tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34561822012-01-31T14:58:49.015-05:00Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.comBlogger5321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-15948789788563419232012-01-31T10:50:00.003-05:002012-01-31T10:50:52.984-05:00

I don't post too much here anymore. And that's ok. I'm not going to feel guilty about it. I keep up with my off line journal (IRL) and Facebook, Twitter, Path, Instagram. I think that's ok. If you really want to know what's up, you know how to find me. But I do want to share something that I am extremely proud of. Last month, while out to dinner with two of my friends, I mentioned that we have

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-35465277038032297302012-01-06T14:20:00.000-05:002012-01-06T14:20:31.463-05:00

So, how was your night? Me? Well I woke up at 3am because I had to pee. When I open my right rye, it got stuck. My eyelid was in the way. WTF? I reached to feel my face and my entire right side and jaw to my left ear felt like there was concrete beneath the skin. Really, WTF? So I went to the bathroom and switched on the light. At first the brightness was blinding and I couldn't keep my eyes

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-22736074113879690592011-12-07T15:20:00.001-05:002011-12-07T15:23:41.005-05:00

I should be working. I should be writing content for a high-profile training course I'm working on. I should be researching correct financial terminology and supporting documentation. I should be giving a shit. But I just can't do it! Instead I've been paying more attention to things that I'm more interested in. And none of it is related to my job and certainly not related to my project. This

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-72563225051313021702011-10-28T09:55:00.000-04:002011-10-28T09:55:52.241-04:00

Perception is a funny thing. Today a coworker 1 sent me an IM about coworker 2. Coworker 1 (he) said coworker 2 (she) was an idiot. Now I love some good gossip, but I asked him: Any hard facts? Because based on her actions, she's pretty competent. Him: Really? Ok. It's only conversation I've had. Nothing I can use to back it up with. It's just me and my 'male' twisting of stuff. Cool. me:

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-72626876798798120642011-09-21T08:45:00.001-04:002011-09-21T08:45:42.716-04:00

I'm on a plane to Mexico tomorrow for 5 days in an all-inclusive hotel with my Carolina girls. Its the emotional vacation I've been needing. The problem is that work's deadline doesn't stop and a huge deliverable of mine is due the day after I get home. The other problem, I don't have all the source material I need from the client to complete my piece of the deliverable. So inevitably I will

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-85071348618345408152011-09-15T11:09:00.000-04:002011-09-15T11:10:27.189-04:00

The hottest thing in your life right now sure isn't the weather, and it's not your love life. No, all the heat's being generated from the fresh ideas brimming from your head! So grab some paper, pens, crayons, a video camera -- whatever you feel like using to dig out your ideas. Songs, poems, stories, even silly 'to do' lists are all valid forms of expression right now. Unearthing what's deep

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-29810509921582480542011-09-12T20:19:00.000-04:002011-09-12T20:19:08.380-04:00

I haven't written with any sense of consistency online or in my journal. I just haven't really felt it. But I did feel bad about it. I think my old journal had some bad mojo. So I got rid of it even though I wasn't even half way through writing in it. My new journal is an Ecosystem journal. I like the color and I like that it's made from recycled material. I hope that it has good vibes.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-29068170968434542702011-08-31T09:51:00.002-04:002011-08-31T09:54:46.859-04:00

I've been feeling this emptiness in me. It's nothing new, I think it may be cyclical. But this longing for something is back. In the past I thought it meant that it was a signal for changes to come. That I had to do something different, or try something new, or travel someplace exciting to fill the void in me. This time I'm not sure exactly what it means. I don't feel like running away, and I

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-67976788830875941502011-08-17T13:20:00.001-04:002011-08-17T13:20:49.299-04:00

I think I may be on to something. It's ok to allow someone to do something for you, even when you're fully capable of doing it yourself. My car needs to be inspected before I renew the registration. I've never done it before in North Carolina, so I wasn't sure if I could just take it anywhere, or if I had to bring it into a DMV location like I have to in NJ. So I asked Charles about it. He

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-85528207526448552752011-08-11T11:23:00.002-04:002011-08-11T11:23:40.575-04:00

