No, not THAT kind of wedding dress! A dress to wear to SOMEONE ELSE'S wedding. And it has to be a dressy dress.
My cousin is getting married for the first time (he's a lot younger than me) in West Palm Beach on April 7. So that means I have approximately one month to either make or buy a dress. And buy shoes to wear with it. And find a tan. ;-)
I want a sleeveless dress. It will be hot in April in South Florida. It was 80 HERE today.
I have to be able to wear a bra with it, with NO fiddling.
I'm not sure if I want a fitted or flowy skirt.
I need pattern suggestions NOW! I probably have only 2 or 3 dresses in the stash that are wedding appropriate. And the BMV sale ends tomorrow.
HELP!!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
A little tour
Still no sewing going on, but I've been thinking about it now that I'm on the countdown to NEXT weekend. Does that count? In the meantime, I snapped some cell pics this morning while I was alone in the office. Not that anyone would care if they saw me, just that I would feel weird with an audience.
This is PART of the hallway I used to have to walk down each time I needed to go back to Marketing. To get to Finance, I walked down this entire length, THEN turned left at the end and walked down that direction just as long. Pretty much the equivalent of two city blocks, one way. I'm very glad THAT is over with, but I also realize that I'm going to be losing some exercise time so I'll need a Plan B for that. Cool colors, right? They are part of our new brand colors.
I *will* have a reason to return to the Finance department from time to time, though. Last week I found out that the woman who sat next to me SEWS. She's about my age and complimented me on a blouse I was wearing. Taking the opportunity (because how else do you suss out sister stitchers?), I said, "I made it. And, I made everything I'm wearing today." The conversation took off. AND … she's a Viking girl too. Can this job GET any better? ;-) I feel some enabling coming on.
This is the view from my window. That's the Tampa River below, and just across it is The Tampa Tribune building. It's the white one you can sorta see on the right.
This is my old/new home. When I got to the office yesterday morning, I loaded up a cart with my stuff from my previous spot and wheeled it to my permanent (ahhh, permanent) home. My CPU had been moved already, but I also traded out mouse and monitor. I kept the "new" keyboard since I like it better and was really missing it. I am nowhere near organized, but I had actual work to do, so I just quickly put stuff in some sort of order and I'll tackle the rest at the end of the week after the crazy times have somewhat subsided. On my screen is a brochure I designed a couple of months ago that we're printing to bring to the upcoming event. When you think about law firms, you don't usually think about bold colors, shapes, and patterns. It's such a fun concept to work with. The blue/orange piece at the right is my Graphic Genuis "award" from the big boss.
Here's the distance view. It's obviously not a private office, but it's not a cubicle either. Where I was in the Finance department was much more cubicle-ish. I like the openness and there's only three of us here in the middle so there's plenty of space. We all get along great and we're quiet and respectful of each other when we have work to do. I know I've said it before, but it really is a great group. We each have very specific jobs to do and we do them well — alone and together. The big boss' office is at the back middle-right of this pic, where you can see a picture on the wall.
In other news, this morning on my way in to the office, I stopped for an appointment to look at a rental house that is about 2 miles from my current house. It was nice, but it's not the house for me and Alex. It's too big. I don't want to clean that much house anymore. But at least I've started the hunt. I'm hoping to find a stand-alone house, but am open to an apartment too if I can't find what I want at the price I can afford. Everything else has been working out, so I will just continue to have faith that my new home will work itself out too.
This is PART of the hallway I used to have to walk down each time I needed to go back to Marketing. To get to Finance, I walked down this entire length, THEN turned left at the end and walked down that direction just as long. Pretty much the equivalent of two city blocks, one way. I'm very glad THAT is over with, but I also realize that I'm going to be losing some exercise time so I'll need a Plan B for that. Cool colors, right? They are part of our new brand colors.
II *will* have a reason to return to the Finance department from time to time, though. Last week I found out that the woman who sat next to me SEWS. She's about my age and complimented me on a blouse I was wearing. Taking the opportunity (because how else do you suss out sister stitchers?), I said, "I made it. And, I made everything I'm wearing today." The conversation took off. AND … she's a Viking girl too. Can this job GET any better? ;-) I feel some enabling coming on.
This is the view from my window. That's the Tampa River below, and just across it is The Tampa Tribune building. It's the white one you can sorta see on the right.
This is my old/new home. When I got to the office yesterday morning, I loaded up a cart with my stuff from my previous spot and wheeled it to my permanent (ahhh, permanent) home. My CPU had been moved already, but I also traded out mouse and monitor. I kept the "new" keyboard since I like it better and was really missing it. I am nowhere near organized, but I had actual work to do, so I just quickly put stuff in some sort of order and I'll tackle the rest at the end of the week after the crazy times have somewhat subsided. On my screen is a brochure I designed a couple of months ago that we're printing to bring to the upcoming event. When you think about law firms, you don't usually think about bold colors, shapes, and patterns. It's such a fun concept to work with. The blue/orange piece at the right is my Graphic Genuis "award" from the big boss.
