I knew it was going to be quiet today, so I walked around and asked everyone in my group (and the surrounding groups) if they needed help today. I also told my ride, who works in HR, that I was available, if she needed me. She had told me a few times that their filing is backed up tremendously, since the guy who did the filing left the firm a few months ago. I told her I don’t mind doing anything, as long as it keeps me busy and helps her out.
So, since no one in my group needed any help, and I already read a few chapters in my book, she finally took me up on my offer and I went downstairs at about 11:30am. First, I sorted out a bunch of documents on candidates for different jobs. I divided them into the different positions they were applying for and then filed them away in the file cabinets.
Then, they asked me to sort out all the tickets they had to the SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR, which is a big deal here. The firm sells discount tickets and people have to pay with a check and then the tickets are separated and distributed. There are regular admission tickets, children’s tickets, the “ride lovers” sheet of tickets and a sheet of regular ride tickets. Depending on what they ordered, I had to put together their order and seal it in an envelope that had their name pre-addressed on the envelope.
It was fun, but I was nervous that when I was finished I’d have too many tickets, or not enough. Fortunately, it worked out perfectly and I finished before lunch.
I went upstairs at 12:45pm and ate my lunch, read my emails, and read my book. I brought a NUTRISYSTEM hearty minestrone soup and also had a tiny container of low-fat cottage cheese.
There are two small kitchens on each floor -- one on each side of the building. They have a small sink, fridge and a microwave, along with cabinets filled with plastic utensils, paper plates and bowls, coffee, tea, paper towels and napkins (along with a copy machine!). People really cook lunches in this place.
There is also a small cafeteria on the 4th floor, but it’s very basic stuff – pizza, sandwiches, soup, and a small salad bar, with a different main course every day. They also make breakfast.
Most people bring their lunch from home. I think it’s because there are no restaurants nearby to walk to, and no delis or anything like that. It’s either bring it, or buy it in the cafeteria.
At lunchtime, people are waiting on line to use the microwave. They’re making hot dishes in bowls with rice, or pizzas, or hot sandwiches with melted cheese. The smells are sometimes so enticing!
It reminds me of my first job – temping at Reader’s Digest – from 1977 – 1979. They had a kitchen there, but it included a real stove. We also had a toaster oven in the boss’ office and we’d bring in English muffins, or cinnamon toast and toast them in his office while he was on the phone with photographers, or other business associates. I’d get the butter from the fridge, and we’d all have toast for breakfast, or as a snack.
I’d bring in a box of KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese and make it in the kitchen and we’d all have a bowl. My boss used to keep a bottle of hot sauce on his desk and he’d put it on anything anyone made. He loved his hot sauce!
Anyway, thinking about cooking in the kitchen brought back sweet memories of my youth, the wonderful people I worked with for 2 years at Reader's Digest, and the home we made there every day from 9-5. Those were good times!
Anyway, at 2:00pm I went back downstairs to HR. I did more filing, including typing up labels for file folders, putting the files in the folders, placing them in pendaflex folders and putting them in the file cabinets. I don’t love filing, but it did keep me busy and I was grateful for anything to pass the time. They really appreciated all my help, and said I did a great job, so everyone was happy!
I went back to my desk a little before 4:00pm and my ride and I snuck out early at 4:30pm, so it was a great day!
When I got home, Eric was washing the car. He didn’t expect me home until 5:30pm, so he wasn’t ready for me to take the car. I told him I wanted to go upstairs, get changed, have a snack and then leave for the salon at about 5:45pm. I did just that, and got to HAIRSPRAY at 6:00pm
John did a great job, as usual, and cut my hair a little shorter. I showed him the picture of Clara Bow and he said I was crazy to cut off all my curls. He said I have a gorgeous head of hair and he was willing to shape it a little differently, but refused to cut it all off. I told him if he thought I should keep it, I’ll keep it. It’s not like it’s long, by any means (it just covers my ears), but I’m just not a “hair person.” I feel the shorter my hair is, the better. My hair drives me crazy.
When I got home I made a salad and Eric cooked us more of those delicious veggie patties with sautéed mushrooms and cheese. They were SO good. After I left the salon, I stopped and got us gelato (since I pass the place on my way home). So, we had gelato for dessert, but that was after I watched SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and Eric worked out.
Then, we had gelato and watched LAST COMIC STANDING together. I can’t believe tomorrow is Friday already. It seems like we were just in L.A.! I have to go in a little earlier, because my ride has a meeting at 7:30am. So, she’s picking me up at 7:00am, instead of 7:30am. She’s only working ½ day, so Eric will be picking me up, but he can pick me up at 4:30pm, instead of 5:00pm, since I’m starting ½ hour earlier!
Eric was going to take me to the movies so I can see SEX AND THE CITY while he goes to watch another movie (he has NO interest in SATC). Fortunately, my ride said she’d like to go with me on Sunday, so we’ll go to the theatre that’s right by both our homes – the one Eric and I went to last time to see INDIANA JONES. It’s right on Clairemont Drive, about three miles away. I’m so excited, not only to see the movie, but to have a date with a friend! I know she’s good company, because we enjoy the ride to and from work every day and there’s always a lot for us to talk about.
Tomorrow is my second class in “beginner decoupage” where I just talk about cutting and show them the technique and how to pick the right pictures. The woman who was out sick last time will be there, and the other two girls are excited to sit and cut while I teach. It will be a lot of fun and this time we have an hour instead of just ½ hour. I’m excited about the class, because I haven’t been doing much crafting lately, and maybe it will inspire me to do a project this weekend!