Weekend Rundown

Who else agrees that Super Bowl weekend needs to be a minimum of three days?!

Despite the lack of three days, I made two work just fine. Today is definitely a Monday though, whew!

Some friends and I started with weekend off early with Happy Hour right after work on Friday. We headed over to Serranos for their HH. $2.50 margs and nacho bar, score! I told Scott before we started that I wasn't going to be out late and his response was "sure." Haha Needless to say, we were out until 12(that's late for me). Lots of laughing, dancing and singing for us.

Excuse my extremely red face, I was a little toasty on account of alcohol. oops!

Courtney and I got in on some impromtu karaoke fun. We saw an open mic and knew what we had to do.

After such a fun night Friday, I took it easy on Saturday. So did Melvin. That silly dog LOVES his kennel.

 While Scott was out running errands, he came home with some pink boxing gloves! Can't wait to try them out later this week.

Scott and I did some major house cleaning and finally "remodeled" our bathroom. I put it in quotes because all we did was change out the mirror/medicine cabinets and change out the light fixtures. $200 well spent, I tell you! I posted before pictures in this post, but sadly forgot to take another picture before swapping them out. But here is the finished product. SO happy with these improvements.

Sunday was spent doing lots and lots of errands and prepping for our Super Bowl get together party. A small get together, turned party. I was happy though, there was a great turn out. But maybe next year we will attend one instead?!

Super Bowl means good eat, treats and football! Wasn't that game awesome?! I really wasn't sure who the winner was going to be. Glad it was in the Ravens favor :)

 Happy Monday!

How to be Popular in the Cube World

I went to a "Workplace Communication" seminar a few weeks ago on how to communicate with your coworkers in the form of written, verbal and non verbal communications. At the end of the presentation, they gave us a handout on "how to be popular in the cube world." Well some of these things on this list couldn't be more true! I have to share. I know some of y'all out there work in the cube world, and you HAVE to witness some of these things...

Don't enter another person's cubicle unless you are invited.

Don't interrupt someone who is on the phone by using sign language or any other means of communication.

Think twice before interrupting someone who appears deep in thought.

Remember that speakerphones and cubicles don't mix.

 Don't discuss confidential matters in a cubical.

Find a private place to make or receive personal phone calls.

Your cubicle is a direct reflection of you. Keep it neat and orderly.

Avoid strong perfumes.

Keep your germs to yourself.

Always hold yourself to a higher standard, no matter your job or your title.

Treat every employee with the same respect.

Mind your own business.

If you are having lunch at your desk, make sure you're not disrupting others.

 Don't borrow items from other mates in the office without letting them know.

Don't be a whiner who complains all the time.

Don't read other workmates memos, notes or faxes.

Practice good hygiene but please not in public. Hair brushing, eyebrow plucking, flossing etc. should be done in the restroom during your lunch hour.

Don't gossip(huge in my office!)

Don't play music at your desk during business hours. If you have to, use headphones.

You can place pictures of your family, friends and relatives on your desk, but limit to 4-5 pictures.

Don't tell off-color or dirty jokes.

This ecard has nothing to do with cubicle etiquette, but I'm definitely guilty of crying in my cube! haha

Aren't some of those so funny and TRUE?! I love that we have these seminars and trainings, but disappointed that nothing really changes in the office. Cheers to being positive?! haha

Overtime

Yesterday I received an email asking if there were any volunteers willing to work and earn overtime. I don't know about you, but most employers don't just give you the opportunity to gain three weeks of paid overtime.

Of course I quickly replied and said I would start the next day(today).

So here I sit, one hour in, and one more to go. My office is scary quiet right now. I guess you can tell I'm using my time wisely? :)

But hey, I was really busy earlier!

It's actually kind of nice to work in peace. A lot of times people don't follow cubicle etiquette, which can be annoying. I'll continue to see how this goes later on this month. I have a feeling Fridays will be torture. Oh well. I'll be happy when I get my check in the mail. :)

More on my job here.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween got started a little bit early this year with a party on Friday! This is the first year in probably four years that I've gotten to dress up. I've forgotten how much fun it is!!! My friends Ruthie and Jon, some of you may know her through her blog, threw their first Halloween Hootenanny and Scott and I were thrilled to join them!

zoo keeper and panda

I also got to see some girls I hadn't seen in ages! Cassie being number one! I got to meet her hubby and introduce them to Scott. It was super great getting to chat with them, especially Cassie! So fun!
Next, I saw Sam! Sam and I used to live down the street from each other, but lost touch throughout high school. I'm so happy we've reconnected! They also have blogs as well so it's fun to keep up with their life, even if I don't get to see them often.

Me and Sam

I also got to meet two more Austin bloggers, Nikol and Shanna!

As for today, you'll see me in a different black and white costume. I persuaded some of my office friends to dress up as dominos with me! This costume is such a great idea for an office. It's quick, cheap, easy and super cute!