Here's the distance view. It's obviously not a private office, but it's not a cubicle either. Where I was in the Finance department was much more cubicle-ish. I like the openness and there's only three of us here in the middle so there's plenty of space. We all get along great and we're quiet and respectful of each other when we have work to do. I know I've said it before, but it really is a great group. We each have very specific jobs to do and we do them well — alone and together. The big boss' office is at the back middle-right of this pic, where you can see a picture on the wall.
In other news, this morning on my way in to the office, I stopped for an appointment to look at a rental house that is about 2 miles from my current house. It was nice, but it's not the house for me and Alex. It's too big. I don't want to clean that much house anymore. But at least I've started the hunt. I'm hoping to find a stand-alone house, but am open to an apartment too if I can't find what I want at the price I can afford. Everything else has been working out, so I will just continue to have faith that my new home will work itself out too.
Friday, February 24, 2012
It's Official
I finally received my official offer letter today. The big boss had been out of town due to a death in the family, and the paperwork had to wait for her return. She was so cute hand-delivering it to my far-away location with a big you-know-what-eating grin on her face. Imagine my shock when I read the letter and saw that my salary offer is 10% more than what I'm making now through the agency, which was already pretty darn good (not bragging, just so happy I lucked into this whole thing). I couldn't sign that sucka fast enough. lol
My official start date on the firm's payroll is Monday. I have an appointment with HR that morning, which I'll have to squeeze into the middle of our big event preparation chaos, during which I'll sign the gazillion policy and benefit papers presented in this neat binder (ironically parts of which I actually helped design. lol). The benefits are more than very generous, and they begin immediately — no waiting period at all. Health, dental, vision, life, disability, 401k with matching funds, Flexible Spending Account, 18 days PTO for the first 2 years (then more) plus 10 holidays plus 1 floater, a year-end bonus, free financial planner advice, free mental health and other counseling if wanted, and probably other stuff I'm not remembering due to the haze of legalese on a gazillion papers. Woot!! Ya gotta love the big law firms!! So, not only did my actual expected salary go up 10% but if you add in the value of the benefits … well, let's just say I'm never quitting this job. Ever. (And if some years down the road I grumble about going to work, refer me to this post, please.)
A nice touch to all the paperwork was this little card, which says it all, plus inside, "We're so glad to have you here."
Today was another party day, even though we have SO MUCH work to get done by next Thursday. We had a catered lunch/meeting/goodbye-predecessor/welcome-me from 12:00-1:00 PM and at 4:00 PM, we pretty much shut down for a cocktail & goodies party to send off my predecessor, who looked like she was having second thoughts — I know I would be. lol
As I was leaving for the evening, my computer was being transferred to my new/old spot back in Marketing. I'll be working tomorrow and Sunday, and the first thing I'll do is move all my piles of projects to my new/old desk and get myself re-situated. I can't wait! And, it will be good practice for when I'm moving out of my current house and into a new place. ;-)
My official start date on the firm's payroll is Monday. I have an appointment with HR that morning, which I'll have to squeeze into the middle of our big event preparation chaos, during which I'll sign the gazillion policy and benefit papers presented in this neat binder (ironically parts of which I actually helped design. lol). The benefits are more than very generous, and they begin immediately — no waiting period at all. Health, dental, vision, life, disability, 401k with matching funds, Flexible Spending Account, 18 days PTO for the first 2 years (then more) plus 10 holidays plus 1 floater, a year-end bonus, free financial planner advice, free mental health and other counseling if wanted, and probably other stuff I'm not remembering due to the haze of legalese on a gazillion papers. Woot!! Ya gotta love the big law firms!! So, not only did my actual expected salary go up 10% but if you add in the value of the benefits … well, let's just say I'm never quitting this job. Ever. (And if some years down the road I grumble about going to work, refer me to this post, please.)
A nice touch to all the paperwork was this little card, which says it all, plus inside, "We're so glad to have you here."
Today was another party day, even though we have SO MUCH work to get done by next Thursday. We had a catered lunch/meeting/goodbye-predecessor/welcome-me from 12:00-1:00 PM and at 4:00 PM, we pretty much shut down for a cocktail & goodies party to send off my predecessor, who looked like she was having second thoughts — I know I would be. lol
As I was leaving for the evening, my computer was being transferred to my new/old spot back in Marketing. I'll be working tomorrow and Sunday, and the first thing I'll do is move all my piles of projects to my new/old desk and get myself re-situated. I can't wait! And, it will be good practice for when I'm moving out of my current house and into a new place. ;-)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Another Unsolicitation
I worked today from 8 AM straight through to 6 PM, eating my lunch quickly at my desk once I realized it was 1:30 and I hadn't even thought about lunch. We're really kicking it into high gear this week, as our big event starts March 2 and there's a LOT to do to get ready for it. I would probably collapse from exhaustion if it was like this all the time, but our events are spaced out throughout the year so we do get some re-grouping time in between. And like I've said before, I much prefer the work hours fly by than drag on.
