What Kind Of Service Is This?

Work-related rant... But done blindly...

I've been working with quite a few search engines to change how my campaigns in each one are structured. The person who had my job before me had a large number of campaigns in each engine with duplicate keywords all over the place.

Bottom line... He had bad organization. Made it very difficult to optimize the campaigns on a daily basis. (Increase bids on some keywords, decrease them on others..)

Anyhoo... So I've been working with the engines I run ads in to change the structure. And surprisingly, one engine is giving me the most difficult time doing this.

What are they doing to make it so difficult? Well, it's not what they're doing. It's what they're NOT doing. There is no service from them on my account. And I very much want to sky rocket what I am spending in them; but they are making it difficult to do just that.

No wonder I spend no time on this engine with my own personal search queries. They're just not what they used to be. And it's a shame too. I had such high hopes for them.

But "search engine," you should know... You suck.

Don't Doubt The Dance! Never Doubt The Dance!

About a week ago I was walking around in Downtown Crossing at lunch time. And we get all sorts of crazy people "performing" in the streets. There are a couple of regulars down here who habitually scream about God and we're all going to hell. But last week I noticed something different. Something amusing. Something I wanted to know more about...

So I quickly got back to work and started searching high and low on YouTube for what I saw in the street. I mean, there HAD to be a YouTube video of this. There just HAD to be. But now such luck. I didn't have enough information to find what it is I was looking for on YouTube.

Flash forward to this afternoon when I am on Boston.com... And sure enough, there was a story on what I had seen!

I quickly popped on to YouTube and in seconds I had a plethora of videos featuring what I had seen. And here it is for you too!






These guys are fantastic! I was laughing my ass off when I saw them on the street. This is fantastic exercise.

The Importance of Being Earnest.

Let's face it people...

Boston is not the uptight and conservatively-dressed town we sometimes get pegged as... We are SERIOUS fashionistas!!! (And whatever it is you call guys who are serious about their fashion... "Metrosexual?")

We're not always about khakis, sweater-sets and Red Sox caps. We can mix it up with the most "fashionable" cities out there. (NYC, London, Paris...)

So get earnest (or "passionate" and "sincere") about your style this Saturday... Head over to Jean Therapy and get the latest info and styles in Earnest Sewn jeans at the Earnest Sewn Trunk Show.

There's going to be men's jeans as well as women's (Jean Therapy isn't just for girls you know.) And even though the service at Jean Therapy is always impeccable, you may want to make an appointment to view the collection.

Get out there and show everyone that Boston is one of the hippest cities when it comes to jeans!

Way To Go Jennifer!

Yay!

Jennifer Hudson won!

Now, I never saw Dreamgirls. Don't know if I ever will. But I LOVE that she was an American Idol reject and became an Academy Award winner... Good for her.

The Winners.

Watching the Academy Awards "here and there" this evening... Meaning I have two TVs on in rooms next to each others and I am leaning a little to the right to catch the "action" on in the other room from the awards as it happens.

I absolutely refuse to watch the show straight through, as it bores me to tears. So I am watching "My Fair Lady" (which I have never seen) instead.

But I was able to catch some of the Red Carpet pre-show... And I have my selection of "winners."

I have to say, there were quite a few pretty gowns this year. Last year had a lot of "crap" on the carpet. But this year was loaded with stunning pieces. Including...


All hail the Queen!

Helen Mirren is beautiful and gorgeous. I hope to mad hell I look this fantastic when I am in my 50s. She is so posh, but down to Earth at the same time. I adore her.



The perfect color for her, Penelope Cruz is stunning in this dress. The feathers on the skirt and train... It's so feminine without overdoing it. It's so beautiful.


And the winner....


Far above the rest... Reese Witherspoon is no longer just the Southern flower she has been during her Hollywood career. She was always "the nice" girl with her fashion. But tonight she turned into the magnificent and sexy, bright-shiny star she is. I LOVED this dress. She is "hands down" the Red Carpet Winner. A total vixen in the cut and color.

Spa Ettiquette.

It was a very busy day. Spent most of my morning cleaning the apartment; which I haven't been able to properly do in a few weeks. The I headed out to check the shops before my facial at 2pm. I picked up a new sweater and blouse, one which was on sale. (Yay!)

So it was a busy but enjoyable start to my day.

Then I got to the spa.

I really need to refrain from going to the spa on Saturday afternoons. It's too packed with "one-time" spa-goers who don't know the un-written etiquette that more frequent spa-goers would know. Etiquette that includes:

Take one towel, one robe and one pair of flip flops. The place is packed with other people who would like to have these things available to them too. When you take extras, replacements may not come as quickly as needed. And no one wants to walk around naked. (Plus management would probably frown upon it.)

Showers should really be limited to five minutes. If you're on there longer than that, I begin to wonder exactly what you're doing in there.

Don't get mad if I'm already in the steam room when you open the door to come in. (Seriously, you don't need to breathe huffily to let me know you are annoyed I am already in there.) I know many people have a "phobia" about using the steam room with other people in it... Some people are uncomfortable sitting in a hot room more or less naked with other people. But it's a spa. That's what people go there to do. And the steam room is plenty big enough for at least five people to relax.

Show up on time for your freakin' appointment. When you show up late, the specialists run late. And they end up being late for all their clients after you. And it makes them look bad. So just be on time, please.

The "Zen Garden" waiting area is really a mediation room. Meditation = "Shut the hell up and quit your gossiping." I don't want to hear you tell your Aunt on your "girls afternoon out" about your Dad's new girlfriend trying to be "very best buds" with you and annoying you with questions about your life. (Your Dad's girlfriend actually sounds nice; and like she's trying to take a genuine interest in you. Be grateful she acknowledges your existence. Some women wouldn't.) All anyone wants to do in the Zen Garden is relax before their treatment. This means "quiet."

Pick up after yourself. This one seems like it would be a basic thing anyone would know to do. But surprisingly, the green spa-goer doesn't seem to understand that just because you are paying for an afternoon of treatments and luxury, it does not include maid service. There are marked areas for you to leave your dirty towels and robes. Please use them. Do not leave them lying on the locker room ottomans. I would like to sit down on that while changing. And I don't want to sit on your soiled linens.

Other than that, the spa treatment was quite nice; as it usually is at Exhale. The Winter cold has been wreaking havoc on my skin though. My entire body is dry and itchy... Especially on my face. And despite drinking quite a bit of water lately (about a liter and a half a day), my skin is still dry. My facialist (the trusty "Galina") said I am obviously getting plenty of hydration form the inside out; but I should just apply more cream to my body to combat the cold effects.

I will probably go back in six weeks for another facial. And of course, I do have acupuncture there this coming Monday night. But week nights (and days) are typically filled with experienced spa-goers. So I am sure it will be less frustrating. And I won't have to take the last towel available on the shelf to steam and shower with.

Zone-ing.

I know I have only been "Zone-ing" for about 1.75 days... But I have to tell you, the food from the delivery service this time around is MUCH better.

It tastes so good!

Last night I had steak fajitas. They were awesome. I've had salads with vegetables and chicken for lunch both days. And the service this time even includes muffins... Which I must tell you are SO GOOD!

I may do this for two months in a row if I continue to like the food this much.

I was raving about it so much last night that I made my husband jealous. I didn't subscribe him to the service... And he was eating an organic frozen pizza from Whole Foods. Those are good too... But frozen pizza versus steak fajitas...

No contest. The fajitas win!

The Husband's Away... The Missus Will "Play."

