Okay, so I lied. I have already started reading Million Little Pieces instead of waiting to read it on my vacation in Las Vegas. I flew home today from Florida and the only reading material that I had with me was business/management related. The last thing I want to read on a vacation day is something that makes me think of my failures as a manager.
So, I picked up MLP and am already half way through it.
A few random thoughts about it already -
I love the way the author tells the story. You actually feel like you are there and going through all of it. I wish that I was that strong of a writer. If I was, I would not be doing today what I am doing.
There are interesting themes of taking responsibility for one's own actions and I rather like how he does not blame his additiction, so far in the book, to anyone else or because he has a "disease" of addiction.
So far, I am not bothered that he lied. Okay, so he should have not lied and said that all of this was true. I am still impacted by what he went through and the motivation that it provides the reader to reach for better goals and to really get through lifes hard times.
Overall, I just like the theme of redemption, which is why I was first drawn to this book.
Stay tuned. I will write more thoughts as I am reading through it.
E
I'm in FL this weekend with S and have taken her home as a hiding place from everything. This is now my third trip here this year, I think.
It is nice to esacpe to somewhere where things are a lot slower and quieter. This morning, I got up and ran around her neighboorhood. No one was yelling, screaming or just being annoying. Just a few people out on their horses and it was very tranquil to be out in the cool Florida breeze running.
I'm here until Monday and taking no phone calls / emails. I made one phone call out to someone but only because I knew that if I did not, the questions would be coming later and the feelings would be hurt.
The next few weeks are going to be a whirlwind. Traveling, projects, new clients to stay on top of; it is all good.
I am also starting to count down to my time in Las Vegas in three weeks. I'm going out for our national sales meeting for a week but am going out 4 days early by myself. I can't wait. This is the agenda -
1) Sit by the pool relaxing
2) Sit by the pool reading
3) Sit by the pool drinking margaritas
4) Turning off the cell phone/ blackberry
5) Read HP 5, Million Little Pieces and maybe 1776.
6) Spa days
Four Jobs I Have Had:
Regional Account Manager
Assistant to VP of Sales
Floor Supervisor
babysitting on Lookout Mountain, GA
Four Movies I Could Watch Over & Over:
Casablanca
Lost in Translation
Tommy Boy
Sleepless in Seattle
Four Books I Could Read Over & Over:
Harry Potter Series
Pride & Prejudice
Tipping Point
The Great Gatsby
Four Places I have Lived:
Memphis, TN
San Diego, CA
Gaithersburg, MD
Corpus Christi, TX
Four Places I have been on Vacation:
Miami, FL
Key West, FL
Grand Canyon
Maine
Four Places I would like to be right now:
South Africa
On any beach
Chile
Traveling with J
Yes, for all of those who read this (which is probably one person), I am trying to get back in the land of blogging. Life has been hectic since my last post and there are changes surrounding me everywhere. Some good, some great, some uncertain and some stressful.
Change #1
I am going back to my full first name, Elizabeth. Before everyone out there tries to figure out why I am finally doing this, let me tell you the reasons why I'm not.
I'm not going back because...
I hate the name Beth
It will help me professionally in my career (please folks!)
Because I want to be seen more as a grown up
Or any other reason other then why
I am going back to my full name because...
I have always liked full names vs. shortened names (Josh vs. Joshua)
I have been wanting to change my name since college (9+ years now)
I like Elizabeth better
So.....if you call me Beth, I will still answer to it but I would prefer Elizabeth.
Change # 2
Work, it is always work. This is a portion of the stressful part; I love it, am doing well, and just thrive from the responsibilities given to me but there are changes and challenges infront of me since I became a manager. It is really stretching me, personally, professionally, spiritually, in ways that I never imagined.
Change # 3
Celebrations in friend's life changes in June....
S is pregnant with a girl and I will be the honorary aunt in June. Oh I can't wait. Little A will need to wait until after the next event listed so that I don't miss the birth.
C is engaged and I will be a bridesmaid in June at her wedding (one of ten). I can't wait to be a witness of her marriage and celebrate in a desire so longed for that is coming true.
Change # 4
I'm buying a house. This IS the stressful part. There is something very liberating in buying a home on your own with your own money but it is scarry.
I realize that I am making all these decisions with out being able to get someone's opinion, that is even scarrier. I am second guessing everything that I am doing and am wondering if I should settle for something that I like but it is not what I want OR if I should pass up a good oppurtunity in a home to see if I can get the house I want in the location of town I want. It is all about $$$ folks.
So this is my life right now.