I am really enjoying planning my vacation. BFF MAB and I are going to Quebec City, Halifax and Maine. We haven't decided where in Maine, but we will be there for several days. On the way back, we are going to do some shopping. We will probably hit LL Bean and the outlets in Wrentham, MA and Clinton, CT. I am getting excited. We started planning this trip back in the spring. We put everything on hold when the chaos started at work.

Tomorrow Queenie is moving to another floor. They are putting this whiny woman at her desk. This woman either has had, has or is coming down with some ailment. And, she describes them in great detail. She doesn't completely read or listen to instructions and then panics because she doesn't understand. Queenie and I think they are trying to get rid of her. Both of us are upset about this. Queenie's boss knows how we feel. I am not looking forward to this woman sitting a few feet away. She does not know when to back off.

I hope everyone has a good Friday.

Well, I didn't get the job that I interviewed for last week. Thanks to everyone of you who wished me well. Apparently, it was not meant to be. I am going to send the HR manager an email thanking her for the opportunity and compliment the bank on how nice and professional everyone is. I'm going to ask her to remember me if anything else becomes available. Maybe if I do that, she will remember me. I was sad for about 5 minutes, and then I decided that I was going to take a vacation. BFF MAB and I had originally planned a vacation to Quebec and Maine, but put it on hold when everything fell apart at work. Now the trip is back on. I think the quick planning of the trip will take my mind off things. When I get back, I'm going to really make a big effort to find a great job.

I hope everyone has a good Wednesday.

JESSICA'S BACK!!

All you Murder, She Wrote fans will be glad to know that Jessica's back. Set your VCR/DVR. The show is on Hallmark Channel on Mondays at 1:00 am (Eastern)/12:00 am (Central). Maybe Hallmark will air more episodes a week and put it on at a better time.

Since all the turmoil at work, Queenie has been more than tolerable. As a matter of fact, she's probably my best friend at work now. But today, she got on my nerves really bad. I was trying to take an online course that is required for my job. She kept talking to me the entire time. I had a difficult time concentrating. I guess I knew that she was like this, but I had forgotten. I ended up getting 19 out of 20 correct on my test.

Have any of you ever bought anything by Austin Reed? I see it at Dillard's but have never purchased or even tried it on. I was wondering how people like it. It must be okay, since Dillard's has carried it for years.

I hope everyone has a good Tuesday.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday.

My mother is having carpenter work done in her house, and who knows when the carpenter is to arrive. I got up early this morning, showered and dressed. I went to the farmer's market, post office, the store, WalMart (shh, don't tell anyone), lunch and then home. I read and watched the TV Guide channel most of the afternoon. After the carpenter left, I decided to go to KFC to get some grilled chicken. The guy at the drive-thru said it would be 17 minutes. I just said "never mind". I couldn't think what I would do for 17 minutes. I decided to just eat squash, zucchini and tomatoes. I hope that fills me up.

Last night, a lady from church called to see if my mother and/or I would help with the 2-3 year old Sunday School class. We discussed it and declined. We both have some trips planned that would cause us to be out of town on Sundays. We didn't want to have to get a sub every time. Plus, my sister does not like the regular teacher. What was the deciding thing was that when it was mentioned, the dog growled. Bo knows! (No, the dog is not named after Bo Jackson)

I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of the weekend.

I just finished watching Double Indemnity with Barbara Stanwick and Fred McMurray. What I didn't understand was Fred McMurray's character was a bachelor, but he wore a wedding band. I notice stuff like that.

I haven't heard anything about the status of my job interview. I think it is too early, but everyone keeps asking. I hope they don't drag it out. I need to make plans and get on with things. Maybe I'll hear something in the next few days.

I hope everyone has a good Friday. TGIF!!

I had my interviews today. I hate to be too confident, but I feel that it went well. As I was leaving the HR Manager's office, she said, "I've heard so many wonderful things about you." I don't know who she heard them from, but at least she's heard them.