And by "play" I mean the following:

• Thoroughly clean apartment. It's difficult to clean it the way I like to clean when he's around. He's always leaving stuff in odd places and dirtying things two seconds after I have cleaned them. (He's such a boy!)
• Read fashion glossies while lounging in front of the DVD player. (I watched most of season one of "Big Love" last weekend. I love this show!!!! -"Do you want me to bless you?"- Gonna watch the rest of it tonight while reading the glossies.)
• Have friends over for dinner. Making Mexican food tomorrow night and having some pals over. Good times.
• Buy new clothes. I haven't bought anything new in ages. I need a few new sweaters. All the ones I have are form last year and all getting worn out from so much wear lately.
• Get a facial. Going to Exhale tomorrow afternoon and getting another "Power Facial."

So far, this is all I have planned. But he's gone until next Tuesday. So there is plenty of other stuff to do. Maybe I will go catch some movies.

Yay!

I'm so happy for you lady!

A friend of mine gave me exciting news this morning. So excited for her!!!!!!

But it's not "public" yet. So have to keep it quiet.

But yay!!!!!!

Short Shorts!

I did something new today. I wore shorts in my Bikram yoga class.

Now, some of you may be thinking, "You've never worn shorts in a class where the temperature can range from 100 degrees to 115 degrees Fahrenheit?"

And my answer to you would be, "No I have not."

Ever since I was 24 years old, I never wear anything that comes above my knees. If a skirt or dress does come above my knees, I wear leggings or dark tights under it. It just stopped seeming proper to be a working professional and wear things that short in my mid-20s. And I guess let that transfer over into my workout gear. So I have not worn shorts to the gym or to Bikram classes.

CRAZY!

And a few of my Bikram teachers have commented on it to me over the past few years I have been practicing.

"You should really think about wearing shorts instead of yoga pants that come down past your ankles," they would pretty much say.

And they were right. It was time to start wearing shorts to class. Because there is a HUGE difference in how you stand in the poses. I had gotten so used to knowing what a "locked out leg" FELT like. But since I have practiced a lot in the past five months, my legs naturally go to what feels like a "locked out" position. But it's not always locked out. So I am moving beyond relying on what the muscles feel like when they are locked. I need to learn to visually see what they look like "locked out."

Plus, the class feels a little cooler when you're not wearing leggings. Duh.

This Place Clears Out.

When I was interviewing for this job, my boss told me that the office clears out not too late.

That was music to my ears because I am so O-V-E-R the long and ridiculous hours. (Including time spent working at home.)

And when I first started this job, the office manager offered me one of the keys to lock up the place if I am ever working late and the last one to leave.

"No thanks!" I told him. "I won't ever be the last one to leave."

Boy was I wrong.

The other night, I decided to stick around till 6pm so that I could go straight from here to my acupuncture appointment. At about 5:45pm, one of my co-workers waved "good-night" to me. I had my headphones on, took them off and said "Good-night."

Then I got up to go to the bathroom and realized I was the last person in the office.

Uh-oh!

It was only 5:45pm!!!!!

WTF?

I momentarily started to freak out. But then realized I could check with the security guard downstairs to see if he had a key to lock up. Sure enough, he did. And he even offered to lock up for me.

This is such a nice change from what I am used to at the last company I worked at where I was busy. I am equally busy here. But what I am doing only affects me. I don't have a whole slew of clients to work on, so I can call it a "night" whenever I want here.

So moving in house to do search equalled the following:

Better hours + MUCH better pay = Work-life balance.

Who knew there was such a thing?

I Don't Care What Anyone Says...

You CAN tell the difference between 20 degrees Fahrenheit and 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

It has been so cold these past few weeks that I have been avoiding the outdoors as much as humanly possible. I have been taking the bus to work, rather than walking. I have been going only to the lunch places a few feet from my building, rather than venturing across a few streets to grab something healthy. I even avoided yoga this weekend because I did not want to walk the dangerously ICY streets in the bitter cold to the studio.

Sad, I know. But when it gets to be so cold out, it can make a huge difference in what your priorities are for the day.

But FINALLY it is starting to warm up. It was 30 degrees this morning when I left the house. So I decided to walk the mile and a half to work. And it was a GREAT walk! And some of the icy-ness of the sidewalks is gone. So there was little fear of slipping. And I will be going to yoga tonight and walking home after that.

The high today is supposed to be about 45 degrees!

I could go outside without a jacket if I wanted to!

Sister Christian.

I forgot I had this song on my iPod!



NICE!

Nigh Ranger rocks!

Anyone In Da House?

Anyone else at work today?

I know today is technically an American holiday. And if I had wanted to, I could have taken it off using one of the 22 days of vacation I get. However, I wasn't interested in playing it that way.

I am still "ramping up" on some things here at work. (Re-organizing over 16,000 keywords and re-writing creative for each one is a bit time-consuming... Especially when you work on a very slow PC.) So I didn't want to waste a vacation day on today when I knew I needed the time to ramp-up.

Plus, Downtown Crossing is completely dead today. It's kinda nice. No lines at Starbucks!

If I was a ski-bunny I would have taken today off. There's finally some legitimate snow at the resorts here. But seeing as I have never been skiing in my life (I have owned skis though), I don't feel I am missing anything in particular.

Plus, I like the idea of taking "days off" and redistributing them for other vacations during the year.

She's Knocked Up!

I don't know what caused them to break up... But according to Perez Hilton, Bridget Moynaham is all knocked up with Tom Brady's seed.
Tom is now supposed to be dating Giselle Bunchen.

Scandalous and delicious!

I thank Bridget for temporarily distracting up from the quality "disaster" show that is Britney Spears.

Going Bald.

I have a friend who shaved his head in early 20s and has remained "bald" since then.

It really suits him. I didn't know him when he had hair. But I wouldn't want to see him with hair. It wouldn't look right.

So, I am not "anti-bald." Bald people (men and women) can be very attractive.

But not Britney Spears.

Yep, you read that right friends.

Britney has shaved her head. Don't know why. But she has, and there is video to prove it.



Seriously, why does she hate herself so much?

Between the documented late-night partying, the puking, the "stop-in" on a Caribbean rehab center... Britney has had a busy last week. And she managed to even find time to shave her head and look into getting another tattoo.

I really think she needs to get a dose of self-esteem. Who'd a thought I'd ever be rooting for Kevin Federline over Brit? (I've been a Britney fan - love the cheesy music and Southern charm - since 1999.)

What I Dream.

I think the acupuncture I've been having lately has helped (as some of you may know) with my dream recollection. I don't think it's changed what I've dreamed about so much as it is causing me to remember in fine detail what I dreamed about.

So maybe I am relaxing enough in my sleep that I am retaining the information? Maybe.

Anyway, beyond the dreams I have written about here lately; there appears to be an "over-arching" theme to a lot of my dreams. I seem to dream about flying in planes a lot.

I don't think it has anything to do with my new job (as I work for a travel site now) because I have been having these types of dreams all my life.

Lately though, the dreams have been so odd. And not just the one I had the other day about flying to Greece. The following night I had a recurring theme dream about planes as well.

Often in these dreams I am travelling on a plane that is very uniquely designed on the inside. The seating is different. It feels almost like I'm sitting in a theater. And the seats are much more comfortable and spacious.

Also, in these dreams, I am able to see the view point of the pilot flying the plane; but I am not the pilot. Take-offs and landings are very short and abrupt. You need less space on the runway to do both. And the runways are often configured in odd ways that cause many tall buildings and and bridges to be in your way as you are taking off and landing. (So the pilot has to be really good at navigation!)

