The other night I was at work later than usual and I happened to overhear bits and pieces of a conversation one of my co-workers was having with someone on the phone. I wasn't trying to pry but it was audible, so I listened. She was extremely upset and crying about something that had happened at work; from what I gathered something had gone wrong and she was taking the hit for it. I don't know this girl at all, but I just wanted to run over and hug her. And then shake her.
I see it every day. Too often people are treated horribly - sometimes by clients, sometimes by fellow co-workers. And it's just not right. But I knew what she was feeling - like whatever happened was the end of the world and life was over. But dang it, that's just not the case. It's work. It's a job. It's not life.
I realize it's a fine line for many people, but as each year passes, I believe with more conviction that work should never overtake your life. I love my job and the people I work with - but there are just those days when you have to wonder if it's all worth it.
A few of my friends have recently lost their jobs due to "downsizing" so I feel very fortunate to be employed. Sure I complain, but who doesn't? It's just all about realizing what counts.
And what counts is family. What counts is friends. What counts is your health.
There will always be other jobs.

already monday

Another week starting, another weekend away from home. I spent this one working (grr) in St. Louis for my client's managers' meeting. Despite it being actual work, it went well and I was able to meet some great people. In other news...
School:
Mid-terms are over (A's on both, whoohoo!) and registration for Spring is already starting. These semesters are really flying by. Only 2 more to go before starting full-time.
Wedding:
Met with the talented Charlotte Matthews of a fine fete last week to discuss invites, programs (i.e. the "Wedding Suite") etc., and I'm excited to see what she comes up with. Charlotte is the little sister of my dearest childhood friend, and maid of honor, Lesley, and it's so exciting to watch her grow and use her many talents! We're meeting with a photographer this week and I'm setting up some catering appointments in the coming weeks. According to all the online sources, I'm on track, but who knows!
Other Stuff:
I'm glad the election is almost over.
The leaves are turning! This is the best part of the year in my opinion. Nothing is prettier than the drive down Ward Parkway...it makes the trek to work a little more bearable.
Chiefs, Mizzou...wow, not much to say. Hopefully the Tigers can turn it around at Homecoming this weekend. As for the Chiefs...the season's in the toilet.
That's it for now - big hugs to all my friends with babies in their bellies. xoxo

no more sleeping outside for awhile

We had quite an eventful weekend - we camped at Graham Cave State Park with about 20 people for Oktoberfest in Hermann, MO. I'd never been before and it was really fun. The tiny town full of wineries, bars and a brewery hosts people from all over the state (and probably further) each weekend in October. The group we went with has been going for many years, so we were just along for the ride. I did not grow up camping. My family's idea of camping was the Holiday Inn. But I've enjoyed it every time I've been recently and continue to find new and fun ways to "rough it." For this trip, Katie turned us onto a great method of camp-style breakfast and they were deeeee-lish.

Our shuttle picked us up at 9:30 Saturday morning, and by 10:15 I was drinking my first sip of Germantown white. Followed by another bottle of the same, a bottle of some ghastly red that tasted like it came from a kool-aid pitcher, and a bottle of Sweet Caroline (which turned out to be pink...ugh). Let's just say we were all ready to go by 5:30 when our shuttle drug us back to the campsite.

I had scored MU/OSU tickets at work on Friday, so Adam and I decided to drive to Columbia for the game at around 6(yeah, probably not the best decision). But I had caught my second wind so I was all for it. Around the 3rd quarter we realized the outcome would likely not be favorable (and we were tired of sitting in a pit of OSU fans) so we went back to camp.

Around 6 that morning, Adam woke me up, covered in hives. Crazily enough, it turned out he'd been bitten by a caterpillar of sorts, then rolled over on it in his sleep and whatever the bug had eaten (green and gooey) was something Adam was allergic to. His entire left side looked sort of like this. So, we had some fun at Urgent Care. One shot, a dose pack and some Bactrim in later, we're glad to be home.

one more

OK so I promised myself that my blog would not be a place for wedding talk or politics. But this was too funny to pass up. Tonight, let the debate drinking game begin!

finally friday

Boy, it's about time. What a long week. I made the silly attempt to try yoga. Let's just say flexibility isn't my strong suit. My workplace offers free yoga classes twice a week over lunch, so I figured I've give it a go.
I'm still not walking normally.

On another funny note, how about the debate last night? If I had to hear that nimrod Palin say "ya" or "maverick" one more time, I serioulsy thought I was going to vomit. Wow, she's something else.

So...Fiance and I are heading to St. Louis after work today. We've got tickets to see Ryan Adams & the Cardinals at the Fox tomorrow night. We're staying at Katie & Troy's new place and looking forward to swinging by Pucci & Jeff's new casa as well.

Hope everyone has a great weekend - more updates next week!