Have you ever talked to yourself so damn much...

That you just didn't feel like talking to anyone else afterward??  I keep realizing that I've made my decisions and there are still people in my life with whom I've not yet shared.  Needless to say, by the time I made my decision, I was so sick if myself and feeling like a big 'ol drama queen for making such a big deal out of something that was such a big deal.    (I know that sounds wierd, but that's how I am thinking about it). 

I decided to accept my admission to grad school; classes start late July.  I also took a new, more stable job, in an actual office (yes, work from home will be lessened significantly).  I am over working from home anyway...I miss being around people; I'm too social to be that isolated.   Besides, with all this, I now have a great excuse to get a cleaning person. 

I mourned my lost adventure, and now I am focusing on what's next for grad school.  I am waiting on some stuff from school so I can get myself registered and financial-aided.  I've gotten the book list for my first class and plan to be ready once classes start...it's all very exciting.

Like I said, I'm a little sick of myself, and I am sick of making big life decisions.  There's some more brewing, but for now, I just don't want to think about it.  It came as a result of all my thoughts about the mid-west, but it'll keep for a while.

Could it be? Yes, it could.
Something’s coming, something’ good,
If I can wait!
Something’s comin’, I don’t know what it is
But it is
Gonna be great!

I've had a feeling the last few weeks...like something big is coming.  I know what you're thinking, "More big things?  Seriously??  Are you a glutton?"  No seriously, I think something else is coming.  Something more organic.

OK, what else...

• It's a beautiful day...the weather has been warm and sunny. 
• My lawn looks great and my baby lilac tree is starting to thrive and grow leaves.  
• Lady Gaga and the PetShop Boys (new cd Yes Etc.) are constantly playing on my iPod
  
• I have plans to improve my backyard, clean out my garage and get some upgrades done on the house.
• New neighbors have moved in next door and I'm excited that I might get a new friend out of the deal (one of the roommates is a gay guy who is a friend of a friend); I love making new friends.
  

That's it, time to get back to my conference call...

Laterz...

Forgive the ramble...not sure where my head is tonight...

I love looking at footprints on Xanga...

I'm always surprised by what random people with no Xanga ID are interested in reading.  It seems the post I made...and many of us made a while ago...about the top ten fictional people we'd sleep with, gets the most visits...too bad most of the pics are long dead links. 

It's been a long week.  I had a couple interviews.  Both went well...just not the way I wanted.  The first was internal, and unfortunately I wasn't qualified for what she needed.  She did however offer to show my resume around, which is always good.  The second interview was external, and unfortunately is way too far below my salary requirements...like I couldn't live on it too low.  Oh well...I've applied to another internal position, and called a national recruiter that someone recommended to me. 

What's going on, what's with all the activity?  Well, I don't like absolutes and I don't like giving up without a fight, so I decided that rather than say, "The Mid-west is my only hope," I would put it to the test and actually go out looking for opportunities.  I'm also doing this in part for E!.  I feel terrible for the position he's been put into and I want to show him that he's at  least important enough for me to look around. 

I'll be officially checking out the mid-west location in a little over a week.  I fly out the 30th and return that Friday.  I'm trying not to get too bogged down in the details right now, so I can focus on trying to really get a sense of the place.  In addition to checking out a new locale, I've got some exciting things planned.  One of my employees and his wife is going to meet me, and take me out to dinner. 

This employee is one of my "success stories."  I got a couple folks from another manager; these people had been poorly managed for years.  No recognition, feeling left out, in the wrong job category...a real mess.  Arch was one of these.  Through our work together, I helped him get excited about his career again, get certified and I have him working on the right projects for his skills and expertise.  It's really gratifying for me to see, and I know he's grateful for our time together. 

I'm a really good manager...really good.  This is part of why I want to feel excited about the Mid-west.  All these new employees, fresh out of college, they are going to need someone like me.  Someone who can teach them how to manage their careers.  Someone who can help them feel connected, wanted and part of something bigger. 

I was talking to one of my former employees...one of the 3 I hated giving up during a previous re-org.  He is thinking about coming to the new site.  We were waxing poetic on happy hours and dinners at the boss' house.  The "everything old is new again" feeling of coming into a bustling office and having lunch with your co-workers.  Yeah, it would be hard...and new...and scary...but there's a lot to think positively about. 

So anyway - we're still in the we'll see phase.

Time to close the shop, go home and fold laundry...

Laterz..