Training for the Better

I woke up a bit reluctant today because I had to go to an all day corporate training for work....on a Sunday. As much as I like a free meal and the potential of winning free random goodies, its just not how I envisioned spending my Sunday. And if you know me, I haven't had the best of luck working for quality employers, but since I AM working for a quality employer now, I figured training couldn't be that bad.
Training was actually fun, got me thinking, and really got me pumped to be associated with the brand. I've been learning a lot the past few weeks as I'm also taking online training to learn about the product and features, but today's training got the whole dealership involved. The breakout sessions proved productive and the videos were inspiring.
I know most people take the speakers, sessions, and the brainstorming that happens at these large sessions with a grain of salt, but I got really into it. I'm so used to being part of that group at work that's "cool", you know the ones; they just do the job and not much else. The training really got me excited to want to do more. Exceed customer expectation, exceed MY personal expectations and become an asset to the company. I don't want to be a cool kid anymore, I want to be a work nerd. I don't want to get to the point where I have no life, but I do want to make a difference, and now I feel like I'm part of something that helps change the world:

Happy Birthday Mom!

I've been so wrapped up in a bunch of random things that I nearly forgot my mom's birthday today...how horrible am I?!!
I don't talk about my family much; I think it's because I've always been very selfish of them. They're MY family, and over the years we've lost so many key members that I try to hold on so tight to who's still around. I don't call, write or visit much, but when I'm with them I make the most out of the time we have.

This a big birthday year for my mom and the first since I haven't lived so close to home. I was so upset with myself for not being more prepared for it than I have been in years past. They say you can tell the type of parent(s) you have, by the way you turn out, you know how they raised you. I don't believe that. I think you can tell the type of parent(s) you have if you consider  them to be a friend. Think about it. If you were your parents age (or vice versa) would you be friends with them? I know I would. I'd like to think my mom and I would be great friends, and I think subconsciously the people I call my friends all share a trait that I associate with my mom. Some times I roll my eyes and think "that's something my mom would do/say", but I always end up laughing about it because its like she's always looking out for me...you really can't ever escape your parents.

I hope my mother loves her gift and realizes I try my best as her daughter to make her happy and proud, because I'm always proud to be her daughter.

Happy Birthday :)

Epic Nights

There comes a point in just about every day, where I wake from my daydreaming stupor and say, "holy shit! I live in fucking paradise!" Yes, I know these revelations must seem annoying to you (my 1 dear reader), and you're probably all like "Jas, stop rubbing salt in the wound already!" But its ironic how so easy it is to take things for granted.
Not that I typically want to be in the business of looking a gift horse in the mouth, but some days here are harder than others. After all I'm still doing all the same things as most people: going to work, making grocery lists, paying bills, making budgets, you know the sucky parts of life we all escape by going to happy hour a few times a week. Last week I had my first ever taste of homesickness. Its weird because I'm not one to get homesick. Even as a kid, when my mom would send me to Louisiana during the summers, or camp, I was always waving cheerfully goodbye as she choked back tears. Don't know what did it really, but I started to miss my friends, my cat, randomly walking through Philly, chilling at my favorite spots. But as usual the Universe is always on time.
Had one of the best days here since the move, and the fact that it was First Friday made it even better. I got a wealth of intellectual stimulation, and had a blast being a goofy twenty-something, all while meeting and hanging out with the most fascinating people I've ever met. I don't know what it is about this place that makes me feel so free to just let go, but I feel so relaxed here when I'm out and about. This city seems to be undergoing an artistic and creative renaissance and luckily I get front row seats. Maybe we've all been drawn here by the cosmic forces to create one magical orgy; a peace and love movement. Whatever the case, I just keep hoping that I'll continue to have epic nights.