Saturday Music

I love Pandora. It's how I've discovered a lot of the music that I am now obsessed with, i.e. Laura Marling and Noah and the Whale. Today this gem by Matt Pond PA popped up in my Belle and Sebastian playlist and I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite song. It doesn't hurt that it's called New Hampshire and I am kind of in love with New Hampshire. :)



So good. AmIright?

Rest in Peace Nora

Everyone dies. It happens. Celebrities die, and while it's sad, it never really gets to me all that much since I don't personally know them. Tonight, however, I found out that my beloved Nora Ephron died and I felt like I had been hit in the stomach with a baseball bat. Her movies shaped me into the person I am. When I was little and couldn't sleep, I'd pop "Sleepless in Seattle" into the VCR and let Jonah's humorously petulant remarks lull me to sleep. I mean, I wrote a paper in high school about the scene on the top of the Empire State Building.

As I got older, I found an appreciation for "You've Got Mail." Whenever I see the word "fox" I still say "F.O.X" to myself. At first I thought the allure was due to the classic Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks duo, but then I began to realize it was the story, not the actors that drew me in and had me watching those movies over and over again, night after night.

When I moved away, having never seen "When Harry Met Sally," I bought it as soon as I saw the name Nora Ephron on the back. I watch it probably once a month, especially on those particularly bad days. "There is too much pepper on my paprikash." is now integrated into my daily vocabulary. "When Harry Met Sally" was released the year I was born. Ms. Ephron truly knew how to tell a story that could transcend time.

Nora Ephron created some of my favorite movies of all time, and I know it's cheesy, but I owed a debt of gratitude to her for helping me to know three things about true love:

1. Sometimes you find it in the most unexpected places.
2. It's so important for your love to be your best friend.
3. It lasts a lifetime.

It's a shame that Nora Ephron had to die. I could watch anything she touched. Now I will leave you with one of my favorite scenes from "When Harry Met Sally."



What is your favorite Nora Ephron film?

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Source: bajanreporter.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Last night Karl and I went to the movies to see Seeking a Friend for the End of the World with Steve Carell and Kiera Knightley. We wholeheartedly loved it!  The movie was incredibly sweet and it got me thinking. If an asteroid were coming toward Earth and our impending destruction was coming in three weeks, what would I do? This isn't like Armageddon, where everyone believes they will be saved by brave, yet morally questionable oil drillers, turned pseudo astronauts. The space mission to destroy the asteroid has failed. We all will be dying in 3 weeks time. What would I do?

Karl and I would quit out jobs. We would spend our days in Salt Lake going on long walks, going to the temple (gotta ensure that salvation! Haha.), and going for long drives in the mountains. We would stay home and play with our kitties and try to call our loved ones. Then, in the last moments before the end, we would lay in bed facing each other, talking about how lucky we were to have the time we had together. We would hold each other and brace ourselves for the end.

This must sound so morbid. I know. Haha. If you see the movie, you'll understand. What I'm getting at, is that I don't really have to wait until the end of the world to do most of those things. I already quit my job, so I guess I'm ahead of the game! Haha. I'm going to make an effort to do the things I would do if I only had three weeks to live. I will live life more fully and bravely.

So here's my question for you. What three things would you do if you knew you only had three weeks to live?

How to Quit Your Job; A 10 Step Process

Source: Inspired by This Feeling

I’ve brought you all here today to talk to you about something I’m getting rather good at. Within the last year and a half I have quit three jobs. I have marched into my boss’ office, always full of nerves and doubts, and said those two scary, but liberating words, “I quit.” 

With each job I quit, the fear and level of discomfort has never changed, but I feel like I’ve become a pro at quitting professionally, courteously and directly. Since I have acquired this new skill for myself and know how hard it can be to quit a job, I thought I’d compile a “How to Quit Your Job” post for those of you that need a little help in that department.

1. So, you’ve decided enough is enough. Maybe you’ve been walked all over one too many times. Maybe you’re just ready for something new. Either way, the first and most important thing is to stay calm. Before quitting this last job, I wanted to scream. Sometimes I wanted to throw things. DON’T. It will only cause more problems (and you’ll lose any expectation of a positive reference).

