More paperwork...

I'm not a big fan of change, but it's a part of life...no getting around it, but we had a meeting today...there are some changes coming for the way we do our work meetings. So yes, we had a meeting to discuss a meeting. How silly is that?

But alas, I don't make the rules, I just have to follow them. Long story short, anytime we have a "meeting" everyone in attendance must "sign in" and if there is a hand out, it must be attached to the sign in sheet.

I hold team meetings for 2 main reasons, to go over any important material and to get a break from the office. I personally don't like holding team meetings in a conference room. It's too stuffy for me and it feels too much like school. When you're sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, it's nice to step away. I also believe team members will speak more freely away from the office. Sometimes you just need to vent, I get that. I do it all the time...it's called blogging.

Back to the point, this is going to create a paperwork nightmare, but what else can I do? I have a new team member starting in my department tomorrow. He and I are going to have to fill out paperwork stating we went over training concepts. I generally sit with my newbies a few times a week for a few minutes for the first two weeks. I'm going to fill out enough forms to kill what's left of the Amazon rain forest.

Wonder how long this is going to last?

It's almost time...

...for another Girl's Weekend! Last year, Jessica, Allyson, Adaya and myself went down to Savannah. The food was just as fabulous as the company. We talked about tying to make it an "annual" event, as it's always good to get together with your girlfriends.

We had a mini-reunion in Orlando last summer for a concert, but it was such a short trip, we didn't really have time to visit.

Between the four of us, we've been blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to the globe. We tossed around the idea of a cruise, Vegas, the beach and even Asheville, NC. But when the dust settled, there was one winner, Gatlinburg, TN.

I haven't spent an extended time in Gatlinburg in ages! But we're renting a cabin for a weekend and will go into total "chill" mode. I hear we'll be going to the Pancake Pantry. No complaints here, I love that place! I LOVE pancakes. Too bad we missed "National Pancake Day".

There's also talk of zip-lining. I have always wanted to do this. I think it would be fantastic and make for some great photos. Stay tuned for more updates.

Oh, how could I forget, no trip would be complete without a little Firefly Vodka and little Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine. Hope everyone brings their Tervis Tumblers!

Trip Around The Sun

Yes, it's that time of year again, another trip around the sun complete. Every year since I turned 30, my Mom calls and says, "Wow, you're so old...". It cracks me up because I still remember telling my Mom that she was "so old" when she hit 30. I guess payback really is a b*tch -- haha.

In this age of social media, the birthday well wishes have come from far and wide. All of them are equally appreciated. This tells me that you took the time out of your day to think about me, on mine. It may have been for a brief second, but it still counts in my book. And for that, I will always be appreciative.

Here's to the continued trip around the sun...

ilRokery

After what seemed like forever, the ilRokery website is finally complete. Well, sort of...the long awaited t-shirts are finally here. Not bad, for a first run, if you ask me. I got shirt #3, I think 40 were printed. A North Knoxville company, Riehl Printing helped make this idea a reality. The shirts are a tri-blend and super soft and comfy. I wanted a pink shirt, but that idea got shot down pretty quick. 

I hear there are ideas floating around for more shirts...click on over to the ilRokery site and see what you think. Maybe if enough of you "suggest" a pink shirt...he'll actually listen!

 the retro Knoxville look

over sized postcards available too

Mother, Mother Nature...

...why are you so unpredictable? It was raining, cold and spitting snow last weekend. Tomorrow's high is suppose to be 62 degrees. Thursday's high 71! I feel like I need to drag all of my spring work wear out of the back of my closet.

I wish Mother Nature would pick a season and stick with it for a bit. I just bought hot pink mittens and a super cute beanie over the holidays, but I haven't been able to use either on a consistent basis.

Alas, I suppose it could always be worse. It could have been sub-freezing all winter with ice and snow all over the place. I don't mind a little snow...on the weekends, why I don't "have" to be out and about. I can drive in snow, but everyone else on the road freaks me out. And after last year's icy mix, I refuse to get on the road with the slightest bit of ice on the road.

How many steps?

I had the bright idea to run a few steps when I worked out last week. I get bored in the gym, so if it's a nice day/evening, I'll go for a jog through campus. It was warm enough for me to go outside for a quick jaunt after work last Thursday. 

Instead of keeping on my normal path, I decided to run this steps in the G10 parking garage. About half way up, I realized this was a pretty stupid idea, but I was already committed. After I passed Neyland Stadium, I had another option...climb the Hill or stick to the sidewalk. Of course I chose the stupid option. 

Did you know there are 111 steps from Phillip Fulmer Drive to the door of Ayres Hall? Well, now you do. And I'm pretty sure there were 111 steps, I might have missed a few while I was trying not to pass out. That was probably the reason I hated going up to the Hill when I was in college. 

In keeping with my climbing theme, my Mom called me that evening and asked if I wanted to go up the Koko Head Trail, "like Steve McGarrett". We made it to the top of Diamond Head the last time we were home. We didn't even have our sneakers, we climbed that in slippers.

But I think I'll pack my Nike's for this one. Here's hoping I don't die half way up...