If I get this job, I am going to have to do some major shopping. These people dress in suits. I don't have hardly any suits. Our bank has been business casual for years. I do wear wool skirts with jackets and twin sets in the winter months. I'm going to have to buy some for warmer weather. I might can hit Pendleton and Brooks Brother's "346"...if I get the job. This afternoon, some of us were complaining that we have a hard time finding professional work clothes. Where do y'all find your work clothes? We are not size 2's.

I hope everyone has a great Wednesday, and thanks for all the well wishes on my job search.

I remember 40 years ago, we were sitting in our den in our house in Huntsville, Alabama, aka "The Rocket City", watching man walk on the moon. It was on TV all day long. They were showing simulations that were filmed right there in Huntsville. My father knew Dr. Wehrner von Braun and several of his rocket team. They were great men. They turned a one horse town into a major player in the space race. If it weren't for them, many people would be picking cotton for a living rather than being engineers.

As of today, I have been on South Beach Phase I for eleven days. I am feeling so much better. My clothes are fitting better. If I can only last for 10 more days. Then I'll begin Phase II.

My big interviews are tomorrow. I have one at 11:00 and another at 11:30. Wish me luck. I really want one of these positions. I'm afraid since I'm so excited, I won't get either of the jobs. At least I'm giving it a good try. I'm not telling anyone from work, except my former bosses. They know the guys that I'm interviewing with and have made calls. I hope they help.

I hope everyone has a good Tuesday.

A Tierney Discount

A Tierney is offering a discount to my readers. Now through August 15, just use the code PCTAB and you will receive 20% off.

I have the green bamboo bracelet and I just love it. It goes with so many of my preppy things.



Check out the website. There are so many cute and preppy things.

The weather here today was awesome. The high was 81. And it is July...in Alabama.

I found out that I didn't get the job that I originally interviewed for....but I have two interviews on Tuesday for one of two positions that are 10 times better. As they say, "When one door closes, another door opens". I am getting ready for these interviews. My former boss knows one of the men that I am to interview with. He is going to put in a good word for me. I'm nervous and excited. More excited than nervous. I'll keep you posted.

I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of their weekend.

Some of you got tickled at my referring to my coworker as DEAD COMMON. On the Britcoms they are always referring to someone trashy or low class as DEAD COMMON. I prefer saying DEAD COMMON rather than WHITE TRASH. It just sounds better. Both are bad.

I almost made it through the day without crying. I got a little choked up a few times, but I never cried...until after work. Queenie and I helped Coworker take a few things to the car. As we were leaving she said, "You know I love you two like sisters." It was all I could do to hold back the tears. I waited until I got in the car to cry. I didn't want her to see me. Now, I 'm the only one left in my department. I'm moving over to her desk tomorrow. That way I won't be lonely sitting in an office all by myself.

As Coworker said, "Tomorrow is a new day." We'll see what it brings.

I hope everyone has a good Thursday.

I went to bed last night at 8:45. I was watching TV and could not hold my eyes open, so I decided to just go to bed. I could have slept longer this morning. I think it is my body getting used to South Beach. I hope I feel better tonight, because I need to do a little housecleaning when I get home.

Today is coworker's last day. I am treating her and Queenie to lunch. I had $31 in deli dollars from Jason's, so I decided to order lunch and have it delivered. It will be fun for the three of us to sit down and have a relaxing lunch together. Tomorrow I will move to coworker's desk. I don't have anything packed yet. I guess I can do that today. There's someone waiting to move to my desk on Friday.

I hope everyone has a good Wednesday.

If I can go another 15 minutes, I will have made it 3 days on Phase I of South Beach. For some reason, it has been more difficult this time. I hope that I can make it another 11 days, and then it is on to Phase II until I can get to a weight that I feel comfortable with. I'm taking it one day at a time. I need to be able to fit into my better clothes. I don't have trouble with shirts and sweaters, but I am having trouble fitting into my skirts.

