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.

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

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. ;-)

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;-)

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...

Comments Of The Day

"Erin, my toy heart is still here, in the back seat of your car. "
"I know, Mir, would you like it back?"
"No, I want it to stay here with you. My heart will keep you safe when you're driving your car."

Conversation between Mir (age 5) and myself this evening.


"You know, if you don't accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will forever be banished to the pits of hell. Aren't you afraid of that?"
"I'll take that up with God later, right now I'm more or less concerned about you blocking the entrance to my home."
"God doesn't like your sense of humor."
"And I suppose He sent you to tell me that..."

(At which point African neighbor who I have not yet met ( I told you there were several) opened his door and with thick accent says, "She very nice MIXED girl. Please leave."

I thanked him and felt there was no need to correct him. As I walked up the stairs he headed out to his Lexus (what happened to the 92 prelude?!?!?) he yelled up at me, "I don't care what you say, you've got some black in you..." and got in his car.

Unless my parents have been hiding something from me.......My brother always said I was adopted ;-)

All Things I Need to Know in Life I Learned From My Mom Part II

I previously noted the wonderful teachings of Mags, but was prompted to write more when another "mother" of mine called me Erwin. (Dar, I had completely forgotten about that name until I saw your comment on Julz's blog...

For my previous post please click here

Here are some additional Magisms:

You only have one reputation; protect it. Mothers and daughters can be friends. Don't confuse "I can't" with "I won't." Make lists, and lists of lists if necessary. Don't LOSE the list. Just because everything appears to be organized and in a tabbed folder doesn't mean you can find it when you need it. There is no such thing as a "safe spot." There is nothing graceful about getting old. Just because a person is a paraplegic doesn't mean you can beat them in table tennis. The "Star Spangled Banner" doesn't begin with "Jose Can you see." Everything looks brighter after a "catnap." Don't let your Waterford crystal sit on a shelf and gather dust- use it even if it's only for a spritzer.

If you fall, don't wait for someone to help you get up... especially if it means waiting until the next day. Be independent, people will not line up to wipe your ass when you're old. There is no limit to a mother's love. "Flip the switch" and commit yourself to whatever it is you're doing. You are your own worst critic. Weisgarber women inherently worry about everything. You can teach an old bag new tricks.

Be humble enough to laugh at yourself when you make mistakes. Allow yourself to lean on your friends when needed.

Remember the day-to-day moments you share with the ones you love; when they're gone, this is what will flood your heart with warmth.

Love ya, Mom. Jose singing and all...