Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Leaving Blogger

I've discovered I hate Blogger. It's not as user-friendly as Word-press.

All my previous posts have been imported to
www.itscharacterbuilding.wordpress.com
Come on over and pay me a visit.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

The Soundtrack for my Life... Well at Least Right Now Anyway.

I love music. This is not a revelation to many of you, as I'm always looking for, discovering, and listening to new music. One of my favorite assignments in class was to take song lyrics, decipher them and describe how I could relate to it. Even now, I could waste hours devouring song lyrics and apply not only the lyrics but the intrinsic melodies of each song. As I reflect back on my life I can attribute many memories with songs.

I was with friends last night. And as always, when we're having a laid back evening sitting on the patio drinking some beer... we start busting out our "Top 10" lists on various topics ranging from food, music. attributes, etc. Then songs became the topic. Listing 10 songs I most identify with over a course of a lifetime is an exercise in futility. There's just too many. Here, however, is the music that is currently dominating my play list. (And it's still more than 10!!) They are in no particular order.

1. The Garden- Mirah
2. Your Guardian Angel- Red Jump Suit Apparatus
3. Podigal- One Repubic
4. Many Shades of Black- The Raconteurs
5. Dreamer- Tony Childs
6. Innuendo- Queen
7. I'm Yours- Jason Mraz
8. Running up that Hill- Placebo.
9. Two Step- Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds live at Radio City
10. Sam's Town- The Killers (Live piano version)
11. The Kill- 30 Seconds to Mars
12. Jackie's Strength- Tori Amos
13. Politik- Coldplay
14. Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf- Killers.
15. Hide and Seek- Imogen Heap

Thursday, August 7, 2008

A Sketch of my Interview


I had an interview today for a position I have been coveting for the past year. This will be the 2ND time I have interviewed for the position, and I feel my chances are pretty good. Since I have previously posted for this position and know the hiring manager, today's round of questions were more discussion oriented as opposed to those blasted "target questions." In the middle of this dialogue, my hopefully soon-to-be-boss, busted out a pen and paper and started outlining strategy during the various stages of a litigated claims file. Though it looks like chicken scratch, this sketch made me excited about my job again. The challenge, the opportunity, the ability to excel in this endeavor is right where I want to be in my career. I don't know why... I don't even think it's a pay raise?!?!

An added complication is a co-worker and friend of mine also wants this job. Though I have a higher title, we preform the same job, and he and I are similar in many ways.

His quote to me today was, (jokingly) "Erin, if you would just die today, it'd increase my chances greatly of getting this job... that would really help me out..."

Now, I'm all about helping friends out, but this time, I've gotta put myself first... Sorry B. ;-)

Monday, August 4, 2008

How I Spend my Summer

My friends and family frequently ask me about my job. I come out with some of the craziest stories with regard to people and their boats. The attached video is a snapshot of what I try to interview, investigate and determine liability when people and boats go wrong. While funny on a whole, I hate boat season;-)

Saturday, August 2, 2008

A Blonde Moment

As many of you know, I recently was a victim of identity theft. It took me several months to resolve, but the experience has been behind me now for a few months.

I have this problem; or weakness as you might say. Purses. I buy them. I love them. It is my one indulgence, and I keep it under tight control most of the time. I usually get the itch every 6 months or so, and I break down. I will not go into the detail on the amount of money I spend, but let's just say, my purses are not purchased at Target.

I got the itch a few days ago. I did some research and after careful consideration, I had one picked out. I waited an extra day to ensure this is what I wanted.

During yesterday's lunch, I headed over to the store, picked up the purse, and proceeded to follow through the process of purchasing said purse. Then this happened....

********CREDIT DECLINED****

"What?!?!?"
"It says 'credit declined'"
"Run it again."
"I'm sorry, it still says 'credit declined.'"
"What do you mean it's declined? I HAVE NO DEBT, a credit score above 780, AND I have an alert on my credit for the NEXT 7 YEARS... If something's jacked up with my credit, I WOULD KNOW!"

The poor lady just gave me a blank stare.

I am embarrassed b/c now I look like a deadbeat who can't afford the purse she's buying and I have too much pride to be THAT PERSON.

"Would you like me to place a call?"
"YES."

She hands me back my card and I stare it it.... It expired on 7/31. My new card has been sitting on my desk for weeks....Dumbass..

I preach to be a fatalist, so I figure this must be God's way of stopping me from giving in to temptation...