2. Pray about it. This was probably the most important thing I did before quitting each job. I felt peace about each decision I made. If you’re not into praying, meditate on it or make a pros and cons list. The most important thing is to be sure quitting is right for you and your family.

3.  Type up your two-weeks notice. While it’s not completely necessary, it’s often done as a courtesy and helps maintain your professionalism. Also, it’s pretty crucial to have a clear set of expectations in writing. At the same time, be vague. You don’t want to ramble on about how your coworkers were brats and you hated coming to work every day. State that you are leaving, that you are appreciative of the opportunities the job has afforded you, and what your official last day of work will be.

4. Practice a script. The night before I quit my job at the credit union, Karl and I went out to dinner and I practiced my quitting speech on him. It involved a lot of profanity and several peace signs (as in, I’m peacing out of this business!). We all know, my speech went nothing like that. It’s a good idea to practice a calm and collected speech, no matter how angry you are. Also, be prepared for awkward questions and rude comments.

5. In my post “How to Overcome First Day of Work Jitters” I mentioned this step. I’m repeating it here because it’s a really great confidence booster: "I know this sounds cheesy, but look yourself in the mirror and pick 3-5 adjectives you want to be and repeat them to yourself. Mine are unstoppable, courageous, and exquisite. What are yours?"

Source: Inspired by This Feeling

6. Going along with the step above, it’s good to have three condensed reasons for why you are quitting. Mine were “I want to have the freedom to go to the bathroom whenever I want,” “I’m not happy in the banking industry anymore,” and “I want to find something I’m passionate about.” These all helped me to be sure of my decision and I also used them when my boss asked for specific reasons I was quitting.

7. If you are a good employee, your boss may try to guilt you into staying, offer to increase your wage, or flat out beg. Do what you feel is right. Last time I quit, I felt so guilty. I almost said, “Okay! I take it back! I’ll stay!” I’m so glad I stuck to my guns, but if you’re happy doing your job for more money or staying a few weeks longer to help train someone else, go for it. Just remember, this is your choice.

8. The day after you quit may be pretty awkward. Coworkers may ask you why. They may admit they wish they had your bravery. They also might be pissed. In this situation, it’s best to be diplomatic. Explain that it’s just time to move on. Resist the urge to bad mouth so and so and complain during your last two weeks. Doing so may get you fired, and no one wants that.

9. Work hard until the end. You don’t want anyone to think you’re trying to milk a couple of weeks’ worth of pay for doing no work. Come back from lunch on time. Continue to do your very best. This will go really far in insuring you get a good reference.

10. Lastly, there are probably going to be times when you feel guilty or second guess your decision to leave. Just remember that you decide what’s best for you. It may seem hard and/or scary to imagine a life without this coworker or that customer, but just because you’re quitting, doesn’t mean you have to stop being friends. Look forward to the future and the life that lay ahead of you. You are so brave and the world is your oyster!

In a nutshell, quitting a job is never easy. It’s emotionally taxing and you may take a hit to your self-esteem, but always remember your three reasons from step 6. Good luck in your endeavors, whatever they may be!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! I am so grateful to have the hardest working, most loving, and outstandingly supportive dad in the world!

I hope you all have a great day and spoil all the men in your lives!

This Post is Wicked Ahsome.

Source: moretalklesswalk.blogspot.com via Kristie on Pinterest

My cousin posted this today and I thought it would give you a little insight to what it means to be from Massachusetts.

You know you're from Massachusetts if...

