Moody Day

I've been working on something at work that is honestly kinda mind-numbing. I feel my brain ooze and I get delusional. So today, knowing it would be a long day because I had to go in early to meet a deadline and had to stay late because there was a show, I said eff it today I am comfy. Hair up. Glasses on. Music playing. Usually I'm more formal than that because it's a shared office space and I can't just get comfy and distract everyone with my music. But like. Not today. And it was honestly such a saving grace. I did good work because I was in the right place to do it. And people around me totally just let it happen. They were mostly surprised I wore glasses haha.

Since the fridge didn't work, I didn't bring food. Went out and had an EXPENSIVE meal at the cutest little ice cream shop. Pricey but worth it just once. Yummy ice cream. A very delicious panini as well. And all the tables have these adorable quotations to do with love and faith. Oh by the way the place is called Love n Faith. And I'm glad I tried it out. So full. Like actually so so so so filling. I haven't been hungry since lunch. And I'm always hungry.

The show tonight was insanely good. Blood Wedding is intense and the Paso Nuevo kids truly rose to the challenge. You can see that they struggled and fought and, in the end, they triumphed. Great show. Great quality. Such skill. Such fulfilling, emotional work. So pretty. SO MANY PETTY LADIES WHO I LOVED. I really just. It's so good. I'm so happy I got to see it and experience it as an employee of this great company.

Baby's First Day

I work in DC now. The commute isn't even so bad. I LOVE that I get to take my time to get to work. I get out later, but I don't think it'll feel so bad. At least not now that it's sunny out. My office has a window. I have an hour lunch break. Everyone is so nice and so helpful and so passionate about their work. I work closely with Rebecca, and I share the office with David and Mauricio who are essentially training me to help out with their positions. They're funny and knowledgeable and actually make me feel welcome. It did feel like a lot to learn, but I expected that. They kept saying sorry for overwhelming me (which means they expect me to be overwhelmed soon haha), but it really didn't feel so bad. It's what I expect for a first day. All new things that will take time but I feel confident in my abilities. And they say I'm a natural! Which only helps boost my confidence. I can't explain it. I just feel good here. I feel like God answered my prayers with this place. Maybe it won't be forever. Maybe I'll look at this post a year from now and laugh at my naive optimism. But right now it feels fantastic. The whole day felt brighter. Here's to the next few years!

GALA called

I GOT THE JOB

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Candy Sale Day

• I wore my "Pupusas, Chocolate, & Netflix" shirt today which I ADORE and so did tons of other people who complimented me
• Somehow, by some miracle, work was pretty okay today. I stressed like a lot about pre-ops. But they all got in and then it felt like I worried for nothing
• Free pizza!
• Successful rehearsal

Pancake Day

It's a real thing! It's every Mardis Gras. The day before Ash Wednesday is Fat Tuesday aka Pancake Day! So in the office today, we made pancakes. We brought fruit and crackers and eggs and all sorts of delicious things, and we MADE PANCAKES. Mine had banana and chocolate chips. It was so delicious I can't even describe it. I had a happy tummy this morning.

And then I left work early. I left to go to an interview. It was a nice commute honestly, though that's mostly because I wasn't driving haha. DC is intimidating. If I get the job, I gotta figure out if I really want to drive there. Or PARK. We'll see if parking or taking the metro ends up being pricier. Anyway. Building was lovely. Staff was so sweet. The theatre is impressive and feels like something I would be blessed to call home. The director reminded me so much of Elizabeth (my director and department chair at McDaniel) that my heart was singing. Like, even if I don't get the job, I'm happy to have met her. She was so kind and funny and passionate. She spoke with the same devotion, and she even had the same kind of laugh. Which is crazy, because you can always hear Elizabeth laugh and know exactly who it is and where it's coming from. I'm just happy I got to try. This was technically my first real interview! And it felt like it went so well. I have no clue if I got it. But I'm so happy I tried.

It's A Date

We have set a date for my interview! Tuesday the 13th. I'm so nervous. I'm so excited. I'm so hopeful. Oh my goodness pray for me this feels HUGE I MIGHT ACTUALLY GET A NEW JOB

Speaking of. I did good work today. Couldn't finish everything. Especially because I came in a bit late. But I still made my 8 hours, got all the surgery stuff done on time, and made good progress on everything else. Wow it feels good.

Also no driving for so long! Twas icy and rainy, so mommy drove me to work and daddy drove me home. And then Thursdays we have church so mama and I always travel together! Two whole days off for me! Whoo!

There's Hope!

Started today early and went to work at like 6. Good thing. I had to cover yesterday, unexpextedly covered for the littlest bit today, and will have to cover tomorrow and Thursday. Needless to say, I did not get all my stuff done. But I am sure trying. So going in early was a good call. Bad Suns got me through the first two hours.

At 10AM I had a 3 Musketeers bar. Only my fave. And the wrapper, with the "#ThrowShine" label, said "Life would be lame without you". How sweet! Pun intended.

Geoff also came by, my dear and loyal friend, and brought a massive bag of chocolate. He really didn't even need anything. He dropped off a new request form for the next time I need to get a machine for a surgery patient. He could've emailed or faxed it but he brought it to us in person with a giant sack of candy. We were all happy campers.

