Friday, November 14, 2008

Kenny's New Boat

My BIL, Kenny got a brand new boat! It's so awesome - I sure do hope he invites us out for a ride on it sometime!


Here's a picture of the boat and of Melissa and Kenny when they took it for a test drive last weekend.....


Love you guys - call me soon!! XOXO




Thursday, November 13, 2008

Too Early?

I'm decorating for Christmas this weekend.......I'm not really sure I care if anyone has a problem with this. I'm ready. I'll be listening to Christmas music too. I sure did buy a nutcracker at the Flying J truck stop in Ty, TX.....just wish he had a mullet.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Happy Birthday, DAD!!!!


Happy birthday to my DADDY!!!! He’s 54 years young today – what a blessing!! Every time he goes to the doctor, he comes home and says “Well, there’s good news and bad news……the bad news is I’m healthy as a horse and y’all are gonna have to put up with me a lot longer!” And we will if he keeps drinking that green tea as much as he does! He’s worked so hard to keep our family healthy and happy. I’ve never wanted for anything because he always seems to find a way to make things happen. Thanks, Dad, for being the best a girl could be blessed with – I’m honored to be your daughter!
I LOVE YOU!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HANNAH!!!!!

I'm sorry I missed your birthday yesterday, Hannah!! I hope you had a fabulous one like you deserve! I can't believe how much has happened since we lived together in 3620, answering to Mrs. Pierce and watering the brown, crunchy lawn. You're an amazing friend and I love you very much! I'm thankful God blessed me with a friend like you and I know we'll celebrate many many more birthdays together! XOXO


#2 - HOLY MOLY!!!

I got to go to Lubbock this past weekend and spend time with 2 of my very favorite friends! Of course Tech won this weekend - DUH!! Undefeated! And if Bama hadn't beaten LSU...in overtime...we could've walked off the field a #1 team (Melissa - you're a traitor)!! We had so much fun...here are some highlights...
Playing with Hannah's girls and their cousins.....This was Joanna and her cousin Harrison at dinner time....they just look like they're brewing trouble!

We drove by 3620....the house I lived in with both Hannah and Kelsey, at different times. Great house, great roommates, and the best years of our lives. They both have husbands now, (both first dates I was there to witness and both weddings I stood in) but I still wish we were back there living with Larry, the ghost, and the red countertops.






Oh, and the astroturf front porch......lovely!



Hannah and I drove around campus and took our obligatory picture with Will...






2 words......CHIMY'S MARGARITAS.......





Locked a key in the car.....Benny came to our rescue. This is how the dialogue went :
Benny : "Most pretty girls give me $100 dollar tip"
Then I took a picture of him......
Benny : "Why are you taking my picture"
Me : "I didn't , Benny, my phone lit up and it's really bright. Sorry about that"
Benny : "Oh"


Ahh, Benny.......our knight in shining......white hooptie with a leopard-print steering wheel cover. Yep, you heard right.



Then, it was off to the football game....all bundled up



Then, back to Kelsey's house for some good old fashioned beer and girltalk... Thanks for being a fabulous hostess, Kelsey!!! And thanks for leaving "Mommy" at home and hanging like we used to, Hannah - I'm impressed you hung in that long!!!



Then, I had to drive 5 hours home with THIS......................................



Fabulous weekend - - So much fun!!!
(and Tanner, I'm still not sure where you came from)

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

...AND THE VICTORY BELLS WILL RING OUT!!!


Well, we did it!! Longhorns, you're just going to have to get over it!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Incognito

So, here I am, last Sunday, in our new store with the new layout...a very exciting venture for Michaels. I planned to go in completely under the radar, as I was not dressed appropriately to be in the store in the first place. No such luck.
I ended up having to introduce myself to the store manager when I asked him to ask a woman taking pictures to leave. After that, I had to let the customer service manager know that the behavior of the girl who checked me out was unacceptable (it truly was - I was embarrassed). So, that was pretty bad, but I thought to myself, no one will remember once I walk out the door.

Again.....no such luck.........