I had a nice relaxing weekend. Yesterday, I did a little housecleaning and some blogging. Later in the afternoon, BFF MAB and I went to see Angels and Demons. I tried to read the book a couple of years ago, but the part about all that bio-physics stuff was a little above my head. After seeing the movie, I realize that if I had read a few more pages, I would have gotten past it. When I got home, I watched my favorite BritComs - Keeping Up Appearances, Are You Being Served?, and To the Manor Born. I think most everyone watches these.

Today, I watched The Barefoot Contessa and High Society. Tonight, I watched the season premiere of Drop Dead Diva. It seems like it will be a good show. A little far-fetched, but good. Yes, I got in some TV watching this weekend.

I hope everyone has a good Monday.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. It is beautiful outside here today.

I can't remember what I have posted about my job situation. Two weeks ago, I was told that after June 30, I would report to the guy that is over commercial lending and assist him. In 90 days, my position will be re-evaluated. If there is a position available, I will be moved into that position. If not, I will get my severance. The guy that I report to is very nice, but I'm not quite sure what was meant by assisting him. He has an assistant, who is for lack of better words to describe her, DEAD COMMON. She is about a size 4, has a surgically enhanced chest, over processed bleach blond hair with at least 2 inches of dark roots, purchases her clothes at Whores R Us, and has no sense of decorum. The boss thinks she's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Thursday, she did not show up for work, she didn't even call in. Someone emailed the boss. He had not heard from her. So one of the guys called her. She said that she was sick. HELLO! She couldn't pick up the phone and call? She should know better than that. She's not 18, she's in her forties. She doesn't work in an area by herself. She sits at a desk in the middle of two other assistants. I decided right then and there that I'm going to show her up. I have never been anyone to stab someone in the back, but I'm not going to sit back, work hard to just get let go while she gets to keep her job and be the "Queen Bee". I think I have an entire 10 story building on my side. I work very hard. I am conscious of my appearance and I handle myself with decorum. Everyone feels the same as I do. Believe it or not, I am the least vocal about it. I don't want to come across as a catty bitch. BTW, yesterday, I found out that my new boss is going to move into our former chairman's office. I'm moving to the fancy desk right outside his office. I beat the dead common assistant to it. Forgive me for being so tacky, but I'm looking out for ME. I'm going to do it with decorum.

I'm still looking for a new job. My former boss told me to take care of "ME". Thursday, I sent my resume to two more places. There were no openings, but I have contacts that are keeping their ears open. Yesterday, when I got home, I had a message and an email from the employment placement company where I interviewed a few weeks ago. They have a position that they think I may be interested in. I'll give them a call on Monday.

One of you wanted to see my purchases from my shopping trip on Tuesday. Here they are:

The pants in the top photo are stone and olive. The capris in the bottom photo are blue/white seersucker and green with pink flamingos. I've already wore the green capris and the dress. The dress is not much, but it is comfortable.

After I do some minimal housecleaning, I'm going to call BFF MAB. We are going to do something today. I'm not sure what we are going to do yet.

I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of their weekend.

My mother, her friends and I had fun shopping yesterday. I intended on buying things for work, but I ended up with 2 pairs of capris (one blue/white seersucker and one green with pink flamingos), 3 pairs of LL Bean chino shorts, a navy polo, a black and white dress and 2 pairs of Lee chinos (stone and olive). All of that ended up costing me $111. My mother bought lots of things. She bought work clothes, church clothes and clothes for fall.

Today was fairly lonely at work. Queenie had on a black and tan skirt that was a little snug and a black square neck tank top that showed a lot of the sisters. I couldn't look at her. All I could see was cleavage.

All I have to say about the Steve McNair story is, "What was he thinking?" My heart goes out to his wife and four kids. So sad and senseless.

I hope everyone has a good Thursday.

I hope that everyone had a great 4th of July.