In addition to this, the plane has someone (a flight attendant or crew member perhaps?) that sits on the out topside of the plane in a special compartment with an industrial hose that shoots out what looks like plane "de-icer."

I have no idea what any of this means. I can remember, as a child, dreaming about being a plane that was flying out in space. And we kept going further and further into the deepness of stars and midnight... But it never frightened me. It was more like I knew where I was going and could see far off in the distance where I needed to be.

Maybe my true calling is to be a pilot?

Can't though. Bad eye sight. (Tear.)

Air Planes - To see an airplane in your dream, indicates that you will overcome your obstacles and rise above to a new level of prominence and status. You may experience a higher consciousness, new-found freedom and greater awareness.

Space - To see or dream that you are in space, represents exploration and independent thinking. You are broadening your horizons and view. Alternatively, the dream may indicate that you are "spacing out". You need to return your concentration back on your future and goals.

Happy Birthday Bitchez.

Diz-amn!

I have been busier then my pal Brevitt hitting on the Icelandic chicks at the clubs this week. ("Play on playa!")

Anyhoo...

Speaking of Brevitt... Today is his birthday. So I wanted to give him a "shout-out" on his day. If you don't know Brevitt... He is spending this week in Iceland for worky, and is probably at a crazy Viking Festival as I am writing this. His hope is to meet some pretty Icelandic girls. (Blonde hair, blue eyes.) Go Brev!

Also, I have another pal (who I mentioned earlier this month) who had a birthday a few weeks ago. But I neglected to give him a "shout out" on the Common Ground as well. So Happy Be-Lated B-Day Wighty!

Oh! And my buddy ACE (who I worked with back in the Fall) turned 27 earlier this month too. I wanted to give him a "shout out" for not just his birthday... But for finally meeting a lovely lady worthy of taking home to mum and dad. (Hope she doesn't use your toothbrush without asking ACE!)

YouTube Battle Two.

Only one person voted in last week's battle. (That is "weak" people.)

So this week's YouTube Battle is dedicated to Jennifer. (Thanks Jennifer!)

Little Boy Lonely (This One Is Cute)



Mixed Tape! (Featuring the star of last week's winner.)



Vote now!

I Am Gonna Smell...

My landlord brought in a contractor to re-do the tiles in our shower. The old one are cracking, and water can get through and leak down to the annoying neighbor downstairs who plays his music too loud.

So, the contractor is at our apartment working today and tomorrow replacing all the tiles. This means we can not use the shower/tub today or tomorrow morning.

"No worries," my husband and I thought. "We'll just go to the gym Friday morning and shower there."

Then we were awoken to reality by the contractor. He told my husband this morning, "You won't be able to use the shower for a few days. Sunday morning... Maybe Saturday late evening at the earliest."

Wuh-huh?

That's B.S., yo!

I can't shower in my own apartment for almost three days?

Argh!!!!! I'm used to taking one shower a day and one bubble bath a day.

This is gonna mess up my schedule.

Whiny Cry Baby.

So, the building I now work in is located in Downtown Crossing. And we,like every other building down here, have a doorman who is always at the desk in the entrance.

The AM Door Guy is named "Mike." And he is a big old baby.

Mike was on vacation last week, when I started. On Monday of this week, when I walked into the building and headed to the elevator, he had a fit.

"You're supposed to stop at the desk! Who are you? What are you doing here?" he screeched like a hyena.

"Um, I'm 'The Missus,'" I said. "I work here at "Company X" on floor three."

"Oh!" he shouted in a condescending tone trying to intimate that he has some authority. "You need to have a card to get into this building. Your company needs to give you one."

"Alright," I said. And I let him know I would ask for one.

Later that day, my office manager gave me one. But he said it wasn't that big a deal if I had one or not.

So, even though I now had one, I haven't really swiped it in the morning. From what I see, no one does when they come in. The AM Door Guy just waves me in and says "Good morning!" and is all cheery and shit now.

Well, apparently he is a two-faced little whiny bi-atch.

One of my co-workers came in this morning (after me) and asked me if I had been "held-up" at the front desk. I told her not since Monday.

Apparently, the little whiny bi-atch AM Door Guy complained about me to her. He told her she needed to make sure the company gave me a card.

"He complained to you and not to me?" I asked her. "Why didn't he just say something to me when I walked in? Isn't that his job? He sucks ass at his job."

Everyone around me laughed and said that the AM Door Guy won't confront me. He'll just complain about it to everyone else in the company.

Well eff that. That little whiny bi-atch is gonna get a piece of my mind when I go downstairs later to get lunch.

I have no respect for people who can't speak up for themselves. If you don't stick up for yourself, no one will.

I'm not saying be a bitch... But when it's your job to get people to swipe their card each time they come in (even though you know them), then how eff-ing hard is it to say,"Good morning 'The Missus!'" Can you swipe your card for me? Thanks!"

No one is going to "piss" all over you if you do your job in a nice way. And if they do, then ignore them. They're not worth your time.

What an eff-ing jerk though! Get some ballz man!

Dollar Dollar Coin, Y'all.

Seven years ago when I was living in NYC, I was out late one night in the city partying. I didn't feel like waiting for the L train back to Brooklyn. So I hailed a cab.

First, I pissed him off by telling him I wanted to go to Brooklyn.

"Williamsburg please!" I told him in my perky drunk voice.

Cabbies don't like going to Brooklyn from the city because it is difficult for them to pick up a fare back into the city. But legally he had to go Brooklyn for me. It was the law that cabbies can't refuse you service to any of the boroughs.

So off to Williamsburg we went. We hopped off the BQE and drove down Union Avenue to my apartment in the "hood." When I went to pay the cabbie, I pulled out my money. the fair was $17 (about $14 without tip)... I pulled out a $10 bill, a $5 bill and two Sacagawea $1 coins.

The cabbie got pissed. He didn't want to accept the Sacagawea coins. And I didn't blame him. They were a pain to carry around.

"Give me paper money!" he demanded.

"Sorry dude," I told him. "That's all I have."

He handed me the two coins back (which were part of his almost $3 tip) and drove away.

He didn't want the tip.

Why is this story relevant? Well, today the U.S. Mint is releasing another version of the $1 coin.



Good luck to them.

I know nearly every other country has $1 coins. But this is the third time we have tried to do this in America in the last 40 years. It has never caught on. If you have a choice between a $1 bill and a $1 coin, people will almost always choose the paper, as it is easier to carry.

(And, as a side note, can you imagine someone trying to tip a stripper with a $1 coin? Strippers will have to start carrying around fanny-packs to carry their change while working.)

The only way this will work is if they get rid of the $1 bills completely.

"There Is No Island. There Is No Button."

Freaking awesome episode of LOST tonight.

This is why this show is awesome!

As my husband says, "This is most eff-ing confusing show of all time! It's totally cool, but it is so eff-ing confusing."

What are the paths of us all?

I Can't Shop At Banana Republic Anymore.

I have come to the conclusion that I can not shop at Banana Republic anymore.

Why?

Well, everytime I find something super cute there that I fall in love with, someone else I work with inevitably has bought the same exact thing. And we end up wearing it on the same day.

For instance, a while back, I was at work. And one of the gals on my team was wearing the same exact top from Banana Republic as myself. It was even in the same exact color. And even though I looked slightly better in it (she didn't have any boobs, and to be honest, you needed some to fill out the top), I hated showing up looking like a "twin" to someone else.