I got a phone call from HR this morning...never a good thing on a Friday, as Fridays seem to be "firing days"....(why am I so paranoid?). She told me she had had several people call her about this HUGE scrapbooking website that many of our employees and customers frequent. On it, a woman posted a link to her blog on which she posted pictures of our new store. So, if you'll scroll down to the entry from Sunday, Sept 14, there you'll see me....in all my Sunday morning glory....beautiful.

So much for incognito.

http://scrappyloveworld.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Cool as a Cucumber

I'm not a person who gets overwhelmed easily. I've always been a "Don't-Panic-Until-There's-Something-to-Panic-About" kind of gal. But MAN! These last couple of weeks have really put my patience to the test!!! I can't seem to win for losing - screwing up EVERYTHING that I touch!! I guess when it rains, it pours! Prayers, please!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

It's my BIRTHDAY!!!!





























I love my birthday....today is #27.......What I don't love is being the center of attention - singing Happy Birthday, decorating my desk at work so EVERYONE knows... Take a look at the handy work of my very dear girlfriends in the office, my boss included, who wanted me to know I'm loved (and that they know about my hatred for milk). Oh, and there are buttons with my milk-mustached face circulating all over the building on the shoulders of everyone I know....including my VP.....

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Drama at the Car Dealership

It’s an age-old story…you’ve heard it before. I’ll share my experience, this being my first of a “big girl” nature.
I walked into the dealership to pick up my car, dressed in a leopard print top, black pants, and black peeptoe pumps. I clearly don’t belong there.
As I opened the door, I noticed a row of desks separated by glass panes, each occupied by a gentleman somewhere between the ages of 30 and 55. Their heads pop up above their computers in unison……..nothing……no “may I help you?”, they’re just staring. Finally, I said, “Excuse me, I’m here to pick up my car”. (I may have snapped my fingers for emphasis, but do you blame me?)
“Did they tell you it was ready?”
No, I just thought I’d drive over for a practice run so I know how to deal with you oogoling perverts when the real time comes to pick up my car.
“Yes, I wouldn’t be here unless they had.”
“Go around the corner to the cashier – she’ll have what you need.”
Cashier? My car is still under warranty – I shouldn’t need a cashier for the money-less transaction I’m about to make. I round the corner to find a girl of about 19 dressed in a hoodie and jeans (it’s 103 degrees today).
“Hello. I’m Jennifer Marshall. I’m here to pick up my car.”
“Last name?”
Didn’t I just give it to you? First name, then last. I had my ID ready, just like the huge sign next to me told me to.
“Marshall”
She looks at the tag on each set of keys.
“Jennifer?” She hasn’t even looked at my ID. Is it this easy to get into someone’s car and drive away? What if Mrs. Jones drove a Porsche? I’d be rollin’ in style! “Here, sign this.” She shoved 2 pieces of paper in front of me – one with a pink highlighted dot and one with a blue highlighted dot.
As I’m scanning the document, making sure it doesn’t say “Transmission fluid leak, did not fix. Evaporating air from gas tank, did not fix”, she slides the window open further than the small crack she was talking to me through.
“It just tells what they did to your car. Will you just sign the thing?”
“I beg your pardon? I’m not signing anything, pink or blue, until I’ve read through what I’m signing”.
She looks at the boy standing next to her, rolls her eyes, and says into the walkie talkie, “500, I need a drive around for Ms…..uh…..Marshall”
Finally, a 13-year-old rounded the corner in my Jeep Commander that shouldn’t have a transmission fluid leak or evaporating air in the gas tank in the first place. Whah…Whah…

Monday, July 28, 2008

Bad Blogger

I thought I would really enjoy this blogging thing, then I realized I have no pictures to upload...boring, no good stories lately.....double boring, and not really enough time to do it. I'm inspired now. I'll be better, I promise.

Since May 7th, which was the date of my last entry, I've been overloaded at work. I've given 2 of the most important presentations of my career, and gladly, they went famously! I find myself wondering why, whith such rave reviews about my performance circulating around the executive floor, I go home every night thinking I'm the worst buyer in the world....I guess I'm my own worst critic...but who isn't?!

