Courtesy Question

I’m plagued by this several times a week around 8:30 AM when I’m getting my coffee at work- I have yet to kick my morning coffee habit as of yet, but I’m only allowed 3 cups now at work, morning, mid-day, afternoon.

ANYWAYS, it’s not to say I’m not a morning person, but I like my mornings to be quiet. I don’t usually like to strike up a conversation when I’m getting myself settled in the office. I enjoy quiet in the morning as it allows me to gear up for the day. I'm not rude though, I’m all for saying HI or GOOD MORNING to people when I pass them in the halls or when they walk into the kitchen, but normally that’s all I’ll say. Then about 85% of the time the other person will say "How are? How was your weekend?" Which is fine, and I’ll always respond and say ok, but here’s the thing—I don’t ask them back how their weekend was.

Is that bad?! And I always think I’m such an ass to not inquire about my co-workers weekend when they so graciously asked me about mine. But to be honest I don’t want to talk about how good/bad/relaxing/enjoyable my weekend was, so a quick fine or good is what you’ll get from me. And at 8:30 in the morning I really have no interest in how your weekend went. Now oddly enough at 10:30 I’ll be more than happy to strike up a conversation. But I can’t help but feel a small sense of guilt for not reciprocating a “And you?!”.

Just another fun story for the Mon Mons (Monday’s)

Song: Get Ready- The Tempations

And Then There Was Coffee... Again

Ok so some of you, not many, know that for the past 2 months I went on a “spending freeze”. Basically what this meant for me was I laid out all of my monthly bills and then took a specific amount for entertainment (eating, drinks, movies, shopping, etc.) Anything that wasn’t a necessity had to fit within my allowance.

The first month was really hard trying to figure out how I was going to survive, but at the end of the first month I realized how easy it was and how it just became a part of my routine. I have no idea where all of the other money went that I wasn’t saving- well actually yes I do, but I can’t believe how I just allowed myself to frivously spend… anyways not the point.

The point actually is the fact that I cut out a friend- I stopped buying coffee, which in turn made me stop drinking coffee. Needless to say it's been a couple of weeks, but this past weekend I got a hold of the java goodness and have not been able to stop drinking it.

Nope, I’m not running out to Starbucks, but I can’t wait to get to work and get some coffee in me. Or get home and brew a fresh pot. I worry just a bit because this morning I actually was craving coffee. Whether it’s decaf or not it just tastes good. I guess the caffeine has gotten a hold of me, and slowly I know I need to cut back already. I’ve gone through this before where I drink tons and then back off, the headaches start rolling in as soon as I do.

This mornings first tune: I Want You Back- the Jackson 5.

Off the Wall

So I never thought this would probably be the first of several cross roads, but I’m turning 24 in 2 months and have come to realize that I’m ready for change! Whoa, hold the personal phone right?! Eh not really. I think I have an idea of figuring this out.

It’s not to say I’m not happy with my life, my choices and everyday decisions, my career choice, and all of the other things that one could possibly think are all contributing factors to making their life unhappy.

I just feel a little stuck right now. Some of you remember my plans to get up and move away for a little bit across the pond and over to London, but their economy is just as bad, if not worse than ours right now so that was put on hold. I then thought of moving to another US city, but the ones I’m interested in are having the same problems. I was about a year to late in deciding I wanted to venture out in the world.

I can deal with that, but I'm not sure if I'm up for sitting at a desk for 8+ hours a day? May be it's not work, but may be it's something new entirely. If it is work though it's a scary thought to just want to get up and try another place.

Why is that scary? Because I make a good living right now, I’m very comfortable. There is a new possible opportunity that I have been targeted for and the salary plunged. It plungggggggged. My old manager advised me that I shouldn’t provide a salary range I think they CAN afford- rather one I think I deserve.

I’m absolutely generalizing, but in my opinion, women have a more difficult time negotiating salaries than men. I’ve gotten good practice though, after 6 months at my current job I asked for a significant raise which I got. And there after have been treated very well in the salary department.

All the same, is it worth to stay at a place that provides financial security, but remain "stuck" I did however give a range, that actually boosted my salary by a good amount- because yes, I feel I am deserving and I’m good at what I do. I say that with a strong conviction. My dad is a realist, my mom is an optimist, and I’m a mix of both.

So far I’ve been receiving a slow yes, rather than a quick no- so we’ll see how this goes.

P.S. Off the wall is on Pandora, which seems appropriate for 8:40 am and this blog.