Today marked a monumental occasion in Alabama. That's right, it was the day of the spring Nascar race in Talladega. People from all over flocked to Talladega to camp out for days to watch the race.
Let me further explain what I mean by camping. Sure some of the people have very nice RV's or tents that they stay in. But then, there are the creative fans. They featured a man on the news who converted a school bus in to an RV. Why spend the money on an RV when you can drive a big yellow bus to the race and set up a drink stand outside of it.
Along the same lines I had a man come in to my office when I was working in the trucking industry to inquire about purchasing a truck. I was explaining the benefits of the truck, when he finally interrupted me to inform me of his plans to convert the truck in to an RV. He explained how he would mount an air conditioner in the front of the truck, and was going to put a bed and refrigerator in their as well. Seemed like a costly project, when you could probably by an RV for the same price. Must be something about those big yellow trucks that people want to take them everywhere.
I have never been to a Nascar race so I can't judge the experience first hand. I've seen plenty of races on television, and I've found they are great for instigating my Sunday nap. I can't get in to watching cars drive around in circles. I hear its fun if you go, and I'm sure the redneck watching is prime. I imagine its kind of like going to the Wal-Mart. If you are feeling bad about yourself its a great place to go to gain some self esteem.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
One is the lonliest number
So Jen is gone for the next three weeks. Despite the fact that I miss her, I'm bored out of my mind here in Birmingham. I grew up an only child and had to entertain myself most of life, but when you are used to having someone around its weird being alone.
I'm not locked up alone in my apartment cut off from the world or anything, but its definitely hard to occupy the hours from 4pm-11pm when I come home to this empty apartment. So far this to occupy some time I have visited the dry cleaners twice, went to the grocery story to by Styrofoam cups and straws, and worked out and run numerous times. Today I was bored after work so I ran, and then went an worked out a couple hours later.
You know things are getting bad when you start trying to have conversations with the cat. She doesn't talk back or anything, but she has been my buddy this week. She's normally feisty and likes to bite and pounce. I guess she knows that with Jen gone she is not far from being replaced with a friendlier animal. Just kidding - kind of.
Anyways, tomorrow wraps up the first week of work for me and Jen. Her and my mom are coming down here so I'm pretty excited to have company. Not sure what we'll do, but I'm sure we will eat good.
Next week I'm going to attempt to be more sociable. Maybe go hit some golf balls, run with my neighbor, or even go do something in the evening.
Anybody got any interesting ways they entertain themselves while alone?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
First Day Jitters
Yesterday was my first day at the new bank job. I had to go to an orientation that was supposed to last all day. To my pleasant surprise the orientation ended at 3pm and we were all free to leave for the day.
I got to the orientation about 15 minutes early. I figured I would used the interview rule of thumb of arriving 15 minutes early for the interview or first day. To my surprise when I arrived all the good seats in the back and on the sides were taken. But guess what seats were available. That's right, the front row dead center, where I absolutely hate to sit. Nonetheless, I sat up there, looking like captain brownnoser on the front row, and being forced to pay close attention to our benefits package and w-4 form process.
Today I went to the branch where I will eventually end up after about a month of various training. Everyone seemed pretty nice, and my boss gave me a rundown of how things were going to work. I found out that I am a salary exempt employee, meaning that whether I work 35 or 50 hours, I get paid the same. However, the beauty of the bank is the fact that they try to keep there employees around 40 hours. Basically, I will get off 1 day at 2:30, a couple days after 4, and a couple days after 5, and two or three Fridays a month I will work until 6. We work one Saturday a month, but there is a possibility that if I work a Saturday I will accumulate vacation time for it.
I don't mind these hours at all, especially since I was previously working until 6pm every night, eating lunch at my desk, and working every Saturday until 3.
Today I had to sit with another lady that has the same position I do. Basically I just sat and watched what she did, and didn't have a clue, considering it was my second day. Nonetheless, it made for an easy but slow day of employment. Tomorrow I have to go to computer training for the next week and a half.
Jen left for Knoxville today. She starts her rotation at the hospital tomorrow, and her new boss does not sound friendly. She was told she would have to work some overnighters and some weekends. That kind of stinks considering she won't be getting paid for any of her time there. She's coming back down here this weekend with my mom, so I'm doing the bachelor thing for the next few days.