Soctt and I are looking forward to handing out candy to our little trick-or-treaters tonight and carving pumpkins in between!

What was your costume for Halloween? Send me a link or comment below!

That time I used a chainsaw...

and two different cordless drills, and a nailer....talk about tomboy! I may have worked at home depot, but I know NOTHING about construction, building, planting, etc.

This weekend was an eye opener and I'm exhausted to say the least. This post is going to be short and sweet. Enjoy some pictures of me "being tough" and our beautiful new fence!

Yes, there is an extension cord attached. I'm not THAT B.A.

I think the best part about finishing the fence was that we don't have to look at the hoarding neighbors backyard anymore.

Michelle Obama arms

That's right,

Michelle Obama arms...

via

I want them!

Hahahahahah

So obviously, those aren't her real arms, I saw this picture on google the other day and thought it was hilarious... But seriously, she has great arms!

via

I have specifically been working on my arms at the gym to mirror hers. 

Today, I'll be pumping some baby iron back in my cubical.

Happy Wednesday friends!!!

If you really knew me

I saw a few of my friends post this a while back and I thought it would be fun to share a little more about myself. Stuff you may or may not know about me! Especially if you're stopping by from Rustic Living's blog ;)

If you REALLY knew me, you'd know that....

I'm 23, but not for long....Sept 16th

I'm engaged.

I'm getting married on 4-20-13. BUT not for that reason y'all! It's my aunt and uncles wedding anniversary, so I'm very blessed to be sharing it with them. (It will be their 28th!) They've set a very good example for Scott and I. Oh, try to guess which dress I chose!

I'm an early riser. Like 7am on weekends early. Scott loves it.

I have a love for teaching and children but am currently not a teacher. I'm working for the state in workers comp.(Insurance for state employees). They've got great benefits :)

Even though I love children, I only want to have 1 child. Scott would say that's subject to change...

I'm very close to my family. Maw Maw is like medicine to me and my Mee Maw is the strongest woman I know. So lucky to have these women in my life.

I didn't grow up going to church every Sunday or praying or even believing. Now, I am finding my faith on my own. I use prayer, and I try to read the Bible. It's still very new and complicated though. I do like that I got to choose for myself what faith I wanted to be a part of and believe in and that it wasn't forced upon me.

I've lived in Austin my whole life. I'm actually a 5th(maybe more) generation Texan.

I'm a lover of music, animals, especially this dog, traveling, here and here, candy, singing the the shower, and coffee!

I'm new to blog world (could you tell?), and I'm very anxious to meet other bloggers, and follow along their journey!


Go check out Rustic Living's blog for an amazing group giveaway that I'm participating in. Lots of great prizes!!! Also while you're there, check out the Rustic Living shop. I just purchased this adorable pillow from her! I love it.

via

Thanks for stopping by.
What are somethings I would know if I really knew you?!
I can't wait to get to know you better.

zumba virgin

NO MORE!!!


Yes, you read that right, I WAS a zumba virgin... that is until yesterday. Sadly, I wasn't at Ruthie's class, but I was trying out a class that is held at my office. I have found SO many cool things that come with working for the state. Here is a list of some of the bad ass benefits I get (just to name a few)...

1. Work out classes held at two different times throughout the day... in my building! There are a variety of classes like zumba, zumba toning, yoga, strength training, and kickboxing. They all can be done during my lunch break and they are all FREE!!! I love that four letter word.

2. Local produce is sold to state employees from farmers around Texas. You can buy them on a weekly basis and it's only $20. It's cool because you are helping out local farmers and getting fresh produce weekly. It's a pretty sweet deal and they are right across the street from us.

3. My health insurance is completely free. It doesn't come out of my monthly salary, just flat out paid for.

4. There is a special DMV for state employees that takes about 10 minutes to renew a drivers license just two blocks from my office.

5. Discounts at hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the downtown area.

6. Parking in multiple parking garages for free...there's that word again.

And so so much more! I'm so pleased with how the zumba class went yesterday. I can't wait to try the other ones. 

On another note, my heart is so saddened with the tragedy that happened in Colorado. I'm praying for those people and their families. It's such a sad story :(

I hope you have a great weekend

stay-cation

Yesterday at work, my office held a potluck with the theme of a "stay-cation". Which meant people could dress in a "what you'd be wearing on vacation" outfit for the day and bring in a dish to share. Since we some of us dress nice on a daily basis, we took advantage of wearing more relaxed clothes like shorts, jeans, or a flow-y dress.





I dressed as if I were hiking, like when we were in New Mexico, for the stay-cation. It was the best excuse to come into work in my most comfortable clothes. Pretty awesome, right?!

They had a HUGE spread of food from dips, pasta salad, wings, pizza, cakes and my favorite, SNO CONES!

