Department of One

The title says it all.

This is a small company and they hadn't had anyone in this department before. They realized the need and created the position.

It's pretty typical, Monday - Friday. 

8am - 5pm 

But, the owner understands my need for flexibility due to having small kids and the fucked up nature of COVID. For as long as I could remember, Account People just had to be "on" all the time. So it was more about making sure the work got done. On time and on budget. 

Clients and team members alike need to know how to reach me if needed. 

So I'm grateful for that. 

I'm grateful to have a job.

ANYWAY.

Back to the job.

Department one one.

Me. 

Managing a number of accounts and help with new business efforts. 

Project managing a bit too I'm sure. 

Managing the relationships with the clients and building that trust. 

Building out marketing plans, recommendations and executing.

Working collaboratively with the digital marketing technologists. 

It's all the same stuff I've been doing for the last 15+ years. 

Small company. 16 people I think they said. 

I feel like I'm really going to love it. 

The agency is Mason Digital. 

Digital marketing has been "the thing" to watch out for..for like the last 10 - 15 years? I was doing interactive web banner ads about 14 years ago, but it was few and far between. And it was Flash.

As the years have gone on, digital marketing has been more and more necessary and many clients are starting to see the benefits (yes, some are super slow to take it on), but the ability to hyper-target and pivot based on real data is just amazing. I've been selling more and more of it.

It'll be great to work for a company that has been that forward-thinking while other agencies are just starting to get it. 

That's all MD does. It's all digital. 

I met with the President, COO and my direct supervisor on Wednesday. We were supposed to have a client dinner Tuesday evening but the client canceled at the last minute.

It was invigorating. I was so jazzed up by the time I left. Just talking about clients, getting their backgrounds, just riffing on strategy with those in the room. Ugh. It felt good. 

I start September 8.

I'm going to enjoy this last week of "vacation."

New Headphones

I got new headphones! 

Well, Steve got me new headphones!

We were laying in bed one night watching TV and I casually mentioned wanting new headphones. I wanted some for when I work out. 

He immediately mentioned these ones and I said "Great! Maybe for Christmas or something..." and that was that.

The next day folks, he went to go "run some errands."

He surprised me! 

Love the case it comes in

Storage for the charger and cords (although they are wireless). I put my ear buds in there too, just for safe keeping.

Super comfortable.

The UA logo is a button and once pressed it allows for the user to hear what's going on (if someone is speaking to them, etc.)

Controls are on the buttons on the right ear piece. Super convenient. Volume control, power and the ability to FF songs is all right here. 

These ear coverings are removable and washable - which is perfect for working out. It's ok to sweat with these on! 

So here's my unofficial review of these headphones, after using them for 3 days in a row while working out.

Comfortable to wear - they don't move around much and I haven't had any irritations in my 45 minute workouts. I don't do cardio, but they stayed in place when I did my jumping jack warm ups. 

Easy to use - I didn't have any issues whatsoever connecting via Bluetooth to my phone, laptop, etc. with these. Super simple set up by following the instructions. 

Great price point - for $129.99 these are very affordable for what they do. I've seen headphones that are double, triple this price. Steve's BEATS from 10 years ago were almost $400 (TEN YEARS AGO). They lasted a while (I think 8-ish years?) but fuck. $129 doesn't break the bank. 

Accessories - as I mention above, I also got the carrying case, charging cord, and another cord to connect to a computer/laptop, whatever. Or if the Bluetooth fails? 

So far no complaints after 3 days of use. I haven't washed the ear coverings yet, so I can't say how they hold up. I'll report back when I do! 

Harvests

My garden is out of control.

Still. 

I've been able to pluck a couple pumpkins. I have so many more pumpkins in all different stages and I'm excited to have a few more as we head into Fall. 

I gave away a lot of my produce last year and the year before. Mainly to work people! Since I didn't have a job this summer - or for most of it - we consumed almost all of our own veggies! It's been awesome. 

