in the 30 minutes we were there, eleven people came to visit her!). Little Mia, though, is beautiful and I’m so in love with her already. She is now the lock screen on my phone (which makes me happy whenever I look at it) and I hope I get a chance to visit her this weekend. These arms are sorely lacking in baby snuggles lately.

4. We are having a huge issue with Dutch crying when we’re gone. I’m not sure if he does it all day, but I can hear him crying when we get home. I really hope he’s not doing it all day. I think it’s the new place and not really having any windows to people watch, but we’ve had one complaint and I really do not want to get another! We’ve tried leaving the TV or radio on and sometimes that works but lately it hasn’t been. I found some tips online that I’m going to try out (like exercising him more, buying a Kong, and not making a huge deal out of leaving) so I hope to God these work. Because, honestly, it tears at my heart to walk up to my apartment and hear him crying. I feel like the worst dog mom ever! Not to mention, I know it’s annoying for our neighbors and I never want to be the neighbor with the annoying dog! Anyone have any other tips to try? (I may even buy a Thundershirt, if it comes to that!)

5. Tonight, I am chatting with Ashley (as part of her 100 Free Coaching Calls birthday celebration. You can still snag a spot!) and, although I’m super nervous, I’m also excited to see what clarity she can bring to certain things weighing me down lately. I also plan on going on my first run since I broke my ankle (!) on Saturday morning. Sunday, my brother is coming over to watch football. (His Niners are 4-1 when he comes over to watch when they are on TV. Apparently, I am a good luck charm.) It should be a pretty low-key and calm weekend so I’m excited to get lots crossed off my to-do list this weekend!

Happy Friday, friends! Any fun weekend plans? Any tips on gentler face washes and/or tips on ease my dog’s separation anxiety?