Rambles

The weekend is coming, Loren will be home soon. This will be the last weekend before he's officially out and we begin Operation: JOB HUNT. He's very excited for what's to come. Lately he's been working on checking out of the Marine Corps. Its a tedious process, but must be done.

On my end, work has been good. The company has paid to send me and 2 other coworkers to a seminar in San Diego next month. I'm pretty excited! Life is going smoothly right now.

It seems as though time is flying by quite quickly. I can't believe I've been in California almost half a year. So much has happened and so much more to come. Life is just beginning for us right now. :)

Did I tell you, WE GOT INTERNET?! Oh yeah, we did. And, as much as I'd like to say I love it and I've missed it, I actually don't know what to do now that we have internet at home. I spend all day at my desk not being able to do much more than read the news so when I actually come home... I'm not totally sure as to what to do with the "interwebs" (- George W. Bush)! I watched my shows I need to catch up on with Hulu (apparently not many) and now... um... *pop in a movie* I remember being able to go maybe an hour or so without wanting to use the internet. Now it's like I don't need it. HAHA! I know, I know, I say this now. Just wait until a month goes by and I'm addicted to Pinterest again. ;) The only thing I could see using the internet for right now is finding coupons online. But as we found out this past weekend, our brand new printer doesn't work. We'll need to return it. My wonderful man spent hours trying to get it to even register there was paper and to spit it out only to find out the dang thing wouldn't spit the ink out. Grrrr... I guess it's just one of those things, you know?

Our latest purchase was an awesome coffee maker. Has it been used yet... Nope! But it's pretty and red and sits in the kitchen looking awesome. HAHA! I'm afraid I'll break it. So I'll let Loren figure it out. :)

California, I must say is lovely! We have the best weather! Granted, we do have an awful lot of earth quakes. I felt my first one a few weeks ago - but I didn't know it was an earth quake until my coworkers were talking about it the next day. It was like a little vibration. Gee, I hope I don't have to experience a big one now. Crap! *knock on wood* Back to the weather, April and May are the rainy seasons, so say Loren. It will rain a bit, no thunder or lightning, but just rain. Then when its done, the sun will come out and be 75 degrees again! Hard to imagine it being any other season than Summer. I can understand why some people would want to go to Utah and see the snow during winter. It'll be odd to have another Christmas without snow. My favorite holiday is Christmas. :)

PS: Randomness I found out today. The apartment has been creaking, sometimes it'll creep me out at night. Sounds like someone is in the next room. Well as I was sitting on the porch I realized it's the drop in temperature that causes the walls and furniture to settle. Interesting. And... The neighbor snores. And Im not talking like cute little snores, i mean BIG TIME SNORING... I'm listening to them... right... now... Someone please get them breathe right strips or something. :P

A song I've heard on the radio lately helps me get through the week...

“When I look at my life the way it was before,
I can honestly say - “I don’t miss it, anymore.”
I tried so hard to fit in, that I’d make myself ill.
I would cry, I hated life, and things weren’t going very well.
Along came a friend who reminded me of something I used to say
“what do their opinions matter, anyway?”
I could be me and that was OK. God still loved me,
cared for me, no matter what paths I take.
I didn't fit into the cookie-cutter mold.
Trying to force myself to do so was just getting old.
When people judge me and say they wont be my friend
I remember those who still love me, stick with me,
no matter what way life bends.
Not everyone likes to see those who are happy just being them.
But what is life with no curves up ahead?
This is my life, I choose who I’ll be.
I didn’t jump off the deep end, because I chose to think freely.
So choose today, ‘to thine own self be true.’
because the next time you express yourself,
it’d better be a thought from you.”
- Marie C. Zamora 2012.

Moved In!

We've made the move, have some furniture, and are settling into the new place now.
On moving day, one of Loren's friends helped us move with his truck. Our first week we were sleeping on the couches.

