I grew up listening to country music. Don’t get me wrong, I would consider myself to be very well-versed in all genres of music, (no pun intended), but hearing the sound of a steel guitar and fiddles just takes me back to those early formative years of childhood.
When I was about seven years old, there was a song called, “State of Mind” by Clint Black on the radio. I remember sitting in the front seat and scanning the country stations on the way from school and hearing this tune. I was never super impressed with it. It was just simple melody and lyrics. But, for those of you who don’t remember it, the chorus goes a little something like this-
♪♪ Ain’t it funny how a melody can bring back a memory? Take you to another place in time, completely change your state of mind ♪♪
Yesterday, I started thinking about how true those words are. If I were to hear Vince Gill’s “Pocket Full of Gold” it would remind me of my earliest interaction with CMT music videos. My older sister, Bridget, loved Vince Gill, and would sing to the top of her lungs whenever this song was played. Luckily, she’s a great singer, so the only nuisance was her volume. Dwight Yoakam’s “Pocket of a Clown,” would take me back to the summer before I entered the second grade. That whole summer my parents remodeled my dad’s first church, and every day for lunch we’d go to this little café that served Dr. Pepper in 10 ounce glass bottles,(Ahhh…wouldn’t it be nice to have one of those right now?) A few years later, I remember hearing Shania Twain’s “If You’re Not in it For Love (I’m Outta Here)” for the first time on a trip to the bank with Bridget. And, folks, that very CD just happens to be the first I ever bought. (Before that I was the cool kid with the cassette walkman!)
The list could go on and on. So, Mr. Black, yes, it really is funny how a melody can bring back a memory.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Work
Wow, I haven’t posted since last year! I guess it’s time for me to update everyone as to what is going on in the world of Jessica. Good news—yesterday, in our employee meeting, we were informed that all full-time employees would receive a $350 bonus on our next paycheck. YAY times WHOA! The harsh reality is that now that I’m “on my own” and have financial obligations, this $350 can’t be spent on clothes, shoes, makeup, or expensive perfume….and oh how I love expensive perfume! Nope, kids, this will be used to pay bills. Don’t get me wrong, I am so very thankful and appreciative of an undeserved bonus, but this “real world” thing sucks! Okay. *End Rant*
Now, on to other things. Something interesting happened this week. Tuesday, I met a prospective client for coffee. You may be wondering why we didn’t just meet in his office, but he is a retired attorney working out of his home. Coffee seemed an appropriate meeting spot. This man was referred to me by my boss. Evidently, he is involved in a community organization with our president and was asking about advertising. Sounds great, right? I didn’t even have to make a cold-call for this appointment. Since he, the attorney, is perceived as a nice Christian man and very involved in church affairs, my boss decided to hand me this prospect since I’m a p.k. (for those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, it’s an abbreviation for preacher’s kid).
I was already forewarned that this man was quite the talker, but that was no problem for me. Generally, I stare at a computer screen on most days, so chatter is a welcome attendee for any meeting. Turns out the warning was true. We were at the coffee shop for about two hours. We talked about business of course, but this man was full of stories from the 50 years he’d practiced law. It was entertaining to hear about the case that went on for six years, being an intern in Washington while Kennedy was President, and countless others. We talked about church and politically correctness being a huge crock (sorry if you don’t agree), and dogs. In my mind this was a refreshing retreat from the office (or shall I say my cube!), but this meeting would take an unusual turn.
We had already scheduled a lunch appointment for next week, where I would present the research from our marketing software, when he asked for my business card. Upon first glance at the card, he asked if I had a personal email address. I thought nothing of it, and wrote it on the back of the card. MISTAKE! A few short hours later, I received an email from him to that address telling me how very delightful and interesting I am, and that I could send him a message anytime I pleased. He also said that he would enjoy corresponding with me on any subject, and he proceeded to ask if I liked movies and if I’d seen any good ones lately. I was a little weirded out by that email, but I brushed it off thinking that he’s just an old man with no children and wants a surrogate grand-daughter. I could deal with that. I replied to the email very innocently, telling him I hadn’t seen anything good lately, but I’d heard good things about Blindside. MISTAKE! The next email he sent was asking if I could get away from the office during the afternoon. He wants to take me to a matinee so that we can get to know each other better. REALLY???? Have I mentioned that not only is this man older than Methuselah, but HE’S MARRIED!