Seneca Lake State Park

We have two weeks left of summer. 

It's been a tough year to say the least.

We haven't been able to go anywhere or do anything.

For obvious reasons.

Fucking COVID-19.

Losing my job.

Ugh.

But.

BUT! 

If it's possible to say we're starting to see the light? Ok, maybe not. We're getting used to this shit is more like it. 

A fellow mom told me about the Seneca Lake State Park Sprayground a few weeks ago and we decided to hit it up over the weekend.

We had perfect weather and it was just gorgeous out.

I'm not sure why or how we've lived here for almost 6 years and never heard of this place? I guess we're so used to Rochester and what's out that way (west), that we don't ever really think to go east! 

LOL Steve trying out the equipment

Ava's turn!

Right in front of Seneca Lake. So pretty.

Sprayground!

It was lovely. For as nice as it was out, I was surprised there weren't more people there! So that was extra-nice, not to be surrounded with people. It felt very safe and very social-distanced. Masks were required in the bathrooms (which only I used, too much coffee!). 

Since it's a state park, there was a $7 vehicle entrance fee. Not bad. We didn't even really check out the park - only the playgrounds and spraygound. I'm sure there's much more to see there!

We spent a couple of hours there - it's only 30 minutes from our house - and then headed back towards home so we could grab some lunch. 

It was a beautiful day and with Steve working so much lately, it was awesome spending time with him. 

Weekly Recap 8.17.2020

 Woah you guys.

It's been a week. 

Obviously. I haven't posted all week!

Stuff happened this week. I just posted a big update, but wanted to kinda set the week for you. 

It's been a GREAT week. 

I've been unemployed for 4 weeks.

Let's start from the beginning.

Friday I had an old friend come over with her kids to swim and hang out. This was my BFF in high school. We did everything together. 

She has a 14 year old step daughter (whom I know very well, I was pretty close with her mom back in the day), and a 4.5 year old with said 14 year old SD's dad. Dad is the brother of a girl in our grade and someone I was personally pretty close with back in middle school.

ANYWAY. 

She was over when I had my 4th interview with the one company.

It went fine. I think?

I spent the weekend agonizing over the Situation. 

Luckily we had our friend's son's birthday party that weekend so for one day I got to be distracted. 

Monday rolls around.

I go to my mom's to hang out and drop the girls off because I have an early doctor's appointment Tuesday morning. 

As we get ready to eat, I get a phone call.

It's the Owner.

He offers me the job. 

We chat a bit and he tells me the official Offer Letter is coming the next day.

I mention that in my previous post. 

Tuesday, while I have to go to an early appointment, is already off to a great start. 

I essentially got a raise without even having to ask or negotiate. 

Amazing.

They don't help pay for healthcare premiums, so that's a big chunk of the paycheck every month. Me and the girls have too many health issues to not have health insurance. Even high deductibles are too much for us - our prescriptions alone each month. Eesh.

I officially accepted the offer on Wednesday, folks!

Then Thursday my friends came over with their boys and we swam and hung out. We celebrated my one friend's birthday (which was Tuesday) and my new job. 

And we talked about our rented private island vacation next July 4th. I know, we're insane. We're probably gonna get a Google Sheets started. 

And today is Friday and Steve decided not to go into work today. It's supposed to be 84 and sunny and absolutely perfect. Same with tomorrow! 

I'm looking forward to enjoying these next 2.5 weeks of summer with the girls before starting my NEW JOB on September 8! 

4 Weeks From The Day

It was 4 weeks ago Tuesday that I got The Call.

The Call that told me that I had lost my Job.

The Call that turned my world upside down.

The Call that humbled me.

And on Monday, I got another Call. 

I got The Call that said they'd like me to be a part of their team. 

The Official Offer Letter came today (Tuesday), exactly 4 weeks after I got the first Call.

Funny how that is.

The Call came in just in time for my severance to run out.