I got a call from GALA theatre today. I applied for the Administrative Assistant position. The Executive Director called to tell me that I had a strong cover letter and she wanted to set up an interview. This could lead nowhere. But it could also be the greatest thing to happen to me in a long time. Pray that God is at work here and that His will be done for the best. The idea that I'd get to work in THE Hispanic theatre of the nation. Holy crap. What an honor. Just being called back is an honor. I'm nervouscited.

Important Tears

A successful Friday! Today I actually managed to get some decent stuff done at work. It was also my boss' birthday! Dr. Gowda, the one who has me as his surgery coordinator. We got him a yummy, cute little cake and everything. It was a nice moment. And later, when UberEats randomly showed up at our office, we realized it was his beautiful, loving wife sending her hubby lunch for his special day. How sweet is that? I really like her. And I really like the two of them together. I can't explain hehe they just make me happy.

Today I take apart the Jesus puzzle (my January one) and start working on February. It's a collection of pies! Which sounds really good right about now. I've been craving cookies or a donut or like a SOLID dessert all day. Cake is too squishy to count haha.

I had plans with Xabiel but he had to cancel. Which means I spend the night in. Honestly? So freaking relaxing. I'm watching One Day at a Time. This show is so good. I already adored it and all the issues it tackled. But season 2 is something new. And I'm obsessed. And as much as I laugh and love, it also really hits home. The episode I just watched was about depression, how one character realized she'd have to live with it forever and she can't just go off meds and stop therapy expecting to suddenly be cured. The intensity was real. I can't describe it but, knowing that my depression feels like hers sometimes and that this time period is usually when it hits its peak, it really just pulled at my heart. Full tears. And to hear that her mother, who doesn't really get mental health and never knew how best to support her, could finally admit to not fully understanding but still wanting her daughter to do whatever necessary to be happy REALLY. REALLY. Hit my gut. I don't think I can stress how important that is. Even if it was from a fictional character, I think I really needed to hear it.

I texted Karla when the episode ended and told her I was sobbing. Because I was, no exaggeration. No giant heaving breaths or anything dramatic but honest to goodness tears that will not stop. And I told her I needed chocolate and ice cream and blankets. She sent me "I'M HERE FOR YOUUUUUU!!!!!!" followed by emojis of chocolate and ice cream and beds with blankets. If there's anyone I can count on it's my sister.

Just Need Practice

So I've been given some more responsibilities at work recently. I am now one of the doctors' surgery coordinator. I schedule surgeries for one of the doctors. I know I was supposed to feel happy or honored but I didn't. I was stressed. I still kind of am. I felt like I now had so much to handle on top of all my other work and I felt vastly under-prepared. I know next to nothing about surgery procedures or how to deal with different insurances. And everything requires a ridiculous amount of paperwork, which overwhelms my minimalist system.

I've had this new position (I say new position but it's not like I've stopped doing my old job or gotten any sort of raise) for a week now? And I think my stress was visible. I didn't want to complain much, but I was honest when people asked how I was doing. "I'm overwhelmed". They also watch me slowly lose my mind after hanging up and rescheduling the same surgery 4 times in one day.

People have consistently been trying to make my job easier since then. Linda, the person who trained me and does this job for the other doctors, has made herself available to me at all times, and she's so nice about me calling twenty times a day with questions. My manager, Claudia, has made a new patient notification letter in the system just for me so that I don't have to go through the process of copying and writing out a fafillion things for no good reason; it looks nicer and saves lots of time because I get to skip the step of writing information that is already in our system. My other manager, Alba, knows much more about insurance than I do and deals with them more frequently, so she tries to get as many patients cleared as possible while talking to the companies, which means I don't have to freak out about how to talk to them and get approval for surgeries, I can just go ahead and talk directly to the surgical centers. Today, the doctor complimented me and said he was impressed with how much work was getting done. He said I was doing well. Which, after feeling like I haven't done much for a solid week, was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm grateful that the people I work with are looking out for me.

It's Thanksgiving Weekend

To make long stories short: Getting out of work early is so very beautiful. Driving in daylight is not fun, but much better than the dark. Christmas music is fun. Food is so good. Family is amazing. My small ones make me happy. Days off from work are much needed. And I'm just blessed in a million ways. My Thanksgiving video is up on my channel. And, as grateful as I am for all the kind messages I received yesterday. I will never ever ever get over these texts from my mentees. It warms my heart to no end.

Regular Friday Jam

I LIVE FOR FRIDAYS! Today is lovely. Jenny has her last day here at work, so everyone is spreading lots of love. It's nice to see them all nostalgic and see her get showered in the love and support she deserves. I'm glad I will still get to see her at church. She's always been there for me, and I'm so glad she's moving forward in her life and getting back to school. Karla is proof of how great this Physical Therapy program is, so I know she will learn a lot and have many opportunities come her way. Also, Ciara has been hired as an official employee. She'll be taking over Jenny's job. I'm glad that I'll still have someone here who is close to me in age. And someone I grew up with, no less! She'll do great, I know it.

