This was this morning Saturday August 10 coming toward Hanover, can you see the fog?

Harpoon Brew and BBQ fest 2013 in Vermont

Stephen at Harpoon trying the BBQ, notice the shirt, different Beer Company!!

BACON! Wrapped in BACON! Can not go wrong...

Coming up on my six months since we moved to the further north and my new career move.  I was asked yesterday, do you like your new job? I had to really think about that answer, is this the right move for me?

At first I felt I was taking my pay when I really was not doing what a Director should be doing, then our Director of Sales/Marketing left, so I started to pick up their duties.   I actually like some of the reports, because it can measure our progress, on the other hand some of it seems redundant. I believe that comes from almost every hospitality company.

One of my biggest stresses is not the lack of a DOS/M it is my CSM we seem to butt heads at every opportunity, I have read the books on how to handle your staff, and I am trying to be a professional but part of me sometimes wants to jump over the desk and slam their head into the computer and say "snap out of it". When I ask you something is not thinking you can not do your job it is to see if I can help or a report that I need for the higher ups.

I hate to admit it, after all my b****ing, I miss weddings. Yes, I miss my over demanding brides and their moms, but I felt I had a purpose when I was helping them with their big day.  It used to stress me out about watching the weather and trying to get all the players in the right place at the right time.  I never let them know I was stressed but there was definately moments. 

The husband really likes our new place and the area, so we will be here for awhile I think.  He does not really want to move again, and I do feel the company I work for appreciates me as an employee.  I do not know why I have an uneasy feeling but I do, and not sure when that might change. I admit I like having a fancy title in business is that wrong? Does that make me shallow? Or is it because growing up, no one thought I could acheive anything? Or am I projecting my own insecurities?

So, basically I still have not answered the question, I really do not know.  I have no idea where I am headed either in my career or in my life at the moment.

Spring has finally come to the upper valley of NH!  I saw buds on trees an green grass, so exciting.  Today working to make up for being sick this week.   I am having some issues adjusting to my new job an position feeling a bit lost.  We needed this move but I have no friends or even outside interest besides work an the husband.  It is not easy to make friends as you get older.

I do not think I made a mistake, just thought this position would be different so now trying to find my voice! I really do not feel I can trust anyone here, we need to be a team but that is not what is happening it is more out for owns well being.  I am not used to that we worked as a management team at last hotel.

I want to contribute and make a difference but feel just here to do paperwork an no one wants to give guidance.  Next week going out to do calls an start to meet our clients on campus we need to be seen not just at the end of the email, sales is making relationships we do not want to be order takers! Time to act.

Yesterday in Boston, was a tragedy.  I am so upset by it, and the news reports do not help, you never know what to believe and what is just made up due to they have no idea.  I go back to during Watergate, Vietnam, Korean War when we did not have news 24 hours a day.  Was it better to wait and hear the truth or now every second another story? 

I was on Twitter yesterday at 345pm and there was already a video uploaded really? Do we need to be that connected? I find it quite sad that we need know now, there is no patience anymore, and there is a really thin line for what is real and what is not.

Last night on the way home, our bus broke down so people who normally do not speak to each other on the bus, we were actually talking yes it was about Boston, but it was nice instead of always sitting straight ahead not speaking.

Today, on the bus back to no one talking, and I always wonder if they ( Terroist or whomever) can have bombs go off around the city of Boston, why not mass transit?  ( I know Speed) but this world is becoming scarier every day.  I love New England, and love where I live and you like to think you live in a safe world but 2 hours away and this happens.

It is Terroist Group? Are they homeland or far away lands? Who can we trust?  Yes, I am ranting, and I am sorry but I am so beyond mad when are we going to start taking back our freedom, when are we going to say, if you come after us we are coming after you with all we have?  Why is no one ready to blow up whomever is responsible? I know everyone deserves a fair trail, really???? Did they give us fairness?  What about the Twin Towers? Or Pentagon? Or yesterday in Boston was that fair?

My husband wants us to arm ourselves and I have always been "no", but I am seriously considering it as long as we go to a shooting range and I get trained and get some practice.  We can not just be pacifist any longer.

