Another long lag in between blogs. Like I mentioned my new job has been challenging and rewarding so I don't mind letting it take up most of my time. About 3 weeks ago I was moved upstairs to work with a team handling regular accounts. When I say regular I mean the actual corporate accounts instead of disaster services. They moved me in a "pod" of a dynamic set of people. I really appreciate the challenges I have at work because it makes me feel useful and that my performance in any given day does affect the over all success of my team. It was a very slow start which gave me a false sense of confidence. The first week there I was basically helping do catch up work since there was an upcoming meeting with clients they had to go to. Helping out is not really hard because there's no real expectations on you. The week of the meeting 3 of "them" left to meet the clients out of town, they started me out answering regular calls. My first week there and I have no clue who has which account and when things get invoiced. Oh, I do accounting for the group. To top it off, I replaced another Jennifer, so everytime I answer the phone I have angry hotel managers that always start the convo with "I spoke with you about this a couple weeks ago." Um no you didn't but maybe we can get confused together. How can I help you? I got the hang of it soon enough and immediately following they asked to create an audit spreadsheet. Who's doing the audit? Me. So, it was a lot of asking hotels for back ups that they may or may not have kept and letting them know that I might take money back if I don't get the right stuff. Of course I try to say it nicer than that but I don't think you can ever be nice enough telling someone you're taking their money. I got the hang of that too and got 3 months worth of audit done within the last two weeks, all along making sure I'm there to answer the calls that come in, they rotate between everyone's phones in the "pod", and of course enter the regular invoices that come in to bill to the clients. With all the excitement I've been working 9 hour days which I honestly enjoy, and take my smoke breaks only when necessary.

To add to it all, the sales department took my "pod" out for lunch at Abuelo's last Thursday. It was awesome. I don't really like Mexican so I had the Maple Glazed Salmon. I wish I could have taken a picture. I did take a pictures of the "pod." My desk is the other corner that you can't see between the two pics.





BTW, Ray emailed me a really sweet poem this morning. I have to ask if I'm allowed to put it up. Usually when he does something cheesy unexpectedly it's a "for your eyes only" kind of deal.

Anyway, just a quick stop in. Got lots of things to do. Lots of stuff I already did today: Started a savings account with Bank of America trying to take advantage of their Keep The Change promotion, filed my Federal and State Tax returns, applied for school and financial aid, doing laundry in the meantime, got forms to apply for a passport just in case, (Ray's been having breakdowns in the UK where he just starts snapping "fly here now,") and of course with enough time to enjoy lunch at PF Chang's with Mom and chill in front of the 'puters with my son - actually we tried to take a nap in front of the TV but he was being a tad bit restless. I'll be in the shower soon to get ready to go to one of Mom's friend's daughter's party, and hopefully have a relaxing drink out tonight. Tomorrow I'll need to grocery shop since I need more yogurt anyway, and iron my dress pants and shirts for the upcoming work week. Hope this blog was detailed enough to last me until next month again = )