I got to the orientation about 15 minutes early. I figured I would used the interview rule of thumb of arriving 15 minutes early for the interview or first day. To my surprise when I arrived all the good seats in the back and on the sides were taken. But guess what seats were available. That's right, the front row dead center, where I absolutely hate to sit. Nonetheless, I sat up there, looking like captain brownnoser on the front row, and being forced to pay close attention to our benefits package and w-4 form process.
Today I went to the branch where I will eventually end up after about a month of various training. Everyone seemed pretty nice, and my boss gave me a rundown of how things were going to work. I found out that I am a salary exempt employee, meaning that whether I work 35 or 50 hours, I get paid the same. However, the beauty of the bank is the fact that they try to keep there employees around 40 hours. Basically, I will get off 1 day at 2:30, a couple days after 4, and a couple days after 5, and two or three Fridays a month I will work until 6. We work one Saturday a month, but there is a possibility that if I work a Saturday I will accumulate vacation time for it.
I don't mind these hours at all, especially since I was previously working until 6pm every night, eating lunch at my desk, and working every Saturday until 3.
Today I had to sit with another lady that has the same position I do. Basically I just sat and watched what she did, and didn't have a clue, considering it was my second day. Nonetheless, it made for an easy but slow day of employment. Tomorrow I have to go to computer training for the next week and a half.
Jen left for Knoxville today. She starts her rotation at the hospital tomorrow, and her new boss does not sound friendly. She was told she would have to work some overnighters and some weekends. That kind of stinks considering she won't be getting paid for any of her time there. She's coming back down here this weekend with my mom, so I'm doing the bachelor thing for the next few days.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Every Weekend Should last 3 Days
I decided I would write about mine and Jen's weekend once again on this blog. I realize we never do anything that people would refer to as exciting, but I know that somewhere out there someone is reading this to kill two minutes at work. And I feel it is my duty to encourage mindless internet cruising while at work. So, on with the update.
Friday marked my first and last day of "unemployment." To celebrate Jen and I slept in and laid around the house most of the morning. We then decided to visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, one of the states most popular attractions. Me and Jen are not necessarily "nature" people, but we really enjoyed walking around the gardens. We were amazed there was something so nice that was free in Birmingham. It was definitely peaceful and serene to walk around in the gardens. Later on that night we went to a restaurant called wings, where I had a delightfully tasty order of teryaki chicken wings. We proceeded to rent Juno and see what all the hype was about.
Saturday Jen deemed "shopping day. We got up and hit the sales at Kohls and Macy's. I say Jen deemed it shopping day, but we mostly went so that I could try and find some new dress clothes for work. We ate lunch at the Olive Garden, and then ate dessert later that evening at The Melting Pot. The fondue chocolate was absolutely delicious.
*As a side note I cold barely walk Saturday from doing squats at the gym the previous day. So I basically looked like a 90 year old man hobbling around the mall. I could barely make it up stairs. I would have fought an old lady for her walker.
Today we slept in and scoped out the training site I have to go to tomorrow for training. We went to the pool this afternoon to lounge and read some magazines in the awesome weather. It was in the low 80s for those readers not living in Birmingham. Other than that we pretty much have just been getting read for the coming week. Jen heads back to Knoxville on Tuesday for her three week rotation for pharmacy school.
That is the update for this weekend. I hope it can kill some time for some of you. Also, I have recently changed the setting on this blog to allow comments from non-users. That means anyone reading is welcomed and encouraged to leave a comment every now and then and let me know your reading. I mean, you don't have to comment if the post is lame, but every now and then let me know you are out there.
More updates on our new jobs to come this week.
Friday marked my first and last day of "unemployment." To celebrate Jen and I slept in and laid around the house most of the morning. We then decided to visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, one of the states most popular attractions. Me and Jen are not necessarily "nature" people, but we really enjoyed walking around the gardens. We were amazed there was something so nice that was free in Birmingham. It was definitely peaceful and serene to walk around in the gardens. Later on that night we went to a restaurant called wings, where I had a delightfully tasty order of teryaki chicken wings. We proceeded to rent Juno and see what all the hype was about.
