Contract Job

This morning I had a phone interview with a manager that was looking to hire a contract worker. The interview was almost an hour long and I felt really good about it when I got off the phone. This is the first position I have been excited about since September.

I got to studying to try to finish my homework (I only had one class this week so I have focused on finishing my last course's work and doing the class work for the new class...another words, I was behind a bit and I was a little lazy this week). I studied until about 2, waiting for Andrea so we can go for a bike ride.

Andrea's old roommate has two beach cruisers that we borrowed. Okay, I hadn't ridden a bike in 10 years. The last time I rode one was when I borrowed a mountain bike for the sprint triathlon that Jamie and I did while I lived in MA. I'm pretty sure I was 25...just barely.

I was very shaky starting off. I made sure to test it out in the alley behind the apartment to make sure I was safe to ride in public! It is just like riding a bike-ha-but it wasn't like I am going to join Lance Armstrong anytime soon!

We started in Hermosa and rode the bikes all the way past Dockweiler Beach in El Segundo (about 8 miles one way) and back. We came back, dropped off the bikes and I was able to meet Andrea's old roommate, Nicole, and her brother, Steve. We had a pleasant little chat and I relayed my inability to ride a bike with a steady flair...I did almost end up in an ice plant--but alas, disaster was averted!

Andrea and I stopped in at Jamba Juice for a refreshing drink before heading home. I had received a message from Lindy, my recruiter, so I called her back and I found out that I got the contract job! I start March 29th and the contract job will last until December, so that is 9 months of working! Yay!

Although it will be more difficult to study, I will just adjust my schedule and study at night or on the weekends...it is manageable. Besides, working also gives opportunity to receive my certification (while making an income) and by December, I will have my CPA and be more marketable for a permanent job. I will also not lose any of my accounting/system/spreadsheet skills while I am studying. :)

After I heard the news, I went and celebrated with my friend, Alice. We went to Fusion Sushi, then to Skinny Minny Frozen Yogurt, and then we rented a movie from Red Box (my first time doing that). I'm very blessed to have such good friends in my life.

Miscellaneous Wash. Pics

This was a typical scene while I was visiting. Sebastian had to eat several bites of applesauce just before taking his "yucky" medicine. He still got 2 spoonfuls of chocolate sauce after taking the medicine, but he still dreaded it.

While I was there, I let Rebecca text her grandma and grandpa. I also inadvertently introduced my sister's kids to computer games. Whoops! Don't even know how it happened since I don't usually play them myself!
There are cherry blossom trees planted all over Erika and Brian's neighborhood. They were in full bloom:
I brought a bag of my leftover change with me to give the kids. Lauren and Rebecca had the job of splitting the moula between the four of them. They had fun doing it and each of them ended up with $2.79.
I just love this picture of Kaylen and Peppi. Isn't it adorable?

One of the nights, the girls decided to dress up and put on a show. Here was Kaylen's first outfit:

Lauren and Rebecca performed several songs:

The best part of my trip was all the love I felt from my family. :)

Bubbles

While I was in Washington, Erika and I went out with the kids to blow bubbles. Both Rebecca and Sebastian had gotten bubbles as prizes so we tried them out. Oh how I wish I had the same excitement about bubbles!

Here's Sebastian giving a go at it!

Monkey's Operations

This morning Rebecca got under the covers with me to keep warm. While we were getting warm, Rebecca had Monkey and she pointed out all the operations Monkey has had due to their dog, Peppi.

Monkey has had the following operations (in order of severity):
Crotchotomy
Armpitotomy
Earotomy
Legotomy

Rebecca said that Monkey is falling apart. :)

Childhood Home on Wikipedia

I just found out that my childhood home (that my dad still lives in) is pictured on Wikipedia! Here is the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BP2.jpg


If you can't see it, here is the picture:

Peppi McPepperton

Erika and Brian have a Min Pin (miniature pincher) named Peppi. Erika jokingly calls her "Peppi McPepperton." Peppi is a cute, cuddly dog that seems to have realized I am not opposed to having her on my lap. In fact, this afternoon she slept on top of me while I napped! Her only real vice is that she will eat almost anything--this morning Erika put on her jeans and found out they were made crotchless by Peppi. No jean material has been found. Goodness, Peppi, goodness.

First Night for my visit

I arrived in Washington state to visit some of my family on Thursday, Feb. 25th. My brother, Kent, and his wife, Lori, picked me up to drive me to Erika's house.

I am staying with Erika to help out while she goes to doctor's appointments, etc. I also like the fact that my nieces and nephew love me! A great example is what happened the first night. Sebastian was having throat surgery the next morning so the family is camping out in the downstairs family room. I didn't want to be left out, so I slept between Lauren and Rebecca on the floor.


Rebecca wanted me to have Monkey her favorite "lovey" toy. I was so touched. Not only that, at 3am she woke up noticing that Monkey wasn't in my arms so she put him in my arms to cuddle with. Isn't that sweet?

Here is Rebecca with Monkey: