I'm a manager and it was a big goal for me. I liked the individual contributions I was able to make before managing, but I find managing incredibly fulfilling. Prior to managing, I hated seeing gaps and opportunities and having no ability to address them. I feel most successful when my team is successful and when they are empowered to really grow and develop themselves. (cheesey, but there you have it.)
Lose the 20-30 lbs I gained when I took my job over 2 years ago. DONE!!! I kicked off 2015 on the New Sonoma Diet and did Whole 30 mid-year. Both were hugely helpful and I'm doing really well with keeping it off.
Pay off our car early and start to pay off my student loans at a faster rate We could pay off the car but we haven't. H's funding for grad school ended much earlier than we anticipated so we were out quite a bit of money. But... (See below)
Professional:
Get my promotion that my boss has set as a carrot for me
Got promotion - yay! Then, 2 months later, boss was fired. Then 4 months later I got a promotion and 70% pay raise. Huzzah!
Do well in the new role. I'm basically creating the role so it's a little scary to just constantly create things and see if they work.
I'm doing very well! Professionally I'm in a great place.
In the case of divorce, our lives are simple enough. We have no children and don't own a house. I make significantly more money than H so money would be fine. The only logistical pickle would be the car and our dog. Sadly, I think if we were ever in this situation, H would keep our pup. They are besties and I don't want my dog to suffer more than necessary. I'd still live here since my job is what brought us here anyway. H would be screwed. I assume he would move back to our hometown and live with his dad or one of his siblings.
If H passes away I'll be fine with money. Obviously not so much in the department of mental and emotional grief.
I have four direct reports. I'm treating them to a lunch at their favorite, kind of upscale restaurant and giving them small bags of candy corn with handwritten notes.
The beginning of this week was a nightmare - mostly because everyone thinks it's quiet/should be quiet when in reality I still need them to get stuff done because our programs don't really end. It's the same as just checking out in the middle of spring. There is no quiet time, and in fact, it's busier now because our office closes for a week during the holidays.
I make these every year for the Christmas party, and my mom follows me around the kitchen until I take them out of the oven.
What do you wrap yours with? I used to do canned crescent rolls or biscuits, then I started using puff pastry and people were practically inhaling them.
I'm extra lazy and buy the pre-made ones that are wrapped in puff pastry. I love them both equally, because butter.
My first year I found it stressful and after that not so much. I'm a huge planner, though, and planned out my study schedule and study guides well in advance. Organizing and planning gives me a feeling of control so it helps me. Some people don't work that way.
Best part: I didn't take a perfectly good, laid back weekend and schedule ALL THE ACTIVITIES and overwhelm myself with attempts at holiday cheer.
Worst: Too lazy to even read my book. Not really a bad thing...just ridiculous of me.
Most wtf moment: My aforementioned laziness. But really, that H has eaten so much the last few days he's made himself sick. He's FINALLY hit the wall and realized he can't eat like a 16 year old anymore.
It amazing but in most of my baking I cut the sugar significantly. Pioneer Woman has an amazing orange-vanilla monkey bread recipe. Make it. Make it tomorrow.
Before I had kids, I'm not sure I would've ever thought about my house needing to be kid friendly at all. I'd just be like, "sure! Bring your kid! No problem!" And then I'd wonder why they wouldn't come. :/
This is me. It doesn't even cross my radar to move shit when kids are coming over. I know very little about kids, when they are mobile, what they are capable of doing unless they are 2, etc. I know 2 year olds can cause chaos but earlier than that and I know just about nothing.
I don't even get to eat anything on Thanksgiving. I have been having gallbladder issues and ending up in the emergency room last night. Having surgery on Tuesday, and until then I'm on a liquid diet because everytime I eat I feel like I might die.
But I am hoping this helps me loose like 10 lbs. that would be nice.
Boo, that happened to my best friend a few years ago. Good luck with the surgery!
Jeans and a cashmere sweater with my ll bean slippers. We host friends for Thanksgiving and I like to keep the attire somewhat casual but still want it to feel somewhat special.
I felt safe on canal, and down to Jackson square. Really all those little streets by bourbon.
Ruby Slipper cafe is a must. Bananas foster French toast is unbelievable.
The carousel bar at the Monteleone was fun. You could grab a bite there. Really tons of places you'd walk around and run into. We had an excellent meal at Revolution.
Agreed.
We enjoyed dinner at Cochon (easy cab ride or moderate walk - definitely felt safe but up to you!). Commander's Palace is a bit more formal but delicious.
If you're interested, get tickets to see a set at Snug Harbor after your dinner. Call tomorrow for the tickets during the day (it's not hard to come by at all) and they are affordable. Have a great time!
Apps: salt & pepper pistachios, champagne, and cheese straws - I go light on apps because it's easy to stuff yourself before the main event. I might add deviled eggs if I'm up to it.
Roast turkey breast Mashed potatoes brussel sprouts with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts cloverleaf rolls with honey/cinnamon butter Giada chestnut stuffing Cranberry sauce Probably apple or pumpkin pie with pear caramel ice cream Lots o' wine
In theory it could be approved within the 2 week pay period if the supervisor requesting the raise has their ducks in a row. If they request a huge jump and/or provide little detail as to why they are requesting the increase, it could take a lot of back and forth.
My brother's best friend died 8 years ago and his account is still up and it's mostly his family and supposed significant other that still post to it, and they do so fairly regularly. It gives them an outlet for their grief and emotions and it always breaks my heart to read the posts. Not in a bad, way, my heart just aches for our friends.