Day 118: I'm a Genius, If but for a Small Moment

Aha:

I impressed the crap out of everyone at work today by teaching them a shortcut for printing multiplie files within a folder all at once. People were coming out of their offices to see what I had done and told me stories of all the time they'd wasted opening and printing each file one-by-one "all these years". Ha!

In this Google day and age there is just no excuse for not finding shortcuts. I'm just thankful my laziness was so impressive. Lol

Haha:

I had to call and inform the other tenants in our building that there is going to be a fire alarm inspection tomorrow. I walked down and told one of the tenants but the renters in the middle suite weren't there so I called them instead. Here's how it went.

She: Hello, this is "name of company"; how can help you?

Me: Hi "name of company". This is Danielle...er, uh...I'm sorry who is this I'm speaking to?....

Uh, maybe next time I should NOT call the person answering the phone by the name of the company. Lol

Day 111: A Stroll Down Current and Memory Lane

Aha:

Work has been very busy this week and I'm loving it! I would so rather be busy than bored and I've been a bit bored lately. I seem to be catching on to things quickly and have avoided any major flubs.

I still love where I am!

Clinton is on his last week of obstetrics and he couldn't be happier to be almost done. He has no desire to deliver babies as his profession and I can't say that I blame him. Next week he'll start his LAST ROTATION of the first year of residency! One year and one month left till he's DONE!!!! 

Keep up the hard work, HB! I'm super proud of you!

Haha:

I asked Clinton if anything funny happened to him today so I could use it for my blog.

He: Yah.

Me: Ok, what?

He: (in his ultra-sarcastic voice) Remember that one time?!

...That was it! Always the helpful fellow. Lol.

Day 99: Fondness

Aha:
I was asked to give a little blurb about "being creative" at the Relief Society meeting tonight. At first I couldn't really think of anything to talk about--both my sisters got the crafty/creative gene and I was left all thumbs. Well, after a little pondering I got to thinking about my blog and why I created it in the first place. I created it as an opportunity to record and better notice the blessings and humor in my life.
I shared some of my notable posts with the sisters tonight and felt a lot of gratitude that I had taken the time to write things down! I have a terrible memory, but my blog is a pretty fantastic way to remember.
What a blessing to re-read the times I've noticed the Lord's hand in my life and to continue to record those tender mercies every day.

Haha:
The topic for the RS meeting tonight was "Creating". The idea was that every person is a creator and that if you put your mind to it, you can create anything. Well, to go along with the theme we had a chance to "decorate" cupcakes with marshmallow fondant.
As I have mentioned before, I absolutely suck at pretty much anything skillfully crafty. I knew it was going to be a disaster, and perhaps because of this I didn't try as hard, but I think I'll leave the cake decorating to my sister, Daya.

Pretty bad. Yes, it's ok to laugh.

Day 97: Just Call Me Sherlock

Aha:
I had a proud moment at work yesterday. There was a problem with one of the receivables and I resolved it all by myself with no help from my trainer! Our accounting system is kinda wonky and our corporate office had some questions, so I tackled the issues and found the solution.
I was pretty impressed with myself! Ha! :)

Haha:
Clinton worked late last night and I felt like some Wendy's. I pulled into the Wendy's/Tim Horton's drive-thru and noticed only the breakfast menu was showing. When the person asked to take my order I said, "Um...all I see is the breakfast menu."
She: Oh, sorry about that.
Me: That's OK. I want the...I think it's called the Spicy Asian Chicken Salad.
She: Um...that's a Wendy's item. This is Tim Horton's.
Me: Oh. Crap. OK, never mind.
You'd think that at SOME point during my time in the drive-thru I would have noticed I was in the WRONG drive-thru.
Sheesh, Dani.

Day 89: On the Job

Aha:

First day at my new job and I already can say that I like it WAY more than my previous job. I've barely scraped the surface of what I'll be doing but accounts receivable and payable, along with office admin stuff is much more my cup o' tea!

Right now I am much happier!!

Haha:

I don't know why this memory came into my head, but I remembered an instance I had (a long time ago) at a job. My boss brought me into his office and told me that he has administrator rights to all staff computers and can (and does) look at our search history to ensure we are following company policy and not using the internet inappropriately. 

Quickly scrolling through my memory of what I'd looked up on my work computer, I recalled that I had looked up "how to be a better French kisser". Lol.

As recognition crossed my face he smirked and said, "Just wanted to let you know."

It wasn't that looking up tips on French kissing was bad or inappropriate, it was during my lunch break after all, but he wanted to give me the heads up in case I wanted to look up anything...else.

Hahaha! Talk about embarrassing! Fortunately, he and I are still good friends to this day so it's not like it was a bad experience in the end. Lol

Day 58: A Couple of Inconvenient Hair Pulling Situations

Aha:
I feel very accomplished. I got all of my grocery shopping done before the weekend! I think going Friday nights is the way to do it. I went at 830 tonight and even that was too early to completely beat the rush, but the idea is a good one. I think as long as I'm working this will be the plan! I only wanted to pull my hair out a handful of times instead of the usual 20! There are just not enough stores to match the number of people in this city.
It may not be exactly convenient, but I know my limits and I felt much happier.

