I just wanna say -- the random comments thread

[NewEnglandLady]

I used to rock climb pretty avidly (few times a week)--I let my membership expire when Byron got sick. I think what stinks most is how quickly you regress when you don't climb. I don't even want to think about what level I'd be at if I went back--I'd probably have to do those 5.funs they put up for the kiddies, haha. My husband still goes a couple of times a week, though, so at least one of us still enjoys it!

 

[Amys Bling]

I'm getting married in 11 days!

 

[Haven]

Our little Shih Tzu Willie went in for bladder stone removal surgery yesterday, and the surgeon just called to tell me that he is doing great and we can get him at 4 PM today! He also said he's been barking up a storm, he lifted his leg to pee (which is unusual because he has a large incision on his belly,) and he's been trying to jump up on everyone because he's craving attention. He has been super laid back with us the entire time we've had him (since October) so I'm wondering if the poor guy was just feeling down because of those bladder stones. Maybe he'll have a sudden surge of energy now. I'm so excited to get him, our house feels so empty with only one dog and three cats. We need our Willie back.

 

[Haven]

I'm getting married in 11 days!

 

[princesss]

I hate when people have information that would really keep you from wedging yourself very firmly between a rock and a hard place, but they don't pipe up with it until afterwards.

 

[dragonfly411]

I'm really peeved at my two horses right now. They have BOTH been rubbing up into some kind of bush that has little burrs in it... and their manes are now PLAITED with them. I'm talking... it looks like dread locks. I am SO MAD! I will have to shave the older boy's off. The younger I am going to try to save b/c his mane is so beautiful... but I may not be able to.

 

[chemgirl]

Thanks everyone for your kind words about my grandma!

Ok so...after totally making fun of my husband for losing a full set of sheets, I've found them. I went to hug my cat Riley and tripped. He got startled and fell off the bed. As he fell, he ripped a big hole in the bottom sheet (I was too lazy to make my bed this morning). Guess what I saw poking out through the hole? My spare set of sheets! Apparently I was so tired last week from overtime and travel that I put the new sheets right on top of the existing sheets. I still have no idea how I pulled that off.

DH has been making fun of me all evening.

 

[yssie]

Thanks everyone for your kind words about my grandma!

Ok so...after totally making fun of my husband for losing a full set of sheets, I've found them. I went to hug my cat Riley and tripped. He got startled and fell off the bed. As he fell, he ripped a big hole in the bottom sheet (I was too lazy to make my bed this morning). Guess what I saw poking out through the hole? My spare set of sheets! Apparently I was so tired last week from overtime and travel that I put the new sheets right on top of the existing sheets. I still have no idea how I pulled that off.

DH has been making fun of me all evening.

::snort::

 

[kama_s]

I am in a crazy predicament, and while it is relatively insginificant, it's weighing me down. For reasons I won't get into, I am currently looking for alternate employment. During this time, I also wrote my GMAT and applied to MBA schools.

In the past 2 weeks, I have:
- Received a scholarship to a good MBA school (which I declined yesterday)
- Received a job offer, however initally as a 9 month contract, at a world wide top 5 pharmaceutical, at a more senior position and almost 15K more than what I currently make.

I haven't accepted either offers and today I get a phonecall that another smaller pharmaceutical is really interested in signing me on, willing to pay 20K MORE than the offer above (so almost 40K more than I make right now) and the position is permanent.

To boot, I looked up the director at this smaller pharma and we share THREE past experiences together: we both did grad school with the same supervisor, both worked for the same pharmaceutical and another health economics consulting firm in some capacity or another. It's like I've taken her exact path, but several years after her.

That said, I do not have a job offer from them. So essentially, it comes down to a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, right??

I have less than a week before offer from company 1 expires, but the director for company 2 is out of town and can't meet until next week. ARGH.

 

[NovemberBride]

Kama,

Congrats on all the offers! I would call Company 1 and ask for another week or two to make a decision. All they can say is no. If they say no, call Company 2 and tell them you are very interested, but have to make a decision on another job by x date and can they possibly find a way to have your interview sooner.

 

[dragonfly411]

I am in a crazy predicament, and while it is relatively insginificant, it's weighing me down. For reasons I won't get into, I am currently looking for alternate employment. During this time, I also wrote my GMAT and applied to MBA schools.

In the past 2 weeks, I have:
- Received a scholarship to a good MBA school (which I declined yesterday)
- Received a job offer, however initally as a 9 month contract, at a world wide top 5 pharmaceutical, at a more senior position and almost 15K more than what I currently make.

I haven't accepted either offers and today I get a phonecall that another smaller pharmaceutical is really interested in signing me on, willing to pay 20K MORE than the offer above (so almost 40K more than I make right now) and the position is permanent.