On the 28th it was my 27th birthday. :) I had a great day! My state income taxes came in from Utah so since Loren was stuck at Camp Pendleton I treated myself to shopping for home and kitchen supplies. ;)

Friday after work we went out to celebrate with a few friends. 55 Yard Line is our new hot spot.

Loren <3

Cory going in for the drunken bite. ;)

Loren and me pullin "duck lips"

Saturday was the big party! Loren and I rushed in the morning to buy a bed and have it delivered before 6pm. By the afternoon I had to quickly start the crockpot for the experimental 7Up Chicken and Rice which turned out pretty well, and a simple salad. I also made a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. :) No decorations cause I didn't have that much money, but when they all sang to me everyone held out a lighter! It was epic! We rushed to clean the apartment, I ran to the store to pick up drinks then ran to another to pick up a lamp for the super dark living room. Our apartment was built in a time period where having lamps was the main source of lighting a room. I'd bought 2 lamps for the bedroom on Wednesday, but without any side tables, that wouldn't be useful in the living room and what about the now dark bedroom? So another lamp was needed. Loren had previously pointed out a standing lamp he liked at Walmart so I rushed and picked it up.
After getting all the food ready and dropping off shopping I took our sick friend who stayed over Friday back to Camp Pendleton. Loren and I were running on 3 hours of sleep and I was rushing everywhere!

Loren and I expected about 8 or so people. In reality we had about 15 and then some trickling in and out throughout dinner. Around midnight the party ended and Loren and I hopped into bed for some well needed sleep.

With all that had happened Saturday, I felt really bad. I had snapped at my loving and sweet man. I became the "bitchy wife" that I knew I never wanted to be.

Sunday I felt down. Loren had a friend come over in the morning so I told them to go out and get the projector that Loren so desperately wants in our living room. It's going to be pretty bad ass! Just sayin. ;) When he left, I went out to Berlington Coat Factory, Big Lots!, Ross, Walmart, and Target. I wanted to find some more things for the house. When I got to Target I had a complete anxiety attack in the middle of the candle isle. I felt so stupid. The security guards watching the camera must have had a good laugh. I stood there next to the shelf, holding my glasses and shading my eyes sobbing and attempting not to make a sound other than a sniff or two. I had this overwhelming feeling that I'd been doing EVERYTHING and I was tired of it! Everything = worrying about bills, setting up the house, taking care of a drunk/sick friend, making sure a party happened, buying a bed, shopping for food on a low budget, working... etc
My breaking point was me in a candle isle looking for a center piece for our kitchen table. LOL! And stubborn me didn't want to tell Loren. Partly because I wanted him to not think me weak and partly because I didn't know how to tell him. A few moments later I received a text message from Loren telling me he'd got me a birthday present. I collected myself, made my way to the cash register and then came home.

Loren was waiting for me on the porch when I came walking around the shaded pathway. :) He had a huge smile that warmed my heart. I handed off my spoils and we went inside. The laptop was propped open on the counter as he walked me through to show me what he got me. It was like watching a puppy! When he took me into the bedroom there it was. A beautiful, fancy, techie printer all for me! :) I'd wanted a printer so I could print off coupons and photography. I'd casually mentioned it to him while I attempted to fill out a shopping list with him that morning.
I gave him a hug and a kiss and I almost wanted to cry. Leaking from the eye joints doesn't exactly make sense to Loren so I try not to do it. I just wanted him to hold me.

Around 2 I started preparations for dinner. When it finished we decided to take a relaxing nap. I love that bed, can I seriously tell you how awesome it is? When Loren and I bought it the Interior Designer we bought it from threw his hand in Loren's face and showed his wedding band. "See this? This means everything I do I've got to think about the Woman who is on the other end. What she wants is what matters."... And with that, Loren agreed with whatever bed I wanted. LOL! Thankfully, I'm realistic and bought a bed that felt good and was within our price range.

After dinner I took him back to Camp Pendleton.