To celebrate, we all pitched in and bought Jenny a yummy cake. Also, Maria, bless her soul she is a saint, made this AMAZING lunch. Chicken in this white sauce that is divine, made with milk and Salvadorian creme, which you already know I'm obsessed with. She's got an insanely good beef dish sitting in that slow cooker that has my nose all excited. And three fantastic kinds of rice. Seriously, she's a super woman and she is absolutely filled with love and generosity. Ugh, that food is so good, man. I'm blessed haha. On top of that, one of Maria's patients is so thankful for her awesomeness that he brought donuts for her and the whole office. So I may finally satisfy that craving after all. WHAT A DAY.

In 24 hours, I'll be on my way to McDaniel for a weekend visit. The hype is real.

Entering the 21st Century

We got new phones at work today! They're new and smaller and shiny and they do all sorts of fun things. Needless to say, everyone is kinda panicky about them, and the installation took up a lot of our productivity. But hey, at least we have working phones again. Also, FUN TECH IS FUN.

Day 28: Afternoon

After work, the youth group learns and grows.

Efficiency

I'm doing my job right! And it's resulting in more work for everyone else? Haha it feels weird. But me sending out mail and faxing requests results in attorneys actually responding with the information we need! And dealing with that info is someone else's job. Whoops. They said it's not a bad problem to have. Basically, I feel really good :)

Day 16: Together

Until tomorrow, this will have to do <3

Dat Productivity

I did so much work today! I was on top of it and I learned lots and I actually finished everything I was able to do. So I got to leave 20 minutes early! And that time made all the difference in my life.

Day 6: Floral

View on the way to the Baltimore Zoo

Foodie Life

Few things are nicer than when you're hungry at work and someone brings in home cooked goodness. I was blessed. That stuff was goooooooood. Enchiladas, she called them, but to me, I'd just call them Tostadas? I dunno man, but Maria is on point and I appreciate her face. And her cooking. Mwuahh.

Day 2: Learn

My favorite kind of study :)

Day One

I had my first day of work today! It was actually super enjoyable. I mean, the work itself isn't thrilling, but it's doable. I feel capable. It's basically a combination of what I did at my last two jobs, which is kind of great because I enjoy being able to switch between the two major tasks instead of working on one thing all day. I'm happy that I feel useful and that I seem to be picking things up quickly. And everyone is beyond sweet! I already knew a few people from church, of course, but everyone greeted me with such love and warmth. Someone even mentioned Karla! (She worked there several years ago, and it's nice that they still think of her). It makes me happy. I am looking forward to going back tomorrow.

Happily Ever After Indeed

IT WAS MY LAST DAY OF WORK WOOT WOOT AND I AM FREEEEEEEE! FREEE FALLLINNNN. Son I'm thrilled. Like, this experience was actually really good and I'm happy I got to work this summer. But man. I'm so glad it's done. Time to sleep in and get MY stuff done. YAY AUGUST.

Day 31: I dislike

This list. It's pretty though. And now I never have to see it again

The August Photo Challenge will be posted on my tumblr!

Color By Numbers

That was my job today. Pretty literally. I am on task three of the list assignments. This time, she wants to be able to organize the list by vendors. Instead of creating a new list, every vendor gets a color. I highlight accordingly. Literally color by numbers. It was fun, I'm not gonna lie. I want that to be my job forever!

Day 27: Asleep

Here's a doodle I made while waiting for more highlighter colors

Humanity's Best

A client at work today, who spoke barely any English, came up to the register. She had about 27 dollars worth of merchandise with her. She got to about 14 something when she stopped me cause she had to check and see if she had enough. A line started to form. She only had 14 dollars. The man behind her, a complete stranger speaking only English, said "how much does she need?" I said "I'm not sure. We haven't even scanned everything." He grabbed the basket and put the rest of her things on the conveyor belt and said "go ahead, I've got it". She declined several times but he would not take no for an answer. She kept thanking him, and trying to at least pay me the fourteen she originally had. He wouldn't let her pay a cent, not even for a single bag. She could only repeat "God bless you" and he insisted it was no problem. The absolute amazement on her face was astounding. I keep thinking about it, almost crying. Some people in this world do things that seem so little but they amaze me.

Day 23: Create

The joy this has created in me.
The looks I can create with this now in my possession.

YAS.

Return of the Dancing Cashier!

I am back at the register for a week. Boy am I sleepy. And no, it is NOT the most glamorous job. But it went very well! Better than expected at least. Shut Up and Dance played within the first hour of me being there. The time went by pretty quick. I had a lot of really adorable encounters today. No one too awful. One lady was rude, but it was no big thing. And Kevin was there for it so he was supportive and we laughed about it together. You will probably hear me say it a million more times because I cannot say it enough, Kevin & Ronnie have COMPLETELY changed this experience for me. They make all the difference. Bless their souls. Plus deep emotional talk time with Kevin gets me through the day, no lie. Also, PROPS TO ME I FOUND KARLA'S NAME ON A COKE BOTTLE. SPELLED WITH A K AND EVERYTHING.

Day 20: Sunshine

Light through the trees at 7:15AM EST

Aka the time I left to begin my week at the register