As I may have mentioned, my mother still works at the store 2 days each week. The new owners pay her, of course. Thursday night, my mother called me to warn me that the other girl had quit and that there was a possibility that we would be working all weekend at the store. We were going to help the other girl some during the day, but had not planned on working all weekend. I was miserable all day on Friday because I was dreading working all weekend. I was so relieved to find out that the other girl called, apologized, and asked for her job back. We only had to work for a few hours on Friday night and a few hours on Saturday night. Since it was real busy, the time went by quickly.

Saturday, we relaxed all day before going to work at the store. My sister and her family returned from the beach early Saturday afternoon. My mother had been baby sitting their Yorkie. He is like taking care of a baby. Every step that my mother makes, he is right under her feet. When she sits down, he jumps up in her lap. Occasionally, he will get down in the floor and play with his toys, but he would rather get in your lap and play with them.

Sunday, we had to keep the nursery at church. It was not too bad. After lunch, I could barely hold my eyes open, so I took a nap. I rarely take naps. Later in the afternoon, we went to the cemetery and drove through. We saw a fresh grave and stopped to check it out. It was my sister's next door neighbor. None of us knew that she had passed away. She was 90 years old and lived with her 60 year old leftover hippie son. My sister and brother-in-law always take them food whenever they cook for a crowd. Sunday evening, we went over to my sister and brother-in-laws to eat hamburgers and hot dogs. Then we came home and watched To Catch a Thief.

I am taking today and tomorrow off from work. I am taking a floating holiday and a vacation day. Tomorrow, I am driving my mother and three of her friends to Ft. Oglethorpe, GA to go shopping. They like to shop at a store called Hamrick's. I have never been there. The clothes that my mother buys there reminds me of what they used to sell at The Tog Shop. I hope that I can find some capris, shorts, skirts and maybe a couple of dresses. From what I understand, they have really good prices. A lot of their things has elastic waistbands. If I don't stop eating ice cream and cookies, I am going to need the elastic waistbands.

I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of their day.

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!!

Don't eat too many hot dogs and too much ice cream.

Today turned out to be a relaxing day. I have to work at the store for a few hours tonight, but that's okay. We are helping out over the busy holiday weekend.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend.

I found this picture on Heavy Tweed Jacket's blog. Notice the girl is holding a TaB. I used to dress like that. As a matter of fact, I still do.

Today, there was another casualty at work. It is really getting scary. I feel like I have a bulls eye on my forehead.

Today, one of my new bosses brought his two daughter by to visit. They look 3 & 6. They brought us cookies for the 4th of July. Since the girls picked them out, they were pink and lavender instead of red, white and blue. It's the thought that counts.

I'm getting ready to watch "The Wizard of Oz". I bet y'all will be glad when the new season of TV starts, so that I don't talk about all the old movies that I've been watching.

I hope everyone has a great Friday. And...if I don't post before Saturday, have a great 4th of July. Be careful over the holiday weekend.

I just finished watching The Group. I haven't decided if I like it or not. I tried to read the book a few years ago, but I couldn't keep the characters straight. Pokey, Lakey, Libby, Priss, Dottie, Polly. Maybe now that I've seen the movie, maybe I can read the book and figure out the characters. Now I need to find some other movies to watch. Now that summer is here, and my shows are either on hiatus or in reruns, I am trying to watch all the old movies that I have never taken the time to watch. Saturday night, I watched Notorious, with Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant. It is one of my favorite movies, and I have seen it many times. After that, The Man That Knew Too Much came on. My sister's dog stopped playing and sat and listened to Doris Day sing. It was so cute. I'll have to remember to tell her that.

Today, the only thing that I had to do was sort the mail. There wasn't much of that. It is so slow now that my boss is gone. Next week, my new boss will be back from vacation. Maybe he'll have something for me to do. Tomorrow I may leave work early and go by Belk's to see what Lilly Pulitzer that they have on sale. I got a cute dress at the Huntsville store this past weekend. I bought the True Blue/Sass A Grass Conlan shirtdress. $49.50. I thought that was an excellent price. I know it's not polite to tell the price of something, but I couldn't help brag about my bargain.

I hope everyone has a good Thursday.