Loren has a few days and 2 weeks left in the Marine Corps. New huge assignment is to find him a job

Packing

Work

So I never really realized how much of a pink fan I am until I came into work this morning and was given the official "wolfpack" gang cup. I was given pink. When I filled my glass and then sat down at my desk, that's when I saw it... PINK! Believe me, that wasn't my intention. :P
I like pink!... But I didn't think I was obsessed with it!
Thankfully, in the apartment, I've not overwhelmed either of us with pink. I actually think blues, greens, and browns dominate. Very earthy, beachy colors.

Speaking of apartment, we're moving in tomorrow! :) YEAY!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh, I'm so excited!!! Gonna freak out like 5 minutes til we get the key. ;) Thank you in advanced to everyone who helps us this weekend.

Back to work: Today one of my many bosses (LOL!) has been training me since the other bosses are out of town for the rest of the week. Yesterday I made my first trip to LA for the company to measure out signage. I like this! I was worried that the idea of me going to LA was going to be anxiety ridden like it used to be for my other job. Oddly enough, it wasn't. I got there, did my thing, and came back down to San Diego county. Quick, painless (well other than the $5.00 and 1/4 tank of gas), and easy. I stopped and had lunch with my sexy Marine - he's checking out of the Corps right now so I knew he wouldn't be doing guard duty. I love that man, have I said that yet? ;) I really do. He's amazing. :D *sigh*

Anyway, today my boss told me I failed at being a gatekeeper. WHA?! ME!? FAIL!!!?? F-A-I-L?! Me. Marie!? NO!!!!!!!! A customer did the old switcher-oo on what they were really calling for so a call got sent to the wrong person. So I got brought into the office and we talked about how I could do it better.
Instead of just asking for name, company, and who they're calling for I need to be prodding for more information. If they say accounts receivable I need to ask if its a contracted account. If it is, I send it to the person I had earlier. If it's not or they don't know, I can handle it (apparently) if they're just doing a bill. If it's any other questions on the account, I'm not really sure how to help.
Being a secr..-cough-..administrative assistant is new to me. I've been a teacher, office manager, retail sales, sales executive, and graphic designer, but never an admin assistant. I need training. I've kinda been off on my own little thing trying to do as best I can. Now I need more training. My boss acknowledged that I'd not had much training in that job description because as of late they've had me doing a heck of a lot more graphic design stuff. The only admin stuff I was doing was answering phones and getting and sending out mail. Occasionally I'd have a contract faxed or signed, but not often. So he promised to take on the roll of training me to be an ace admin. I'm happy someone is going to help me! I don't - NEVER have and NEVER will - like the word "fail". Makes me mad to think that I'd failed.
I've been reading blogs/articles all day about how to be a great admin/executive assistant that he sent me. There was one article that really hit me. It was about communication...

There are basically four different social styles in which we communicate. Each style gives and receives information differently. If you can identify your boss’ style (as well as your own), we can begin improving the communication process between you.

1. Analytical

2. Driver

3. Amiable

4. Expressive

Drivers are business-like and want the facts. They want you to get straight to the point. are very decisive and can be impatient and demanding. Drivers want power, control and authority. Their primary focus is on results. To effectively communicate with a driver, be clear, specific, brief and to the point in a business-like manner. Have all of your supporting material, be well organized and present your information logically and efficiently. When presenting facts and figures, give the probability of success and offer options. Avoid rambling conversations and non-essential information. In other words, don’t waste their time or try to build a personal relationship (save that for the Amiable). Don’t bring a disorganized presentation or leave issues open ended. Remember, get to the point, be efficient and thorough, and give them options.

