Morality

On a moral scale from one to ten, how bad do you think it is that I periodically ... ok, frequently ... go to Starbucks and order nothing besides a glass of water?

What can I say? When you're broke, you're broke ... and when you need a place to sit and read, ... you get the idea.

Jinx

I think I jinxed myself with the post in which I expressed my anxieties about work, for no more than one week later, I was called into a meeting wherein I was told, in no uncertain terms, that my job was officially on the line.

Though it may not have in actuality caused a hex to fall upon me, I am thankful that I wrote the post. Had I not written things hypothetically in my defense, I may not have had the presence of mind to answer when asked what I had to say for myself in the meeting.

For about a week I wallowed in self pity. During that week, I seriously considered quitting. To say that I was distraught would be a gross understatement. But, breaking the mold of my usual behaviour, I picked myself up by my bootstraps and threw myself into my work.

For weeks, I did everything I could think of to stay productive. I also became more proactive. When things came up, either positive or negative, I kept my manager abreast of the situation. I asked my coworkers lots of questions and learned from their examples.

About a week ago, I went to a convention with two of my coworkers, and the owner of the company (the one who spearheaded the meeting). I was a bit nervous at the start, but I really feel like I came into my own very quickly.

I felt like the owner was sizing me up. Many times, when I was alone in our booth (selling orchestra supplies), I'd catch a glimpse of the owner in my peripheral vision; he was undoubtedly watching me, I feel to judge my performance. As the convention progressed, I noticed subtle changes in the way he addressed me. On the (six hour) ride home, my coworker, without me prompting her, said she noticed the same.

I came home from the convention a different employee, and for the better. I bonded with my coworkers. I gained a little respect from my boss. I feel more confident. It was a good trip.

Yesterday, the owner called me into his office and sat me down. He told me he was hiring another woman to fill a similar position to mine. I kept my cool, but I couldn't help but wonder if he was finally replacing me. And then he said something that floored me: "This is in no way a demotion. I see you're becoming more assertive, and maturing in your position. I like that, and I want to see it continue."

She will be taking a bit of my work load, so I may be put in the retail store for one day per week. Not a terrible thing. It'd offer me a bit more flexibility, and has a lot of potential for what I want to do down the line ... which I'll tell more about later.

For now, this is enough. Things are going better, and I'll leave it like that.

G'night.

Kinky

I have a hicky on my chin. The very tip of it. And it's kind of big.

Merry, in an attempt to cheer me up (I'm terrified of seeing my dentist tomorrow morning), playfully sucked on my chin. Apparently a little too hard.

However amusing it may be, I do have to venture forth into the wide world tomorrow, and don't know that I have a particularly plausible fib.

Ah well. Such is life, and I'll get over myself soon.

Here. Have a picture.

Ohm ...

I hadn't done yoga in about a year, and I'd been missing it so ... I did something about it.

A while back, I went to Half Price Books and purchased a Yoga VHS for under $2.00. Excited, I began waking early to start my day with my new "AM Yoga" VHS. But there were problems ...

First and foremost, the routine goes much too quickly. According to the host, Rodney Ye, it's supposed to be a "gentle way to move me into my active day".

That's funny.

Each pose ends abruptly and the next begins with very little adieu. It's all so ... hasty! There's nothing gentle about it. It's rather comical, really.

The second thing that I have great issue with is the fact that Rodney is either hung like an ox, or has a raging hard-on ... under his very tight, very small Speedo.

*shudder*

SO. I have come to a decision:

This afternoon, I'm going to watch my VHS one final time and write down the poses. This way, I can turn on a gentle CD, read my notes, and do the damn thing at my own pace.

I really think I'll be happier without the VHS. Yoga to me is gentle. Sorry, Rodney. You won't be missed.

mmmm

I've never considered myself to be much of a cook. My repertoire has mainly comprised of ... macaroni and cheese, very basic quesadillas, and a mean turkey sammitch.

Of late, Merry and I have not been eating at home much, and it has not only hurt our pocket book, but our tummies as well. We've both been feeling a bit worse for the wear, and eating fast food has a lot to do with it, m'thinks.

I've already mentioned my tentative foray into the culinary world... well, its success has inspired me to delve further into the Art. I've been printing off (simple) recipes and compiling them in a binder, and have made one or two more dishes (which have had mixed review from my hostage captivated audience of One - namely, Merry). I however am undeterred (and rather liked the meals to boot)!

I'm simply beside myself. I'm addicted to recipezaar {dot} com and allrecipes {dot} com, and unashamed to admit it.

Huzzah!

A long, long time ago

I can still remember how that music used to make me feel ...

I helped a kid and her teacher buy a viola today. The teacher, after hearing that I play viola m'self, asked if I have a studio. I wistfully responded in the negative, saying that I did once but simply have not had the time. We commiserated about the sad state of affairs in the Viola pedagogy line of things - there simply aren't enough teachers.

Would I be interested in teaching in the Allen area?

Wow.

We talked about teaching through schools, which I wouldn't be able to do because of my schedule ... what about independently owned and operated Music Studios?

Ideally, I'd like to take lessons for about six months; getting back into the swing of things, as it were. From there, I'd like to see if there is indeed some space to rent at a studio. If there is, and at a reasonable price, I'd like to set up a studio - per'aps on a Saturday. But I cherish my Saturdays, especially now that Merry isn't working.

Wouldn't it be neat to move most of my efforts into teaching, taking on a part time job to fill in the rest of the time? I could teach through schools on certain days, and work somewhere on t'others. I have connections, people that could potentially help me beef out a studio. I could try the Middle School I attended, way back in the day. I could try this lady. Or any of the three viola teachers I've had in the past.

Unless I had a thriving studio, it wouldn't be sensible to leave full-time Corporate America.

Ah, dreams can be beguiling ... and reality can be cold and harsh.

Success is mine!

I have successfully followed a recipe, and it turned out marvelously. I made an apple salad with a dressing consisting of mayo, applesauce, honey, lemon juice and salt. I then mixed in diced apples, celery, sunflower seeds, and raisins.

Delicious!