Sunday, February 26, 2006

Vegas, baby, Vegas!

Got here way early this morning. The suite is gorgeous! Sadly, we don't have a Strip view, but very few of the rooms in this hotel do (all but the highest floors are blocked by the Luxor in that direction). As we checked in about six hours before normal check-in time and got a lovely room at all, I'm not complaining.

I am more sad about the fact that the famous beach and wave pool(!) is closed for the winter for only TWO MORE WEEKS, so our timing is just a bit off. But I'm already up $50 at the slots! I was up $75, but I decided I would play $25 in an effort to win a BMW convertible, and would keep trying until that budget was blown. No free car for me!

Tomorrow, we soak in the spa and explore the world outside the Mandalay Bay environs. First order of business, find a charger for my digital camera, because I'm the genius who came to Vegas for the first time with a near-dead battery. And there's a store here called Five Little Monkeys, so you know I need to take pictures!

I'm trying to ride this lucky streak as long as I can. If I win crazy big money, I'll buy a house in Boston AND one in the Slope, so I can visit all the time! Wish me luck!

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Crazy monkey sex?

Dude! I finally made it into Overheard in New York!

My boss is a ninja.

Oh, my God; I can't take it.

I'm trying to quit today; I can't put it off any longer. I accepted the offer late Wednesday, but our Oregon editor was here last week, so I figured my boss would have no time to talk. Also, we had long-standing plans to have lunch today, so I planned to tell him over a nice meal.

But then, he had to postpone the lunch to tomorrow. And he and I were both out Monday for the floating holiday. Yesterday he was in meetings all day, and I just couldn't bear to wait until Thursday when we're having lunch.

So last night before I left, I stuck my head around the corner and asked if he had some free time in the morning. He said he'd be around.
I say something about having been trying to get a hold of him for a while -- and he looks all hurt.

Apparently he was available on Friday to talk.

Anyway, we agree we'll catch each other this morning. I get up early, mostly because I can't sleep from nerves. But I was also planning to come in early and get it done and out of the way. But then, the workers came to fix the hole in my kitchen floor, which they were supposed to do yesterday while I was at work.
So I didn't come in early. In fact, I came in late, having just barely missed the PATH train, even though I ran for it.

Yes, I ran, in this weather, with my still-weak lungs.

When I do come into the office, he's sitting there, all free and available, alone, unoccupied. I take off my coat, boot the 'putie, and go to get some water because I'm all asthma-wheezy, for having run in the cold. When I come back ..... he's behind closed door with B, for a looooong time.

As soon as B comes out, I jump up to go in. I'm standing at the door, hand poised to knock, when M comes over with some tall guy in a suit who is here to be interviewed. Of course I defer to the candidate.
Then my boss is behind closed doors with the guy, and I'm waiting.
And waiting. Every once in a while I can hear talking or a laugh from through the door.

I get up to get something out of the fridge. His office door is open and he's not there.
I say out loud, "He's a ninja!"
And L, who sits right next to his office, says she didn't see him leave either. M says he left with the candidate five minutes before.

So now I'm ...ooh, here he is!

Who'd have thought it would be so hard to quit?

Anyway, it is done. No more secrets, all is out in the open, I can now tell you anything you want to know. So comment away, already! Please?

Friday, February 10, 2006

Everything Is Illuminated

The offer came in a phone call today (while I was sitting next to my boss on the airport shuttle, on the way home from a business trip, but that's another story). I'm still in salary negotiations, but they've already more than matched my current salary, plus offered $10K in moving expenses, $5K per year in tuition reimbursement, benefits and vacation time that start immediately, and a bonus structure (I've never had a bonus before!). So it's a safe bet that, barring an overwhelming counteroffer from my current boss, I'll be back in Boston within a month.

There, now you know.

For those of you who know me in real life, and especially for those of you with whom I work: PLEASE keep this under your hat until further notice. First of all, I don't want to jinx anything until I actually finalize an offer. Secondly, I'd like for my boss to hear about it from me, not through the office grapevine. So don't mention it unless I bring it up first in person, or until you see the all-clear in this space.

But keep good thoughts, please!

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

First Rule of Cuddle Club: No Dry Humping

Dear God. Get your hands off me!

The signs are everywhere

Wow, and I didn't even ask for a sign.

Things are changing; I have a big decision to make. And every day, everywhere I look, signs are pointing me in one direction. All that's missing is the big, red, neon-lit arrow.

I'll spill as soon as I can, promise.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Hit the Spot

So this website says that these are the three best cities for me to live:
Boston
Providence
New Haven

I am such a hometown girl! That website is so clever!

Friday, February 03, 2006

Afternoon Tea with the Fugsters

I'm still trying ot figure out, why exactly do we Americans always think the the Brits are so tasteful and well-mannered?

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Sadly, he's not talking about Siena

Randomly found this today while listening to an excellent version of Baby Got Back. Next on the playlist: My Monkey!

There is Nothing Wrong With a Free Monkey!

I've linked to Black Market Enterprises Christmas promotion before, but I think I should remind you of it every post-holiday season.