Haha:
There's a small convenience store that shares the lot with my office. I walked there for the first time today to quickly grab a soda. When I rounded the corner and approached the door I noticed a whole gaggle of middle-school-aged kids talking in the parking lot, munching on their recent convenience store purchases. Why do I mention them?
Well, after I bought my soda I headed back outside...or at least I tried to. It was a windy day and my very long hair was down. As I passed through the door my hair somehow got caught in the handle. I have no idea if they actually saw anything but I don't know how they could have missed it. I must've looked like a crazy woman.
Step through the door.
Door starts to close.
I cry out in pain and grab the spot on my head where my hair is being ripped out.
I turn back and stare at the closing door looking for where my hair is attached.
(My hair is blonde and small groups of strands are not easily seen from a distance.)
I grab towards the door, blindly feeling for my hard-to-see blonde hairs.
(It likely looks like I'm reaching for nothing.)
Unsuccessful, I walk off mumbling "ow" while rubbing the sore spot on my head.
Replay the above scenario in your head without knowing why I was doing what I was doing and THAT'S what these kids witnessed. Great, now I'll be known to them as the crazy, head scratching, mumbling lady.

Day 48: What a Relief

Aha:

Day 2 at work was better than Day 1. I actually had a good talk with the girl who I'm replacing and she said she had the same fears and hesitations that I have when she started. She said that the job was much better than she thought it would be and rather interesting too, so that makes me feel a bit better. 

I am choosing to remain open-minded and am more hopeful that I can be happy working here.

Haha:

Ever had it when you feel the need to pass gas and just as you are about to you think, "Huh...is this gonna be more than just gas?"

Yah, that happened to me today. Fortunately it was just gas.

Day 47: It's a Blessing to Work, It's a Blessing to Work, It's a Blessing to Work

Aha:
Well, today was my first day back to work in almost 11 months. It took everything I had to get out of my car and go into the office, but overall, the day was decent. I had a chance to meet-n-greet with most all of the staff there and they are all very welcoming! I don't quite have a handle on what my role will be exactly so we'll see how things go, but so far I like the people in my office.
And speaking of offices...I have my very own...with a great big window! So even when I can't be outside, at least I can look out at it longingly from my window. ;)
Anyway, I still have mixed feelings about going back to work and about what it seems my job will be, but until I know for sure what's expected of me I am vowing to keep an open mind and hope for the best.

Haha:
Is it Friday yet? Ha!
Seriously, I don't know how working moms do it. I missed Peter all day and then when I finally did get home I was WAY more excited to see him than he was to see me, I'm sure. I'm pathetic, I know.

Day 38: And to the Victor Goes the Sweets, Even If the Sweets are in Advance of Victory

Aha:
I had one of the laziest/most productive days I've had in a while.
Got the oil changed in Clinton's car
Ran errands
Washed/folded and put away all the laundry
Cleaned the bathrooms
Vacuumed and swept the house
&
Watched 6-8 episodes of The Good Wife on Netflix
BONUS: Managed to come up with this lame drivel for my blog today when nothing else seemed noteworthy.

Haha:
Did you know that McDonald's serves ice cream cones before 10am?
I didn't before this morning, but I know now.
Did you know that two ice cream cones constitutes a balanced breakfast?
I did. I'm just glad McDonald's agrees.
:)

Day 27: Getting Me a Booming Voice

Aha:

I have a goal to audition for the Calgary Opera in May and recently started working with a vocal coach. This woman is exactly what I need! She has taught me a totally new way of looking at singing, makes me accountable when I revert to old habits, and inspires me to be ME! 

I look forward to practicing everyday and I really love meeting with her. She sees me for me and is helping me to be REAL when I sing. This is a whole new concept to me and I am loving where it's taking me! 

So thankful I found her!

Haha:

Kinda lame but it's all I got for today.

Clinton and I were sitting in our respective recliners in the living room this afternoon. He was dozing off and I was busy working on something. All of a sudden there was this crazy-loud BOOM! It almost sounded like lightening hit the house, but there wasn't any. 

I turned to look at Clinton, his eyes were really big and he looked really confused. Me: What the heck was that?

He: You mean I didn't just dream that?

Ha!

We still have no idea what it was but there are posts online from other people who heard it too.

It was so loud! Loud enough that it seemed more likely to be a dream than reality to sleeping Clinton. Ha!

Day 22: Playing the Part

Aha:

I've discovered that if I have the supplies I really don't mind cooking; it's kinda fun and I actually don't suck at it. The kids have really liked the meals I've prepared and have been very complimentary!

This last week I made chili, Cobb salad (the kids had no idea what this was and it was a huge hit!), a potato bar (this too was new to them and was a huge hit!), and grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. I also made up a dessert tonight that was rather amazing.

Chunky Monkey-esque Pudding:

1-60 calorie packet of vanilla pudding

1/4 of a banana, mashed

1/2 tablespoon peanut butter

8-10 chocolate chips

1 heaping tablespoon of vanilla yogurt

Mix it all up and enjoy this 150-175 calorie dessert guilt-free!

Well, this week of playing mum has been rather rewarding. My heart has grown two sizes bigger and I've learnt that this whole being-a-parent thing ain't too bad. There are times that really stink but having kids that love you no matter what is pretty darn cool.

Haha:

I totally pulled a move my parents would do when we were kids.

Two of the kids were fighting about who was doing what while washing the dishes. I tried asking them to be nice, I tried letting them work it out in their own, but when all else failed...

I had them wash all of the dishes, dry and put them away all whilst holding hands. I even had them giving each other compliments until they started laughing and being nice to each other.

Thanks Mom and Dad for making us kids be "best friends" with the person we were fighting with by making us hold each other's hands for the rest of the day. That tactic really saved me today! Ha!