I know I'm an asshole work. I've come to terms with it. Most of the time I try to curb my asshole tendencies and try to be more open to the needs of other people. It doesn't always work. It's not often when I get really invested in a project and very passionate about what I'm delivering. In the training world, there is a science to preparing content so it can be absorbed by a learner. So there

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-81022060083704867292011-08-09T13:51:00.003-04:002011-08-09T13:51:29.208-04:00

This day will be very placid -- with no noticeable highs or lows. But while there will be no major excitement (good or bad) today, you will find it hard to shake the feeling that things are about to change in a major way. As usual, your instincts are absolutely correct. Today is like the calm before the storm, so batten down the hatches and lay in some supplies. Very soon, there's gonna be a

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-84732569174600736112011-08-08T10:03:00.004-04:002011-08-08T10:03:43.450-04:00

bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored 

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-22401108969145505902011-08-01T09:52:00.002-04:002011-08-01T09:52:39.967-04:00

I've always wanted to learn how to sail. So when the "I've Always Wanted To..." meetup group offered a sailing lesson, I signed up immediately. Saturday at noon, the class started at Lake Johnson in Raleigh.  There were 8 of us in the 6 hour class. Our instructor was Margaret, a 77 year old woman who had been sailing and teaching it since she was 17. So with 50+ years of being on the water,

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-3257638620659827072011-07-21T16:24:00.006-04:002011-07-21T16:25:50.733-04:00

I love it when even I actually believe that I know what I'm talking about with clients at work. And I sound all authoritative and make the client do some action items. Power corrupts.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-574265004638365332011-07-20T10:32:00.003-04:002011-07-21T16:25:24.364-04:00

On again, off again is now on again.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-49331455352799454592011-07-20T09:24:00.000-04:002011-07-20T09:24:48.118-04:00

Sorting will be a rewarding, energizing activity for you today. So seek out a confusing set of materials or information and get to work! You'll get a big boost out of making sense of a situation that would only confuse most other people. Looking at the big picture and finding the areas you want to explore and the areas you want to avoid will be easy for you, so why not offer your services to

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-23461481781633164552011-06-15T09:22:00.000-04:002011-06-15T09:22:46.564-04:00

In your professional life, things are definitely going to improve in terms of how well you work with others. For a while now, you have been held back in many business situations that involved other people. But today, whatever (or whoever) was holding you back will be gone. Suddenly, you will have a lot more control over your schedule, over what you can say, and most importantly over whom you

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-73040680225955271022011-06-09T09:09:00.000-04:002011-06-09T09:09:24.899-04:00

It's admirable that you're so willing to work with others to get things done -- your teamwork ethic is to be applauded. However, today you realize that if you want something, you might need to elbow your way to the front of the line to get it. It's not about putting yourself ahead of others -- it's about knowing when to grab control and make things happen. No one is going to seek you out and

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-75839942368561502312011-06-08T08:53:00.000-04:002011-06-08T08:53:01.245-04:00

When I really get into a project, I like to take it with both hands and run with it. In my head I see the big picture and all the little steps it will take to get me there. My advice to people around me is to just get out of my way. I have no problem asking for help when I need it, and sometimes a gentle reminder that there are others waiting to be given something to do will encourage me to

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-11388007735709185022011-05-30T07:40:00.002-04:002011-05-30T07:40:39.584-04:00

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-82707680335824321672011-05-26T15:53:00.000-04:002011-05-26T15:53:37.545-04:00

Here's a post from almost exactly 6 years ago.  ouch! I have just witnessed that speaking solely for the sake of speaking doesn't necissarily make you look like you know what you're talking about. Sometimes silence shows wisdom. When the client says to me straight out in a meeting, "I trust you.", over the business managers on both project teams, it means a lot. If I was my manager, I

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-5885452258095472032011-05-26T10:52:00.001-04:002011-05-26T10:54:54.441-04:00

Yesterday was the last episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show. I didn't watch it and I don't have DVR. But I hope it exists somewhere online. Instead I watched the Master Class series by Oprah and many of the things she said resonated with me. "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." -William Ernest HenleyShe talked about the poem 'Invictus' and the last two lines talked to me.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-20329862201691459312011-05-24T09:29:00.001-04:002011-05-24T09:31:27.664-04:00