My car is in the shop. I guess when a car dealer tells you "everything seems to be in fine working order, Ms. Marshall. If you need anything or have questions about your warranty, please don't hesitate to call", that means, "watch out, Ms. Marshall, when your dad finds out you've had a transmission fluid leak and haven't taken care of it, you're in for big troubs"! (as if I know what a transmission is and why and from where it would be leaking....please!)

I'm in mourning. My favorite pair of shoes passed away on Tuesday morning. The candy apple red pattent leather ripped off of the bottom of my perfect peeptoe Stuart Weitzman Rollpumps. This may sound like Latin to those of you who give less than stellar performance in the art of dressing, but this will go down in history as one of my saddest days. Luckily, I still have my connections from NM which have allowed me to arrange surgery for my unfortunate, overworn fabulous shoes. I'm sure they'll come back from NY good as new!

Is it Friday yet???

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Things to Ponder...

These things have actually crossed my mind since the beginning of my work day…it’s only been 3 hours….

Why do people assume you want to hold their child?
Why do people think it’s okay to wear leggings to work with a top that’s too short?
Why do people think we need to hear them scream at their wives in the office?
Why do meetings always get scheduled when I’m alone to speak to a business I know nothing about?
Why does the electric company seem so on top of things when it’s time to disconnect service, but still can’t figure out where the heck to send a statement?
Why do Shih Tzus have such a hard time potty training?
Why do I think it’s necessary to drive a car as big as a school bus when I can’t drive it or afford the gas?
Why am I sitting here like I have nothing to do when I have a year’s worth of planning to get done in about five minutes?
Why are guys I would never even consider the only ones attracted to me?
Why do men in the workplace think there are microphones in women’s breasts?
Why do people only bother me when I’m clearly busy?
Why do I love planning weddings so much?
Why do some people think "Associate Buyer" is synonomous with "Secretary"?
Why is it inappropriate to drink alcohol at work?
Why did I go to the grocery store and buy sandwich stuff, but no bread?
Why does Saturday only come once a week?
Why do I still have to do my own advertising?
Why am I yawning when I’ve had 3 cups of coffee this morning?
Why can’t I lose 20 pounds by only consuming tortillas and wine?

Forget sanity – let’s just focus on staying alive!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Is It Friday Yet?

I’m playing the parts of 3 different buyers today. All parties who are here to support me in my time of learning a new business are out of town. Even on a day like today, I know in my bones I am made to do this. I do not regret, even for a second, the choices and sacrifices I’ve made to be here. There are 3 things that have made me happy today :
1) The vending machine gave me 2 cookies by accident
2) Diet Coke
3) Wearing flip flops around the office because all of my superiors are on vacation and how fabulous my toes look because I had a pedicure last week

Thursday, February 21, 2008

I am so sure....

The same girl who decided to respond to my concern for her well being by going on an hour-long rant about how everyone hates me because I'm so fake and seem to be perfect in every way thought for some reason that it was okay to email me and ask me to go out with her and some friends this weekend.
First of all, I generally decide against hanging out with people who apparently hate me - I wouldn't want to make anyone jealous of my so-called perfect life. Secondly, does it not occur to her that maybe the things she said and the way she said them stung a little and I don't really care to be her bff at the moment? Lastly, maybe I'm hanging out with perfect people this weekend......which obviously means she's not invited.
Just thought it was a little shocking. Some people have some nerve!