Analyticals need data, data and more data. The more information you provide them, the better.. They are very detail oriented, good at problem solving and organizing and tend to be very thorough and will take their time coming to decisions. Their primary focus is on details. To effectively communicate with an analytical, indicate that you have done your homework and extensive research when possible. Be straightforward, direct and stick to your plan. Detail the positives and negatives to any suggestions that you make and make it known that you are available to see the project through and understanding their desire to be thorough. Avoid being disorganized, messy, too casual, informal or loud. Never rush an analytical! Always follow through and never appear vague. Just the analytical all the facts and details and allow them time to think it over and make a decision.

Expressives see the big picture and are not interested in details and are risk-takers. They are loud, personable, enthusiastic, love color and tend to be flamboyant and emotional. They seek recognition and visibility. They are primarily right brainers whose primary focus is on creativity. To effectively communicate with an expressive, show interaction that supports their dreams and intentions and your intent to formalize the details of their treatment. Draw out their creativity, opinions and ideas. Avoid being curt, cold or autocratic and never leave decisions hanging in the air with an expressive. Also, don’t be impersonal, judgmental, task-oriented and never talk down to them or appear dogmatic. Expressive are people oriented and will not respond to condescending behavior..

Amiables are warm, friendly, dependable, dedicated and cooperative. They are good listeners, team oriented and very sensitive. They want low risk with guarantees and avoid making decisions. Their primary focus is on satisfaction and proven results for the others. To effectively communicate with an amiable, show your concern for them as a person from the outset and find areas of common ground. Be candid, open, patient and show an interest in their personal goals. Maintain a nonthreatening manner and a casual, informal demeanor Amiables are not risk takers! Assure them that risks will be minimized and provide them with benefits, personal assurances and clear, specific solutions with maximum guarantees.

After reviewing each style, do your best to figure out which one describes your boss and which one describes you. Then, communicate to your boss in his or her style. That is the key. You must identify the other person’s style and deliver information to them in their own style to maximize the communication experience for both of you. Give it a try. It really does work, even in your personal life.

I discovered that I had been communicating to my husband all wrong. I would call him at work and ask him what I thought was a simple question: “Paul would you like to go to Florida or the Bahamas for vacation?” Paul is an analytical and I am an expressive so he would get flustered and rush me off the phone saying “I don’t know, I can’t think right now, talk to me later.” Can you identify what I did wrong? As an analytical, I did not give him enough information; there weren’t enough details for him to make a decision. So now, let me show you the right way that actually worked quite well.

“Paul, would you like to go to Florida or the Bahamas next July? American Airlines has a sale for $199 round trip and we can stay at the XYZ resort. We can put it all on Mastercard and pay it off in three months.”

BINGO!! That’s the way to give information to an analytical.

I like it! As I read over this, I've realized that this little section would solve a million issues on communication I'm currently having with my boss who's having me do design things. I am a very analytical communicator. Now I want to research more about communication!

The Weekend Quicky Wedding? Think NOT!

Friday morning I received a letter that was rather out of line from my land lords. I know they probably didn't plan to hurt my feelings, but I overheard them in the morning... I was mad, irritated, I cried at the idea that people would be so judgmental. "Should I wake her? I want to tell her she doesn't have to do it that way." They were mad because the month to month contract we'd signed in January was now ending like I said it would last month. They forgot. They didn't want me to leave so they were trying to figure out ways to keep me there. I'd told them we couldn't afford rent on 2 places. Did they listen, no. A white lined paper slid under my door with a list of things to do. I threw the page on the bed, grabbed my towel, and rushed into the bathroom to get ready for work and leave as early as I could. After work, I wasn't sure what to do. It was pay day, so I deposited my check, took out a bit of cash, then went to Ross to pick out a few basics for the apartment. By the time I'd had enough window shopping (I didn't want to spend much money) Loren told me to just come up to base. I drove up to Camp Pendleton and we went out for dinner. We decided to make a weekend of it and so I didn't come home until Sunday night. ;)

St. Patty's day was spent at 55 Yard Line in San Marcos. That place is awesome! We could eat and drink the same amount we would have in Oceanside, but only spend $33 - not $175 like we normally would. Driving to San Marcos was so much smarter for us. We called it a night early, but we were both very tired. But friends came out with us anyway. A lot of the Marines decided that they were going to stay in because it'd been raining all weekend.