Saturday Jen deemed "shopping day. We got up and hit the sales at Kohls and Macy's. I say Jen deemed it shopping day, but we mostly went so that I could try and find some new dress clothes for work. We ate lunch at the Olive Garden, and then ate dessert later that evening at The Melting Pot. The fondue chocolate was absolutely delicious.
*As a side note I cold barely walk Saturday from doing squats at the gym the previous day. So I basically looked like a 90 year old man hobbling around the mall. I could barely make it up stairs. I would have fought an old lady for her walker.
Today we slept in and scoped out the training site I have to go to tomorrow for training. We went to the pool this afternoon to lounge and read some magazines in the awesome weather. It was in the low 80s for those readers not living in Birmingham. Other than that we pretty much have just been getting read for the coming week. Jen heads back to Knoxville on Tuesday for her three week rotation for pharmacy school.
That is the update for this weekend. I hope it can kill some time for some of you. Also, I have recently changed the setting on this blog to allow comments from non-users. That means anyone reading is welcomed and encouraged to leave a comment every now and then and let me know your reading. I mean, you don't have to comment if the post is lame, but every now and then let me know you are out there.
More updates on our new jobs to come this week.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Dedication to Excellence
Today marks the last day of my first full time job. Almost two years ago I signed on for promotions, opportunity, and the all coveted American dollar. Two years later I’ve found another path to pursue and thus am closing the transportation industry chapter of my life.
The main reason this job appealed to me was the fact that it paid better than all the communications jobs out of college I had been applying for. That and the fact that it’s about impossible to find an entry level PR job in Knoxville. Knoxville is not exactly the hub of mass communications in case anyone was wondering. So, I took the transportation job preparing myself for a future of full of benefits.
I’ve learned some noteworthy skills over the past two years. Don’t get me wrong, this company has helped me and is a big part of why Jen and I were able to get married and move to Alabama together. However, I thought it might be entertaining to list some things that some of you don’t know I do/or can do that I have learned through my job.
1. I can drive a tractor (semi truck) – not fast or on the interstate, but I can shift gears and maneuver one around a parking lot.
2. I can hook up a 26ft truck to an auto trailer – Imagine hooking a boat up to an SUV. It’s basically the same thing except much longer.
3. Be cussed at and not care – Unfortunately the transportation industry is not always known for the nicest clientele. I have been cussed at, threatened, and yelled at for things that had nothing to do with me at all.
4. Explain the difference between tractor brand and engine size – who would have thought the least mechanical person you will ever meet would know about trucks?
So that is some random skills I have that you just never know when they’ll come in handy.
I will take a lot with me from this job, but I don’t plan on stealing any office supplies or boxes. I will miss the people, and the stories from our drivers. I’ll miss our offices form of instant messaging, and the all the funny emails everyone would forward to me because they knew I had time to read them. I will also miss using email like its instant messenger with my friends that don’t work here.
The main reason this job appealed to me was the fact that it paid better than all the communications jobs out of college I had been applying for. That and the fact that it’s about impossible to find an entry level PR job in Knoxville. Knoxville is not exactly the hub of mass communications in case anyone was wondering. So, I took the transportation job preparing myself for a future of full of benefits.
I’ve learned some noteworthy skills over the past two years. Don’t get me wrong, this company has helped me and is a big part of why Jen and I were able to get married and move to Alabama together. However, I thought it might be entertaining to list some things that some of you don’t know I do/or can do that I have learned through my job.
1. I can drive a tractor (semi truck) – not fast or on the interstate, but I can shift gears and maneuver one around a parking lot.
2. I can hook up a 26ft truck to an auto trailer – Imagine hooking a boat up to an SUV. It’s basically the same thing except much longer.
3. Be cussed at and not care – Unfortunately the transportation industry is not always known for the nicest clientele. I have been cussed at, threatened, and yelled at for things that had nothing to do with me at all.
4. Explain the difference between tractor brand and engine size – who would have thought the least mechanical person you will ever meet would know about trucks?
So that is some random skills I have that you just never know when they’ll come in handy.
I will take a lot with me from this job, but I don’t plan on stealing any office supplies or boxes. I will miss the people, and the stories from our drivers. I’ll miss our offices form of instant messaging, and the all the funny emails everyone would forward to me because they knew I had time to read them. I will also miss using email like its instant messenger with my friends that don’t work here.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
What happened to AIM?