I'm not seven years old. It's not cool to dress alike anymore.

And as I ducked into the Copley mall to get out of the horrible weather on my way home, I noticed that some of the Spring season pieces are now in at Banana Republic. But I know that if I buy something, someone else I work with will probably buy one of the pieces I do.

And to be honest, Banana Republic's quality of clothing has begun to "lag" a litte bit as of late. Things fall apart to quickly. Cute designs. Lacking quality. (Especially their cashmere sweaters. Those things snag WAY too easy.)

The only safe things to buy there are dress pants (which they will hem for free for you) and t-shirts. So basically, wardrobe "staples." Any of the "style" pieces and prints, you should just skip.

Otherwise, you'll just end up looking like everyone else.

It's safer to shop at the Gap or Old Navy. Less chance if people having shopped there for work wear.

FLOWERS!

Got into work today and found a vase of red carnations on my desk. Sweet!

They were from the husband, of course. What a nice surprise.

Now I just want to go home for the rest of the day and watch the first snow fall we've had all season. I'll go home, tuck into a cashmere throw blanket, and order Chinese food while watching TV.

Speaking of TV... New episode of LOST tonight! Woohoo!

Taking A Trip.

Okay. I had another round of acupuncture last night. And because I hadn't gone last week, the vivid dreams I was having weren't happening.

But they definitely happened last night.

So, in last night's dream... For some reason I decided to book a flight to somewhere I had never been. I booked the flight on Jetblue. And Jetblue only really flies "domestic" right now (with exception of Mexico and Puerto Rico.) So I get on the plane, fly off, not knowing where exactly it is that I am going. And I am not with my husband on this trip. I decided to take it alone.

So I land in my final destination. I get off the plane, and I ask people at the airport where I am. And they tell me "Pomona, Greece."

Greece????????????

At first I am totally jazzed. I have always wanted to go to Greece, but hadn't had the chance yet. But then I begin to freak out because I don't have my passport on me!

For some reason, when I had boarded the flight in America, they didn't check me for my passport. So I am now stuck in a foreign country without my passport.

I step outside the airport, and the sun is shining. And I realize how beautiful it is there. And I tell myself, "You're allowed to explore the island and enjoy yourself for a little while. Then you can freak out about the passport thing."

Funny enough, there is no "Pomona, Greece."

But there is a "Pomona" related to Greek mythology. She was the goddess of fruit trees, gardens and orchards.

I have no idea what this dream meant. Just found it easy to remember.

Grammy Fashion.

I didn't watch the Grammy's this year. In fact, I don't ever watch them. Truth be told, I don't watch any awards shows. I like to see who the winners are, but I'm not going to sit through the hours and hours of show. I will watch something else, then log on to see who won what.

And speaking of which... WAY TO GO DIXIE CHICKS! (Take that COUNTRY MUSIC ESTABLISHMENT AND YOUR B.S. WAY OF DOING THINGS! Bet you'll be playing them now on your radio stations.)

Now back to the fashion...

Like I wrote, there were some pretty dresses. But I was really turned off by two stylings worn by celebrities...

Christina Aguilera

Pretty dress. Awful hair. Awful skin coloring. Now, normally I don't make fun of a person's skin color. But some celebrities need to ease up on the "spray tanning." She looks "Oompa Loompa."


Brooke Hogan

She designed the dress. She did her own hair. She did her own make-up. She made herself FUGLY. This girl needs to hire a stylist to help her tone down the look she has going. It's like a three year old playing "dress up" with the brightest dress and make-up she could find.

Here's hoping the Academy Awards will be better for fashion this year!

Vacation Policy.

Because HR for my company is based in London, I didn't have my "formal" HR introduction until today.

In the intro, the typical things were discussed...

• Work Hours
• Sick Leave Policy
• Health Benefits
• Review Policy
• Travel Policy

and....

VACATION POLICY!

And I tell you, this place certainly is NOT like your typical American company!

According to the company's Vacation Policy, you are not allowed to carry over any of the 22 vacation days you get to the next year.

Nope.

They told me, "According to new research here in the U.K., it is found that employees benefit from taking vacation. So we require that you take all 22 days you are allowed. There is no 'rolling over.'"

SWEET!

Unlike companies I've worked for in the past, you are ENCOURAGED to take time off. And they take steps to make sure you do.

Nice!

So That's What That Means!

I had a video conference scheduled this morning with some fellas in the UK office at work.

But when we began the conference, they mentioned that they were being kicked out of their conference room because someone else had (unbeknown st to them) booked it.

When they told me this I said, "Well that's bollocks, yo."

Then they all laughed. But I didn't understand why. I thought "bollocks" was like "BS" in the "Queen's English."

Well, I was wrong. It does not mean "BS." It means "testicles."

Who knew? (Obviously not me.)

I hope Human Resources doesn't come after me. I'm still learning!

Yay Valentine's Day!

I just ran out quickly to meet my husband for coffee. (One of the advantages of working near each other!)

While out, he presented me with my Valentine's Day gift, as it had arrived in the mail at his work today. It was a gift certificate to Exhale! (Yay!)

It's a very timely gift too, as I am scheduled to go there tonight for another round of acupuncture.

So I guess this wraps up our Valentine's Day celebration. I bought him shoes Saturday. We went out to dinner last night. And now I have received my gift.

Getting "Hamered": Don't Distract Me With Sides.

Finally... After living in the South End for nearly two years, my husband and I finally got around to trying Hamersley's Bistro on Tremont Street. We'd heard fantastic things about their roasted chicken, but found it very difficult to get in without a reservation on a weekend night.

So, instead of dining their this coming Wednesday for Valentine's Day, we decided to book a Sunday night reservation to celebrate the day early. (Plus, there is no way in hell that I would go out on Wednesday night. I mean, there's new episode of LOST on; and I absolutely CAN NOT miss it.)

Well, I'm glad we finally got around to trying dinner at Hamersley's, because it was amazing. The service, the food, the ambiance... It was all good. The only thing that I didn't love (but merely liked) was the dessert we had -- bread pudding. But the rest of the meal was tasty.

We both tried the roasted chicken. And at first that I was a little surprised that the dish didn't come with anything else. It was just a huge piece of roasted chicken. But it was awesome. And I couldn't even finish it. (I really need to learn how to make roasted chicken. But there's something incredibly unappealing about having to reach into the cavity of a bird and pull out the bag of "surprises" that comes in it. "No thanks.") And to be honest, the sides that come with meals tend to "distract" me from the main event on the plate. So they are a bit of an evil thing.

We sat at a cozy half-booth table. Next to us were two gentlemen. And older, gently aging one and one that looked to about my husband's age. They seemed to be talking business. And my husband and I kept catching "drifts" of their conversation. Seems like it was an interview. The older guy was one of the "top" guys at a fund, and the younger guy wants to work there. Over the course of the conversation, we learned that the young guy (who was a total "yes" man, as displayed when the older guy was going on and on about himself and the younger guy kept chiming is with "oh yes!") worked at the same large company my husband works at. (Not surprising. Many people in Boston know someone who works there.)

But during the conversation, it seemed one of the young man's chief complaints about working for this company is that they are planning to relocate a large number of their employees to Rhode Island over the next few years. And as you can imagine, NO ONE is looking forward to that. As it will be a small town in Rhode Island that is close to NOTHING.

So this young fella was obviously trying to sell himself "hard" to the older guy to secure a local job.

"My wife and I love it here," he had mentioned. "We love all the dining in this area."