Sunday Loren and I spent the day watching movies and just vegging. By evening Loren took me to a beautiful restaurant in Carlsbad. No one had ever taken me somewhere so pretty before. :) Such a wonderful evening! I've always said I'm not someone who needs to be given luxury and given frills. I'm realistic... But it was nice to be taken to a place like that. :) Made me feel good!

Monday when I got home from work I had to confront my land lord about the letter... They asked if I'd got it... I told them I had... I told my land lords we weren't moving the wedding up. We're keeping it where we're planning because we want our friends and family there. My land lords want us to elope and made a point of planning it in the letter I received Friday morning. I woke at 6:50am to them yelling about how I should have a Costco wedding, buy a dress, and then we go get married on the beach with as many friends as we could find. Do it all by the weekend. Nothing to do with our family. Loren wants his family there. I want my family there. When you pay for our wedding, that's when you've got a say in what we do and when. Right now, we're planning on the end of the year. If we were to get married under someone else's time line it'd just create frustration! Neither of us wanting that feeling on our wedding day.

Today while at work I checked in with the apartment complex and we're all set to move in on Saturday. I'm excited!!! I've got to clean and pack. I did laundry last week but never folded it and put it away... oh my it looks scary in the bedroom. :P Looks like the dresser threw up all my clothes. LOL!

But now it's time to pack. I've got to figure out how to move this weekend since I don't have a truck or my man and need to pick up the couches and table...

Something will work out. ;)

A Little Moto From A Gunny

*There's swearing.* ;)

Furniture and Batteries

Monday was a long day. After work I ran over to a woman's home who was selling a sofa and love seat. I bought both. She also threw in a solid oak wood table. There's an extension that comes with it to make it 6' long. :) I have plans to sand it down and paint it later, but that'll be projects for Loren. The other project for Loren was a solid wood dresser for $20 from another military wife. I want to sand it, paint/stain it, and change out the hardware. We've spent a grand total of $220 so far on furniture and already have a dresser, table, sofa and love seat. Next plan is to get a bed. Not exactly sure where to get that, but we'll figure it out. The people who have sold the furniture to us have all been complete sweet hearts! They're favorable to military families and are allowing us to save the furniture at their homes for a little bit until we move in next week... Oh my gosh! We're moving in next week! AH! We have 1 page of paperwork to get turned in still...

After arranging for the furniture, Loren bought me a new battery for the car! :) I'm so happy! We had some friends at the barracks put it in for us since we don't own any tools yet. It took a total of 10 minutes and then it was time to test it out! VROOOOOOM!!! Instantly! :D SO EXCITED!!!! Seriously, for the past few months we've been experiencing *turn the key* - *put, put, nothing* repeat 5 times, *starts*... Its nice to have a car that starts.

While we were at Walmart buying the battery we also picked up a poker set for Loren so he can have poker nights with his buddies and they can bring their wives. The boys can do their thing and the girls can do theirs. :)

There was a sale on fishing poles and I fell in love with a purple and white one. He got it for me! I can't wait for this summer when we can go camping and fishing. I haven't gone camping in quite a while. Loren says he hasn't "really" camped in a while, either. Camping in the Marine Corps is very different. *he hugged a tent*

After shopping we went out for Sushi at "Love Boat Sushi" in Oceanside. It's a small place, not a whole lot going on but very yummy sea food for fantastic prices! YOU HAVE TO TRY IT!

I'm getting excited to have our place ready. I've got to start packing my things up a bit. My dresser looks like clothes exploded out of it. I've been so busy I haven't had time to actually be home for more than a few hours. Loren is going to be changing barracks in the beginning of April, so sadly, he'll be moving twice in 1 month. But at least I'll be on the other end getting our place set up for him.