Most everyone I knew in high school used to get on AOL instant messenger (AIM) every night back in high school. Sure, some people talked on the phone, but there was something special about talking in text to 15 of your closest friends with those little text boxes all over your computer.
As most people, my “buddy” list grew over time, and any given night you could find a plethora of people on AIM. In high school, there were relationships that started out of instant messaging, friendships ruined because of copy and paste, and in some drastic cases you had the “instant messenger breakup.” Yes, I know a guy that broke up with a girl via instant messenger. Talk about being blindsided. I myself never engaged in the AIM breakup, however I did once go for the email. Not sure that is much better, but moving on….
After high school everyone gets to college where my generation first discovered the joys of broadband wireless. What this ultimately meant was that you could stay signed on to AIM all day and not tie up your parents phone line. And that is where the real popularity with the “away message” started.
The away message was tricky. You had to get it just right. For some it was a chance to show their friends from high school what cool thing they were out doing (i.e Gone to Blue Cats to see Copper, call me on my cell). Despite the fact that no one is going to call you on your cell, everyone could know that you had a life. The other popular tactic was to post a song lyric from your favorite band that no one has heard of yet. You know this way you could show everyone how deep and evolved you were becoming off at college. Your new hairstyle plus some emo acoustic friendly lyrics meant that you were not the same person you were three months ago.
Now, fast forward to three years after college and I sign on to my buddy list. There are 5 people out of 100 that are signed on. After all these years there are about 3 people I talk to on a regular basis on AIM. I still sign on when I check my email, just to see who is there. But for those of us in our mid 20s, AIM is a dying pastime. I personally blame the downfall of AIM on texting.
As most people, my “buddy” list grew over time, and any given night you could find a plethora of people on AIM. In high school, there were relationships that started out of instant messaging, friendships ruined because of copy and paste, and in some drastic cases you had the “instant messenger breakup.” Yes, I know a guy that broke up with a girl via instant messenger. Talk about being blindsided. I myself never engaged in the AIM breakup, however I did once go for the email. Not sure that is much better, but moving on….
After high school everyone gets to college where my generation first discovered the joys of broadband wireless. What this ultimately meant was that you could stay signed on to AIM all day and not tie up your parents phone line. And that is where the real popularity with the “away message” started.
The away message was tricky. You had to get it just right. For some it was a chance to show their friends from high school what cool thing they were out doing (i.e Gone to Blue Cats to see Copper, call me on my cell). Despite the fact that no one is going to call you on your cell, everyone could know that you had a life. The other popular tactic was to post a song lyric from your favorite band that no one has heard of yet. You know this way you could show everyone how deep and evolved you were becoming off at college. Your new hairstyle plus some emo acoustic friendly lyrics meant that you were not the same person you were three months ago.
Now, fast forward to three years after college and I sign on to my buddy list. There are 5 people out of 100 that are signed on. After all these years there are about 3 people I talk to on a regular basis on AIM. I still sign on when I check my email, just to see who is there. But for those of us in our mid 20s, AIM is a dying pastime. I personally blame the downfall of AIM on texting.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
my weekend
So some random thing went on this weekend I felt may be worth mentioning.
Saturday the music store that my office is located in had a Guitar Hero contest. As many middle and high schoolers filled the store I started to become intrigued. So I emerged from my little hole in the instruction rooms only to find Jeff Carlisi from the band .38 special leading a clinic at the front of the store. I'm not a huge .38 special fan, but they had some good hits back in the day. One of my favorites is "Hold On Loosely" among several others.
Anyways this guy was up front talking about the neighborhood he grew up in. He said all the kids in his neighborhood grew up to be in either Lynard Skynard or .38 special. That must have been a rocking neighborhood back in the day. Anyways it was really cool to stand and watch this guy do some amazing stuff with an electric guitar.
Today we visited a new church. We only sang two worship songs and I had never heard either. The praise band had horns and a choir, and it was just a strange combination. The pastor seemed intelligent enough but he used to be a professor, and church felt a lot like a college lecture. Needless to say, it was not for us.
