Painted

Originally uploaded by Champuru.

Unfortunately, this is the only photo that I captured from today’s errand/lunch/shopping expedition with Joyce. It is, however, a pretty interesting one. I was a little reluctant to take this photo at first, but with Joyce’s urging, I snapped it while surreptitiously hiding behind a pillar. Candid shots like this one really appeal to me, but I am often too embarrassed to attempt photographing strangers.

It was a productive day at the mall, having discovered some grand deals on the sales racks. Nearly everything that Joyce and I bought was on sale, so that makes the experience even more rewarding. Saving money while spending it. What a concept!

I even got a pair of nice pointy toe slingbacks that Stacy and Clinton would have been pleased with.

I think my wardrobe for my new job is pretty much complete. So now, even if I don’t know what the heck I’m doing, at least I’ll look professional while doing it.

Yesterday marked my first day on the job. As expected, it was all quite overwhelming and I’m still reeling from all of the information that got crammed into my little brain.

Last night, after being at the office FAR too long, I had dreams of working in my old IT job. Only one day away from the old gang and I’m already having withdrawals. Perhaps it’s the growing pains of moving out of my comfort zone. I’m praying that I will grow into my new position and thrive.

I am really in need of a growth spurt — and now.

It’s taken me ridicuously long to respond to this. Sorry, J! Here’s my entry, better late than never! Continue Reading »

I purchased some new clothes to accompany my new job. And whenever I buy new clothes, it means another trip to the tailor. Even items found in the petite section don’t quite fit, so I always end up having to get my pants and suit jackets altered. I am cursed with short extremities, I guess. Someone needs to create a clothing line for the “short and squat.” Petite tries to cater to that crowd, but it often falls short (har har) of really meeting our needs.

Anyway…

The store recommended a tailor in downtown who specializes in formal wear, so I went to see her on Saturday. She had a constant flow of women, filtering in and out of the dressing room, standing on the podium, getting their garments pinned up.

I brought in three lined pants and two jackets for alterations. The pants are pretty simple, just shorten the length. However, the suit jackets are a bit more problematic. Since I have broad shoulders, my jackets fit around the shoulders, but end up being long in the arm and baggy around the sides. She’ll be tailoring a better fit to accentuate the waistline and shortening the sleeves. When she pinned it up, I was pleased with how much better it looked.

When her assistant wrote up the sales tag, however, I experienced a bit of sticker shock.

It’s expensive to be “short and squat.”

Translation: Many congrats

I got the job!

The official announcement was released on Thursday and almost immediately, my inbox started filling with congratulatory messages from colleagues that I had been working with for over seven years. Effective February 18, 2006, I am a bona fide Federal worker and not just a contractor. Continue Reading »

At this very moment, I am sitting on the cusp of a major life change. I believe it’s a good development, although as one who generally dislikes any disturbance in the force, I am facing it with great anxiety and a touch of trepidation. In fact, I am having nocturnal distress about the situation. I haven’t even started yet and I’m already having nightmares.

Again, I am being purposely vague for the moment. When the news breaks, I will be at liberty to discuss it more openly. Until then, I will speak in code. For those wearing the secret decoder ring, just know that despite my inherent drama, I am still feeling positive about the opportunity, just… afraid of the unknown. Well, the unknown will soon be known and there won’t be anything to fear. Right?

Wouldn’t you know it? After writing that entry about the Sephora lady last night, I woke up to find a zit on my chin this morning. I guess I should’ve bought the dang blemish extractor after all. Grr.