On my drive home, I called Alex to see if he wanted to grab some dinner out with me. We agreed on Outback (grilled ahi tuna and steamed veggies for me). I pulled into the driveway, texted him to come down, switched to the passenger seat (because Alex can park in tight spaces better than me!) and we were off — me still in my work outfit.
Alex dropped me off at the front door because it was raining and so I could get our names on the list as quickly as possible. As I was waiting for him to come inside, I looked around and settled on a lobby bench seat next to a young couple. She smiled at me and said, "I was *just* telling my husband how pretty you looked." Wow, right??
I knew I loved this cardi, but now it will make me feel even prettier every time I wear it.
You're getting a different background tonight because my usual door still has my new purchases hanging off of it, as you can see from this shot of the inside of the cardi.
And here's the pattern envelope, as a refresher. I'm planning to write a proper review at some point, but not this week. I love the shape of this. It really accents (and I'm guessing even creates) an hourglass shape, with the nipped-in waist and peplum. I want to make at least two more — another long-sleeved version and one with short sleeves for summer A/C in the office.
But I've also got a HUGE stack of to-do, especially since my latest BMV sale order finally arrived yesterday.
Did anyone else order Kwik Sew patterns and notice that delivery took almost twice as long as usual? I like being able to buy KS at a discount and via mail, but I do hope BMV improves shipping time because I'm not known for planning in advance. At least not away from the office.
Now I'm off to make tomorrow's lunch and jump into bed to watch a little TV before I turn out the lights.
On my drive home, I called Alex to see if he wanted to grab some dinner out with me. We agreed on Outback (grilled ahi tuna and steamed veggies for me). I pulled into the driveway, texted him to come down, switched to the passenger seat (because Alex can park in tight spaces better than me!) and we were off — me still in my work outfit.
Alex dropped me off at the front door because it was raining and so I could get our names on the list as quickly as possible. As I was waiting for him to come inside, I looked around and settled on a lobby bench seat next to a young couple. She smiled at me and said, "I was *just* telling my husband how pretty you looked." Wow, right??
I knew I loved this cardi, but now it will make me feel even prettier every time I wear it.
You're getting a different background tonight because my usual door still has my new purchases hanging off of it, as you can see from this shot of the inside of the cardi.
And here's the pattern envelope, as a refresher. I'm planning to write a proper review at some point, but not this week. I love the shape of this. It really accents (and I'm guessing even creates) an hourglass shape, with the nipped-in waist and peplum. I want to make at least two more — another long-sleeved version and one with short sleeves for summer A/C in the office.
But I've also got a HUGE stack of to-do, especially since my latest BMV sale order finally arrived yesterday.
Did anyone else order Kwik Sew patterns and notice that delivery took almost twice as long as usual? I like being able to buy KS at a discount and via mail, but I do hope BMV improves shipping time because I'm not known for planning in advance. At least not away from the office.
Now I'm off to make tomorrow's lunch and jump into bed to watch a little TV before I turn out the lights.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Random Thoughts
1. When I said 4.5" heels, remember there's also a 1"+ platform. So net heel height is about 3.5", which is manageable. I just feel like I'm walking in the clouds.
2. The orange skirt is from JCP.
3. The print skirt from the other day is from Coldwater Creek.
4. The network was back up today when I got in.
5. Our brass had a come-to-Jesus meeting with IBM brass this morning, since this is the third time in 2 months we've had this hardware problem.
6. Lawyers vs. suits. Wonder who wins that one? ;-)
7. Four more days until I get "my" desk back, although I was told over the weekend that they would've re-arranged to squeeze me in somewhere in Marketing.
8. Yesterday's post was not aimed at anyone in particular, especially Carolyn. Just that she put down some things I had already been thinking. She seems to do that a lot, which saves me a lot of writing. ;-)
9. The birthday I'm not having is next month.
10. Looks like a trip to NYC is not happening in March, since I'll be packing and hopefully moving.
11. But it WILL happen in 2012.
12. I "only" bought the one pair of pumps, Carolyn. But I did buy a blouse and a pair of flat sandals. The blouse is definitely going back because the darts look like my dog sewed them. Can we say poofy points? Woof.
13. I got my hair cut last Wednesday. Today was the first day it felt like my hair again. Does anyone else's hair go completely limp after a haircut?
14. I've been losing the same 3-5 lbs for a few weeks now.
15. Do you think giving myself permission for celebration cake, happy hour, and Super Bowl snacks has anything to do with that?