I plan on spending the rest of the day watching the masters and our birds on the feeder. Jen has finals next week, so she has her nose in the books today. Me and the cat will just have to hang out and watch some golf and birds.
Saturday the music store that my office is located in had a Guitar Hero contest. As many middle and high schoolers filled the store I started to become intrigued. So I emerged from my little hole in the instruction rooms only to find Jeff Carlisi from the band .38 special leading a clinic at the front of the store. I'm not a huge .38 special fan, but they had some good hits back in the day. One of my favorites is "Hold On Loosely" among several others.
Anyways this guy was up front talking about the neighborhood he grew up in. He said all the kids in his neighborhood grew up to be in either Lynard Skynard or .38 special. That must have been a rocking neighborhood back in the day. Anyways it was really cool to stand and watch this guy do some amazing stuff with an electric guitar.
Today we visited a new church. We only sang two worship songs and I had never heard either. The praise band had horns and a choir, and it was just a strange combination. The pastor seemed intelligent enough but he used to be a professor, and church felt a lot like a college lecture. Needless to say, it was not for us.
I plan on spending the rest of the day watching the masters and our birds on the feeder. Jen has finals next week, so she has her nose in the books today. Me and the cat will just have to hang out and watch some golf and birds.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Train = Pain
For the past three months Jen has been seeing a personal trainer. This is a free service from our apartment complex. I opted not to begin training when she did, because I wanted to concentrate on training for the half marathon. Now that the half marathon has come and gone, I thougt it was time I started taking advantage of this service.
The first time Jen went to the trainer she could barely walk up the stairs. I, of course, found this absolutely hillarious. Not in a mean kind of way, more in the way where I know what that is like from playing sports most of my life. So nonetheless, she got her turn to laugh at me.
Monday was my first day in training. It was 45 mintues of pretty intense weight lifing. Something I had not done in quit some time. So, we get back the apartment and my arms are so soar I can barely get my shirt off. Raising my arms is literally a painstaking tasks.
Then I go back on Wednesday, and the trainer was like, you were fine after Monday right, since we just took it light. Took it light, my foot, I could barely dress myself after all that. Me being a man responded with, "oh yeah, I'm fine, just a little tight." That was stupid, because then for the next 45 minutes we increased the difficulty of exercises.
Yet for some reason I've signed back up for another pain session today. I don't know if I'm dumb or just stupid. Actually I think its the fact that I feel like I'm actually benefiting from this process. All the while, Jen is conditioned to the point where she is not longer soar after these sessions. If I could get 1/4 as in shape as the trainer I would be doing well. I just keep telling myself that one day my biceps won't fit under my polo shirts. (I don't believe this to be true at all).
Hopefully we both will be back in prime shape for the summer.
The first time Jen went to the trainer she could barely walk up the stairs. I, of course, found this absolutely hillarious. Not in a mean kind of way, more in the way where I know what that is like from playing sports most of my life. So nonetheless, she got her turn to laugh at me.
Monday was my first day in training. It was 45 mintues of pretty intense weight lifing. Something I had not done in quit some time. So, we get back the apartment and my arms are so soar I can barely get my shirt off. Raising my arms is literally a painstaking tasks.
Then I go back on Wednesday, and the trainer was like, you were fine after Monday right, since we just took it light. Took it light, my foot, I could barely dress myself after all that. Me being a man responded with, "oh yeah, I'm fine, just a little tight." That was stupid, because then for the next 45 minutes we increased the difficulty of exercises.
Yet for some reason I've signed back up for another pain session today. I don't know if I'm dumb or just stupid. Actually I think its the fact that I feel like I'm actually benefiting from this process. All the while, Jen is conditioned to the point where she is not longer soar after these sessions. If I could get 1/4 as in shape as the trainer I would be doing well. I just keep telling myself that one day my biceps won't fit under my polo shirts. (I don't believe this to be true at all).
Hopefully we both will be back in prime shape for the summer.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Before I'm 30
When I was 18 years old and starting college I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish before I was 30. Somewhere over time I lost that list but I still remember a lot of the things on it. I’m going to re-visit that idea and make an updated list of some goals, and most of them are not the same ones I had fresh out of high school.
1. To own a house – I’m not necessarily talking about my dream home, but to have a place with a garage, a deck, and some trees would be nice.