Reality tv

I have been watching way too much reality tv! I saw big rich Atlanta an all I can say is wow! First off Katie you so deserved that slap! You were a major b#### an Sabrina had every right .  If you can dish it out then take the consquences.  Harvin an Meyer get jobs, did you think mom would just always pay your way?  You are 28 an 30 years old an acting like you are 12 mom your new boyfriend is ruining our fun really?? Does  your mom not deserve some fun? Or to spend her money on herself.   The hair pulling chick again blonde you deserved it an now you are manipulating the police an trying to get people to feel sorry for you with the way you talk to people.  Donald who do you think you are? Diane do not ever apologize!

 Easter Sunday, Luncheon

 Mascoma Dam

 Lake still somewhat frozen.

 

On Sunday, we went to check out the lake and river around us so the husband could see where is going to fish on Monday, April 1 he was so excited, then we went to KOTO for our Easter Luncheon of Sushi SOOOO GOOD!!

 Bedroom 1st done

 Living room, where will be put everything?

Kitchen unloading..

This will be our dining room!

 

Here are pictures of our move on March 21, 2013, I just forgot to post them.

We have been living with only (1) Car for 4 years now.  We sold my car ( jeep) to my brother, when we moved to Wolfeboro, NH due to I could walk to work. Then the husband got  a job at the same Inn so we were both walking to work.  In all those years, we only had (1) conflict for training. 

So, when we were looking for places to live here in the Upper Valley, NH we decided we needed to be on the bus line so I could just walk to the bus and get to work. Then Stephen found a job in Lebanon which is where our search was taking us, Hanover is soooo expensive and hard to find housing.  We found a place a block from the Lebanon green, Stephen's job is on the green and I pick up the bus at the Town Hall on the Green.  So, we are again not using our car as much, and it is working at wonderful.

I usually take the 740am bus, but today I took the 710am I needed to be at work earlier. Interesting difference between the 710am and the 740am.  On the 740am I have named a few people, the professor, the attitude guy, the nurse and our driver the talker.  No one else talks on the bus it is one of those places like when you are standing in line at the bank or grocery store or movie theatre, no one talks it is kind of creepy! 

On the 710am bus we have high school students taking the bus, nurses from the hospital, (3) boys who work at the hospital and I think live in a group home, they actually talk on the bus and so does the high schoolers the rest of us sit quietly. This bus driver does not talk, he barely mummbles when you leave the bus.

I am enjoying taking the bus, on the way home it is either the 549pm which is nice to get home earlier but makes so many stops what is the point? Or the 619pm which is nice not many people, there is the blonde woman I call her Hilary ( she looks like a hilary i knew in college) the student and the redheaded bus driver.  Again, quiet but a bit more relaxed.  Last night the Professor who I see in the mornings was on the bus, and I found out he lives in my building and knows a shorter route home, I may follow him tonight. ( not really a stalker just want to see an faster way home).

So, my journey continues in my new job as a Director at a new property and a new home.  This has been quite the change for us, and for me.  I believe I am up for the challenge.  I will write more about my bus experience. Soon...

Well, we have been in our new place for a week now!  The husband started his new job on Tuesday. He seems to really like the new job, he has (8) training shifts before he can start taking tables.

I am very excited for him,  I have yet to go into the place he is working but I am sure I will be shortly.

Tonight is our date night! I am so happy! I love that we are working on our relationship and going back to our Date nights! Get out of the house, and enjoy each other and not have to clean up or have Stephen cook.

Where are we going to go tonight?

 New job is going well! We are finally moving out of hotel on thursday.  We are so excited! The only big issues have been the computer so many problems.  I had to send out an now it is being reconfrigered.  Technology stinks sometimes.  The new place is so nice an our apartment overlooking a nice brook.

Waiting for the snow to stop..

Well, beginning of my 3rd week, in my new position, new property and new town.  We think we have found a place, which I absolutely love and want!!  We did apply but the husband needs a job in order for us to qualify, one of the jobs would have him out of the home 4pm-11pm 5 days a week, and we would have no full days off together.  I know I am being selfish, I just really want us to have a life together. So part of me, is wondering if we should then look at a less expensive place in order for us to live off my paycheck and use his part time work for fun!!!