 I was a happy girl! Definitely a fun way to break up the work week.

Cheers y'all!

random thoughts at this moment

• Is it just me, or do you get a summer cold too? It severely sucks and I wish I had a voice right now.
• Ok, so I started this new job. Like any other regular person, I have questions about it. Girl in the office, I'd appreciate it if you helped me out instead of acting like it's a big inconvenience for you to answer a few questions, k?! K.
• On a good note, Scott got me a mophie iPhone cover for my birthday! (my Birthday isn't until September). This is definitely the best cover you could get because it charges your phone when it starts loosing power and protects it!
• I'm off this weekend for the first time! I'm hoping to see some friends, clean house, get some rest, get rid of my cold, and go to church with Annie. 
• I'm going to eat ramen noodles tonight and enjoy it. No shame here.
• Scott and I leave for the East coast in three weeks!
• Speaking of Scott, I came home last night, at a very late hour, to two dozen pink roses. I asked what the occasion was for and he told me that it was our second anniversary of our first date. Sweet of him to remember, I'll take note of that.
• I attended my first book club meeting last night with some awesome ladies. I am SO pumped about beginning our first book and looking forward to our next meeting. I'm hoping to post a little book report at the end of each book we read so I can share my thoughts with you guys!
•  I loved seeing people I hadn't seen in ages last night and also meeting new people. It was a great time and I can't wait to see more of you at the next meeting.

I have to go eat my ramen now. Pray I get my voice back for tomorrow. It's annoying not being able to talk, yall! 

My first week

So I survived my first week on the job! To be fair, it was a very easy week. I had two orientations, a staff meeting, trainings, and had the 4th off. Ah, the life!

Check out my cute cubie! I had a lot of fun bring in stuff that I already had. Plus, it's one less thing in the guest bedroom...

I'll be sure to update more once I get in the swing of things. I'm still trying to get my routine down and this week was kind of wonky. 

Peace!
Brooke


p.s. This is my last weekend at HD!

life via my iPhone

jog last week at walnut creek park

our sporadic date night. rode the train down and bar hopped on our bikes.

played giant connect 4

my 4th of july getup before the holiday

my 4th of july morning

we popped fireworks with friends and had a blast!!! (pun intended)

cuddlebugs...mac just loves me, can you tell?

Follow me on instagram @brookehouston or twitter @br00ke_star for other fun pictures!

Hello Corporate World

long post sorry! 

Well friends...

 I got the job!!!

Last week I was called in for an interview and I was actually really nervous about it. I've only been to a handful of interviews so it's not something I am really familiar with. Anyways, I got the call yesterday and was offered the job, and of course I accepted it. It's kind of crazy because I will go to orientation on Monday! They're not wasting any time, are they?

A number of people have asked me what my interview was for and what I'll be doing... So now that I know I will for sure be employed there, I will share! It's kind of complicated/confusing if your unfamiliar, so I'll generalize it and try to make it easy to see how this job became an option for me... 

Having graduated in December with a degree in Elementary Education, I was looking for teaching jobs. Some of you may know that the market is pretty tough right now and teaching jobs can be few and far between. It had been six months since graduation and no leads for jobs. I was really unhappy with my current job and needed a change, and quick...

So I applied for a state job through the Attorney Generals Office with the Risk Management agency.

I know, you're probably thinking, how and where did you find out about that job and what made you want to go for it...

Well, I have a history of family members that have worked for the state, and the idea had always been in the back of my mind. My aunt currently works for the office of Risk Management and there happened to be a position that became available in her agency. I was more that thrilled! I applied online and a week later was called for an interview. I'm making it sound easy, but trust me it wasn't. There were a lot of different loops I had to jump through to get to that position. 

1. I had to go to the work force commission to submit my application. (work in Texas website is a doozy to work with and is not user friendly at all)

2. I almost wasn't able to make it for an interview because there was only a Friday time slot available and I was leaving that same morning for New Mexico.(They were able to fit me in on Thursday morning)

3. There were only two positions available with quite a few people interviewing. Two of those people being in-house recommendations, which was a bit nerve-racking.

So it definitely wasn't easy. I do owe some props to my aunt Kim for helping me out! These days it seems like you have to have an in with someone to get somewhere. The market can be so competitive! 

Oh, and job details: I'll be working for the office of risk management. What they do is provide state employees insurance and pay medical bills/income while out of work. Also provide state agencies risk management skills to reduce injury at work. 

 pros and cons

Pros:

1. Working at an office building downtown

2. Dressing nice for work

3. The amazing benefits

4. Working with my aunt Kim!

5. Nights and weekend off 

6. Having a normal schedule and seeing Scott, hallelujah!

Cons:

Not teaching

I haven't given up on the teaching gigs, but I will definitely be happier where I'm going than where I was! :)

Thanks again for your prayers because they paid off! I'm truly grateful!

XOXO Brooke