One Year

Today marks the anniversary of being with my cuurent company. I can’t believe it. Just a little over a year ago, I began interviewing the first week of March and within 3 weeks I accepted the offer, moved out of my apartment in Dearborn, started a new job in Chicago, and stayed with friends (with a lot of my belongings in my car) until I could move into my apartment in May.

The first month of working consisted of training. During my last week in training I found out that I had been placed on a project back in Detroit! I wasn’t too excited considering I had just moved from there. But, I tried to look at the positive things (good commute from Chicago, friends and family were in Detroit area, and it will feel like home). I traveled to Detroit up until February 2008, with a week trip to San Antonio in between. I started traveling to Atlanta in February 2008 and I am expected to keep traveling until July 2008.

It doesn’t seem like I have been here a year b/c I have had so many opportunities within this project. I have worked on 3 different teams and have learned so much along the way. I have also had the opportunity to meet wonderful people. I usually get bored with a job after 6 months and so far I have never been bored, as I am able to try new things and keep learning.

Besides all of the knowledge and friendships I have gained I have also gained the following perks!

• Earned Silver Elite Status with NWA and banked 40,300 miles
• Earned Platinum Member Status at Marriott (Over 100 night stayed)
• Traveled using a flex trip to Baltimore, Vegas, and home (need to take advantage of this more often this year)

Walk to the office in ATL.

So, I arrived in ATL yesterday. I take the “Marta” to the office from the airport. The “Marta is Atlanta’s pubic train transit system. Due to the damages of the tornado the station that I get off at was partial closed, so I had to walk farther than normal with all my luggage! Then, the street that I take to work was blocked off, which caused me to walk an extra block again. I usually love to walk but not with all the luggage. Not fun. So,as I was walking down the street my eyes were wondering at all the buildings. There were so many windows in the surrounding area (including my building) that had windows boarded up. Some windows were not even boarded up at this point (week later from when the storm hit). It crazy what a tornado can do. The damage was very random in the area. Thought I would just post a few pics I took this week.

Easter Weekend Recap

The remaining of the weekend went well. Although, I was in MI since Monday and it just went by WAY too fast:-(

On Friday, I took my dad to therapy and then him, my sister and I went out to lunch. It was nice to spend the day with my dad, I don’t know the last time we were able to do that. Since my dad’s surgery he still can’t drive so everyone gets to pleasure of driving him around. But what really happens is; he is the best back seat driverJ I felt like I was 16 again with him in the car as he was telling me to switch lanes – I think he forgot that I lived in Detroit at one point and I am quite capable of drivingJ Friday night we went to the local watering holes (Oliveras and Gregorys). It was great seeing my friends. I realized I am a bad aunt and forgot Kimberlyn’s (Erin’s daughter) birthday. It was March 1. I usually always remember that stuff, I think with traveling, things have been a little crazy. I asked her if she had a good birthday and she said yes but, “I just wanted Aunt Staci and Aunt Andrea to come home” Of course, that made me feel horrible, I mean the girl is 7 years old. She is very smart though.

On Saturday Davin drove over from Detroit. The whole family went to Corner Landing and then Davin and I met Laurie and Cale at Gregrorys. I think he was surprised at how much Ionia had (i.e. Walmart, Taco Bell, Meijer, Walgreens, people with teeth :-)

On Sunday we went looking for our Easter eggs in the house. It is tradition in our family to find our Easter Egg and then once we find that my mom will give us the Easter Basket. So, we had a bunch of goodies in our basket – of course my mom always gets us more than she should. Davin even got a basket this year – although I had to look for his egg. Kiara decided to guard my basket and every time we would try to take it away she would growl and snap at us. She is too funny and a brat – must get that from her mom:-)

We went to Nana and Boppy’s around 1PM for Easter lunch. It was so great to see the whole family. The food, as always, was delicious. I am upset that I couldn’t bring anything back b/c I had to travel to ATL. (I managed to snag some homemade rice crispy treats though)
After finding our Easter basket at Nanas and after visiting with everyone for awhile – Davin and I left to go back to Detroit around 4PM. I really had a hard time leaving. I started crying when I had to say goodbye to Kiara. I know she is in good hands, I just miss her a lot but she has the best aunt in the world to take care of her. I am the only one in the family who doesn’t live in the same state so I always feel like I am leaving home – I just hate that feeling every time I leave. So, on the car ride home I was quiet and just didn’t want to talk but Davin helped me feel better – he is good about cheering me up and looking at the brightside/positive of things…which sometimes I can’t do.

Well, back to ATL this week. Davin took me to the airport this morning and it was tough to say goodbye –yet again. We haven’t made any plans to see each other again, so I think that is what sucks the most. Well, this week will be busy with work so hopefully it just goes by fast!