16. Back on the wagon Friday night and I'm already down 2 again.
17. Keeping on because I have a cool new ORANGE skirt to wear soon.
18. I'm going to miss Downton Abbey.
19. When does Sons of Anarchy come back on?
20. And speaking of Suits, when does that one come back on? I think I love Harvey.
21. Why wasn't today a holiday for us? Hmmmm. Not that I wouldn't have worked anyway.
22. I still can't believe I'm getting paid to play in graphics programs all day. But I'm NOT complaining.
23. Would it be in poor taste to ask my predecessor before she leaves what her Christmas bonus was? Yeah, I know.
24. She's been coming in tardy and leaving early. I think she's as ready to be home as I am to be not. Synchronity and all that.
25. I love my job.
26. Are you sick of me yet? lol
27. It's not just my job I love, though. It's the whole team and how everyone has a necessary part in the big picture. It's really an amazing group.
28. One of my first "solo" projects next week will be to order myself business cards. lol
29. Who wants one? roflol
30. I fit a LOT of crap into my new tote bag this morning. It's definitely The One.
32. Is anyone else going to go see Act of Valor?
33. I wish I could go see it with the Marine.
34. Or the whole platoon. ;-)
35. I woke up at 5:30 a.m. today because I had to pee. My alarm is set for 6:01. I hate that.
36. TMI?
37. I was really early into the office today. Early departure and light holiday traffic.
38. Did you see KMQ's V1257 dress? Is she smokin' or WHAT?
39. I still haven't worn mine. Those snug sleeves just bug the crap outta me.
40. I'm going to use different sleeves and add real armholes and make another, because I really do like the dress. And maybe I'll cut off the sleeves for the one I made and wear it that way.
41. When I get back to sewing, that is.
2. The orange skirt is from JCP.
3. The print skirt from the other day is from Coldwater Creek.
4. The network was back up today when I got in.
5. Our brass had a come-to-Jesus meeting with IBM brass this morning, since this is the third time in 2 months we've had this hardware problem.
6. Lawyers vs. suits. Wonder who wins that one? ;-)
7. Four more days until I get "my" desk back, although I was told over the weekend that they would've re-arranged to squeeze me in somewhere in Marketing.
8. Yesterday's post was not aimed at anyone in particular, especially Carolyn. Just that she put down some things I had already been thinking. She seems to do that a lot, which saves me a lot of writing. ;-)
9. The birthday I'm not having is next month.
10. Looks like a trip to NYC is not happening in March, since I'll be packing and hopefully moving.
11. But it WILL happen in 2012.
12. I "only" bought the one pair of pumps, Carolyn. But I did buy a blouse and a pair of flat sandals. The blouse is definitely going back because the darts look like my dog sewed them. Can we say poofy points? Woof.
13. I got my hair cut last Wednesday. Today was the first day it felt like my hair again. Does anyone else's hair go completely limp after a haircut?
14. I've been losing the same 3-5 lbs for a few weeks now.
15. Do you think giving myself permission for celebration cake, happy hour, and Super Bowl snacks has anything to do with that?
16. Back on the wagon Friday night and I'm already down 2 again.
17. Keeping on because I have a cool new ORANGE skirt to wear soon.
18. I'm going to miss Downton Abbey.
19. When does Sons of Anarchy come back on?
20. And speaking of Suits, when does that one come back on? I think I love Harvey.
21. Why wasn't today a holiday for us? Hmmmm. Not that I wouldn't have worked anyway.
22. I still can't believe I'm getting paid to play in graphics programs all day. But I'm NOT complaining.
23. Would it be in poor taste to ask my predecessor before she leaves what her Christmas bonus was? Yeah, I know.
24. She's been coming in tardy and leaving early. I think she's as ready to be home as I am to be not. Synchronity and all that.
25. I love my job.
26. Are you sick of me yet? lol
27. It's not just my job I love, though. It's the whole team and how everyone has a necessary part in the big picture. It's really an amazing group.
28. One of my first "solo" projects next week will be to order myself business cards. lol
29. Who wants one? roflol
30. I fit a LOT of crap into my new tote bag this morning. It's definitely The One.
32. Is anyone else going to go see Act of Valor?
33. I wish I could go see it with the Marine.
34. Or the whole platoon. ;-)
35. I woke up at 5:30 a.m. today because I had to pee. My alarm is set for 6:01. I hate that.
36. TMI?
37. I was really early into the office today. Early departure and light holiday traffic.
38. Did you see KMQ's V1257 dress? Is she smokin' or WHAT?
39. I still haven't worn mine. Those snug sleeves just bug the crap outta me.
40. I'm going to use different sleeves and add real armholes and make another, because I really do like the dress. And maybe I'll cut off the sleeves for the one I made and wear it that way.
41. When I get back to sewing, that is.
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