From High Heels to Hard Hats

SEATTLE, WASH. -- My professional life has taken a drastic turn. Don't ask me what happened to my communications-focused career, but it kind of went out the window, I guess. Though definitely not on purpose. My connections in Seattle are few (despite many networking attempts), so I decided to do what any desperate girl would do: I went to a temp agency (gasp) to keep busy.

My temporary (please be temporary, please be temporary) new assignment came after I first took a series of computer proficiency tests... this ranged from Microsoft Office tests, a typing test, and a test that made me want to SCREAM outloud for hours: it involved 25 story problems and "puzzles." Even still, the thought of this makes me want to hurl. Puzzles such as, "Complete the following pattern: A F 23 7 D 2 89 G 3458 3 R..." WHAT?!  And you know... those really pointless story problems about how if John left point A traveling 40 mph and Jane left point B traveling 30 mph, what time did they cross paths if John took two six minute breaks... blah blah blah?  That kind. The kind I hated when I was a kid, and the kind I still hate. Who cares when they crossed paths? Anyone? Anyone? Needless to say, I knocked all the other tests out of the park. I was pleased, however, to hear the temp agency lady tell me that I was above average on the story problems too. I'm not sure how this is possible. I can only conclude that the other candidates who have taken the test must not be very bright. Mean. I know. But it's all I can conclude. But whatever makes my story problem skills look good...  

Back to my new, temp job: You'll never believe what I'm doing. Goodbye high heels and suits (I may have wept over this) and any attempts at being fashionable, and hello hard hat and orange vest (I also may have wept over this) and all attempts at being unfashionable. I know. I can hardly believe it myself. After reviewing my computer proficiency tests, the temp agency lady informed me my best job "match" would be to do data entry for a construction company building a twin-tower skyrise apartment complex in downtown Seattle. The pay bites big time. But, I agreed. After all, something was better than nothing.

So, I now report to work with a bunch of blue collar union guys who have mouths like they work in a newsroom (the language is nasty, dirty in a newsroom. Sorry, I know you'll never view those FOX news anchors the same again). The down side is the job starts at 7:30 a.m. Yes, A.M! Oh dear. Those of you who know me well know that I am not a morning person or anything that resembles one. The plus side is, I'm off at 3:30 in the afternoon. Also on the plus side is I can wear jeans to work and because I have to sport a dorky hard hat, there's really no point in fixing my hair. This helps with the getting up early thing. This is also a downside. I feel like a schmuck all day. And because these apartments are under construction, the buildings are freezing. I wear my coat all day long.

So, in case you're wondering what I look like sans high heels, here I am...  Do you think orange is my color?  ;)

Yes... laugh. You'll be laughing with me, not at me.

So, there you have it. That's what I've been up to lately. Luckily everyone I work with is super nice to me. I guess with all the perks unions get, how could you not be?  I just keep telling myself, "Temporary, temporary, temporary, temporary...." Fingers crossed.

Anyone else up to anything fun? Please fill me in!

Thank You A Million Times

SEATTLE - I've always had this unexplainable fear that if I threw a party, no one would come. So, to avoid that, I simply never threw parties. Problem solved. This fear, however, extends beyond me hosting a party. It goes as far as someone throwing a party for me. If anyone ever offered to throw me a birthday party, I'd vehemently decline. So, growing up, I always though that there'd be no way on the planet I'd ever want a party as elaborate as a wedding reception. What if no one came?! The thought terrified me.

On October 20, 2012, I will be forever grateful that I allowed my mother to talk me into having a wedding reception. Or a wedding anything. So many people came to celebrate, literally from all over the world. I have never felt so loved in all my life. I will never forget the beauty of that day. Not ever.

Oh, I love this man!

Not only was the wedding ceremony one of the sweetest I've heard (yes, I actually listened), I don't think I have ever been more touched in all my life. I remember walking into the sealing room holding Isaac's hand, looking around and seeing so many people that meant so much to me, sitting right there in that lovely room in the Draper Temple. I felt overwhelmed with love. They were all there for us. In fact, the whole day felt like a life reunion, if there ever was such a thing. Close family, extended family, friends from all over the country, old college roommates I hadn't seen in years, and people I hadn't even dreamed would travel great distances came just to support us on our special day. I was touched.

Some of the Bennett crew

In addition to our loved ones making the day so special, the weather played a large role too. It couldn't have been better. Days prior to the wedding, it was cold and rainy. And three days later, it snowed. But on October 20, the sky was sunny and the temperatures topped the mid 70's. The autumn leaves glowed in vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, and the crisp leaves slowly fluttered to the ground throughout the day, leaving the autumn ambience at our outdoor wedding lunch and reception picture perfect. I felt like I was in a fairy tale all day. Our surroundings seemed to be illustrated by the heavens themselves. Cheesy, I know, but that's really how I felt! 

Gorgeous scenery, eh?

Isaac and I drove away from the reception that evening, feeling like the most loved people on the planet. Our only regret was we didn't get near enough time to talk to any one. We'd enthusiastically greet friends who we longed to catch up with, only to get whisked away 30 seconds later to a new crowd of people, repeated throughout the entire day. My heart was filled with love, but ached simultaneously for not being allowed to give our friends and family the attention we wanted to give them.

Isn't that cake amazing? My talented cousin made it.

So, if you didn't hear me say it enough that day, THANK YOU again to all those who helped us feel like the most loved, lucky, special people on earth. Thank you really seems so inadequate.  Thank you for coming, whether you drove two minutes to be there, or traveled two days to make it happen. We will be forever grateful for your support in starting our lives together.

It seems so cliche to say that my wedding day was the best day of my life, but quite honestly it was the most fun, happy, amazing, touching, wonderful, sweet, BEST day ever. I get the chills just thinking about it. And I feel so lucky to be married to Isaac. He amazes me.

Though I don't think I'll be wanting another party any time soon (I mean, come on, how do you top that?), I would be up for another life reunion any time. Anyone?