Random Writings - Proud

I know I've been bad about blogging lately.  I will try to be better.

Today, I'm feeling super proud of myself and optimistic about my goals before I turn 30.  It is not very often that I would say I truly feel proud of myself - I think the last time was when I passed my SPHR exam.  I may feel other positive emotions about myself but proud is not a feeling I can say I is among the top five.  Fact is, it's not a feeling I use lightly.

So for me to say I feel proud today, that deserves a blog post.  Even if it is short. 

To me it is oh so sweet.

That is all. 

Moving On

Today I'm moving on from my old office dwelling to a new office home...with a window!  Since joining the work force I have had two offices of my own; both of which were on the interior of large buildings and were essentially closets.  I enjoyed those closets but today I have a window and I will undoubtedly enjoy that even more!

I am considering this (though it's not really) my job's SPHR congratulations present to me since I won't get a pay raise or a promotion until I move into another job.

Once I get settled in and somethings I don't need get moved out I'll post some pictures.

Until then happy Monday! 

Vacation Envy

Truth be told I'm not really envious but I couldn't think of another title.  And it seems like everyone I know is going on or just got back from vacation. 

I want to go. 

Normally I'm pretty good about not letting what others have affect my wants, moods, whatever but a vacation sounds so good right now.

Actually I'm not sure if it's a vacation that sounds so perfect or just like a week's break from work.. 

Either way it's not going to happen because I'm still trying to get a little buffer of vacation time built back up after using it all studying for the SPHR.  (I promise one day I'll stop bringing up this certification.) 

I'm so caught up in the idea of wanting a break I'm not even sure how to end this post so here's an awkward, abrupt end so I can go back to day dreaming.

Have a good week!

Slacker

Ok so apparently I'm a slacker since it's been over a week since my last post.  It's not because I haven't thought about posting, I just haven't sat down and done it.  I have, however, done other things so let me catch you up. 

Thursday night I baked a pineapple cake from scratch for Mr. Woo's team builder/pot luck thing with his co-workers.  I made up the recipe for the cake and frosting and it got good reviews.  For those who may be counting that's cake from scratch #2 in 6 days.  I believe I have one picture which I will post later.

Friday night I baked a peanut butter cake from scratch for my FIL's birthday; cake #3 in 7 days.  Peanut butter may be his absolute favorite food ever so I decided to surprise him with this cake.  I may have to thank him for liking peanut butter so much because I am not sure my house has ever smelled so good.  The scent was like a cross between freshly baked peanut butter cookies and heaven.  Or something similar I suppose.  I think the only thing I really modified for this cake was the frosting and I put my own spin on it more out of need than because I couldn't find a good recipe.  The only picture I have of this guy is an empty cake plate but I may post that later too.  Overall this cake was definitely my favorite of the three.

[Totally random sentence to once again express how relieved, happy, and in disbelief I am that I am done with my SPHR certification!  I have so much more time now!]

Saturday we went to Holly's to celebrate my FIL's birthday.  We toured the Maker's Mark distillery, all of the original Woos dipped some bottles (and even one hat), we ate the aforementioned peanut butter cake, and played some Rook.  I think everyone had a pretty good time despite the three digit temperature and being outside for a couple of hours at the distillery.

Sunday through yesterday are kind of all a blur.  At one point I invited my MIL to dinner and some shopping -- for Katlin's birthday present -- while Mr. Woo was out of town for work.  I did some more shopping -- for Angela's birthday present -- and found a few things for me that I didn't need to spend money on.  Ooops!  I also made stuffed bell peppers and hubby finished them on the grill.  Stuffed bell peppers are always yum in my book but these were really good!  Yesterday I got a massage thanks to a Groupon gift from my love.  And I think that's about it or at least all that I can recall.

Tomorrow morning I have a hair appointment which is long over due.  I've been trying to save money by using at home box color two or three times between appointments to stretch out how often I have to go to a salon but at this point my grays are in desperate need of some professional attention.  The exciting and scary part is that I'm trying someone new after about five years with the same person.  Eeek!  I'm ready for a change and whatever that may mean.  (New hair style maybe?!)  After my appointment I drive over to Angela's to spend the day with the birthday girl and go to a comedy club at night.  Should be a fun and exciting day! 

On a side note, I can't believe this is the start of all my friends turning 30!!  It's making me wonder if I should make a "To Do Before I'm 30" list.  If so, I need to get on it.  I only have a little over a year left!

Happy Friday!!

Random Writings - vol. 1

• I'm still recovering from my SPHR experience and trying to figure out a new groove.  It will come but I'm not rushing it.  I'm enjoying my "whatever comes my way" life at the moment.
• Thanks to my smart husband we're flipping a car to buy a new couch.  We sold our old one and have the new couch but not the new loveseat so there's a huge open space in our living room - perfect for a random dance party or our pup's freshly cleaned toys. 

• I get to see my niece this weekend and I cannot wait!  Mr. Woo is coming too which makes me even more excited.  Seeing him with her is just plain funny and cute.
• I need to figure out what direction I want this blog to go in, although, I suppose I did include a disclaimer that it's a blog about nothing.
• Even though I really enjoy my job, I kind of wish it was Friday.  It doesn't help that it feels like it is.

Now What?

Here's a post for that moment when you just finished a huge goal you set for yourself and then find yourself trying to figure out what the next challenge should be.

I guess I'll think about that cuddled up on the couch with Roxy watching "Giuliana & Bill".

Day 23: From a Distance

Can you read my preliminary score report photographed from a distance?

Can't read it?  Let me give you a close up..

"Congratulations!" I PASSED!!!  Did my smile give it away?

I'm exhausted from it all but expect me back soon.  And a huge thank you for all of your comments, texts, calls, and good thoughts over the past few days they no doubt played a huge part!  Thank you!

About Face

It's 12:01 am on Sunday morning and I suddenly feel so unprepared, unconfident and worried about Wednesday morning.  Despite my study efforts today, this week, and these past several months I'm beginning to seriously believe it's just not enough.  In fact, it's the HRCI website (versus the SHRM resources I have been using) that is telling me so.

I should have signed up for the PHR, not the harder SPHR. 

I was overly ambitious. 

But I know: a) it's too late to switch; b) I've put a lot of time, energy, and effort into preparing for this; and c) that my attitude can have an impact on how well I do.  So with all that being said I will continue to use every last minute I have to continue studying and try to convince myself I can do it.

As for being overly ambitious I just have to remind myself, "Without great risk there is no great reward.". 

And being SPHR certified at 28 would be a pretty damn awesome reward.

A Different Kind of Friday Fun

Just got home from work and don't go back until Thursday -- the day after I take my SPHR exam.  I'm nervous and excited all at once.  I really do enjoy learning, especially topics I'm interested in, and despite the self-imposed pressure to pass I find it all quite fun.   

I'm such a nerd.

But enough blogging for now..back to the books!

Have a great weekend!

Day 21: What I Ate

Cookies are brain food, right?

Still studying.  Only about a week to go and then I'll be back [hopefully with good news] and more bloggy than ever.

Anything is Possible

If Elle Woods can make a 179 on the LSAT, I can pass the SPHR.

Right?

Back to the books.

Day 16: What I Read

What I read and where I've been lately.