2. To visit Europe – This was also on my previous list. Hopefully when Jen graduates we will have the time and money to make this trip. If not I suppose Epcot at Disneyworld may be as close as we come for a few more years.
3. To play guitar well – I have a guitar, and I can play some chords. I can play a couple almost sounds similar to the original versions, but I’d like to actually be proficient at it.
4. To own a real Rolex watch – For some reason this has always been something I have wanted. I like watches, and having the Rolex is just a way of knowing you’ve made it.
5. To run under 20 minutes for a 5k – This goal was a little easier when I was 19 and in shape. However, hopefully I can get back in shape and start running better.
6. Get a masters degree - Part of me wants to get a masters in communication for the simple fact I think it would be interesting. Realistically the MBA may be more beneficial, but then we go back to the whole problem of me and not liking math.
Those are just a few things, and I plan on revisiting this topic from time to time.
For those that were curious here are some things I remember from my original list.
Learn to sail a boat
- Live at the beach
- See Jimmy Buffett Live (accomplished)
- Attend a professional sporting event (accomplished) - braves game and US Open tennis
- Run a half marathon (accomplished 4 times)
- learn to play guitar (I can play some chords)
- bungee jump (did a slingshot bungee jump at the beach)
- visit Europe
1. To own a house – I’m not necessarily talking about my dream home, but to have a place with a garage, a deck, and some trees would be nice.
2. To visit Europe – This was also on my previous list. Hopefully when Jen graduates we will have the time and money to make this trip. If not I suppose Epcot at Disneyworld may be as close as we come for a few more years.
3. To play guitar well – I have a guitar, and I can play some chords. I can play a couple almost sounds similar to the original versions, but I’d like to actually be proficient at it.
4. To own a real Rolex watch – For some reason this has always been something I have wanted. I like watches, and having the Rolex is just a way of knowing you’ve made it.
5. To run under 20 minutes for a 5k – This goal was a little easier when I was 19 and in shape. However, hopefully I can get back in shape and start running better.
6. Get a masters degree - Part of me wants to get a masters in communication for the simple fact I think it would be interesting. Realistically the MBA may be more beneficial, but then we go back to the whole problem of me and not liking math.
Those are just a few things, and I plan on revisiting this topic from time to time.
For those that were curious here are some things I remember from my original list.
Learn to sail a boat
- Live at the beach
- See Jimmy Buffett Live (accomplished)
- Attend a professional sporting event (accomplished) - braves game and US Open tennis
- Run a half marathon (accomplished 4 times)
- learn to play guitar (I can play some chords)
- bungee jump (did a slingshot bungee jump at the beach)
- visit Europe
Saturday, April 5, 2008
One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain
So I'm writing this blog trying to occupy my last 30 minutes of work. I'm basically stealing the idea for the blog from my friend Zac. Zac wrote about what defines a favorite band, and proceeded to list his top bands. I really liked his definition and idea, so I'm making a list of my top bands of all time. For a definition of a favorite band please visit http://zacjx.blogspot.com
So here is my list of favorite artists/bands of all time in no particular order.
1. Jimmy Buffett - yeah, he's an old guy, but the man is a legend. He has also evolved his songs and sound over time. You can't go to any restaraunt or night spot in Florida and not come accross at least one of his songs being covered.
2. Dave matthes Band - These guys are timeless. I prefer there older stuff as many do, but they continue to make great music. Sure their last studio album was a little "off the mark" but I'm sure the next will be right on.
3. Everclear - Most people don't know that I used to be really in to alternative rock back in high school. I couldn't get enough of these guys. I even converted my dad in to a fan.
4. Keith Urban - I realize that listing a country act may discredit my last for many of you. However, go see this guy live, he is a freaking rock star.
5. Kenny Chesney - I think deep down Kenny really wants to be Jimmy Buffett, but he always has some songs I can relate too. I guess it's that East TN upbringing of his.
7. O.A.R.- I really got in to these guys in college. Yeah its jam band "frat rock" but with catchy melodies you can't help but like them.
8. Griffin House - One of my favorite singer/songwrites.
9. Matt Nathanson- This guy is as funny as he is talented.
10. Nickel Creek - Although they have broken up in my mind they can do no wrong. Some of my best memories are listening to these guys on the way to go backpacking in East TN.