We figured he must live in the South End as well. And if he and his wife like the convenience and diversity of the South End; she probably isn't a fan of the whole "Rhode Island" possibility either.

Can't blame her though. I would refuse to move to Rhode Island too. If it were part of Providence, sure, I would be enticed to maybe go. But where they are planning the new location of the company; it is literally in the middle of nowhere.

But lucky for me, it isn't on the agenda for my husband's group at work. So "city-living" it is for us.

So, all in all.. Hamersley's Bistro is an brilliant place to "nosh." The food was great. Service was quick and appropriately friendly (I hate servers that are complete "stuck-up asses"). And the "entertainment" from fellow patrons was good.

If you go though, eat the roast chicken. It's the best you will have in your life.

Shopping Ninja.

My husband and I decided to spend the day together doing things. Normally, we each go off an do our own things during the day on Saturdays. Then we meet up late afternoon to prepare for dinner or whatever else we have planned for the evening.

But today was different.

We spent the morning lounging and tidy-ing the apartment up a bit. Then we headed out to the Prudential Center/Copley to do some shopping.

Now, I don't typically take my husband shopping with me. I know that he finds it boring. And really, he's just going to hold me up from whatever is on my agenda. He never wants to go to as many shops as I want to. And he could really do without having to be one of those guys who sits around in random arm chairs speckled throughout the shops with the sole purpose of supporting men who are forced to go shopping with their female significant others.

Plus, I make my own money. So I don't need him to accompany me to buy the things I want for myself.

Anyway... Today's shopping trip was more just for fun. To browse. We wanted to see if there were any duvet covers anywhere that we might like. (Tip for y'all... A white bedspread may seem like a cool and sophisticated idea... But unless you are obsessively clean, I would advise against it. They dirty way to easy.)

Well, while we were out, my husband realized that his dress shoes for work (which he has owned for nearly five years now) really needed to be replaced. So while out, we hit the Johnston and Murphy shop (which is where he buys the same shoes every few years) to search for a new pair.

He found the pair that he likes and already has. He tried them on. He decided he wanted to get them. All while I sat in a comfy chair next to him looking utterly bored. (I mean, come on now... Men's dress shoes? They only come in brown or black. What's fun about that?)

The salesman put the shoes back in the box and took them up the register to ring them up. But before my husband had a chance to get his street shoes on and pay, I was at the register with my credit card in already out.

The salesman swiped the card and commented, "Wow! You don't see many ladies buying shoes for the guys. Usually it's the other way around."

I told him they were a gift for Valentine's Day for him. That's when my husband got up to the register and said, "You already paid?"

It was a nice surprise for him. And I know he really likes the shoes.

Later in the day, he mentioned that I had the "shopping skills of a ninja."

"You summoned your credit card out of your wallet so quickly and handed it to the guy... It barely took effort. I didn't even notice. You move with the skill of the ninja!" he exclaimed.

I did confess to him that I do a lot more shopping then he does; so, naturally, the "pulling out the credit card and handing it to a salesperson" skill is something I have mastered.

He agreed.

Chick Flick Movies = Painful Movies.

I love chick flicks. I will happily admit that. But I don't like the ones that seem to have the most popularity out there in the world with women.

This morning, I was on Boston.com reading one of the message boards from the past month, "What's Your Favorite Chick Flick?" And as I was reading through them, I found myself NOT agreeing with many of the movies listed. And that got me thinking what the appeal was with these movies. The ones that seemed to be getting the most "love" from the female fan-dom included the following:

The Notebook - Okay. I Netflixed this film. I could only get through about 30 minutes of it before I turned it off. And I LOVE the two actors starring in the film (Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling.) Something just felt too "sappy" about it. I couldn't bear to keep watching.

High Fidelity - I don't know if this is even a chick flick. But could there be a more BORING film out there? Seriously, I love John Cusack. But his character is an asshole. And only a self destructive woman would go for a guy like that. And I have no sympathy for women who willing choose men like that.

The Sweetest Thing - Sweet Christ! So many people listed this as one of their favorite. Is it just me, or did this eff-ing movie even make sense to anyone? God help us! Christina Applegate should not be allowed to do movies. She sucks.

Dirty Dancing - I've hated this freaking movie since I was 10 (when it came out.) My whole family seems to love it. I can not stand it though. Maybe it's because I have never been attracted to Patrick Swayze? I don't know. I have been subjected to watching it many times in my life at various "Girls' Nights." Argh!

Fever Pitch - I can't believe someone had the audacity to put this one on the list. Sure, the story behind the movie is cool... Because the writer had to change the ending when the red Sox went and won the World Series. (Yay!) But other than that, the movie sucked ass. It was boring.

The Family Stone - Watching this movie was painful. I really don't think Sarah Jessica Parker should do movies. I love her on TV. (Hello? Sex and the City AND Square Pegs were AWESOME shows!) But in movies, she seems to be a complete "miss." And this movie was lame. She was a boring bi-atch. Why would we want to see a movie with someone who is a boring bi-atch?

So what would I recommend as "entertaining" chick flicks to watch? Here ya go...

Roman Holiday/Funny Face/Breakfast at Tiffany's/Sabrina - Yes... All four of these early flicks star the young Miss Audrey Hepburn and are wonderful and magical to watch. I wish movies today could still feel magical and romantic the way these did.

Mean Girls - Possibly one of the most well-written films ever! I am serious. Tina Fey did an AMAZING job capturing the crazy bitchy side of teen aged girls and how they terrorize each other. And Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan do a fantastic job in the lead roles.

Bridget Jones's Diary - I hated the sequel to this film. But the first one was very good. Even better than the book, I might say.

Clueless - Again, a classic film where the writing is key to the overall like-ability of the film.

Sliding Doors - Yes. I liked this film. I don't know why though. The writing isn't particularly key. And the lead character doesn't do anything crazy.

Heathers - (Heh-heh.) Again, a great movie where the writing really makes the film. ("Eff me gently with a chainsaw! Do I look like Mother Theresa?") It's been nearly 20 years since this one came out. Yet, I can watch it today and totally think it is present day... Maybe it's the fashion coming back? But teenage girls, they really can be bitches to each other.

Duh! Idiot!

You know... I think it is obvious I have totally mentally immersed myself into my new job.

I shut down my laptop about five till 5:00pm this evening so that I could get to the 5:30pm yoga class. I rushed out and walked over to the studio. I said my greetings to the teacher and fellow practitioners. I then walked into the bathroom to change into my yoga clothes.

Umm... PROBLEM!

This is when I realized I had forgotten to PACK MY YOGA CLOTHES!

I had my towel and water bottle in there. I also had my mat, as well as clothes to change into AFTER yoga. But no sports bra or yoga pants.

And you know, out of everything I pack for yoga, those two are the most key elements. I can always rent a mat. The studio actually gives you two towels for the class that are included in the price. And you can certainly buy water there.

The one thing you can't buy there are the sports bra and yoga pants I like to wear.

Argh!!!

So no yoga tonight. I will go tomorrow though. So no worries.

MSN Has Come To This???

How sad.

Now, those of us who work in search have known the pleasure of dealing with MSN. We know that they are desperately trying to hire search people; because, frankly, their service is "lacking" when it comes to running paid search with them.

But I am a little disturbed by their latest recruiting tactics. (For the record, in the past two years, they have pitched me at least five times via email.) This morning though, I experienced their "crowning glory" in recruitment.

I received the following email in my inbox...

