This week in..

So possible source on security breach has been identified, however never informed them properly that the 'rents weren't aware of this site. Que sera ....

Not sure mother knows how to find it and not sure I've said anything that will hurt or annoy her anyway. Our relations have never been easy or consistent. When I think things are good, something can easily derail it. Would be easier if there were major drama, something specific to deal with, frankly Sister and I do crisis well, we step up. It's mostly the stereotypical waspish passive aggressive let's not talk about it sort of stuff. In the last sentence I'm talking about all of us, not just mother or even father. Talking with Sister recently though, we have both reached the point where we have to live more honestly. Can't just ignore certain things or pretend they don't matter. It's a balance and it makes you realize that some people/ relationships are not going to be how you'd like. And you have to let go of that. You can't negotiate the past, though I admit at times that I'm tempted to say "I was the child". I'm grateful for my sister, my dear cousins and of course all my friends.

Speaking of, Sister (aka She Does Not Post), she has been a busy social bee. Which is good, need to do some of that myself. Has regular gathering and bought herself a nice new Dooney. Good to see her spending money on herself. Anyhoo, she's doing good, and she'll correct me at some point on this and hopefully post her own update.

As for work, the Chicago/Houston thing went away due to budget freeze. (If you follow the stock market it's not a shocker) Which was a concern of mine anyway, however there will be other opportunities I know. (All precincts reporting - Chicago won the vote.) Working on a career plan to prepare for job search. Have key meeting Friday with senior mgr to explain why I'm looking and see if he really means what he says about helping - even though it will be leaving him. (I know how dramatic it sounds, I'm not as good at work breakups.)

One reason at the moment is that he's making me report to someone that likes 8:30am meetings! WTF - that's when I usually get to the office and don't leave til 6-7pm anyway. Maybe I need to move to the central time zone

Oh well, better get some rest. Take care my dear ones!

For ETK & other funnies

It's time and well deserved - latest hall of famer!

And even though my heart bleeds a little for causes, this is hilarious! Long, however the ending pays off. Must check out Funny Or Die.

Can I See Clearly Now?

So the blizzard is over and thankfully warmer temps have come in and no extra snow. Did get out yesterday which was fine once I was on the main roads. Ate some good food at the Chen's, poor Mama made so much food and everyone wimped out. CC and I did some shopping. She needed boots which she found. I found a silk wrap/scarf from Ann Taylor on sale, beautiful pinkish mauve. Nice change from my travel turquoise.

Back at work today which was ok. It was nice to leave early Friday even though it took an hour to drive home (usually takes 15-20 minutes tops). Trying to get motivated, rather spend time looking for something else. Though with the economy, everyone is tightening up so not as easy to move. (Suspect that the Chicago/Houston opportunity might be shelved for the moment.)

Went to EQ - Emotional Intelligence class last week which was very good. All women and great time away from the office, something about the instructor (who was male), made a very inviting & supportive atmosphere. Of course since we all signed up for this, it demonstrated some awareness. One of my favorite ones responded to the question of her leadership challenge "working with all men". We all agreed it depended on the men, I was one of the few who's best manager in their work experience was a female though. Diversity of ages too which was good and I finally signed up for Women's Network at work which promotes several other courses. I tested high with room to improve so need to do a little work.

Southwest is having a fare sale so will probably plan some trip soon, getting the itch. With budget concerns doubt work will send me anywhere for a while. Due to come back to NoVa/DC/Md plus overdue for NY.

However I should really decide on whether to move within Cbus or stay put. Lease is up end of May so need to look/decide. More urban locations look promising however will cost a few $$ more. I'm working on budget and think I can afford it, however how much effort do I want to spend/make if there is a possibility of leaving Cbus within the year? Would like smaller place and better location, arggh - indecisiveness. Ready for spring.

Possible Security breach - my mom asked how to find blog this weekend. Sister and I had not told any of the 'rents about this and not sure how we feel about this if they read it. I don't even tell my work pals about it. I didn't tell her which peeved her. So for those who might be able to share this location, I'd rather you didn't. If you have already, that's ok and I may offer immunity. (Can't speak for Sister though!) f

Snowed In Day - part 2

I should be more productive today, however couped up inside just didn't inspire much productivity except for helping CC a little with weather updates as she travels back to Cbus and getting through a couple of Netflix DVDs which have been sitting around a long time. (Need to revise my plan.) Should have done some laundry or work, prep for meetings on Monday. So here is what I did do:

Chatted with WW while her 3 yr old Madi was dancing around to U2's elevation tour DVD. Better to brainwash them young.

Saw Once which was really charming and enjoyed the music. Also watched The Company which was a miniseries about CIA that was on TNT. Not bad, somewhat entertaining based on a novel so guess I shouldn't be too nitpicky on some historical things. Michael Keaton was good and creepy as Angleton. Still have to read Legacy of Ashes sitting on my shelf waiting to be read which will give a nice counter perspective I would imagine. (Speaking of reading I need to do - latest Atlantic Monthly has Brittany Spears on the cover - is it a sign of the apocalypse?)

Mom called which was a nice surprise since it's been a while. She didn't realize there was blizzard conditions here, so updated her. It was a headline on CNN.com for a little bit today.

Ended the evening with a little vodka cocktail which will help me get the rest I need to dig out tomorrow. Good incentive - cause tomorrow at the Chen's - There Will Be Dumplings!

What I'm Doing this Weekend

Watching it snow.... I know hard to see through screen. Snowed several inches yesterday. Then continued to day with wind, not likely to stop anytime soon.

Wanda - in times like these, Houston does has it appeal. Though agree with you about a place that names an airport after a Bush.

Other news, CC is in the state. Had to drive to Oberlin yesterday so hopefully she won't have any trouble, it's worse up north.

Stay warm peeps!

Chicago or Houston?

So starting to transition to my "new" role. Immediate boss is not as bad as expected, the potential difficulties will really be his boss who is a micro manager. Not to mention some of the other managers who aren't very cooperative.

Anyhoo, a while back I saw a job posting for another area, it wasn't as high up in that particular organization as my current one had been, however it was for a much larger area. Was going to explore it this summer, then unsure about it and agreed to stay (and not apply for other jobs) with current org cause of big project they were going to give me to run. Well 6 months later, the project didn't happen (corporate priorities outside my org) and they are now reassigning me. The posting has appeared again, postings expire after a while and I thought maybe cause of budget they weren't going to bother. Nothing is guaranteed however I would have a decent shot at getting it. (I may be overqualified) I have worked on projects/teams with some of the folks in the group, so not completely unknown. Maybe opportunity to work in larger part of the business. Location is a question - it can be in either Chicago or Houston? The team has people in both locations. Cbus isn't an option for it, however that's not a deal breaker for me. So something to consider.

My current org would be in major hurt if I left now. I feel a little bad, however I gave them warning. Starting to get feedback from others outside my org about my role change, they don't understand it and have a much higher opinion of me than some in my org.

So question for those of you reading - Chicago or Houston? Your thoughts?

Typical Ohio - Grey skies, rain/ice and probable voting problems

Today of course is primary day in Ohio. Not good timing considering the weather, however there was lots of early voting. Just heard some polling places staying open late in Cleveland due to problems. (2006 had problems also even though 2004 got all the press.)

Buddy of mine at work was given a paper ballot and was not told why - so suspicion there. He's a white guy over 40, not your usual target for discrimination. Saw others using the machines so it didn't feel right to him.

Looking forward to the phone calls being over for a while and no more mailers for a while.