So that is my list. Most people probably would not put those 10 people together, but that's why it is my list and not theirs.
So here is my list of favorite artists/bands of all time in no particular order.
1. Jimmy Buffett - yeah, he's an old guy, but the man is a legend. He has also evolved his songs and sound over time. You can't go to any restaraunt or night spot in Florida and not come accross at least one of his songs being covered.
2. Dave matthes Band - These guys are timeless. I prefer there older stuff as many do, but they continue to make great music. Sure their last studio album was a little "off the mark" but I'm sure the next will be right on.
3. Everclear - Most people don't know that I used to be really in to alternative rock back in high school. I couldn't get enough of these guys. I even converted my dad in to a fan.
4. Keith Urban - I realize that listing a country act may discredit my last for many of you. However, go see this guy live, he is a freaking rock star.
5. Kenny Chesney - I think deep down Kenny really wants to be Jimmy Buffett, but he always has some songs I can relate too. I guess it's that East TN upbringing of his.
7. O.A.R.- I really got in to these guys in college. Yeah its jam band "frat rock" but with catchy melodies you can't help but like them.
8. Griffin House - One of my favorite singer/songwrites.
9. Matt Nathanson- This guy is as funny as he is talented.
10. Nickel Creek - Although they have broken up in my mind they can do no wrong. Some of my best memories are listening to these guys on the way to go backpacking in East TN.
So that is my list. Most people probably would not put those 10 people together, but that's why it is my list and not theirs.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
"only 30 minutes"
So a lot of stuff has been going on this week. I passed my background check and drug test, so I've officially been offered a new job at a bank. I'm pretty pumped for various reasons, but ultimately it gives me more time at home with Jen.
I attempted to set up a meeting with my boss to resign in person tomorrow. He called me so I ended up doing everything by phone. Someone is supposed to come by my office and pick up my letter tomorrow and go over the exit policy. I'm trying to go out on a positive note. My boss was on some major pain killers today so he took the news pretty well.
Right now my last day is projected at April 17, and I will start the new job April 21. This gives me a strategically placed three day weekend in between jobs. Me and Jen are already planning to make that a fun weekend. The 22nd of April Jen will drive back to Knoxville for her three week rotation.
I haven't posted anything about changing jobs on here, but its been in the works for about the past month and a half. Last week I found out that pending the background check and drug test, I'm officially hired. So, I'm not worried about either of these, but Monday my current boss has a meeting. He calls everyone and says "it will only last 30 minutes." Well, my boss couldn't make it, and he sent two other people to lead a workshop on reading and accessing reports. The meeting took 3 hours. Let me tell you it was excruciating sitting through that, knowing that in a couple days I would be resigning.
In other random news, I think my cat may be bi-polar. One minute she will be sitting with me and Jen very peaceful, and the next she's biting and having a panic attack. I don't know much about cats, but this does not seem normal. She's getting better, but I really think she has so emotional problems.
I attempted to set up a meeting with my boss to resign in person tomorrow. He called me so I ended up doing everything by phone. Someone is supposed to come by my office and pick up my letter tomorrow and go over the exit policy. I'm trying to go out on a positive note. My boss was on some major pain killers today so he took the news pretty well.
Right now my last day is projected at April 17, and I will start the new job April 21. This gives me a strategically placed three day weekend in between jobs. Me and Jen are already planning to make that a fun weekend. The 22nd of April Jen will drive back to Knoxville for her three week rotation.
I haven't posted anything about changing jobs on here, but its been in the works for about the past month and a half. Last week I found out that pending the background check and drug test, I'm officially hired. So, I'm not worried about either of these, but Monday my current boss has a meeting. He calls everyone and says "it will only last 30 minutes." Well, my boss couldn't make it, and he sent two other people to lead a workshop on reading and accessing reports. The meeting took 3 hours. Let me tell you it was excruciating sitting through that, knowing that in a couple days I would be resigning.
In other random news, I think my cat may be bi-polar. One minute she will be sitting with me and Jen very peaceful, and the next she's biting and having a panic attack. I don't know much about cats, but this does not seem normal. She's getting better, but I really think she has so emotional problems.
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