The offer wasn't what I was making before. But it was close.

I was just excited that it wasn't WAY under what I was making before. But that would at least give me the option to negotiate.

Anyway. 

I'm excited. 

Then I get the Official Offer Letter and the President had decided to "make me whole" from my previous position and essentially gave me a "raise" before I have even started.

WHAT?!

I am pumped. 

More on the company and position later. 

Deck is done! Well. Almost.

 It's taken us two years.

Two years to finish the top portion of our deck. 

And it's beautiful. 

We used Trex(r) composite material for the decking. This way we don't have to stain it, sand it, etc. Very easy to maintain.

Railings are NOT Trex, it was just too expensive. So these railings are wood. Painted, assembled, then painted again before mounting. Post covers and caps are vinyl. 

I am in love with this deck. I'm so glad I pushed to have this deck.

There is nothing I hate more than an above ground pool just standing in a yard. With a gross ladder.

Sorry if that's what you've got going on, but it's just not for me.

We had that the first year. 

Not only was it ugly, it was super inconvenient.

Two years ago my kids were 3.5 and 6.

If they wanted to swim, someone had to go in the pool with them.

They'd want to swim for 20 minutes, then come out, then go back in, then get out.

It was exhausting.

Plus, the "safety" pull down thing on the ladder? Yeah, not gonna work for my little one. Ava scaled that on day one. Not safe. 

I realize this deck is huge. 

I wanted to make it a place where we can you know, hang out.

More than just a couple of us. 

And it's been wonderful.

I'm also really happy with our umbrella find. It was the end of the season and a color I don't love, but it was on sale for a really good price. It's also pretty big, bigger than many umbrellas I looked at and again, super grateful we made the decision to get one this size. It provides so much shade. Since our pool is located in an area of our yard that is FULL SUN, (literally nothing blocking the sun except clouds) we knew we needed shade of some type. It can be BRUTAL. 

This umbrella can be collapsed down and also "brought in" from the main unit. Steve secured it by mounting the base under the deck (the base is HUGE) and screwed it to boards under the deck. This is to ensure the thing didn't topple over or blow away. Since our deck is elevated, it's a possibility. It's so secure, the umbrella will likely rip off the frame before the frame went anywhere. What's also nice is that in the top of the umbrella is another "layer" so there is airflow - if a gust of wind did come, it'd end up going through the layers if you will, so it won't fly away (hopefully). 

We are thinking of getting a bar height cocktail table and two chairs since we have so much room and need more seating areas. 

The second photo above is my typical set up. What's nice about it is that we can just go up there and hang out, without ever going in the pool.

The girls go in pretty much every day that is nice. I'd say I go in about 75% of the time. Other times I'm just dipping my feet in, or sitting on the steps. Totally dependent on water temperature!

We can spend hours out there. I bring my laptop (job hunting, hello!) for music and the girls bring their toys up there and we just lounge. 

It's lovely. 

And now I have less worry about someone jumping (ahem, AVA!) off the deck and breaking a leg. 

Or while I'm trying to kill the horse flies I don't take a tumble off the deck.

The girls love jumping off the deck too! And they can get a running start.

Obviously, the railing is not complete in the above photo, but I wanted to show a pic of the girls jumping :)

The part that's NOT done yet is the bottom, lattice portion of the deck. Once we frame those and get them up, it'll be beautiful! Right now we just have to look at all the shit under there. 

It's taken us (mainly Steve) 2 summers to get this thing done. 

It's well worth it. 

Working Out - 8 Weeks In

You guyssssss.

Not having a job is keeping me ultra-motivated with working out. 

I mean...it's not like I have anything else to do during the day. (LOL - too soon?)

All kidding aside - I was getting up early to work out ANYWAY before I got let go from my job.

But, I'm still at it. 

Every single day. 

Mostly. 

I took off when I went to my mom's house (we went for the entire day), but mostly every single damn day.