Skip the staid, business side of things today. Instead, focus on the creative aspects of your life. Listening to music, cooking up an ambitious meal or even dancing around your bedroom is a great way to liven up the day and improve your mood. Creating something new is easier than ever, so don't be surprised if a tune pops into your head and refuses to leave, or if your mindless doodling

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-1772273573345473802011-05-24T09:12:00.001-04:002011-05-24T09:18:15.135-04:00

What a year it has been! Just one year ago, I was signing away my home to move 500 miles away and live with a man I had just met. This year I celebrated my 38th birthday among friends in a new place that I love. The changes are vast, but nothing that I would have any differently. Saturday, my old friend and college sister threw a party for me and her husband. We were born on the same day. I

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-3456189547056102682011-05-17T15:55:00.000-04:002011-05-17T15:55:23.836-04:00

Apparently I'm pretty average on being picky and arrogant, but I can get pretty irritating. Yes, I'd say that was accurate. I am an asshole, you know.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-89257698337417991302011-05-16T15:46:00.001-04:002011-05-16T15:48:20.503-04:00

My birthday is only a few days away. Last year on my birthday, I put my house in New Jersey up for sale. I spent the entire year taking an exciting risk: on romance, on job, on life. Two out of three ain't bad. This year I think I'll do another year-long kind of project. Except this time the focus will be on self-improvement. I've already started reading some books that I've found very

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-61950756061119290142011-05-11T14:21:00.003-04:002011-05-11T14:43:39.225-04:00

I've been ranting a lot lately. If not here, then I've been tormenting a friend with the nonsense that drives me up a wall. Today's rant is about email spam from co-workers. For some reason, some of the unfunny people in my company thinks its he-la-er-us to send an email using the department alias address with some stupid little inside joke. I get it. I determine its stupid. I delete it. Then

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-30111199351880977582011-05-10T09:27:00.000-04:002011-05-10T09:27:26.816-04:00

I got into work this morning without my cup of coffee at home because I had run out of milk. When I got to the coffee room, only a pot of decaf had been made. So I started brewing a pot of regular coffee and walked back to my desk to start up my laptop. When I got back, the pot was empty. And no one started another one. Fuckers! So now I'm starting a second pot of coffee, and also a third,

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-2132072153103780012011-05-05T11:47:00.000-04:002011-05-09T11:47:59.435-04:00

I was inspired by Cinco de Mayo. It was my turn to host the monthly Bunko party last night. It was May 4th, and had I been clever enough, I would have done a Star Wars theme. But I flaked and took the easy way out and celebrated the Mexican St. Patrick's Day of Cinco de Mayo. Really, the only difference between the two is that we drink margaritas and eat tacos rather than drink green beer and

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-77077223295705463472011-05-02T11:20:00.000-04:002011-05-02T11:20:09.345-04:00

I woke up this morning and checked Facebook and read update upon update about the death of Osama bin Laden. I didn't really have much of a reaction. Meh. Don't get me wrong, he's a bad guy. But I don't really see how his death will really make a difference. There were video of people in the streets, wearing US flags and cheering "USA, USA" as if they were just a part of the covert military

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-33231783969538461322011-04-28T09:44:00.000-04:002011-04-28T09:44:47.389-04:00

I'm bored. It's strange to say considering I have my job, my social groups, my friends and playing softball. Plus I can always entertain myself. But here I am sitting at work and nothing is inspiring me. I'm just sitting around thinking, 'is that all? Ok, what's next?' And I'm not really just talking about my job. I think it's the bigger picture. Defining my life purpose and what-not. I

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-450385828678178502011-04-25T10:43:00.000-04:002011-04-25T10:43:14.083-04:00

I was forced to take last week off from work. My company had a mandatory furlough for all contractors. It was a nice week off. I got to see family and friends back home, I played softball, I went to a friend's BBQ and I enjoyed the beautiful weather here in NC. Coming back to work this week is bittersweet. While I enjoy the paycheck very much, I had to deal with the incessant talking again.I