To boot, I looked up the director at this smaller pharma and we share THREE past experiences together: we both did grad school with the same supervisor, both worked for the same pharmaceutical and another health economics consulting firm in some capacity or another. It's like I've taken her exact path, but several years after her.

That said, I do not have a job offer from them. So essentially, it comes down to a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, right??

I have less than a week before offer from company 1 expires, but the director for company 2 is out of town and can't meet until next week. ARGH.

Kama - I'm not really sure what the best answer is for you. Are the two positions in different parts of the country/state?

 

[yssie]

I am in a crazy predicament, and while it is relatively insginificant, it's weighing me down. For reasons I won't get into, I am currently looking for alternate employment. During this time, I also wrote my GMAT and applied to MBA schools.

In the past 2 weeks, I have:
- Received a scholarship to a good MBA school (which I declined yesterday)
- Received a job offer, however initally as a 9 month contract, at a world wide top 5 pharmaceutical, at a more senior position and almost 15K more than what I currently make.

I haven't accepted either offers and today I get a phonecall that another smaller pharmaceutical is really interested in signing me on, willing to pay 20K MORE than the offer above (so almost 40K more than I make right now) and the position is permanent.

To boot, I looked up the director at this smaller pharma and we share THREE past experiences together: we both did grad school with the same supervisor, both worked for the same pharmaceutical and another health economics consulting firm in some capacity or another. It's like I've taken her exact path, but several years after her.

That said, I do not have a job offer from them. So essentially, it comes down to a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, right??

I have less than a week before offer from company 1 expires, but the director for company 2 is out of town and can't meet until next week. ARGH.

Ohhh boy.

First - BIG congrats on the various acceptances!!

2 - I was facing *exactly* this dilemma re. timing of two promising opportunities not working out, so I know how it feels! They pulled off a miracle and actually got the offer out to me today, within CompanyA's deadline.

Is there any chance companyA will extend your deadline by a few days? And does companyB know that you already have an offer and are on that timeline? If not definitely let them know - I have found that it's amazing how quickly stuff can happen when they hear that they have competition!

3 - From what you know of the companies and positions, is it likely that should one choice not work out, in project or timing, that the other one will be available down the road?

Honestly.. you are obviously very clever and very capable. You don't need to worry about not having a 'good' job - doors are always open for clever and capable people. So if companyB is a better fit for you in many ways, the offer is likely to be better, you think you'll enjoy the work more, it's better suited to the career you want to pursue... OTOH I completely understand not wanting to give up a sure thing in the hopes that the other will pan out!


Gosh. I'm not much help, am I?

 

[kama_s]

Kama,

Congrats on all the offers! I would call Company 1 and ask for another week or two to make a decision. All they can say is no. If they say no, call Company 2 and tell them you are very interested, but have to make a decision on another job by x date and can they possibly find a way to have your interview sooner.

Thanks, NB!

I did tell Company 2 that I have to respond to Company 1 by early next week, however the hiring manager is out of town this week. The person I spoke to said they were going to put a rush on the interviews as much as possible, but I doubt I'd still have enough time.

I could ask for more time from Company 1, but I don't think they would agree. I received the offer yesterday and immediately requested a later start - I've yet to hear back but it seemed like they were in some sort of a time crunch (which did not come across during any of the SIX ROUNDS of intense interviews I had with them).

DF: They're in the same city, relatively equidistant to my house.

 

[kama_s]

Ohhh boy.

First - BIG congrats on the various acceptances!!

2 - I was facing *exactly* this dilemma re. timing of two promising opportunities not working out, so I know how it feels! They pulled off a miracle and actually got the offer out to me today, within CompanyA's deadline.

Is there any chance companyA will extend your deadline by a few days? And does companyB know that you already have an offer and are on that timeline? If not definitely let them know - I have found that it's amazing how quickly stuff can happen when they hear that they have competition!

3 - From what you know of the companies and positions, is it likely that should one choice not work out, in project or timing, that the other one will be available down the road?

Honestly.. you are obviously very clever and very capable. You don't need to worry about not having a 'good' job - doors are always open for clever and capable people. So if companyB is a better fit for you in many ways, the offer is likely to be better, you think you'll enjoy the work more, it's better suited to the career you want to pursue... OTOH I completely understand not wanting to give up a sure thing in the hopes that the other will pan out!


Gosh. I'm not much help, am I?

Congratulations on your offers as well! Which city will they be in?? Which offer are you leaning towards?

AFM: I did mention the tight timelines to CompanyB, so let's see how they respond to that. I just don't want to regret the decision down the road, although I really don't know how any of this will work out. Company A is very very very well known, very stable, great pipeline, hundreds of employees, great policies but very rigid and firm. Company B is small, not sure about their pipeline, more money and permanent (i.e., good mat leave benefits). I really would like to learn more about CompanyB, but I doubt I can get a full understanding without meeting them.