Monday, February 4, 2008

My So-Called Perfect Life

"People who are unhappy hate to see people who are happy. You are happy. Amen."
These sweet words were written on a sticky note that was left in my bag for me to find one day when I came home from my precious Aunt Ruby’s house. I’ve got the note on my refrigerator so I never forget to remind myself of this truth. The people in my life, whether close or distant, have always seen in me a confidence and the ability to be positive and optimistic in any situation. I’ve always enjoyed hearing that I’ve brightened someone’s day or enabled someone to see the good in a situation rather than dwell on the negative.
Recently, it seems that I’ve been surrounded by people who, for whatever reason, can’t seem to be happy for me right now. I understand it’s hard to be genuinely happy for someone else, especially when things aren’t falling into place. For this reason, I do not fault them. That being said, to the people who I’ve offended when I gave a positive (and apparently sometimes over-the-top) answer to “how are things with you”, I am truly sorry. My intent was never to hurt you or “rub it in” by telling you things are going well for me.
I spent most of Saturday upset to the point of tears when my character and personality came under attack by someone I’ve known for quite a while. While I understand there was a point to be made, there was perhaps a less hurtful way to go about it. I make no apologies for the way that I am. My parents make no apologies for raising an independent, strong daughter.
The facts of my life are these : I’m 26 and single; I have a wonderful relationship with my parents and extended family; my family and I are in good health; I have a fabulous job that I love and happen to be good at; I have a new car that I love; and I have a close community of the best friends anyone could ask for.
I don’t need to be pushed into a relationship with someone I’m still figuring out if I have anything in common with. It’s not a bad thing to take things slowly. When I’m asked how my dating life is going, an answer in the ilk of “great, I’m not sure if I’ll see _____ tonight, but things are going well” is not an incorrect one. The fact that I may not have the best dating advice, a result of my poor choices and limited dating experience, does not make me judgmental and insensitive to those who have more invested in their current, maybe unpleasant situations.
No member of my family has never deceived or intentionally hurt me or any other member of our family. My parents and I have a very open relationship that I’m able to appreciate now. There has never been a major, life-changing event in my immediate family except maybe the addition of a new dog. For this, I am so grateful. I could never have fabricated a family with 2 more supportive, trusting parents and 3 siblings with better values and closer relationships. Sure, we all have our quirks……who doesn’t? We love each other and that’s all that matters.
I have been blessed with the strength to take my career into my own hands and, while the people around me could never understand my decision to leave Neiman Marcus, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. With the knowledge that I am better than the job I was able to do and the faith that, with the Lord on my side, I was bigger than the circumstance that made me so miserable, I set out for bigger and better things. I have started in a position with a company that my peers would never have put me in, and frankly, neither would I, but I am able to do what I always knew I could. I know that, at least for the time being, I am meant to be a Buyer. Michaels is providing me with the opportunity to prove that to the world and, most importantly, to myself. I’ve learned that my work does not have to control me and become who I am, but can be an added joy in my life. Furthermore, I enjoy coming to work in the morning….as I should.
Lastly, each of my friends has been put in my life for a very different reason than all others. Each one provides me with encouragement, sisterhood, and support that I’d be lost without. They don’t share my flaws with others, rather they offer me support in working through things that are tough for me. They don’t judge me. They don’t force me into things that I know are wrong for me. They don’t put words in my mouth then use them against me. Lastly, and very importantly, they don’t call me names or attack me for who I am.

“…For of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” This statement is made twice in the Bible – once in Matthew 12:34 and again in Luke 6:45. My heart is so overfilled with joy from the blessings in my life, that there is no room for despair. Even the worst thing I deal with during the day pales in comparison to the trials some are going through. For this reason, I have no right to focus on them, but only to rejoice in the Lord for the blessings He so graciously continues to give me. His mercies are new every morning. Praise Him for His faithfulness.

My attitude does not make me fake. My inability to relate directly with hardship does not make me unable to empathize. My words are not judgmental. I truly am a simple person and, I believe, happier for it. If this is perceived as a façade of perfection and strength, I’ll apologize for your jealousy, but for nothing else. Rather, I’ll invite you to share in my joy as I share in yours.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Corporate America : What Was the Rush?

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 : Things about which I've heard stories in the office today :

Male Chauvinism
Babies
Recipes
Livable Suburbs
Sports
Babies
Paycheck Flubs
Dogs
Business
Babies
Girl Scouts

It’s not a mistake that BABIES is listed more than once. I’m sure every couple thinks their kid is the cutest on the planet, and if they want to spend all day watching the “mommy cam” at the daycare center, that’s their business, but I don’t need to know every single time your child has a bowel movement or spits up on her shirt. Okay?
It’s a wonder anyone gets anything done around here with all the distractions!!