Good Morning Helina, (For the record, NOT my name. Strike one against them.)
I recently came across your information while conducting a talent search for the MSN Organization at Microsoft. Your background looks intriguing, and I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your experience and career goals. We are currently seeking talented professionals to join our team in various Search Engine Marketing positions (New York, Seattle & Chicago).All positions are full-time, direct hire positions, and relocation assistance is provided.

If you would like to learn more about the many opportunities we have within Microsoft, may I request the following information from you?
1. A copy of your resume in Word format
2. A completed questionnaire (attached) which should take approximately five minutes to complete.

I’ll review your information upon receipt, and if your experience/goals are aligned with current needs, I’ll contact you to gather some more information about your background and interests.

A completed questionnaire (attached) which should take approximately five minutes to complete.

I’ll review your information upon receipt, and if your experience/goals are aligned with current needs, I’ll contact you to gather some more information about your background and interests.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to explore career opportunities with us. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks & Regards

Romil Bangha
Kenexa®
HIRING & RETENTION
Outsourcing Employee Research Software
650 East Swedesford Drive, Wayne, PA, 19087
Direct:610-971-8958
Fax: 610-971-9181
www.kenexa.com

Seriously, MSN, you've outsourced recruiting legitimate search talent to a foreign country? At this rate, you will NEVER have the proper staffing to meet yours and your customers' (like me) needs.

You suck MSN. Best of luck to you.

UPDATE TO THIS POSTING...

Everyone who knows me personally knows I hate talking on the phone and that I never pick up. (Sorry guys!) Well, I let my cell go to voicemail this morning... And on it was a message from the person who sent me this email.

Come the EFF on MSN! I don't want to work for you! No one in search does. Not unless you are willing to gives us $$$$$$, we do not want towork for you. Please don't call me. Only the search marketing"hacks" I know have gone to you. That means people who really don't know what they're doing.

And that is not me. And it's not a lot of people I know either.

Zone-ing Again.

Six years ago, I was working at a boutique PR firm in NYC. We specialized in "beauty, health and fitness" PR. (Code = "Fluffy" PR.)

Anyhoo...

One of my clients was the Zone Diet Delivery system. It was one of the many companies that specialized in making those "Zone" styled meals and they delivered them to your home (if you lived in NYC) every morning.

Flash-forward three years from then (circa Spring 2004), when I was a bride looking to lose a few more pounds a few months before her wedding. I signed up for the service in the hopes of dropping about 10 pounds. And while I dropped about 8 pounds over the month I used the service, the food SUCKED! It was not good. Well, they had one good thing to eat... The cheesecake desserts. But other than that, I just didn't like the taste of the food.

Well, I was reading in a magazine recently about how the diet is seeing a bit of a "come-back" because it is "well-balanced." And I want to lose about 10 pounds before I go on vacation in May to the spa. So I researched online for a delivery service and found one that looks promising.

The Zone Diet At Home service appeared to be a good one, and I have signed up for a month's worth of food deliveries beginning in about two weeks. The food looks better. And there's way more variety with it. So I am pumped.

Bring on the salads and chicken!

I'll let y'all know how it goes. It's pricey. But I lost what I wanted last time. Hopefully this time the food will be better.

New Job - Week One.

Wow!

This first week at the new job has completely flown by. I guess that's how it works when you actually have work to do during the day. Hours just fly by, and so do days. And that's just fine by me, dude.

Last month, all I did was sit there for 8 hours reading news online and writing. Now I spend my days actually making somewhat important decisions.

So, even though it is only the first week, I have accomplished a few things. Including:

1. Re-launched campaigns in both MSN and Ask.
2. Explored 3rd-tier engines to run campaigns in.
3. Initiated a HUGE re-org project for all the words in the campaign that will run all the engines. (This will take me a few weeks to completely iron out.)
4. In the works of finalizing a deal to outsource the SEO work.

Things are definitely different working in-house somewhere doing search as opposed to being at an agency.

• There is almost no hierarchy. (Seriously, no one has an office here. We all work on laptops at tables.)
• I have not experienced any "time-sucks" yet. (You know... Completely pointless meetings that really serve no purpose but to feed the ego of management wanting to look like they are "contributing" something to the masses that work under them.)
• No one watches you come and go. (This is very nice. Quite different from an agency.)
• People keep giving me candy. (It's almost like it's grade school again. I mean, all it took back then to make me feel welcome was candy. How'd they know?)
• No one cares what you wear or what you do to your hair. (I told my boss I was gonna dye a hot pink streak in my hair... And his reaction was "Cool.")
• People actually rely on AND use my opinions. (This is kinda new. At an agency, they ask my opinion like it is a matter of urgency... Then they would "tailor" it to fit in with whatever else we were doing for the client. So, for example, if our creative team built a client an entire micro-site using Flash; and I told them not to do that... They would just go ahead and do it and tell the client, "Yeah, it optimized for organic search.")

So, again, so far, it's been a good week. And I have even managed to make it to yoga twice so far. So this continues to look promising.

Valentine's Day The "Playa" Way.

Oh... I so wish we had a White Castle near us. For that is where I would be taking the husband for dinner next Wednesday!

Check it out!

They're having special "Table-side," candle-lit service! Or, you can purchase the "Cupid's Crave Kit" and take it home.

Either way, it's all good in the hood!

Funny though... When I lived in Brooklyn ages ago, I had a White Castle around the corner from me. But it wasn't just a White Castle. It was a White Castle/Church's Chicken.

Sweet!

But never once did I eat there. Just never got around to it.

Rest Of The Day Off For Respect Of The Dead?

Nope.

I just asked my boss if I could have the rest of the afternoon off in light of this sad news.

He said, "Nice try."

Bummer!

Guess this means though that her ex-husband's family have a better shot of keeping their millions... And the alleged father of her newborn daughter can finally get that paternity test he has always wanted.

YouTube Battle Uno.

My friend Brevitt does the "Image Battlez" every Thursday. I am going to (kinda) copy him. Only, instead of pictures, I am going to use YouTube videos.

The gist of this battle is to take two videos, have blog readers watch them, and then "Comment" vote on which they liked best.

So kicking it off...

Web 2.0 (Sorry Brev, they did not have a "Search 2.0" video. I know this KILLS you.)



Stolen Identity



Now vote!

Giving Up Stuff.

I made a decision last night as I was laying in pain in my Bikram class...

I am giving up junk food, coffee and alcohol. (Except for the occasional glass of red wine and champagne for celebrations... I only have red wine maybe once a week. Besides... Red wine is good for the heart.)

Why this decision? Well, I had a REALLY bad class last night. Sure, I was practicing in one of the warmer spots (I think) in the room. So that may have added to the bad class. But I think it also didn't help that I had a Happy Meal for lunch yesterday... And have had one for the past few days. And I also had bagels for breakfast each day. And with the Starbucks right down stairs; it's hard not to be tempted with coffee.

I think my body was telling me (with the stomach pains like I was going to puke) that I don't need these things. And it is time to just not be bothered with them.

Now, don't get me wrong, I will still drink coffee. Just decaf. And the occasional Taco Bell or hamburger from McDonald's won't be bad. But I could use a restructuring to my focus here. And I am so tempted to give up meat... But I know I would cave. I get protein cravings every now and then.

So I will see how long this new regime lasts. But I don't ever want to feel that sick in class again. And I know it wasn't due to my water intake, because I had drunk plenty of water prior to class. It definitely had to do with my food intake. I felt the pain greatest when we were doing the floor postures on our stomachs. (My standing postures have definitely improved.)

New Avatar.

