On Co-workers

Did I mention that I work with two other recent j-school grads that are just as passionate about AP Style and such as I … actually, one of them, D, is probably even more so.

Yesterday we found out that there was an updated AP book and when I announced it, he came over and said in that Stacey London way, “Shut up!” He isn’t gay, but I laughed and told him he was a grammar diva.

The biggest change I’ve noticed in the office since being back since my internship is the energy — these new staffers are so much more optimistic than the “old-timers” that had been there a while. It’s nice to have people closer to my age to talk to and still be on the “inside” as a veteran to the J coming back. It makes work a lot more enjoyable when they aren’t complaining every 20 minutes.

We’re still cynical journalists that bicker and moan about crazy phone calls and long messages. And I for one am still bitter about not being able to find a decent cup of coffee after 9 p.m. when I have to go back to the office to write after covering an evening event.

Oh goodies!

My mom will not appreciate this link (my father won’t either) because of the language, but  these would be hilarious to use at my office.

Also, sfgirlbybay posted a new photo display of old family photos which reminds me of my current project. I love this idea and may use it in the kitchen or above the bed.

This is another cool idea. Some of the girls on our trip bought one exactly like this at the de Young museum when we were in San Francisco in March. I wish I had picked one up as well. It would be fun for the bathroom maybe.

I need to go to Ikea pronto. Maybe mom would be up for an adventure Saturday?

I’m still looking for items and still very anxious to get my photos on the wall where I can see them. I need some color in my life.

Mouse!

If I was interested in a pet, tonight would have been a good opportunity to get one. If I was interested in something in the rodent family that is.

Lately I thought I had noticed something out of the corner of my eye and tonight, I saw it in plain sight. A tiny grey mouse scurring across the floor toward me. I saw him; he saw me and immediately bolted in the other direction.

I grabbed my cellphone, rolled up my pant legs and put my feet up on the chair as I dialed my dad.

An hour later, I had four traps set around my apartment, thanks to my friend Stanley who lives in town.

I acted like a girl, but it really doesn’t bother me that much. He keeps his distance, I keep mine. But this may be another ploy for me to get that kitten I’ve been wanting.

Things I’m looking forward to at home

1. Chasing molly down and giving her a big squeeze.
2. Breakfast at the Mtn. Top – grits, eggs and a biscuit with honey.
3. Digging out a couple of things from my closet for my wall.
4. Finding my linen scarf and a couple T’s I am missing.

Weekend

I just had a common occurance happen to me. I was walking to my office at a time other than the work day and someone at the corner HAD to make a comment.

So what if I’m wearing shorts … it doesn’t give you an excuse to pester me.

Guy on the corner: “Hey, you single?”

Me, looking the other way.

As I cross the street, he tries again.

“Hey, you single?”

Me: “What does it matter?”

Guy: “Cause I’m looking for a girlfriend.”

Me: “No, I don’t think so.”

Guy: “Oh you don’t want to be my girlfriend?”

No response.

At least people aren’t offering I suppose. A couple weeks ago I made a quick trip to my office one weekend evening and someone said hello. I decided to be cordial and it was followed up with “Did you know we’re going to be neighbors?”

I can only hope not.

The weekend has been good so far. Quiet for the most part, with the exception of a lot of laughter with Tim last night after dinner at El Ranchero. We went to the park(s) in Hagerstown and I was really wired.

I tried a new church out this morning and I’m not convinced it’s the right match. Everyone was very friendly but twice my age. I’m going to keep looking.

I’ve spent the afternoon cleaning, hanging some old posters I had to get something on my walls. I keep looking fondly at the frames stacked on my counter waiting to be hung. I’m anxious to get started on this photo wall.

I’m waiting for a phone call from a dear journalism friend of mine so we can go get ice cream (or something) and talk shop.

For some reason I really want one of these …. even though I’ve never played. They look like too much fun.

I got a freelancing position that will allow me to earn some extra money. Hopefully I won’t feel so strapped. It’s amazing how things with work are kinda falling into my lap. God is pretty cool.

Oh being a reporter

I stopped by my office this morning to get my notepad, check voice mail and email and make a phone call before setting out to cover an assignment with a local senator and then to another event where the Governor would be making remarks. (My first assignment covering an event with him!)

Unfortunately I forgot my notepad and got a slightly later start then I wanted to. Fortunately, I didn’t miss the senator, but the acoustics in the gymnasium made it nearly impossible to get any quotes out of it.

When I arrived at Job Corps, location for assignment no. 1, I was given the “quick and dirty tour” as described by the PR person. I set out with one of the students, who was wearing a purple suit jacket and a rhinestone bracelet and two shiny rings. He was nice and tried to be professional, which I appreciated.

I received a phone call while we were waiting for the Senator to go on saying that the Governor was already at the Ribbon Cutting and we needed to get there as soon as possible. 45 minutes later … I arrived. Notepad in tow (I stopped at Rite Aid), but … I nearly missed everything. All my colleagues were there, on time. I caught the tail end of the Governor’s remarks and all the PR people that I’ve worked on in the past flashed smiles at me.

In the end it turned out ok … they helped me cover my rear and I got remarks from the people that mattered most. Fortunately, my editor was there and wasn’t mad that I was late for one event since I was covering another … it helped that the governor was early which was out of my control.

I got my two stories done and then, while grocery shopping tonight, I accidentally called my editor on her cell phone at 9:44 p.m. …. ahh. But hey, they ordered my business cards today so I guess they’re not going to fire me anytime soon.

It’s been a long day. This evening turned out to be a quiet, solo evening for me which I’m grateful for. I worked on my photo wall a little. I need lots of frames. Lots.

goodnight