Remembering the true meaning of Easter.....

As we spend time with our families on Easter, it is important not to forget why we celebrate Easter.

Easter is the annual festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the principal feast of the Christian year. It is celebrated on a Sunday on varying dates between March 22 and April 25 and is therefore called a movable feast. The dates of several other ecclesiastical festivals, extending over a period between Septuagesima Sunday (the ninth Sunday before Easter) and the first Sunday of Advent, are fixed in relation to the date of Easter.

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Romans 6:8-11 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Midweek Recap

I can't believe its almost Thursday and my time in MI is almost over! It was great to see Davin when I got here. We both agreed a month is too long to go apart and it will not happen again. I have stayed with him the last few nights in his new apartment downtown Detroit (yes it is safe:-) It has a great view of the city and of Canada. There is even a nice grocery store in the bldg, you really never have to leave. I made Lasagna tonight which he says is on my rotation. Since, I only know how to make like 5 dishes, he noticed that I rotate them. Oops! I do like to learn how to make new things, I just don't have the patience to learn.

So tomorrow, my sister is coming to pick me up and I am going to Lansing with her and then off to Ionia on Friday. I am sooo excited to see my family. Davin is coming to meet the parents on Sat and it will be his first time in Ionia. So that will be fun.

So, I am a little crazy but I decided to run a 5k. I have always hated running, but I want to set a goal and just do it. (man that sounds like I am a Nike spokesperson) So, anyways I signed up for the Run to Wrigley 5K (3.1 miles) so its really not a big deal, but to me I just want to try it out. Plus, the money goes to Charity. I will definitely not be in the race to win just for the exercise and to say i did it. It is on 4/13 at 8AM! I have been try to train for it but with traveling its a bit difficult, so hopefully I make it.

Jacquelyn and I found an apartment, got approved and are signing the lease this week! It is a little north of me but I think a better location - more things around. We move in May 1 and I have to be out of my current apartment by April 30 at midnight, so I will be finding a place to stay that night and will have to leave my things in Uhaul - Fun stuff!

Well that's about all that is happening right now, I will blog later after the weekend!

Change of plans this week - Going to MI earlier than planned!

A tornado came through downtown ATL on Friday night and it damaged the building that I work in. Luckily no one was injured b/c it happend late Friday night. The greater damage was done in the area that I work in. So, due to the damages, the building is closed and now I don't have to travel to ATL this week. I will be going back to MI tomorrow night. I can't wait to see Davin b/c I haven't seen him in 3 weeks! So my flight lands in DTW at 930PM. I am flying NWA so hopefully I will get bumped to first class. I will be going back to Ionia at some point during the week, I don’t have a car in Detroit anymore, so I will have to figure that out. I'm excited to see my family over the Easter weekend.

We had a good weekend celebrating St. Patty's Day. A friend came in from San Fran last minute and my new roommate was also here. There was about 15 of us who had breakfast together and then we went to Duffy's (U of M bar) and then ended up at Monsinor Murpheys (Irish Pub). It was a "green" Mimosas day and we all had a blast.

I finished the 2nd season of LOST! I have been watching it so much lately, I feel like I am part of the island. I just rented half of the 3rd season so I am almost caught up to the current season. Well I better start watching it.

Five things about me...

Five jobs I`ve had in my life.
1. Teller
2. Waitress
2. Fuel Manager - Trucking Co.
3. Credit Analyst
4. Consultant Analyst

Five movies I've watched more than once:
1. Home Alone 1&2
2. Annie
3. SuperBad
4. Sweet Home Alabama
5. Weekend at Bernies 1&2

Five places I have lived:
1. Ionia
2. Kalamazoo
3. Detroit area (Royal Oak and Dearborn)
4. Chicago
5. Currenlty live in Atlanta during the week

Five of my favorite TV Shows:
1. LOST
2. Greys Anatomy
3. One Tree Hill
4. Sex and the City
5. King of Queens

Five fun places I have been:
1. Japan
2. Jamacia
3. Punta Cana
4. New York City
5. Vegas

My favorite foods:
1. Goulosh/Nana's Mac and Cheese
2. Greek Salad - have to be from a Coney
3. Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad
4. Steak
5. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Five of my favorite songs:
1. Free Bird - Lynard Skynard
2. What's this life for? - Creed
3. Dreamgirl - Dave Matthews Band
4. Same Mistake - James Blunt
5, You dont have to call me by my name - David Allen Coe (I remember Boppy singing this)

Five places I would rather be right now:
1. Making dinner with Davin while he plays the guitar and checks on me every 5 minutes so I dont screw anything up...:-)
2. Upnorth fishing with my dad and sitting around a campfire with friends and family
3. On a tropical beach - next trip I want to go to the Virgin Islands
4. On a trip with my sister (Ireland or Italy)
5. Playing games at Erins with the crew