King Ranch Chicken and Shiner Bock Beer

Maybe it's because I'm a girl, maybe it's because I'm Mexican, maybe it's because I like to eat, but there is nothing more attractive than a guy who knows his way around the kitchen. Something about a man who owns (and knows how to use) a garlic press just ...well, it's just sexy. Whatever has been going on between this guy and me the past few weeks, I'm not sure, but one thing I found out last night is he sure can cook. I don't even care if King Ranch Chicken is the only thing he knows how to make; he's one up on me, that's for sure!
He invited me over last night for dinner. He told me to be there at a certain time to ensure all preparation was done before I arrived and promptly invited me to sit as soon as I walked in. There was music going, fabulous food (all dishes and condiments were home-made) and great conversation.
By the way, this one is the one I thought I threw in the "pooper" and the one who used the phrase "it's not you, it's me". Update time : We're completely on the same page, want the same things, and are in agreement on where things stand. It took a little convincing, but I finally dragged out of him why he felt like he needed to walk on eggshells around me. We've both been through a situation we wouldn't wish on an enemy, so there's no reason to rush into anything. As long as we enjoy seeing one another, there's no reason not to. I'm so relieved! The best part? There's no pressure - - Maybe it'll work out, maybe it won't, but it's fun for now and that's all that matters!
This, my friends, is why I'm happy being single. No pressure, no strings attached, and no commitment, because frankly, that stuff freaks me out a little.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

It's Not You....It's Me

The words we all love to hear....right? NOT!! You may be thinking that this is the update I promised to "In the Pooper", but it's not. I did hear these words uttered by the person that entry was about, but not in the context in which it's usually delivered. This came in response to "What's wrong? Why was your day so bad?". Truth is, we've all heard it and we've all used it.
Here are my issues with this statement :
1) It should never be used
2) It's usually followed with "It's just that you...."
3) Truth is...it might not be me, but it is, in most cases, your reaction to something about me....so, spit it out
4) If you're being grumpy pants and don't want to talk about your day or anything going on, DON'T CALL ME!
5) Finally......STOP SAYING "IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME"!!!!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Lillies....my favorite!

I got flowers at work today. Not from anyone who is, or ever will be, a love interest, but from a friend who just wanted to wish me a “wonderful day” in the midst of my recent craziness. Now, there are 2 schools of thought here : 1) he’s trying to pursue me and by doing this, he has ensured that each and every one of my coworkers will stop to ask who they’re from and why I’m not dating him…thus, putting him front of mind for potential likeability. Or 2) he genuinely wanted me to have a good day and thought that, by reminding me that I’m special, a good day is a guarantee. Knowing this friend and the situation, I can assure you, it's the latter.
People don’t get or give flowers enough. It’s such a simple gesture….not the huge arrangements that cause a scene when the delivery guy carries them into the building and past the offices of everyone you know….but a simple “thinking of you” stem or bouquet.
Sometimes when we get beat down by the little things that build up and make us look forward to the weekend, it’s nice to know someone thinks I'm invincible. Someone thinks I'm funny and witty and brilliant and a great friend and ….. special. No matter who the reminder comes from, it’s nice to be reminded.
I propose that all boys reading this send flowers to their girlfriends. I also propose that all girls reading this send flowers to a girlfriend, mom, grandmother, or sister….and when you receive this thoughtful gift, be sure to tell them how special it made you feel – this will ensure it happens again.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

So, a few weeks ago, a friend and I were out in Uptown and walked past a patio full of guys in Santa costumes...........weird.

Friday, January 4, 2008

In the Pooper

Well, I did it. I put myself out there. I'm not sure how many know about my shenanigans of late, but it involves dates with several boys. I don't think I'm cut out for this for many reasons, one being my inability to lie well. That being said, it seems to be acceptable.....no the norm......now for girls to be juggling a few guys at once. A date here, a lunch there, a movie another day..a girl could have several dates in one weekend. This being my new situation, I thought I was doing really well balancing 3 in one weekend. Then I did it.....I started to like one of them. I thought I had talked myself out of getting attached, but last night, it slipped. Like a junior high girl, I told the guy I kinda liked him. What am I, 16? I kinda like him? What the hell is my problem? Well, needless to say it freaked him out a little......and rightfully so! I did get a call from him today asking how my day was going and it seemed as if everything was fine, as if nothing ever happened. Let's hope so. I hope I didn't throw this one in the pooper. The fact that we've known each other since high school and we have the same group of friends could make this a very awkward situation.........I'll keep you posted.