Accomplishments

When I read other blogs and talk to my friends - I realize that I am one of the few people who doesn't check my gmail, facebook OR read blogs at work. First off, all of that stuff is blocked at work (yes I know, it's like Fort Knox) but two, I actually have so much to do...I can never imagine having TIME to check all of those things. Don't get me wrong, I love being busy. In fact, I usually work so hard that I look up at the clock and it's time for lunch, and then I look up again and it's time to go home! BUT, it would be nice to be able to have some web-surfing time. I would really like  to shop, blog and just SURF at work. However, that will never happen with my current responsibilities.

However, today was different. Today was just one of those days where I really just didn't feel like working. (I think I'm getting Christmas-itis). I did everything I possibly could to procrastinate and accomplished the following today:

1). Took the stairs to the basement (so that it would take longer) to get myself and co-workers coffee and hot chocolate. Although, I don't drink either one. I did this at least 3 times.

2). Went around the office and chit-chatted with everyone about their weekends,Christmas plans...and their life stories. (Anything to keep me from my desk). 

3). E-mailed my husband to remind him to print our Christmas cards after work.

4). Checked my bank account. (This caused me to feel quite nauseous due to the dwindling amount).

5). Checked my text message from one of my best friends - it's snowing in Vegas!

6). Walked around the office to tell everyone it is snowing in Vegas.

7). Conducted a couple phone interviews.

8). Went to McDonald's for my afternoon D-Coke.

9). Spent two hours trying to figure out how to create a graph/chart in excel.

10). Went out to the middle of the office and sang the 50 States - in alphabetical order (this is not a joke...I really did this).

11). Received a couple of giggles after #10 above.

12). Received a couple of glares/ jaw drops from #10 above.

In all honesty, I really am procrastinating because I really, REALLY do not want to work on this super important project. When I get back from a wonderful Christmas with family and friends...I have to give this huge presentation to our Vice Presidents. I am dreading every moment. I keep thinking if I put it off, my boss will forget he assigned this to me.

All for a great smile

So, I really REALLY don't like going to the dentist.

Let me give you some background. I never used to mind going to the dentist. (Although I did HATE fluoride treatments as a kid. But I must say, the fun end-of-the-visit-treasure-chest always made up for those disgusting fluoride trays.)

Anyway, I never had a problem going to the dentist...until last year. That is when my phobia began. I went to my dentist for my routine 6 month cleaning when...gasp...I had two cavities! I was devastated. I had my first cavity the year before, but this time was completely different.

The hygienist came in and asked if I needed laughing gas and I replied "Nah, I'm a pro at this...I have no problems" (as I've had procedures done in the past). Boy was I wrong.

The dentist came in and gave me a couple shots of Novocain. Something didn't feel right. My mouth wasn't numb. So, the dentist gave me 2 more shots. He poked my mouth few minutes later and I shrieked "OW, I felt that!". Well, about 7 shots in, he realized that I was completely immune to the Novocain. He gave me another shot (of something I don't remember the name of) and said, "Well, this oughta work." So, he began drilling. After about 4 seconds of that horrid sound...I literally jumped out of my chair 3 feet into the air. I felt EVERY BIT of the drilling. They had to put me on Vicodin from all the pain.

That is when I began hating the dentist.

However, today I had a dentist appointment and it went great. No cavities and they said I have some great pearly whites. However, I must say how awkward it is when they're cleaning your teeth and start asking you questions. I feel rude not answering so I start talking and then spit, plaque and toothpaste start spraying everywhere. Awkward.

Oh well. At least I don't have to go back for another 6 months.

Thankfulness

I thank God every day for all that I am blessed with. Believe me, I have more than I could ever ask for, and I am truly so thankful for everything from my amazing job to my even more amazing hubby-pants. :)

But there are some moments in life when I am completely overwhelmed with thankfulness and feel so grateful for things that I don't normally think of. Today, I realized how thankful I am for my health and a for-the-most-part-very-easy-life. I NEED moments like today where I am humbled and realize how very lucky I am to be able to walk, see, hear, speak and learn with a full-functioning brain.

My company is sponsoring a telethon for Meeting Street, an organization that assists children with special needs. I was asked by our marketing department to participate with several others in making a commercial for the event. (To be aired in January on CBS...in Rhode Island only I believe). Well, I was given the wonderful opportunity to meet many of the children at Meeting Street some with minor disabilities and some with major life-altering disabilities. These children were so special and so sweet and truly touched my heart. It was all I could do to hold back tears (go figure). This experience also helped me to realize how easy I have it. I don't have to be fed from a feeding tube, I don't have to stay limited to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, and I am able to take care of myself without assistance from others.