Recap from Suite 1410

The weekend with Sara in town was a lot of fun! We made appetizers on Friday and went out with some of our LaSalle friends. We had a great time but we were too exhausted to go out on Saturday night. On Saturday we went to a restaurant called "Minnies" which they serve everything "mini" style (i.e. cheeseburgers and fries and even the cups) The cheeseburgers reminded me of sliders. It wasn't the best food but we did have some entrainment in the restaurant. This 4 year old was running around the restaurant with his shoes and his socks off b/c he proceeded to take them off and throw them. The entire restaurant was watching and FINALLY the family the mom and her kids left. If that wasn't birth control I dont know what is... It also reminded me of how things changed since I was a little kid. My parents would have spanked me in public but kids now a days get away with everything.

My dad is still recovering from his surgery that he had last Tuesday. The surgery went well but he will be off work for about 5 weeks and going to therapy. He is also still in some pain but I think the pain killers are helping. My mom was with him the first week but since she had to go back to work. He has to go to therapy every day but god has blessed my parents with good family and friends support. So “Beav” has a personal chauffeur to take him to therapy every day (grandparents and friends are helping out). Since my dad has been bored at home I have gotten numerous texts which is great! (Although, he may need to make sure he has the unlimited plan) My mom just taught him how to T-9 so is responses are much faster; it’s nice talking to him more.

So since my recent decision to stay living in Chicago, I found a room mate. We are working on the same project together and are both from Michigan. She is a fun girl and we will be looking for apartments within the next few weeks. We are both traveling all the time, so now we just need to find someone to get our mail!

This week started off pretty good. A little busy but not too crazy. When I landed on Monday Davin left a voicemail (knowing that I am in the air) just to say have a good day. It's the little things that count so I appreciate that on Monday mornings. Then I checked into my hotel this week and I was upgraded to a suite. (I really wanted to sing the Beyonce song at the front desk but I refrained from doing so) I was pretty happy about that b/c I have my own little living room with a couch so it is a little more homey.

Since the daylight savings this weekend my schedule has been messed up and I don’t know why. I go between Central and Eastern time every week, so I don’t know why it is bothering me. Since the time change, the bus drivers will not have more daylight to drive. At least that is what my mom told me when I was little b/c I asked a million “Why” questions:-) I have come to realize at my age that it is to save energy - glad I took that college class that explained it.

Well I better stop writing b/c I have a couple of presentations this week that I need to finish preparing for and I need to watch the LOST videos that I rented:-)

Gotta ask yourself the question.. Where are you now - James Blunt

During my stay in ATL this week, I really came to the realization that I was completely spoiled when I worked in Detroit. I was able to see my friends and Davin and it seemed like I had "normal" life. ATL is a little lonely, but I was introduced to Christine (she is good friends with Sara Basset) and we totally hit it off. She is so much fun to hang out with so ATL is feeling a little more homey. Although, I was a little upset when I was forced to watch a Hawks game when the Pistons were playing the Celtics on Wed.

After thinking long and hard and making a pro/con list I have decided to remain living in the city. I do want to save $$ and by a house, but I am just not ready to leave the city and there is something that is holding me back. So, my options will be finding some people to room with or renting a studio apartment.

Sara Allen flew in from MI this week and she is staying with me! We went out with some of our LaSalle friends last night and had a great time catching up. We went to a "Michigan State" bar here in the city where they played acoustic music and then we had to go to a "Michigan" Bar b/c we were on State overload. It was a great time.

So now, this weekend we will have fun and be apartment hunting....

Should I stay or should I go now.....

I am waiting to hear back from work to see if I will be allowed to move home and remain out of the Chicago office. There is more opportunity for promotions in the bigger office so I would like to stay within that office


I had such a great weekend in the city, I just don't know if I am ready to move back home. I feel like I haven't experienced the city that much b/c I am always gone on the road. There is just so more to do in the city, like going to new restaurants (new fav is "Wild" on Broadway)
On the other hand, I miss my friends and family back home and I would like to spend more time with them as well. Moving will also allow me to save $$. I will be taking advantage of my flex trips so hopefully I will go meet some friends in San Fran in May.
Since I am so back and forth I have decided to make a pro/con list in excel -- yes I am a dork but hopefully it will be helpful.

So, back to Hotlanta this week. Last week I was introduced to one of Sara's Bassets friends, Christine. We went out for a few drinks and she is awesome, so nice with southern hospitality. So, I have a new friend in ATL.

My dad gets surgery tomorrow on his shoulder and since he is a diabetic there are more risks. So, my family and I would appreciate all the prayers for his recovery and my mom's sanity:-)