Nature's Stairmaster

The Cup's Maple Bacon Cupcake

I love cupcakes. I love bacon. What happens when The Cup combines the two? You get perfection. I picked up a few last weekend. I had some shopping to do before I could try them. That was the hardest thing ever! I wanted to devour one in the parking lot, but didn't want to look like a crazy person.

When I tell people about it, I normally get the grossed out face. I know, I know...bacon & cupcakes don't sound like they belong together. Let me tell you, it's all kinds of right. In all honesty, it tastes like pancakes!

It's one of the February flavors at The Cup in Bearden and in Turkey Creek. Try one...you can thank me later.

love in a cup

It all starts with a cute pair of shoes...

It's no secret I have a love affair with shoes. It kills me to clean out my closet and get rid of pairs that are too worn or styles that no longer hold my attention.

I've had my eye on a pair of Steve Madden's since last summer. I wanted them the moment I saw them, but could not bring myself to spend $129.99. Especially since I had no idea when I'd ever wear them.

For the past few weeks, Dillard's has been having a shoe sale. I'd go there every now and then to see if there were any new Sperry's in stock. That's going to be my next purchase. But this afternoon, these shoes fell closer into my price range. I really needed a 6.5, but they were out. And there was only 1 pair of 7's left.

That's all I needed to hear, I bought them on the spot! Now, I just need to figure out where to wear them!!

Pink & sparkly, what's not to love?

Movie guru?

I'm going to be honest, Friday was not my most productive day. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and move a step slower. My brain was fried, and could tell my employees needed a breath of fresh air.

My friend Jason found the following on Stephen Wildish's website. It was like a trip down memory lane. The 80s quiz was a breeze, as was most of the 90s, but once we got to the 2000, I was sunk. How may can you name?

So many good ones

Still love "M"

"H" & "L" are classics, but "T" is pretty hilarious too

I have a Tervis addiction

I've had Tervis Tumblers for as long as I can remember. Not only do they have a lifetime guarantee, you can customize them too. I know this because when my Dalmatian, BoJangles was alive, we made patches and created our own tumblers. One started to leak and the patch was getting wet. Mom sent an e-mail, got an address and mailed the broken cup. Within a short amount of time, we got a new one, patch and all!

My Beagle, Bristol Peyton finally has his own patches, so we'll be getting another bundle of cups. 

But in the mean time, I've started to lose track of how many I have, just by myself.

Every few months, our VP will take all of the Team Leaders on a little shopping trip after a TL lunch. We've been able to pick stuff out at Dick's Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Borders, Sports Seasons and Alumni Hall.

After lunch at Dead End BBQ today, we were told to meet at Sports Seasons. We each had a $30.00 limit, but Sports Seasons was going to take 20% off each purchase, pretax, talk about getting all the bang for your buck.

I need another t-shirt like I need a hole in my head. I needed a new Vols tailgating chair, but all the ones in the store were dirty. So I got what I had been eyeing for months...

Yes, I already have a clear 24 oz clear Power T tumbler, but I really liked the dark charcoal color. And one can never have too many Power Ts.

I gave an example of poor customer service in my last post re: Central Parking. I'd like to end the night with shout out to two companies that provide and continue to provide excellent customer service: Dead End BBQ and Sports Seasons. They have yet to disappoint.

My continued parking issues...

I mean really, it should not take over 2 weeks to get a silly parking ticket resolved, but welcome to the cluster that I have come to know as,  Central Parking.

After I could not get a live body on the phone to discuss my issue last week, I tried to call the corporate office in Nashville earlier this week. The woman I spoke with was very nice and confirmed I had the correct local #. She also confirmed the office is suppose to be open at 8:00AM.

I waited till 10AM before I went down yesterday. I got off the elevator to find the office DARK, with the doors LOCKED. Yup, no one had been in to work yet....at 10AM on a Tuesday.

As I walked back to my office, cursing not to silently under my breath, the parking attendant who works in the neighboring lot came out of the booth to see if everything was OK. I gave him a brief rundown and he just shook his head and looked over his shoulder before he started to speak.

The nice attendant basically told me the people that work in the local Central Parking office come in when they want. Um, excuse me? No wonder I could never get a straight answer.

Talk about annoying!

Since I couldn't get anyone on the phone and couldn't keep going back to the office, I e-mailed one of the employees who knew I was a monthly parker and resolved an issue for me in the past. In next to no time, Rhonda had my noticed deleted, no questions asked. Now that's good customer service!

So, I think all of this is behind me, but I came home to find an e-mail from the first girl that tried to help me last week. She rudely informed me that I got the ticket because my account for January had not and still has not been paid.

Hello, what the heck kind of systems do you have? My account is currently paid though the month of February. I think this girl has only been "working" in the office since October, but come on...this is getting out of hand.

Here is my final suggestion, don't be a fool like me and give Central Parking your business. Customer service, aside from Rhonda and the local GM are not up to par for a nationwide company.

The Bark Side: 2012 Volkswagen Game Day Commercial Teaser

If they only added a Dalmatian or Beagle, it would have been PERFECT!!