I had a great day at work, but that’s nothing unusual. There was lots to do. I did a special project for the girl who does payroll. They are giving out RALPH’S gift cards to all employees (Ralph’s is a big supermarket chain in San Diego). It’s supposed to be money to buy a turkey, or the fixin’s, but of course you can use it to buy whatever you like. I don’t know how much the cards were worth, but I guess around $20.
I had to put together envelopes with gift cards for each department in the office. There are over 300 employees, so it was a big job. Then, the paychecks arrived (or the stubs, really) and I had to put the checks with the gift cards for each department. It’s easy work, but it’s something the girl in payroll is too busy to do, and I’m happy to do that kind of work and make someone else’s life easier.
I do a lot of projects like that and I don’t really mind. I know it’s not challenging my brain, or showing my true talents, but – hey – I get paid the same if I’m filing a document, stuffing envelopes, or typing info into a database. I just like to keep busy and know I’m making a contribution.
We got a donation of a box of business-related books and we integrated them into the Training Library, which is right by my desk. I never really looked at it before, but it was very interesting. They have books, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, CDs and DVDs on various subjects – finance, management, communication, organization, sales, and customer service. Some of the books are about dealing with negativity or difficult people. My favorite was entitled “When Strangling Is Not An Option.” Sometimes it does get that frustrating working with a difficult person. I’m so lucky, because everyone in this group bends over backwards to be pleasant. It’s amazing!
I spoke to Eric a few times today. I called him at lunch and then again in the late afternoon. I wanted to remind him that today is our niece, Ashley’s birthday – she’s 13!!!! She’s the youngest of all our nieces and nephews. Eric really bonded with Ashely since he was staying at her house for the first month he was in NY. She was a big help to him when he needed information on the computer, and he even took her to the movies, which is something he never would have done before. It’s great that he got to know her and has spent some quality time with her.
On the drive home, Elsa told me about the holiday party. I am so thrilled that Rosemary asked me to be her date. There will be about 600 people there – all the employees plus a guest. They try to change it up every year and this year they’re doing things a little differently. They’re not focusing on music with a DJ or a band (and I AM a little disappointed by that), because they said most people don’t dance and the rest are just trying to be heard over the music.
This time, they’re having a DANCING WITH THE STARS style show with four couples performing. I think that will be fabulous! They’re also having a section with casino games (which they do every year and which is always a big hit). They’re having a classical guitar player, or something like that, as background music. It’s really all about the food and everyone mingling and having a great time. I can’t wait!
When I got home I jumped in the car and went to Michael’s. I had to return something and I had a 50% off coupon, so I wanted to see if there was anything I needed. Since the girl in HR who recently got engaged finally gave me the box to decoupage for her, I decided I’d better buy another can of varnish, so that’s what I got. I’m so practical!
This beautiful young girl gave me mementos of her engagement and other romantic dates she had with her fiancé and I made additional color copies of some of the items, so I could use them more than once. The best part is, I actually know her fiancé, because they met at work! He works upstairs on the floor where I worked for the first 6 months I was at the firm, so I kind of knew him and I didn't know her until I started working in HR! I can't wait to get started, but I told her it would not be until I got back from NY in December. She said there’s no rush and she’s very excited!
When I got home I called Eric again and we spoke for a few minutes. We both can’t believe we’ll be together in less than two weeks! It’s been such a long time, but time flies and I’m starting to stress about the trip. Rosemary is bringing the suitcase for me to borrow tomorrow. I must start packing this weekend!
I made myself a salad for dinner, and another for work tomorrow and then watched last night’s episode of THE BIGGEST LOSER. It’s down to the final 6 and it’s getting very dramatic. Some people really are cutthroat and play to win, even if it’s at the expense of other contestants. I’ve never been that kind of a competitor. I guess if it gets you the prize it’s worth it, but sometimes I think they must be embarrassed when they watch this on TV and see how they act. I know I would be!
After THE BIGGEST LOSER I watched AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and then STYLISTA, which is a new show on the same channel, which is produced by Tyra Banks. It’s about a bunch of kids in NY who are competing for a spot as an Associate Editor at ELLE magazine. More reality!!!
Tomorrow I’m driving to work, so I can go to my appointment afterwards. I’m going to try to get out early enough to stop at STARBUCKS on my way in. I’ve missed my early morning STARBUCKS runs!