Sox Rock

I know, I know...my peeps have been clamoring for a new entry for a long while....I apologize for being so un-committed to my blog. But I am back at it now and have A LOT to tell all of you.

Okay, so first the jobby, job. Well, it's good. I have been there about six weeks now (since about the date of my last post) and it's an interesting place. The firm is small (about 21 people total on site) and most everyone either buys, trades or sells municipal bonds. So while the bond market is open, there is very little interaction with those folks. That is not to say I mind...it's just a different environment than I have worked in before and it takes a little getting used to. In my department, there is one other woman and a woman who works part time (in addition to me). My full-time co-worker is very cool and laid back...makes for a nice working relationship since I tend to be the opposite (Type-A). But word on the street indicates that I seem to be fitting in well and my co-workers enjoy my sense of humor (always important). A funny story from my first few weeks...I had worked there roughly 5 days and caught my heel in the carpet (I guess this is why none of the women there wear heels) and completely fell and busted ass. Luckily that day I was wearing a skirt...I thought I had broken my forearm, but it appears to be functioning. Given my probationary period has not yet expired, I am sure I would have been fired on the spot if I had really been hurt as no employee on probation could qualify for worker's comp. Ah...Good times, but of course I wouldn't be me if I didn't take a good spill once in awhile.

A perk of the job is that my boss has season tickets to the Sox. He has five and they are awesome seats. Last week he gave them to me and my co-worker to use for an afternoon game. So I have to admit I am not the biggest fan of baseball...but it was so fun! Baseball is WAY more interesting in person when you can see the huddles (just kidding...I know it's called pitcher mound discussions) up close and personal and view the anguish on the face of the pitcher who is getting kicked out of the game for allowing too many hits. Plus, the polish sausage and beer weren't too bad either. I have yet to attend a Cubs game (as I think the eye candy will be exponentially better), but look forward to doing so before the season is over.

Other than working, I have been traveling a lot during July. I was able to go to the beach over the 4th in Florida. Who knew north Florida has nice beaches? Okay...maybe lots of people knew that, but not me. I guess I always think of the beaches in Florida as being Miami and the Keys. I also had the opportunity to go to NYC! My bestie and my friend Jamie (who lives in Chicago) and I went together. It was fun, but it does make me appreciate my little ol' city of Chicago. I usually feel overwhelmed in NYC and I was curious if the city workers were on strike given the amount of TRASH there was on the street. I mean huge, ginormous mountains of trash. In addition to the trash, we went to a rooftop bar at a hotel in the Meat Packing District...I kid you not, it was like an MTV video. Guess which one didn't look like the other, yep...you got it...me. Holy cow! Everyone looked totally exotic and European and I swear we saw one of the Olson Twins. It was a cool experience because it was an environment I didn't ever think I would witness or participate in, but I was also very uncomfortable, which meant I slammed three very expensive drinks in the space of a few minutes. I thought being tipsy would make it better...I am pretty sure I was wrong about that. But it was nice to see my BFF and see a part of NYC that's hip and happening. I am good now for another few years before I have to go back.

This weekend I am off to Dallas for about 36 hours. I love Southwest Airlines, but using a free ticket limits flight availability in a MAJOR way. My BFF's daughter is turning 3! I can hardly believe it. I am anxious to see how big she's gotten since I have been gone and I hope she enjoys the princess stuff I got her. Apparently when you are 3, princesses are very cool. Heck, they are kind of cool when you are 35, too. I still like to think I am a princess (not a snotty one, but one that likes to wear chiffon dresses).

So I am looking forward to August and spending time in Chicago. I have sort of missed exploring here during the month and hope that friends and family will still continue to come visit. Please come, because if you wait too long...you might freeze to death.