 

[yssie]

Ohhh boy.

First - BIG congrats on the various acceptances!!

2 - I was facing *exactly* this dilemma re. timing of two promising opportunities not working out, so I know how it feels! They pulled off a miracle and actually got the offer out to me today, within CompanyA's deadline.

Is there any chance companyA will extend your deadline by a few days? And does companyB know that you already have an offer and are on that timeline? If not definitely let them know - I have found that it's amazing how quickly stuff can happen when they hear that they have competition!

3 - From what you know of the companies and positions, is it likely that should one choice not work out, in project or timing, that the other one will be available down the road?

Honestly.. you are obviously very clever and very capable. You don't need to worry about not having a 'good' job - doors are always open for clever and capable people. So if companyB is a better fit for you in many ways, the offer is likely to be better, you think you'll enjoy the work more, it's better suited to the career you want to pursue... OTOH I completely understand not wanting to give up a sure thing in the hopes that the other will pan out!


Gosh. I'm not much help, am I?

Congratulations on your offers as well! Which city will they be in?? Which offer are you leaning towards?

AFM: I did mention the tight timelines to CompanyB, so let's see how they respond to that. I just don't want to regret the decision down the road, although I really don't know how any of this will work out. Company A is very very very well known, very stable, great pipeline, hundreds of employees, great policies but very rigid and firm. Company B is small, not sure about their pipeline, more money and permanent (i.e., good mat leave benefits). I really would like to learn more about CompanyB, but I doubt I can get a full understanding without meeting them.

Thank you! They're actually both in upstate NY (remember that saga?)

as for which one... I don't know. Both are so different! I adore companyA (ever had a legitimately *enjoyable* technical interview, where you actually wanted to keep discussing and work just one more test case before calling time??) - but the offer from companyB is for quite a bit more, and they also seem like a promising company with nice people. A is in development, which would promote gaining a broader skillset, B is a permanent consulting position, which is what I do now and know I enjoy. Then there is the fact that I do want to get a graduate degree in CS in the next couple of years, so that would be a natural time for a career change - from consulting to development, say. CompanyA isn't going anywhere and they'll continue to grow for several years yet, so I definitely plan to keep in touch if I choose companyB - I think the offer from CompanyB is more a one-time thing. And - well, we're thinking about buying a house, having kids - we could definitely use the extra money...

Meeting, touring the place, chatting with potential coworkers over a casual lunch - definitely things to do before giving it serious consideration, I agree!

 

[chemgirl]

I am in a crazy predicament, and while it is relatively insginificant, it's weighing me down. For reasons I won't get into, I am currently looking for alternate employment. During this time, I also wrote my GMAT and applied to MBA schools.

In the past 2 weeks, I have:
- Received a scholarship to a good MBA school (which I declined yesterday)
- Received a job offer, however initally as a 9 month contract, at a world wide top 5 pharmaceutical, at a more senior position and almost 15K more than what I currently make.

I haven't accepted either offers and today I get a phonecall that another smaller pharmaceutical is really interested in signing me on, willing to pay 20K MORE than the offer above (so almost 40K more than I make right now) and the position is permanent.

To boot, I looked up the director at this smaller pharma and we share THREE past experiences together: we both did grad school with the same supervisor, both worked for the same pharmaceutical and another health economics consulting firm in some capacity or another. It's like I've taken her exact path, but several years after her.

That said, I do not have a job offer from them. So essentially, it comes down to a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, right??

I have less than a week before offer from company 1 expires, but the director for company 2 is out of town and can't meet until next week. ARGH.

Congrats! I have a few friends trying to find work in the pharmaceutical industry and they talk about how hard it is. You must be super awesome and have a fantastic resume to get two responses in such a short time!

 

[princesss]

This is shaping up to be SUCH an awesome weekend.

Saturday:
Climb
Hang out at the pool
Hang out with my little brother/do laundry
Do some work clothes shopping (hopefully this isn't too depressing - I tried earlier in the week and it made me want to cry)

Sunday:
Whitewater rafting with friends
Outdoor symphony performance (it's big band stuff this weekend!) - this is so much fun! You grab a blanket and chairs and snacks and claim your spot around 4, then hang out, eat, drink, and spend time with your friends. Music starts around sunset. Perfect way to end a weekend

Somehow in all of this I have to clean my apartment, pack, and cuddle the heck out of my kitties.

 

[VapidLapid]

lemon flower in soho,nyc

 

[VRBeauty]

Nice shot, VL!

I am craving ice cream!

I will be having a salad.

 

[purselover]

After practicing yoga on and off for three years I just did my first headstand!!! Now I just need to work up the nerve for handstand.