Why be married if we do not spend anytime together? When he was at the Tavern, we at least had one whole day together.  He has other options and I am hoping one of those works out, so we do not have to choose between our life together or paying our bills.  I took this new position to move forward in my career, and to make more money so we can actually enjoy our life together and not be living to work, but work to be living..

These past three weeks have been tough, but today, I enjoyed talking to my boss, and getting everything out what I have seen in the last 3 weeks and learning what the expectations of my position are, and how to go forward without over stepping my boundaries.

I am look forward to the new opportunity and to explore more of this part of the state and Vermont.

Yesterday, we looked at 2 different apartments. I really want the 2nd one, and in order to do that, the husband knows and is trying to get a job. It does mean we are in the hotel until March 20th or so.  That is a long time fo be in one room.   This move is so much harder than I thought it would be, tonight it is 5pm and I am working until 11pm. I am MOD.

Yes, the beginning of my 3rd week on the job and I am covering a MOD shift.  This is not making me happy or even  feel as if I am learning anything. Tomorrow I must have a sit down discussion with my DOS/M and find out what exactly my role is here on the property.

I feel as if she thinks I am a glorified CSM, and that is not what I was told during the interview process. there is no job descriptions which I understand, but I need to know what is expected of me and the role I will be fulfilling here.

I have many ideas and I want to implement them the number 1 being getting on the road and trying to build relationships with local businesses!!  I realize everyone is busy but unless we get out there, the leads will eventually stop and we need to plan for that not to happen.

I just want to be a success and useful in this position not taken advantage of , by only having the title but not the responsiblities that I really crave.  I may not like the MOD shift on a Sunday night, but at least I can see the property and how it works and introduce myself to the evening shift people who I do not see all that often. 

I believe in this property and the company, I just want to make sure I am doing what they intended for my role to be and if  I have to act like a bulldog with a bone until someone hears me I will do that too.  It is about the company nothing personal..

We are homeless!! Living in a hotel until we find a place in our new area...

This weekend, started off great, then ended badly. On Saturday, I had the whole day by myself got my hair done and nails,and even had my eyebrows waxed.  Then Stephen came up from Wolfeboro and stayed with me, on Sunday we got up early and here was the plan and then what actually happened.

Sunday- we were going to finish loading truck, according to Stephen 2 hours topped left to load, have our landlord look at the place and hopefully get our deposit back. Then come back to Hanover, and unload truck.

Good plan right? Well, sounds good in theory.  First off, the truck was suppose to come up on Saturday and start unloading and finish Sunday morning. 

We have way too much stuff!!! Stephen started loading on Friday and we did not finish loading until 2pm on Sunday. As, we were driving to Wolfeboro on Sunday morning, the snow was getting worse and worse, and we knew no way could we drive back up to Hanover on Sunday.

It took 3.5 hours to get from Hanover to Wolfeboro on a clear day 2 hours tops..  So, we stayed in Wolfeboro on Sunday night and I did not work on Monday.  Again, we were thinking of leaving around 9an and I could make it to work at noon and leave Stephen alone to unload.  Well, due to only 2nd week and talking to my boss, it would not be fair to Stephen. So I had day off!

Due to we were not prepared to stay over on Sunday, we had no clean clothes!  As we were ready to leave Wolfeboro, I somehow locked the keys and the back up keys in the car and had to wait 1 hour for someone to come and open the car, which by the way was running. Someone did not want us to leave Wolfeboro. 

We finally made it to Lebanon at the Storage area at 120pm, and then it took a good 40 minutes of paperwork, and tour to finally begin unloading.  We finished at 632pm, so tiring! 3 storage sheds and not next to each other, so after unloading into our big one, then moving to the 2nd one which is in the basement and you need to use a coverter belt to get it down there, scares me to think of how we are going to empty it.  At 5pm we realized we need (1) more shed.   The place closes at 7pm and I did not want to pay for another day of the truck!! 

