Last week was employee appreciation week at my company. We were told numerous times to "Watch out for something in the mail!" I initially thought, MONEY!!!...but then realized that it would be direct deposit and not a printed check. Then yesterday I came home to a Navigon 2000s. Now that's a pretty cool little gift. It's useful, it's different, and it's actually a nice surprise. I had been thinking about a navigation system since earlier this summer until I was recently surprised with the awesome Pioneer AVIC-F700BT. Hawt! So the Rabbit has a navi! Yay for the bunny and Yay for getting a very useful and thoughtful corporate gift!

Today marks the end of my contract as a Java developer at my client. I'll still be working for the same client but I start a new contract as a J2EE infrastructure engineer in a different department. It's a nice way to move on, I guess. I'll still be working with people I work around now, but I'll just take on an entirely different role. Well, that's not true. For the last six months or so, my role as a developer turned into more of an infrastructure and QA role. It's an interesting change. Coming from the development world and going through a taxing environment build-out and implementation, I think I'll fit right in.

These have been my source of entertainment while running load tests at work. I cut them out of my 2007 Extraordinary Chickens calendar, attached a metal hanger from a file folder, and pinned them to the inside of my cube wall. Mr. Mustachio on the left and a good representation of me at work on the right. ;-) I have a number of other chickens in my cube, but these are the funniest. I'll have to take my camera to work to get some better pics.

My news anchor shot... Hahaha!

Yes, I did it. I finally got my promotion to Senior Consultant. My presentation went very well. Seven slides in an hour with plenty of Q&A in between. I wasn't stressing about it at all, as my gut told me that I would get it. My day started at 5:00AM!!! Those who know me know that's quite an accomplishment in itself. HAHAHA!!! I left at 6:00 to make my 30 mile drive to the office. It was very strange leaving the house before dawn. Traffic wasn't bad at all and I made it to the office by 6:30. Made my first quick cup of coffee for the day (Brazilian Nut) but only had a couple sips before I headed for the conference room. An hour later, I left the room for a couple minutes while they decided. It was apparently an easy yes. They gave me a ton of compliments and told me how much they appreciate all my hard work and dedication, especially with our Java practice.

Yay!

I'm not going to bore you with the frustrations of work. Work is work.

My thumb is still numb. I did read a bit online about cryotherapy and what to expect. One site mentioned that the numbness may stay anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months depending on the nerve damage!!! The skin on my thumb started to dry up a bit and crack so I've been putting on lotion daily. Just tonight, the blister started to shrink and I'm not sure if it's due to the cold, dry air or what. My entire thumb has been stiff since last Monday. Some days it throbs and hurts, some days it's just extra sensitive to the touch. The half of the thumb closest to the frozen area is the only place that's numb. Argh... I don't want to ever do this again.

Wednesday, November 7th, 2007: 9:00AM

Taking Monkey to the vet to get her checked out. :-(

Wednesday, November 7th, 2007: 1:00PM

Dentist.

Thursday, November 8th, 2007: 7:00AM-8:00AM

Promotion Review Board Presentation. Yes, I'm wearing a suit. It's the first suit I've purchased...the first suit I've ever worn. Black with tiny white pinstripes about an inch apart over a red satin long sleeve button up shirt. Nice. I'll be heading to the office after my presentation so my co-workers will see me all dressed up for just a bit.

Friday, November 9th, 2007: 4:00PM

Heading to DFW to catch a flight to SFO for the weekend. Will's going to pick me up at the airport and we'll drive north to Little River. I've never been to Northern California (that I know of) so this should be a great trip!!! Especially this time of the year. I laughed out loud when I read the forecast for this weekend. The day I fly in, the highs drops into the 50s and it starts to rain. The day after I fly out, it goes back up to the 60s and the rain stops. Last night, I picked up a water-proof windbreaker shell thingy and a thin long sleeve silky thermal from Dick's Sporting Goods. Part of the plan is to go see the giant redwoods. Hopefully it won't be cold AND rainy, but I'll be a bit more prepared now.