 

[dragonfly411]

I was in an accident on the interstate today. It seriously scared the crap out of me. We were caught in what they called a microburst. It is basically a tiny tornado, where a down stream hits the ground. It spun our car and one other car out of control. The other car landed in a ditch. We hit the guard rail in the median. We were all ok. It was terrifying though. Going to soak, my muscles are a bit sore.

 

[junebug17]

I was in an accident on the interstate today. It seriously scared the crap out of me. We were caught in what they called a microburst. It is basically a tiny tornado, where a down stream hits the ground. It spun our car and one other car out of control. The other car landed in a ditch. We hit the guard rail in the median. We were all ok. It was terrifying though. Going to soak, my muscles are a bit sore.

Oh nooo!! I can't even imagine how frightening that was DF, I'm just grateful that nobody was hurt. I'm really glad you're ok.

 

[Haven]

I was in an accident on the interstate today. It seriously scared the crap out of me. We were caught in what they called a microburst. It is basically a tiny tornado, where a down stream hits the ground. It spun our car and one other car out of control. The other car landed in a ditch. We hit the guard rail in the median. We were all ok. It was terrifying though. Going to soak, my muscles are a bit sore.

Yikes! I'm so glad to hear you're okay.
I hope you're getting some good rest tonight.

 

[purselover]

I was in an accident on the interstate today. It seriously scared the crap out of me. We were caught in what they called a microburst. It is basically a tiny tornado, where a down stream hits the ground. It spun our car and one other car out of control. The other car landed in a ditch. We hit the guard rail in the median. We were all ok. It was terrifying though. Going to soak, my muscles are a bit sore.

How scary!!! So glad to hear you're okay

 

[dragonfly411]

Thank you guys so much! I'm still up with some shoulder pain. I think a trip to my cousin will be in order... she is a sports massage therapist. It was scary yes, and eerie. It's amazing how slow it goes. I remember seeing the other car that started spinning, and starting to say my mom's name, and then our car just started turning. She said afterward it was like something grabbed the wheel. I yelled her name a lot lol, but I kept thinking...we are going to flip...we are going to get hit... and then... God please don't let that guard rail hit me... and then us hitting it and thinking...whew. Her back bumper is torn up where we hit, and apparently the front dragged enough on the bank of grass that it ripped the front bumper almost completely off. The other car landed on top of a 10 foot ditch and slid down it...upright...unharmed... The two students inside were fine. We all got very very lucky today. I am amazed that none of us got hit.

The weird part is we had crossed the start of the storm on our way to where we originally went, and I wondered "hmm, I wonder if anyone will spin in this.. it's pretty heavy". The accident happened on our way home. My mom said she kept thinking of accidents as well on the way there. Ilander - another thing that makes me think of us and of it being familial.

We had gone to a store about a half hour south to find me some overalls b/c no one in my town had any that fit small girls. I got a kids size. We got them b/c my grandfather's 70th birthday party was tonight and he ALWAYS wears overalls.... even to weddings... so my family and our friends at my second job all ALL wore overalls. I'm keeping these dang things now, I went through H*** to get them.

 

[tyty333]

That must have been scary! So glad none of you were hurt.

 

[kama_s]

Thank you! They're actually both in upstate NY (remember that saga?)

as for which one... I don't know. Both are so different! I adore companyA (ever had a legitimately *enjoyable* technical interview, where you actually wanted to keep discussing and work just one more test case before calling time??) - but the offer from companyB is for quite a bit more, and they also seem like a promising company with nice people. A is in development, which would promote gaining a broader skillset, B is a permanent consulting position, which is what I do now and know I enjoy. Then there is the fact that I do want to get a graduate degree in CS in the next couple of years, so that would be a natural time for a career change - from consulting to development, say. CompanyA isn't going anywhere and they'll continue to grow for several years yet, so I definitely plan to keep in touch if I choose companyB - I think the offer from CompanyB is more a one-time thing. And - well, we're thinking about buying a house, having kids - we could definitely use the extra money...

Meeting, touring the place, chatting with potential coworkers over a casual lunch - definitely things to do before giving it serious consideration, I agree!

I think CompanyB is probably the right thing for you at this moment in time. It honestly truly is all about timing.

How are you feeling about upstate NY? If anything, you'll be closer to me so you can come visit and stay with us!

 

[kama_s]

Congrats! I have a few friends trying to find work in the pharmaceutical industry and they talk about how hard it is. You must be super awesome and have a fantastic resume to get two responses in such a short time!

Thanks so much, chemgirl. It's a very instable industry for sure, but sadly, it is also what I am most passionate about. Getting your foot in the door is the hardest thing in this industry, after that it's relatively okay.

 

[rosetta]

I'm getting married this saturday!

My family arrives from overseas tomorrow.

I cannot WAIT to see them!!!

 

[VRBeauty]

Rosetta - CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I hope the wedding and all that surrounded it was WONDERFUL!