I replied to the email and told him that I couldn’t get away from the office during the day, and said I wished I had more free time. He then replied that if anything changed to let him know because the offer was still on the table. EEWWWWWW!
Needless to say, our Market Research Director will be accompanying me to lunch with him next week.
Thoughts anyone? Am I making too much of this? It just seems very inappropriate to me for him to not include his wife. If I were her I wouldn’t want him taking a young woman out to the movies because he “wants to get to know her better.” I mean, dude, she’s just sitting at home with the dog too. Take her to see a movie!
Now, on to other things. Something interesting happened this week. Tuesday, I met a prospective client for coffee. You may be wondering why we didn’t just meet in his office, but he is a retired attorney working out of his home. Coffee seemed an appropriate meeting spot. This man was referred to me by my boss. Evidently, he is involved in a community organization with our president and was asking about advertising. Sounds great, right? I didn’t even have to make a cold-call for this appointment. Since he, the attorney, is perceived as a nice Christian man and very involved in church affairs, my boss decided to hand me this prospect since I’m a p.k. (for those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, it’s an abbreviation for preacher’s kid).
I was already forewarned that this man was quite the talker, but that was no problem for me. Generally, I stare at a computer screen on most days, so chatter is a welcome attendee for any meeting. Turns out the warning was true. We were at the coffee shop for about two hours. We talked about business of course, but this man was full of stories from the 50 years he’d practiced law. It was entertaining to hear about the case that went on for six years, being an intern in Washington while Kennedy was President, and countless others. We talked about church and politically correctness being a huge crock (sorry if you don’t agree), and dogs. In my mind this was a refreshing retreat from the office (or shall I say my cube!), but this meeting would take an unusual turn.
We had already scheduled a lunch appointment for next week, where I would present the research from our marketing software, when he asked for my business card. Upon first glance at the card, he asked if I had a personal email address. I thought nothing of it, and wrote it on the back of the card. MISTAKE! A few short hours later, I received an email from him to that address telling me how very delightful and interesting I am, and that I could send him a message anytime I pleased. He also said that he would enjoy corresponding with me on any subject, and he proceeded to ask if I liked movies and if I’d seen any good ones lately. I was a little weirded out by that email, but I brushed it off thinking that he’s just an old man with no children and wants a surrogate grand-daughter. I could deal with that. I replied to the email very innocently, telling him I hadn’t seen anything good lately, but I’d heard good things about Blindside. MISTAKE! The next email he sent was asking if I could get away from the office during the afternoon. He wants to take me to a matinee so that we can get to know each other better. REALLY???? Have I mentioned that not only is this man older than Methuselah, but HE’S MARRIED!
I replied to the email and told him that I couldn’t get away from the office during the day, and said I wished I had more free time. He then replied that if anything changed to let him know because the offer was still on the table. EEWWWWWW!
Needless to say, our Market Research Director will be accompanying me to lunch with him next week.
Thoughts anyone? Am I making too much of this? It just seems very inappropriate to me for him to not include his wife. If I were her I wouldn’t want him taking a young woman out to the movies because he “wants to get to know her better.” I mean, dude, she’s just sitting at home with the dog too. Take her to see a movie!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Numero Dos
I now have a follower! Here’s to you, Karissa, or shall I refer to you as “Reesie Cup?” since that’s your nickname, hah! For those of you who aren’t laughing, it’s obviously an inside joke.
Well, I’m sure you’re very curious as to what’s been going on since my last post. Lots is what. Christmas was great, and can I get a witness that God is always right on time? I am so thankful to writers who share their stories and insights to encourage and uplift us in this walk, to friends and family members who listen and obey when God prompts them, and most of all to Him, our heavenly father, who knows what we need, when we need it, and how to get it to us. Praise His holy name!
I’d like to leave you with a scripture, as I’m off to get my last Bubblecake treat before the new year!
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!”