I was visiting a fellow blogger's site (The Dish) this afternoon when I started getting curious and clicking buttons.

I saw her Yahoo! Avatar and decided to create one of my own.




I atually do wear this type of outfit. And I have recently begun straightening my hair; rather than wearing it wavy like I have been. (I never realized exactly how LONG my hair is.)

Mocked On YouTube?

I am SO FLATTERED!

I was doing some search research for my blog this afternoon, and I came across a Google listing that intrigued me. It was for a YouTube link.

Now, I have never posted anything on YouTube. So I was curious why my blog was showing up on there.

You know you've had some kind of success with your blog when someone makes a video reading one of your most mundane blog postings WORD FOR WORD using a My Little Pony.

I am laughing my ass over here. Check it out for yourself.



I am not just flattered they took the time to create the video. I am also flattered that they used a hot pink My Little Pony figure with glittery hair and all. That is so me!!!!

Thanks, RustyMustache, whoever you are. I see that you have not posted anything else on YouTube under that name, but I hope you do post again soon.

I got quite a kick out of this entry.

THANK YOU!!!!!

Bobble-Head "Human."

He's a big hit wherever he goes!

I'm talking about Bobble-Head "Human." Bobble-Head "Human" is a bobble-head action figure I keep on my desk at work.

Why do I have it on my desk?

Well, it's not just any bobble-head action figure. This one is of my husband.

Yep... Instead of a photo of my husband, I keep a bobble-head of him on my desk. And YES, it is a real bobble-head made after his likeness. (It was a gift he received from the company he works for here in Boston.) He didn't want to keep it on his desk at work. So he gave it to me, and I keep it on mine.

You might be wondering, though, why I call it "Bobble-Head 'Human.'" Well, the "Human" in the name is a place-holder for my husband's real last name (which is different than mine.) I really call the piece "Bobble-Head '(Husband's Last Name.)'"

But since I don't like to reveal names on my blog (with one exception), I am calling it "Human" instead.

Point is though, Bobble-Head "Human" is a big hit wherever I take him. Everyone loves him. I love him most though because whenever I ask him if I should go shopping or dye my hair pink, he simply nods in favor of my idea.

All married couples should have a bobble-head action figure made of one of the spouses. Makes things easier.

It's Back Bitchez!

Apologies for the aggressive content there... But in a moment, you will understand.

It happens tonight. LOST is finally back!

After three whole eff-ing months on hiatus, LOST is back on TV tonight. And there will only be new episodes from here until the end of the season. Yay!

When we last left the the gang on the Island, Jack had just commandeered Ben's body on the surgery table in order to secure Kate and Sawyer's release. I don't know if I can remember if anything else was happening though. It was so long ago, and the season had really only been about the Kate/Sawyer/Jack triangle.

So it is going to be awesome getting back into the LOST groove tomorrow night. AWESOME!

Be warned though people. LOST has a new time in the Wednesday night schedule... It's not on until 10pm.

Pink Streak?

I am really craving doing something different with my hair. But, I don't want to do anything "permanent" or "long lasting."

So cutting it all off is out of the question. As is dying it all a different color. (Takes too long to grown out.) I could cut bangs ala the disgraced Miss USA Tara Connor... But they look bad on her and everyone else who has them. So I think "not."

So, instead of doing something permanently damaging that will take a long time to grow out; I think I am going to dye a section of my hair hot pink.

I am serious.

It would be underneath my hair, so it wouldn't be too "out there." And the rest of my hair would remain black.

My husband, needless to say, is not a fan of this idea.

"I suggest you find other outlets for your creativity," were his words.

I had another word for him. So he shouldn't be giving me any grief if I go through with it.

Plus, I think it would look way cool. And I have never done anything like that. I think it would be a fun way to change things up. And I am not about to completely change my hair color. I could never go blonde or red without fearing it just wouldn't look right no me. But there has always been a little "punk" in me. And I should try expressing it a little.

Thoughts?????

"The Weather Is Hot And The Girls Are Dressin' Less... Checkin' Out The Fellas To Tell Them Who's Best."

Holy hell! It has been ARCTIC the past few days here in Boston.

I know that this is what Winter is supposed to be about and all.. But it is really out of line for Winter to just be cold without having had any legitimate snowfall accumulate so far this season.

So to warm me up, I have the following "Summer-Sounding" songs on "repeat" on my iPod right now:

• Summertime
• California (The Theme Song to "The OC")
• Brown-Eyed Girl
• Wide Open Spaces
• Sheena Is A Punk Rocker
• I Want Candy
• Gold Digger (Kanye West)
• Hot Hot Hot (from the "Bend It Like Beckham" Soundtrack... So it has a "Bollywood" Sound. LOVE IT!)

I may have to run across the street to Starsucks to get some burnt coffee (decaf) just to warm my hands.

A Stripper With Braces?

Dude... Come on. (And you know who you are, friend!)

If the "bars" you go to have strippers who have braces, it's time to upgrade to a better strip bar.

That's just creepy! Jeez! Don't ever tell me about stuff like that again! I don't know if I can ever talk to you again!

Valentine's Day?

Before I got married, there were things I didn't do.

• I didn't wear my hair wavy. (As it is naturally. My husband never knew I had wavy hair until I stopped straightening it after I got married.)
• I didn't like sports. (I pretended I did like them so my husband thought I was "down." Sucker!)
• Buy fancy bags. (I didn't strike up a taste for them till about four months after marriage. But it became more of a function of me finally earning more money in my career.)
• Snore in my sleep. (But the husband says it's "cute.")

One thing I also didn't do before marriage was celebrate Valentine's Day. As long as I have been an "adult," I didn't celebrate Valentine's Day. Didn't care for it. Thought it was a B.S. day for your boyfriend/significant other to try to make-up for all the crap they had done to you any other day of your relationship by buying you cheap red roses (which I LOATHE - red carnations with no baby's breath are preferred) from the corner boedga and taking you out for a crappy pseudo-romantic dinner at the local Chili's.

In my mind, the perfect Valentine's Day would consist of the following:

• Red or Pink Carnations, with no baby's breath or any other "filler."
• Lunch from Taco Bell. (A steak soft taco and two crunchy tacos with "Fire" sauce please!)
• An afternoon of having the apartment all to myself to do "girly" things. (Like paint my toe nails, take a bubble bath, eating Hershey's kisses and Cool Ranch Doritos and watch a movie with violence - which my husband does not like.)
• Taken out to dinner at Stella for some pasta bolgonese.
• Stop off at Starbucks (cuz South End Buttery closes so damn early) for capuccino to bring home.

Why all this talk about Valentine's Day?

Well, the husband asked me tonight what I wanted to do for Valentine's Day and if what I wanted as a gift.

Dilemma. I have no idea. It's like Christmas all over again. I have everything I need. There isn't anything I really want. Though, we could use a new duvet cover. But I've been trying to find one I like for what seems like ages, and I have not been successful.

So I guess the wish list I wrote above would be what I want the most. I guess it's more about the experiences over the material things.

And yes, Taco Bell is an experience... Not a "material thing."

More On The New Job.

So, today I started my new job at a Dot-com in Downtown Crossing. This new job is mere feet away from the agency I was employed at last week.

The new company has only about 20 people working in the American office. The rest of the company is based in London. I found out today I will probably have to travel to London sometime in the following months to go meet the team over there. (Which is cool. I had to travel to London back when I worked at the Evil Empire.)

