My More Intersting Pursuits

I started working at a new client site last week. I was afraid that it would be a depressing environment, boring work, and non-fun people. So far I have been a bit pleasantly surprised; the environment is nice, its only shortcoming being the lack of good comestibles nearby. The work is not the most exciting thing I can imagine, but because it is something I am familiar with (SSIS) I am able to jump right in and impress my coworkers with how quickly I crank out deliverables. And so far I have found my coworkers pretty personable. While these factors are better than I had feared they might be, I still would like the opportunity to move on to something more interesting in the not-too-far future.

On Tuesday, I had to have my laptop scanned by the client's IT department to make sure it was virus-free and safe to connect to the network. After delivering my computer to the IT area for said scan, I returned to the communal work room for the remainder of the 2-hour scanning process, where I realized how challenging it is for an IT consultant to appear productive with no computer in front of them. So I got out a pad of paper and a pen, hoping to at least look like I was writing important notes about something. But what to actually do with this pad? I had no notes to write. So I attempted a portrait of my stuffed penguin which sits on my desk. On the left is my drawing; on the right is a photograph of the actual penguin. I am quite impressed with my artistic creation!

On Wednesday I went to the mall for no reason in particular. I found a few awesome things, which are laid out below in photos arranged less artistically than Mari's similar posts and described in less appealing language. Mari: if you want a not-very-cool-project, try to make my clothing purchases sound more fun.

Left: Plum ruffle-top shirt; originally $39.50, I got it for $7.50 at the Limited. Behind that, a bright green sweater I got in Spain. Gray skirt, originally $59.50, I got it for $24.99 at the Limited. Fall-Green flutter-sleeve blouse (100% silk!), originally $69.00, I got it for $23.97 at Banana Republic. With the silk blouse is a brown cardigan I got a the Limited a few weeks ago, also on sale but I don't remember any specific prices.

Right: Jade Knit dress with tie waist, ruffle detailing on front, and made of very nice fabric, as indicated by its original price of $98.00!!! I got it for the a measly $23.00! Yay!

In summary, I spent $79.46 on items that originally totalled an impressive $266. I feel very pleased.