Monday, July 20 (almost week 5)

Sunday, July 26

Monday, July 27

Tuesday, July 28

Wednesday, July 29 (6 weeks in!!!)

Friday, July 31

I have to get better at taking selfies. UGH.

The pic on the left is from July 13. The pic on the right is from today, July 31. I need to find a better spot for taking the photos. So the light is more consistent, etc. 

Week 7 (August 4)

 

Week 7 (August 4) on the left.

Week 8 on the right.

 

Week 7 on the left.

Week 8 on the right.

You guys!! I'm really starting to feel a difference in my clothes! 

My newest pair of yoga pants are now too big. 

The other day was a "busy" one for me. I was supposed to have a phone interview at 9am, but right as I sat down to take it, it was postponed until the afternoon. Since I had planned to go to my mom's after the interview, I packed up the girls and headed over.

I knew we'd have lunch there and then head back home so I could take the call, which was now at 2:30pm. 

The call went GREAT and it was just what I needed to end the week (8/7). 

I decided to take the day off of working out, since by the time I had time, it was nearing dinner time.

I shifted my weight and got incredibly anxious. I couldn't just sit there.

I'm not sure what has happened to me, but I just felt like I had to do a workout. 

So I decided to do a quick glutes/leg workout.

Well, when I got done with that, I didn't feel done.

So I crushed an upper body circuit.

You guys.

I have no idea what has happened to me.

I have found recently that I don't like "taking a day off" - I just don't. I don't feel good about myself and I feel restless. I'm not sure if it's a mind-shift or a physical one that's making my body actually crave it. Endorphins? 

Also at week 7, I was able to increase my dumbbell weight to 10lbs. 

I've been using small 5lb weights this entire time (along with resistance bands). 

I'm excited that while of course they are harder, I'm able to do most of the workouts (minus the biceps stuff - can't do those reps for 1 min!) but chest, back, shoulders are doing well with the weight increase (seriously from 5lb to 10lb). I wish I could've done an 8lb before jumping to 10 but alas, I need to go with what I have (or what people lend me ;)). 

It's definitely challenging, but that's good! 

I'm at the place now that I don't want to miss a day. Not even a day! 

Today, on the official 8 week mark of this journey, I had a job interview at 8:30am. I didn't want to try to work out beforehand, get ready and all that, so I got up, got ready and prepared myself for the interview.

It went well and they are looking to schedule Interview #2 soon. 

As soon as it was over (it went over by 30 minutes!) I changed my clothes and hit up a new back routine.

Today, August 12, 2020. 

Feeling Good

You guys.

I was getting discouraged. I know, I know. It's only been 3 weeks.

BUT FUCK. 

This week was a good week! 

I had a couple of really good phone calls. 

Like really good.

Fingers crossed. 

I'm going into week 3 with a little more oomph in my step.

I have one call scheduled already and two companies looking to schedule a meeting this week.

Let's GOOOOOOOOOO!

That's A Wrap!

Like I mentioned in my previous post, I got to spend the day on set of a TV commercial. I got to see the ins and outs of how the crew gets things done. 

It was so much fun!

Don't get me wrong, the crew puts in serious effort. 

The lights, the set up. The background displays. 

It's crazy what the cameraman sees in the waaaaaay back that can be jarring to the eye. Even if it's not in focus. 

But it was cool. I definitely enjoyed myself. 

Prior to my arrival on set, all the necessary precautions were taken - we had to answer a series of questions and get our temperatures taken. 

Got an early start for the first time in ages! 

Director and Talent, figuring out the shot (don't worry, my mask is under my chin - I wasn't anywhere near people and needed a quick breather).

This carpet was the death of me! 

Dressing mannequins

This is awkward.

I don't want to mention who this commercial is for, since it's not my place! And it's not live yet. So there's that. It's obviously a retail location and there are several available brands there. I'm sure you can see that it has something to do with golf ;)