-- Ephesians 3:20-21
Well, I’m sure you’re very curious as to what’s been going on since my last post. Lots is what. Christmas was great, and can I get a witness that God is always right on time? I am so thankful to writers who share their stories and insights to encourage and uplift us in this walk, to friends and family members who listen and obey when God prompts them, and most of all to Him, our heavenly father, who knows what we need, when we need it, and how to get it to us. Praise His holy name!
I’d like to leave you with a scripture, as I’m off to get my last Bubblecake treat before the new year!
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!”
-- Ephesians 3:20-21
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
My Very First Blog Post
Welcome to the first edition of my blog! It seems like everyone has one of these things, and I've become a fan of reading them. So here goes....a blog of my very own. I won't claim to be some great writer or even an inspiring one, but at least this will be a way to vent my thoughts, feelings, and just share a good laugh. So, with all of that said here's a recount of my snow-filled weekend.
First off, I actually had plans this weekend before this monster of a storm came through, and for me, that is not a regular occurrence. Yes, I'm sure you're wondering why such a budding socialite as myself would ever have a vacant calendar, but it's true. There are actually weekends that I have no social engagements, but this weekend I did. Friday night was the much anticipated Choir Open House at Kevin and Julie's. Can I just say, I was actually pretty excited about this because I'm relatively new to the choir, and this would be a chance for me to get to know people. Saturday, my friend Ellie had planned to come and stay with me and we were going to finish, or maybe begin, our Christmas shopping, as well as visit a few of the wonderful restaurants here in Roanoke. But, it seems as if Frosty had other plans for us. Thanks, dude, I REALLY APPRECIATE IT! (*sarcastic voice inflection*).
I really doubted all of this snow coming until I got a call from my niece, Hailey. She informed me that it was snowing in Martinsville and already covering the ground. There was still no snow to be found in Roanoke, so I thought maybe the weather guys had missed it (btw, even though I work for a TV station, I'm still skeptical about accuracy of snow predictions). About an hour later my dad calls to inform me that there's quite an accumulation in Martinsville, and that if I didn't want to be snowed-in all alone I had better leave and make my way there. I decided that was the best option because ever how cute my precious Tokyo is, I just feel weird trying to have conversations with him, and I can imagine that being snowed-in would create those awkward moments.
I left work around 2, and by the time I reached Rocky Mount the roads were pretty treacherous. There were big trucks sliding all over the place, but luckily the Chrysler made it to Martinsville safely. Once I got there, I fell asleep on the couch and pretty much stayed there the rest of the evening.
Saturday, I woke up to a blanket of white at my old house. It was absolutely gorgeous. The trees were covered with snow, and the view from the window looked like a Christmas card. I can't remember a time that there's been snow this close to Christmas, so it was a nice way to set the mood. Unfortunately, cabin fever would set in later that day.
That evening after watching several Christmas movies, DVR'd music specials, and eating everything in sight, I was bored. My dad had been out shoveling the porches, and my mom was relaxing on the couch. When Daddy came back in, I decided to we should play a joke on my sister to pass the time. If you don't already know, my dad is amazing at disguising his voice as an old lady. Yes, a weird talent to have, but funny. Since my sister, Bridget, works at a grocery store with plenty of elderly females that want/need special attention, we decided to prank call her. We made up a name and a list of ridiculous requests that this woman wanted from the store. The kick was that we wanted this list to be bagged and brought out to her husband, where he would then exchange the items for a check. We had her completely fooled, even though I'm not quite sure how she didn't hear my chuckling in the background. Bridget was very adamant about letting this customer know that those services were not offered, and the demands most especially could not be met with only two employees working on a snowy day. Geez....what some people will do for laughs huh?
Finally Sunday came, and the sight of pavement beyond the driveway was a thrill! That afternoon I ventured out of the snow to my sister's house, and then later to Greensboro for dinner at Cracker Barrel with my parents. I decided that I'd stay home again that night before heading back up to Roanoke for work on Monday. While in Greensboro, we did some shopping, and I picked out one of my Christmas gifts. Are you ready? It's a workout dvd! Haha! Some of you may remember that I purchased P90X over the summer, and had no outcome. It seems as if you don't watch and engage with these programs they don't yield results. Imagine that? Anyways, I guess you'll have to wait for later installments of the blog to see how the workout goes. Okay, back to Sunday. So, we get home, eat some more junk, and go to bed, (did I mention that this was the weekend for the Christmas candy bags at my dad's church? Well, you guessed it, we feasted on those since church was cancelled. Way to go empty calories.)