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-84906249777882930422011-04-23T12:07:00.000-04:002011-04-23T12:07:20.700-04:00

That looks about the size of a softball, right? Next time maybe I'll catch it instead of let it bounce off my elbow.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-6383005749892007762011-04-14T11:29:00.000-04:002011-04-14T11:29:39.918-04:00

There really are all kinds of people. But the kind of people I want to talk rant about today are those who don't know how to shut the fuck up. Personally, I am more of a listener. When I'm in settings with new people, or not yet part of the established 'group', I often sit back and listen to the volley of conversation. I'll participate when I have something helpful to contribute or if I want to

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-21101341432994532702011-04-13T10:03:00.000-04:002011-04-13T10:03:53.078-04:00

I signed up to play softball for my town recreational league. We had practice for a few weeks and our second game last night. I lovingly call ourselves the Bad News Bears. Many of the players on the team haven't really played before. Some, like me, haven't played competitively in years. But we all knew going into this that we were playing for fun and if we happened to win some games, then

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-57837911277110050952011-04-12T14:23:00.000-04:002011-04-12T14:23:07.509-04:00

I just sat through a 70 minute WebEx listening to someone talk about an elaborate Excel template he created to manage project plans. All I could think of was Microsoft Project and how it does all that was demonstrated right out of the box. Then there were so many tools and templates and processes and hoops to jump through... only to learn that as an Instructional Designer, I don't even have to

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-5294974456978559142011-04-11T11:06:00.000-04:002011-04-11T11:06:37.876-04:00

Every time I explore the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area, I find something that makes me love North Carolina even more. Yesterday my group of girlfriends who I call the Carolina Girls (they're a separate group from my sorority sisters but who are equally as awesome) all met at Duke Gardens for a picnic. The day started off gray and a little chilly, but the sky eventually cleared up and turned

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-18280391406048810452011-04-10T08:40:00.000-04:002011-04-10T08:40:56.203-04:00

Carolina Ballet I read a post recently about the pleasures of doing things alone, things most of my friends would never do. Last night I did exactly that. I was having a day. It was gray, cold and I was feeling pretty blue (which is another post entirely). But I was determined not to sit and mope in my apartment in my pajamas all day. I was invited out to dinner with a good friend, but I

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-13338528562727957962011-04-09T12:07:00.001-04:002011-04-09T12:07:55.973-04:00

I just finished reading a new book, "The Four Agreements" by don Miguel Ruiz. I've been in this self-awareness, soul searching, happiness-finding mode lately and this book was recommended to me. I love it. Ruiz, a Mexican shaman of the Toltec wisdom, a way of life that embraces spirit and honors all the spiritual masters who have taught on the earth. The premise is very Matrix-like: the

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-68813816240722805102011-04-07T09:22:00.000-04:002011-04-07T09:22:54.380-04:00

Silly posters have been popping up at work. I like these silly little surprises.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-49725708619069658042011-04-07T09:18:00.000-04:002011-04-07T09:18:06.799-04:00

I've been quiet about how Charles and I are doing. And that's on purpose. In a word, we're doing ok. Actually, we're doing really well. So I guess that's two words. He's a bit of a moment of clairity that I had recently that I shared with him: I've been acting like a know-it-all and haven't been very receptive to others opinions sometimes. But I'm realizing that learning is growing and that's

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-43945867861405029732011-03-29T13:31:00.000-04:002011-03-29T13:31:24.834-04:00

I think I might have a problem. I think I might be an asshole. Really, I might need to join AA - Assholes Anonymous. My asshole-ness really comes out at work. Especially during meetings. I can't stand the (completely not funny) banter that happens before the actual meeting begins - even though the meeting started 10 minutes previously. It's even worse during conference/WebEx calls. Thank god

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-40297595361702090572011-03-27T08:37:00.000-04:002011-03-27T08:37:35.017-04:00

One of the things that keep us (mentally) young is to explore new things. I explored a chair dancing / pole dancing class. It was actually a workout class, and damn if I'm not sore. All those squats and hip gyrations and those fireman swings around the pole. The best part about this class is that it was all women. Real women. With curves. It was fun to not worry about what you look like or