It definitely makes me think twice about the next time I complain about the minor things...which really is everything compared to what these children have to deal with for their entire lives.

Meet Nelson.

This little cutie pie attends Meeting Street due to his developmental delays

Worst.Drivers.Ever

Ok, so I thought when we lived in Dallas that I would never live to see worse drivers. Nope. Couldn't be any further from the truth. I officially live in a place ranked and known to have the worst drivers in all of the U.S.

Rhode Island drivers are so AWFUL!

Today, I was entering the on-ramp to the highway when the car in front of me kept coming to a complete stop. Yes, on the on-ramp. She would go for a few feet, and then swerve a little and come to a  stop. I got nervous. So, I pulled up next to her to see if she needed help. She immediately did a U-Turn on the median just before entering the highway and went down the exit ramp. Wow.

Not to mention the infamous "Rhode Island Pull Out". This is where drivers who are trying to turn left just decide not to wait their turn but simply put their vehicles in the middle of the street so that the other cars are forced to stop.

Oh, and then of course there's the "Come to a stop for no reason". This is where drivers come to a complete stop (while going anywhere from 30 - 50 mph) for absolutely no reason.

And of course there's no such thing as a stop sign or a red light. AND they cannot grasp the concept that driving in the left lane is for PASSING and going FAST...not 45 mph!!!

Geez.

So Touching

 

So, call me a sap.

I hate to admit it, but yes, I'm emotional. I mean, just today, Mr. Ruby looked over at me because I was tearing up during a tribute to Britney Spears (the girl's had a tough year). I can't help it. I just get so overwhelmed and so touched by certain things i.e. babies, puppies, weddings...just about anything cute/happy/sad.

So last night, I returned home from a business trip in Chicago (I was so bummed I didn't even get to see my best friend while I was there!) Well, I had a looong day of recruiting and all I could think about was my bed. As I was walking down the stairs to the baggage claim, I saw a sea of people holding signs saying things like "Welcome Home Uncle Bobby" or "We Love Our Soldier"...

That right there is enough to make me well up. So, I kind of grin and think "how sweet" and "I'm so happy I don't have to go through that anymore". I head over to get my luggage.

Before you know it, I hear lots of happy screaming and clapping. I glance over and there are several soldiers walking down the stairs while their moms/sisters/girlfriends are running towards them and tackling them with hugs and kisses. So, then it starts. My entire body becomes engulfed with goosebumps, my eyes start tearing up, and then I lose it. There I am, in the middle of the Providence Airport bawling. I just can't help it. I can relate to that overwhelming feeling that completely takes control and you no longer have any sort of sanity.

I'm so happy Mr. Ruby and I no longer have to say goodbye to one another.

I leave you with my very favorite commercial. It's brilliant. (And you better believed I sobbed my way through this one a few superbowls ago.)

 

Get Me a D-Coke...Stat!

So tired. I mean really really tired.

Ever since, oh I started the real world, I find myself getting tired at about 8:00. Ok, fine, call me Grandma Ruby. But seriously, I really love to sleep, and nothing excites me more than getting into my amazing, memory foamed bed.

I can't help it. I go to work and have to be turned "on" all.day.long. I'm always traveling, recruiting, interviewing , training, giving presentations, or shmoozing with V.P.'s of the company. It's quite exhausting really. However, I can't complain. I love my job!

Sometimes, I feel like the only thing I can count on is my Diet Coke to keep me going...as long as it's from a fountain of course.

Can't you see I'm BUSY?

Every office has one.

You know that annoying,obnoxious, talks-so-much-you don't-know-how-she-isn't-turning-purple employee who has worked for your company for so long that no one questions why she spends all her time wandering around the office rather than getting any work done?

Well, I've definitely got one of those. In fact, no one even really knows what she does all day or even what role she plays in our department. All I know is I can hear her coming from about 200 feet away, and when I do, I DIVE for my phone. No joke. If I am not already on a phone call...I make sure to start dialing the moment I hear her coming.

She comes into my office and begins talking to me about anything she can possibly think of: plants, how she likes her green beans, how her son isn't making good grades his first semester of college, how she hates change and "things aren't the way they used to be", and of course how she only likes purses with little pockets on the side so that it's easier to retrieve her glasses. Yes she proceeds to talk and TALK even after I told her how swamped I was and have been staying until 7:30 every night. (Oh, and she is one of those that literally is out the door the second the clock strikes 4:15...not a minute later).

I mean seriously Ms. Obnoxious - can't you see I'm busy? Oh, probably not because you have no idea what the word even means.