There is no sense of "hierarchy" in the new office. Everyone has their desk. They have a laptop. You come in, you do your work. You eat when you want to eat. You help load the kitchen dishwasher occasionally. And that's pretty much how it"flows" there. People are very nice and friendly. But you better know how to do your job. Because there's no one there to really "nurture" you to get started. You just jump in and start swimming.

(Though, I should note: I do not know how to "swim." Only "doggie-paddle.")

Basically, my gig entails me running and monitoring paid search "spend" on the search engines for the company. If you've worked in paid search, you probably know how much work you are buried in at the beginning of your "campaign" when you are setting everything up. After you get the "bones" in place for the campaign, it is not too "taxing" to manage and optimize the spend daily.

So it is a very good job for me. I have no time-sheets to fill out. No unnecessary meetings which are only set for the "sake of having meetings." No HR person trying to "strong-arm" you in joining the company "harassment" campaign of one of your junior-level team members. (It didn't work, did it? I am loyal to the CORE. But selective who I am loyal to... Which is always going to be employees who work hard instead of the company.) No feeling "overlooked" in favor of the boss's "pet" when it comes to long-term career growth. Bottom line at the new job is, if I perform, I will be recognized. No having to "fight" for recognition.

I am pretty much on my own each day when I step into the office. It is expected that I know what I am doing. Hopefully, I can show this to be evident.

Plus, did I mention I get five weeks of vacation a year???? (28 days!!!!)

Yay!

I Can Wear Jeans Everyday!

Thank the Lord!

Started the new job this morning. Checked to see if we can wear jeans to work... And of COURSE it's perfectly fine to wear them.

I will probably write more later today. But so far, this is going well. It's definitely got a Dot-Com feel to it. And that is a very nice thing.

:)

The Cruelest Words Ever.

I am heart broken. (Or just really hormonal. I am a chick, after all.)

I went out browsing this afternoon to take a peek at the new collections on the racks. I came across a very cute top in the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection.



Cute, huh? Problem is, I can't get it. It's marked "Dry Clean Only," which are THE dreaded words to read on any potential garment. They are especially "killer" when you read them on a top that you have experienced "Love at first site" with.

And I don't even believe in "love at first site."

Why do garments have to be "dry clean only?" Especially designer pieces. If you're going to pay a pretty penny for a beautiful piece, it should at least be labeled simply "Dry Clean." When a label reads "Dry Clean," you can hand wash it. (Because if you took it to the cleaners, that is how they would clean it. But when something is marked "Dry Clean Only," you are limited to just that.

It is a beautiful piece though. But I really can not buy it. I have a rule. The only pieces I am allowed to buy that are "Dry Clean Only" are suits and REALLY nice dresses. Otherwise, everything else has to be machine or hand-washable.

Because My Need Isn't As Great?

Since I wasn't doing anything at work last week, I had a lot of time to think about random things. From, "Maybe I should cut my hair all off again?" To "Does my boss (at the agency) not like people who don't support the NRA?" (He had NRA paraphernalia spotted throughout his office.)

Anyway, I had a lot of time think; since all I was doing was sitting. And I thought about a conversation I had with an acquaintance of mine the week before.

See, the new job I am starting tomorrow was a job he had applied for as well. However, when I interviewed for the job, it didn't even cross my mind that he had possibly interviewed there as well. But after I got back from the interview, it hit me. "We have the same recruiter."

So I emailed him and asked him if he had interviewed there too. My concern was more selfish for me. I don't want to compete against him for a job. He's been doing search a year longer than me. I've done more aggressive stuff, but his resume is killer. I really wanted the job, and had gotten my heart wrapped up in getting it. If I had known he was my competition, I wouldn't have gotten so wrapped up. I would have been more cautious. That way, if I didn't get the job, I wouldn't be as disappointed.

My acquaintance wrote me back and said, "Yeah I've talked to them. It's not a right fit for me... (Yada, yada, yada.)"

That part was cool. I was happy about that. Made me feel better for "falling so hard" for the job opportunity.

But, in the email, he also wrote something that I was initially put off by; but then tried hard to put behind me. He wrote:

"Thanks for checking in with me. As time goes on, I think we will all have to check in with each other to see who is planning to interview for what...maybe weigh out who needs the job more."

What? "Who needs the job more?" WTF?

That was my initial reaction to the comment. But then I reasoned that he didn't mean it in a way that was putting me down. So I put it aside and moved on.

Well, then last week, as I was sitting at my desk, I started thinking about it again. And the thought crept back into my head...

"Is he suggesting that my need for the job isn't as great as his or someone else's?"

Seriously. This is what I thought. Like I wrote, I don't think he meant it as a slam against me. But, this is a person who has made comments to me in the past (back when I worked with him) regarding my work situation.

For example, at one company I worked at, I was known for being very strong and not being afraid to stick up for myself if I thought I was being over-looked or not being given credit for a project. (Though, I stuck up for everyone. Not just myself. If people did great things they deserved to be recognized. Not be lost in the "political favoritism" of that work place.)

Well, when I stuck up for myself one time, he said to me (in summary), "You know... You act as though you don't need this job and you don't realize that this is other people's livelihoods and they have to work here too."

Basically, he was passively-aggressively telling me that my outspoken nature was REALLY rubbing people the wrong way. And people were interpret ting it as "She doesn't need this job for financial reasons. Otherwise she wouldn't be acting this way."

I told him he was wrong. (And if he had bothered to actually talk to me, he would know this.) I have always been in outspoken person.That will never change. And you know what, buddy? I am doing just fine in life with my instincts.

I was offended back then and with his recent email comment that he thought my need for a job wasn't as great as his or someone else's.

Newsflash people: Money isn't the only reason someone has a job. A job is a career. (At least that is how I have always approached it.) It has always been more important to me that I be happy with how I feel at a company. I ask myself the following questions wherever I am working:

• Is this adding to my long-term career growth?
• Do I feel like I will be or am getting credit for my contributions?
• Do I feel like I am challenged and constantly learning new things? (Because, seriously, I get bored very easily.)
• Do I like the people I work with? Or are they just bi-atches?Is it possible to have a work-life balance at this place? (This has become one of the most important questions in my life.)
• Do I feel like this is a company that is truly working towards furthering itself? Or is it so built up in it's own cultural mind-set that we really aren't doing anything to further ourselves; but more just feeding our own egos with the "we're the best and no one can top us" mentality? (Basically, are we"down to earth and hard workers?" or are us and our product a bunch of "BS?")
• Am I being paid a fair salary for what I am contributing?

Sure, the salary question is in there. But it's probably the least important question for me. Only once in my career have I ever had to "negotiate" beyond an initial offer. And job I have ever taken, I was perfectly happy with the initial offer.

So while I can agree with my acquaintance's assumption that "money isn't the most critical thing to me," I do take offense (a little) to his assumption that my need for what looks like a GREAT job isn't as great as possibly his or someone else's.

My life is so much more than my job. (A lesson I learned last year especially.) And I refuse to be truly unhappy and frustrated somewhere. And if I wasn't committed to a company, I wouldn't stick up for myself. I would just leave. Life's too short to stay in a place where your most important criteria aren't valued or considered.

But when you come across a company where all the pieces fall into place and you have the potential to be doing exactly what you want and be successful at it, well, then I do have a great need for the place.

I said it before and I will say it again... "Money isn't everything."

For me, curiosity and learning/doing new things have led to happiness all of my life. I truly believe that if I follow my instincts on those things, any financial needs I have will be met. So far, life has played out that way. And I appreciate more than anyone what I have and what I am.