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-71266404275158012432011-03-22T15:53:00.002-04:002011-03-27T08:10:12.255-04:00

I was in Durham this weekend for the farmer's market and was strolling around when I came upon this ridiculous elephant. Intrigued, I wandered into the door and found this magical place called The Scrap Exchange. The Scrap Exchange is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote creativity, environmental awareness, and community through reuse. We collect materials from

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-49136732883351807552011-03-18T11:43:00.000-04:002011-03-18T11:43:02.632-04:00

Last night my alum group went to a local paint studio for a painting lesson. Well, it was more of an evening of copying what the instructor was doing, while drinking wine, eating cheese and cookies and doing a lot of laughing. I started by painting the sky. The original had a vertical streaky sky and looking at it now, I don't really like it. If I could do it over I wouldn't make it streaky.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-54245629190252081252011-03-17T09:53:00.000-04:002011-03-17T09:53:43.526-04:00

Ever feel like you need a time-out? A break away from life just to breathe in nature and recharge your batteries? But where to go? Beach or mountains?

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-57208717539344387142011-03-15T15:02:00.000-04:002011-03-15T15:02:22.219-04:00

Rum-infused chocolate cupcakes Prosecco

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-80430843171366765242011-03-12T07:17:00.002-05:002011-03-12T07:17:44.184-05:00

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-37761793244205536862011-03-10T04:06:00.002-05:002011-03-10T04:07:49.789-05:00

Cover of The School of Essential IngredientsWhat did she do that made her happy? The question implied action, a conscious purpose. She did many things in a day, and many things that made her happy, but that Clare could tell, wasn't the issue. Nor the only one, Clare realized. Because in order to consciously do something that made you happy, you'd have to know who you were. Trying to figure that

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-87199958949047039492011-03-09T09:45:00.000-05:002011-03-09T09:45:41.223-05:00

I know, I haven't posted anything about bike week yet. Get over it. A video is coming. But today I had a date. A breakfast date. We met at Panera an hour before I had to go to work for coffee and quiches. It was fun, and light and there were a lot of smiles. And it was good.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-24428381112923516402011-03-07T16:00:00.003-05:002011-03-07T16:08:51.319-05:00

Friday. 4:00 pm. The phone rings. It's Charles. "Hello?" "You haven't checked your email!" "um..." "I'm about to ride into Daytona. You need to get on a plane and come down here." Three second pause... "Ok. Let me check Expedia and call you back." "Pack light." With barely hesitation, I was looking for flights to get me from Raleigh to Daytona that night. Because he called me and wanted

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-70490247400486490462011-03-07T13:51:00.001-05:002011-03-07T13:52:19.456-05:00

What did you do this weekend? Me, I went to Daytona for Bike Week. To meet up with Charles. And it was awesome!   More to come, I promise!

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-27612655420812733972011-03-05T12:00:00.000-05:002011-03-05T12:00:09.094-05:00

I have a tattoo. Its of a dolphin. I got it in college for two reasons. First is that my big sister has a dolphin tattoo and her big sister has a dolphin tattoo. (My little sister's little sister has one, too.) But I wasn't just being a follower. The second reason that I got a dolphin tattoo is that I actually like dolphins. In school, I took up the mantra, "live like a dolphin and always wear

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-69526806706351010112011-03-04T10:04:00.000-05:002011-03-04T10:04:51.854-05:00

Emcee at the Gal Pal Auction Last night I went with my friend Lori to a Gal Pal auction to benefit the Dress for Success organization. Their mission is: is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.There were plenty of goods and services available

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-65183555190124462912011-03-04T09:44:00.001-05:002011-03-04T09:44:00.331-05:00

I have quite an interesting group of women who are a part of my life here in North Carolina. I have four distinct groups of friends. At least, there will be four once softball season begins. Alpha Xi Delta First is my sorority. I've talked about it before. I have friends here who I went to school with, so that was a very easy and welcome introduction to the state. I also have the alumnae

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-22561179985573945812011-03-03T09:58:00.001-05:002011-04-28T10:02:28.367-04:00