-Khakis are something you start the car with
-You think crosswalks are for wimps
-You think if someone's nice to you, they either want something or they are from out of town and probably lost
-You know how to cross 4 lanes of traffic in 5 seconds
-You think it's not actually tailgating unless your bumper is touching the car in front of you
-You know that a yellow light means at least 5 more cars can get through ... and that a red light means 2 more can
-A Crown Victoria = Undercover Cop
-The transportation system is known as the "T"
-You could own a small town in Iowa for the cost of your house
-There are 24 Dunkin Donuts shops within 15 minutes of your house
-When people talk about the "curse of the Bambino," you know exactly what they are talking about, and you believe in it, too
-You think of Rhode Island as the "deep South"
-Anything past Worcester is "the middle of nowhere" (if you live in Boston)
-You believe using a turn signal gives away your plan to the enemy
-If you stay on the same road long enough, it will eventually have 3 or more different names
-Someone has honked at you because you didn't peel out the second the light turned green
-You've honked at someone because they didn't peel out the second the light turned green
-All the potholes just add excitement to your driving experience
-Stop signs mean slow down a little, but only if you feel like it
-Six inches of snow is considered a "dusting"
-Three days of 90+ heat is definitely a "heat wave" ... and 63° ocean water is "on the warm side"
-$15 to park is a bargain
-You cringe every time you hear some actor/actress imitate the "Boston accent" on TV or in a movie. If you don't have it, you're never going to get it right ... even if you were born here
-At the ice cream shop, you call chocolate sprinkles "Jimmies"
-You can go from one side of your hometown to the other in less than 15 minutes and see at least 15 losers you graduated with doing the same exact same thing they were doing the last time you saw them

Haha, every single one of these is true. I love being being a Masshole. :)

Girlfriend Can't Hold Down a Job

Source: todayilovethis.blogspot.se via Kristie on Pinterest

So. My friends. I may have mentioned that I got a new job a couple of weeks ago. I got hired on as a teller at a credit union and really didn't want to go back to work, but I figured I'd give it a shot. This week is my third week and today I quit. There are many factors that contributed to this, but the foremost is that I didn't want my soul sucked out of me again. Chase sucked out my soul. I was empty when I quit. In this last year I delved deeper into understanding myself and what I want for myself. I was scared I would lose that self that I found and like, but I decided to go back to tellering anyways.

I picked up the rules and regs super fast. I learned how to run transactions perfectly within two days. I processed my transactions with service and a smile. Yesterday morning, however, I was pulled aside by my supervisor and told that I take too many bathroom breaks. My reaction was "WHAT?!" It's not like I'm running to the bathroom to play marbles or sell secrets of national security. I wasn't even going to the bathroom to look at my cell phone!

At lunch I called Karl. After I finished sobbing and telling him the gory details of my censure, he paused and then said, "You walk into your boss' office right now and quit." I thought he was kidding! Sure enough, he was serious! I finished out the workday seething and when I went home, Karl and I went to dinner and discussed the game plan. There's nothing like some Black Tie Mousse Cake from the OG (pronounced oge) to get the rhetorical juices flowing. I practiced my quitting speech. There was some swearing involved.

Today I went to work. I dealt with more micromanaging and eye rolls from the backup lead tellers (not even full lead tellers, just backups) and I was more sure of my mission. At 4:06PM I waltzed into the branch manager's office. All the yelling and telling off that I had planned melted away. I sat down and explained myself as my eyes began to tear up. I explained the circumstances of my decision and that I am worth far too much to myself to put up with maltreatment, even if it is my job. Especially if it is my job. My branch manager was kind. She understood. I left feeling slightly sad, but good, nonetheless.

Two weeks from today will be my last day at the credit union. I am excited to go back to my life of drawing and painting and doing fun things with my best friend. I feel like I can breathe again. I'm so happy. The moral of the story is, if your boss tells you that you can't pee, punch her in the face, throw up the deuce, and peace out of that business.

This story is brought to you by Karl, my wonderful husband that loves and supports me in everything I do. And he brings home the Benjamins, so that's not bad either.

A Little Ella Fitzgerald for You.

A few weeks ago, this tune popped up on my Pandora playlist and I haven't been able to stop listening to it since. It's the perfect song to slow dance in the kitchen to. It's the perfect song to do homework to. It's even the perfect song to clean to. Who knew? Anyways, enjoy!

June Photo A Day

Do any of you read Fat Mum Slim? Well, she does a challenge each month to take a photo of an assigned topic each day. It's actually a lot of fun! I decided to do it for the month of June and I'm really excited. Every day or two, I'll be posting the assigned photo/s here! Enjoy!

June 1st: The subject was "Morning." This is what my bed looks like after a 85 degree night. Also, that navy blue rocks.

June 2nd: "Empty." I chose to take a picture of my sparkling pink lemonade from Ruby Snap. Half empty.

Do any of you participate in Fat Mum Slim's Photo A Day? If you do, leave a link to your pictures in the comments and I'll go check them out!

The Answer You've All Been Searching For.