So, here we are to Monday morning. I left the house around 6 to get back to the apartment, drop Tokyo off, and get ready for work. My friend Marissa had texted me the night before to say that our sales meeting would be postponed until 9:30 to allow us extra time to get there safely.
I got to the apartment around 7:45 and much to my surprise the entrance and parking lots at the apartment were covered in ice and snow. Talk about mad, this chick was ANGRY! There were no cleared parking spots, but luckily an SUV was leaving for work, so I took that spot. I got a shower, dressed, and headed out the door around 8:30. Here I am, a usual routine of backing the car out, and I'm stuck. I decided to try and back out the same direction in which I parked, still with no luck. Only at this time I'm stuck worse. I was between a mountain of snow and a huge ice hump. There was no one around to help, so bright little Jessica decides to use the windshield scraper as a means to take down this mountain of snow. As I'm sure you can tell, this was a sight to see. Fortunately, no one was around, and I gave up on the snow mountain after a few minutes of just throwing the white stuff around and getting my feet wet. I finally decided to call my boss and tell him that I'd be later than expected because of my little dilemma. I was so frustrated at this point I just wanted to leave my car in the middle of the parking lot and crawl back into bed. But, I decided to keep trying. I kept driving backward and forward trying to get some leverage, and spinning the whole way, until I finally started moving over the ice hump. YAY! I had officially gotten un-stuck all by myself. I started backing out of my buildling's lot, when I cAme head-to-head with another car from the complex. He wasn't going anywhere, and I certainly couldn't back out the entire way to the road. I tried to make room for him to pass since he was obviously not going to make room for me. Guess what happens as a result? Yep, I back straight into another mountain of snow, and am once again spinning tires. Could the day get any better? After a couple of minutes of the same routine, backward and forward, then backward and forward, I became unglued from the mountain, and started to get some traction. Eventually, I became un-stuck for the second time that morning and headed to work. I finally made it just in time for the sales meeting.
So, my feelings on snow have now changed. Ever how lovely and enchanting this white precipitation may be, it is darn inconvenient as a single female with no shoveling skills! Boo on snow! Go back from where you came.
First off, I actually had plans this weekend before this monster of a storm came through, and for me, that is not a regular occurrence. Yes, I'm sure you're wondering why such a budding socialite as myself would ever have a vacant calendar, but it's true. There are actually weekends that I have no social engagements, but this weekend I did. Friday night was the much anticipated Choir Open House at Kevin and Julie's. Can I just say, I was actually pretty excited about this because I'm relatively new to the choir, and this would be a chance for me to get to know people. Saturday, my friend Ellie had planned to come and stay with me and we were going to finish, or maybe begin, our Christmas shopping, as well as visit a few of the wonderful restaurants here in Roanoke. But, it seems as if Frosty had other plans for us. Thanks, dude, I REALLY APPRECIATE IT! (*sarcastic voice inflection*).
I really doubted all of this snow coming until I got a call from my niece, Hailey. She informed me that it was snowing in Martinsville and already covering the ground. There was still no snow to be found in Roanoke, so I thought maybe the weather guys had missed it (btw, even though I work for a TV station, I'm still skeptical about accuracy of snow predictions). About an hour later my dad calls to inform me that there's quite an accumulation in Martinsville, and that if I didn't want to be snowed-in all alone I had better leave and make my way there. I decided that was the best option because ever how cute my precious Tokyo is, I just feel weird trying to have conversations with him, and I can imagine that being snowed-in would create those awkward moments.
I left work around 2, and by the time I reached Rocky Mount the roads were pretty treacherous. There were big trucks sliding all over the place, but luckily the Chrysler made it to Martinsville safely. Once I got there, I fell asleep on the couch and pretty much stayed there the rest of the evening.