Came back to hotel took showers and ordered take out.  Came to work today and Stephen went out job hunting, laundry and looking at places to live.  I feel I have let people down for missing a day because of snow if they had driven it and seen 140 they would understand.

So, beginning 2nd week of work and nervous as helll!!! 

Here is my office, I am going to miss the office. Last day..

 

Ok, so this is where we are moving, I am going up on Sunday and Stephen will follow a week later, once he packs up our apartment here in Wolfeboro NH.

 

This is the Upper Valley of New Hampshire, right on the Connecticut River.

 

 

 

This is the Main Street of the Town, the Hotel is right on this street, looking forward to new challenges and meeting new people. I wish we had found a place before I started work, but it is what it is, and now that we will be up here hopefully it will be easier to find a place.

 

 

Here is Dartmouth Green under the Snow, so pretty either way!  Of Course, we are moving in the Snow, we seem to always move either in HOT! August or Dead of Winter.

 

What will our new place bring us? Stephen is excited to find a job, he really wants to either waiter or Bartend and not manage a restaurant again, I am happy to see him out meeting people instead of being in the house all day by himself.

Well, we are moving again.  I have been offered a new job, and a promotion so we are off an running again. We are going up to Hanover, NH area, have not found a place as of yet and I start my new career on February 18, 2013.

So, the husband again will be packing up the house, at this time this is what our living room looks like fun huh?

I am also reading how to be a good manager and sales techniques. When you are in the same position for a while you know the property and what you  need to do to make the sale.  I want to be better, improve our family life and move forward in my career. This seems to be the next step and I am so excited, nervous but ready for the new challenges moving ahead.

Today, is a lovely Storm outside, called "Nemo" since when are they naming blizzards? 

I thought this was a cute way to keep your hands warm, more sexy then gloves.  Today is 4' here in New Hampshire, and suppose to get even colder tonight.  I want to be somewhere warm. We are going to be in Mrytle Beach in April and I know it is a way off, but I just like thinking about it.

Reality Rant:

TOP CHEF:

Last night, I watched the Wednesday, Jan. 16 Top Chef.  So mad that they sent Kristen home, if it is a "cooking " Show, then Josie who it seemed deliberately sabotaged Kristen and completely gave the blame to her, got Kristen offed. I was happy to see Kristen win the Last Chance Kitchen but she is still not back on as of yet.

Josie, should of gone home so many times, I agree with Gail Simmons she is skating by, Kristen did go out with her head held "high" and I am hopeing she will come back and kick butt, but why didn't the other 2 ladies speak up and say how bad Josie's time managment was? The reason the Gelatin was not added was she was so far behind and then she had no idea where it was, really it is your dish shouldn't you have all your ingredients right there for when you are ready for the next step?

I am glad Stefan did not go home for his lack of Front of House behavior, this is a Cooking Show not FOH show, now is it? Brooke is definately someone to watch, she can do it all.   I am really hoping that Josie is off next week and then has to face Kristen in Last Chance Kitchen. Karma will kick you in the butt...


Vanderpump Rules:

Ok, I can never go to "Sur" I am not sexy enough, but Stassi is a B**** and needs to get a grip. Is she really that way or just to get more air time?  Jax I am thinking is cheating on her what 32 year old man who looks like he does sleeps in his car? Really? She is only breaking up with him, to get him to really committ, she is punishing him and from the looks of the previews he is falling for it, are you really 32 or 12?

Also, where is the manager when the staff is fighting in front of clients? Being in the Hotel/Restaurant business, never would you fight in the FOH, and especially with Clients there, are you kidding me?

Also, really do you need to show that the staff is smoking and crying out back but never seem to wash their hands?   Just saying... I understand the dress code is SEXY, but  really no bra? Do I want the boobs to fall out as you serve my overpriced burger?

RHOBH:

I really like Yolanda, she is so down to earth. Kim is off the deep end.  What the hell is Adrienne's problem?   Ken and Maurico needs to stay out of the fight, best to stay neutral, why say anything? Paul & Adrienne need a clue, why sue Brandy, just to make a point?

CHOPPED:
Love this show, always fun to watch this week was fun to see the (2) Iron Chef' s disagree on almost everything fun!! FUN!!