a day not forgotten

Has it really been five years? It's hard to believe. I still remember that day as if it were yesterday. I remember where I was, what I was wearing, what I was doing. I remember the feeling of fear like never before. I remember the overwhelming feeling of sadness.

I guess it will be one of those moments in history that, if you lived through it, you will never forget it.


May peace find those who lost loved ones in this tragedy.
America will never forget September 11, 2001.

where does this road lead?

I have been thinking a lot lately about my career and what exactly it is that I am doing with Best Buy. Next month, I will celebrate my seven year anniversary with the company. I have obviously decided to make a career out of this, but doing what? I don't know.

I started in 1999, as a part-time cashier and worked my way up through various Customer Service/Operations and Administrative positions. It was a little over two years ago that brought me to my first big fork in the road. I had been in the same Administrative role in the store for almost four years (the same store I was hired in), was very unhappy with my Management staff and would come home crying almost every day. I needed to get out of there - I needed a change. I had mastered my role, trained numerous people as my replacement, but I was doing the same. thing. every day.

Keri and I had just decided to relocate up to Northern California and transfer stores. We even made a trip up there to meet our new Management and check out the place we would soon call home. Less than two days after we got back, I was informed of a District position opening up that I wanted so bad. Chances were pretty good that I would get the job. If I wanted it.

After a week of serious thought and consideration, I decided it would be best not to move and to apply for the promotion here. Looking back, I think a lot of my decision was based on the fact that I was so scared to move. Keri and I had never moved out of North San Diego County. After 24 years, it was terrifying to think about just up and starting new.

I made the right decision. Less than a week later, I accepted the position of District Assistant, covering the San Diego and Hawaii market. I'm not sure I had ever been happier. It was then I realized this was going to be my career. Best Buy for life!

Over the past two years, I have learned more about my role, my company, politics within the company, and about myself - than in my entire career. I've even gone from knowing not-a-damn-thing about Excel to being quite the Excel whiz. But I've discovered that I might not want to do this forever. You have to understand that, in my position, there isn't really anywhere to get promoted to. I could go up to the Territory or Executive level, but I'm thinking I don't really want to. I need something new. Something exciting. Something challenging.

But what is it that I want to do? I don't even know what's out there. Obviously, I want to stay with the company. I have been so blessed working for them. I have grown up with Best Buy. It is with them that I have developed my strengths and discovered my weaknesses. I have made friendships and built networks that will last me the rest of my life. I just feel like there is something out there waiting for me - perfect for me. Something I may not even know exists. And who knows, I may realize that the Administrative field is where I want to stay. But I want that option.

I see another fork coming up in the road. It's off in the distance, but I can see it approaching. I have no idea where it will lead me, but I can only imagine it will bring better things. New things.

obsession

...Three things I am currently obsessed with...

Tea
I used to hate tea. I couldn't even stand the smell of it. That changed when I went to Georgia to visit Moma and Pops. While I was there, I became slightly obsessed with sweet tea and it was all over. Since my visit in May, pretty much the only thing I drink anymore is water or tea. I was never a coffee drinker, but I have even come to enjoy hot tea in the morning. I've gotta have my mug of hot tea to get my work day started.

Current favorite: Fortunes Blueberry Vanilla


Fall Out Boy
I've only recently started listening to Fall Out Boy with the 2005 release of From Under the Cork Tree. And, yes, I will admit it was the radio super-hits Dance, Dance and Sugar, We're Goin Down that got my attention. I was infatuated with FOB from that moment on. I became obsessed not long after bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz's three-episode guest role on One Tree Hill. The guy is a lyrical genius for my generation. Terrible actor. Brilliant lyricist. I haven't yet been able to pull From Under the Cork Tree out of my CD player, but I am really looking forward to listening to their other two albums - someday.

Currently on repeat:
Track 8- Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year
Track 1- Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued


The Current 89.3 (Minnesota Public Radio)
I owe this one to my co-worker and dear friend, Heather, who hails from Minnesota. She knows how much I love music and how much I appreciate any exposure to new music. She suggested I try streaming The Current live on my computer. OH YEAH! I was sold within a half hour. This is an amazing station! If you like the Garden State Soundtrack, you will like The Current. I listen to it every day - all day while I am at work. I am even becoming familiar with the morning, afternoon and early evening DJs. There is no radio station in San Diego that even comes close to the greatness of The Current.

I must add... I give HUGE props to any radio station that has a Now Playing list on their website. This makes me such a happy girl. It's just so convenient when you need to find out the name of that killer song they are broadcasting - at any given point during the day.

Favorite new discoveries (thanks to The Current):
I've Been Thinking - Handsome Boy Modeling School (ft. Cat Power)
Fidelity - Regina Spektor
See the Elephant - James McMurty