Saturday, I woke up to a blanket of white at my old house. It was absolutely gorgeous. The trees were covered with snow, and the view from the window looked like a Christmas card. I can't remember a time that there's been snow this close to Christmas, so it was a nice way to set the mood. Unfortunately, cabin fever would set in later that day.
That evening after watching several Christmas movies, DVR'd music specials, and eating everything in sight, I was bored. My dad had been out shoveling the porches, and my mom was relaxing on the couch. When Daddy came back in, I decided to we should play a joke on my sister to pass the time. If you don't already know, my dad is amazing at disguising his voice as an old lady. Yes, a weird talent to have, but funny. Since my sister, Bridget, works at a grocery store with plenty of elderly females that want/need special attention, we decided to prank call her. We made up a name and a list of ridiculous requests that this woman wanted from the store. The kick was that we wanted this list to be bagged and brought out to her husband, where he would then exchange the items for a check. We had her completely fooled, even though I'm not quite sure how she didn't hear my chuckling in the background. Bridget was very adamant about letting this customer know that those services were not offered, and the demands most especially could not be met with only two employees working on a snowy day. Geez....what some people will do for laughs huh?
Finally Sunday came, and the sight of pavement beyond the driveway was a thrill! That afternoon I ventured out of the snow to my sister's house, and then later to Greensboro for dinner at Cracker Barrel with my parents. I decided that I'd stay home again that night before heading back up to Roanoke for work on Monday. While in Greensboro, we did some shopping, and I picked out one of my Christmas gifts. Are you ready? It's a workout dvd! Haha! Some of you may remember that I purchased P90X over the summer, and had no outcome. It seems as if you don't watch and engage with these programs they don't yield results. Imagine that? Anyways, I guess you'll have to wait for later installments of the blog to see how the workout goes. Okay, back to Sunday. So, we get home, eat some more junk, and go to bed, (did I mention that this was the weekend for the Christmas candy bags at my dad's church? Well, you guessed it, we feasted on those since church was cancelled. Way to go empty calories.)
So, here we are to Monday morning. I left the house around 6 to get back to the apartment, drop Tokyo off, and get ready for work. My friend Marissa had texted me the night before to say that our sales meeting would be postponed until 9:30 to allow us extra time to get there safely.
I got to the apartment around 7:45 and much to my surprise the entrance and parking lots at the apartment were covered in ice and snow. Talk about mad, this chick was ANGRY! There were no cleared parking spots, but luckily an SUV was leaving for work, so I took that spot. I got a shower, dressed, and headed out the door around 8:30. Here I am, a usual routine of backing the car out, and I'm stuck. I decided to try and back out the same direction in which I parked, still with no luck. Only at this time I'm stuck worse. I was between a mountain of snow and a huge ice hump. There was no one around to help, so bright little Jessica decides to use the windshield scraper as a means to take down this mountain of snow. As I'm sure you can tell, this was a sight to see. Fortunately, no one was around, and I gave up on the snow mountain after a few minutes of just throwing the white stuff around and getting my feet wet. I finally decided to call my boss and tell him that I'd be later than expected because of my little dilemma. I was so frustrated at this point I just wanted to leave my car in the middle of the parking lot and crawl back into bed. But, I decided to keep trying. I kept driving backward and forward trying to get some leverage, and spinning the whole way, until I finally started moving over the ice hump. YAY! I had officially gotten un-stuck all by myself. I started backing out of my buildling's lot, when I cAme head-to-head with another car from the complex. He wasn't going anywhere, and I certainly couldn't back out the entire way to the road. I tried to make room for him to pass since he was obviously not going to make room for me. Guess what happens as a result? Yep, I back straight into another mountain of snow, and am once again spinning tires. Could the day get any better? After a couple of minutes of the same routine, backward and forward, then backward and forward, I became unglued from the mountain, and started to get some traction. Eventually, I became un-stuck for the second time that morning and headed to work. I finally made it just in time for the sales meeting.
So, my feelings on snow have now changed. Ever how lovely and enchanting this white precipitation may be, it is darn inconvenient as a single female with no shoveling skills! Boo on snow! Go back from where you came.
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