Happy, happy, joy, joy! I just signed up for a recreational softball league and I am so excited. I haven't played in years. Damn, it's been almost ten years. I miss the smell of the grass and taste of grit in my mouth after I slid into third base. I miss the sweat and the grass stain on my pants and the ice cream (in high school) or the beers (at work) the team would get after a game. I miss

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-54296594328583172272011-03-02T09:14:00.002-05:002011-03-02T09:22:31.011-05:00

I was inspired by my friend who apologized to her boyfriend's mother. Not because she felt she did anything wrong, but because she hurt the woman's feelings. And that is reason enough.I never thought about it that way before.And I thought of Charles.I'm not sorry with the choices I made and the life I made for myself. I'm also not sorry for contacting Charles again and for trying to bring him

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-48331743834415209392011-03-01T13:18:00.003-05:002011-03-02T09:14:19.710-05:00

I wish my cube at work had a ceiling. And doors. So I could close out the nonsense that surrounds me. My headphones can only go so loud.I'm tempted to put up a sign like in this post.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-73256413112623392542011-03-01T09:21:00.006-05:002011-03-01T09:53:39.189-05:00

I am a sorority girl. An unrefined, unapologetic, proud, involved sorority girl. I think that is what saved me when I found myself lost and alone in North Carolina.I have always said that everything I learned to make it in the real world I learned from being in a sorority. And not just being in one, where you might imagine consisted of parading around campus in letters, flash mobbing a fraternity

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-63596647800272912042011-02-28T10:00:00.003-05:002011-02-28T10:06:08.804-05:00

I woke up this morning, made some breakfast (swiss cheese omelet with salsa, toast and coffee) and ate it on my patio.It was a perfect morning. Cool enough to wear a sweatshirt and shorts, but with the promise of getting warmer later.Barry kept me company as we watched the day wake up. I saw a cardinal flip about from branch to branch. I heard other birds say hello. The train whistled in the

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-83208076659650926662011-02-27T16:21:00.004-05:002011-02-28T10:07:23.103-05:00

I love that I have nearby access to wonderful parks. So many trails for Barry and I to explore and pine cones to stomp on. There's nothing quite as satisfying to me as to hear their crunch under my feet.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-54416314616654009882011-02-27T15:57:00.005-05:002011-02-28T10:07:04.096-05:00

I am reading a book called "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. She also has an accompanying blog.In it she chronicles a year-long project where she tries to bring more happiness into her life by test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. This is not to say that she was unhappy in her life.In it I've found some

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-42630326283760123802011-02-27T09:41:00.003-05:002011-02-27T09:45:37.231-05:00

On a bulletin board in my bedroom is a collection of things that make me smile. Cards from my mom, photos, ticket stubs of concerts, colorful scraps of paper. Today I noticed something that I remember Charles looking at when he was here last. I don't know if he actually read it.I wrote that as a reminder to myself of who I was looking for in a partner. I had written it maybe 4 years ago after a

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-75529466232108393572011-02-26T09:04:00.001-05:002011-02-26T09:04:53.663-05:00

Don't cave into temptation, even if it's an old flame. You're all about safety for now, so keep your feelings to yourself. Ancient emotions might bring you back to a toxic relationship. You're apart for a reason!Duuuude. Spooky.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-34006462131937278332011-02-26T07:05:00.009-05:002011-02-26T09:06:54.288-05:00

I thought we were on our way to being friends. Friends with potential.Him: So how do you like being friends?Me: I like it.Him: I have a question, as we are being friends, if someone asks you out on a date, what would you do?Me: We're on the same thought pattern. I have no interest in dating anyone else. Dating. That's what I said. That's what I presumed that this was something Charles and I were

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-89966224938590126212011-02-23T15:29:00.006-05:002011-02-23T15:53:20.353-05:00

I went to my first concert the summer before I entered high school. It was Bon Jovi during the Slippery When Wet tour.Shelly, my best friend, and I went with her aunts to the Meadowlands to see our local Jersey boys (this was way before I was obsessed with Bruce Springsteen, the real Jersey boy).Our seats were awful. They were completely opposite of the stage at the very top of the stadium. You

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-5137038304389957432011-02-21T07:02:00.004-05:002011-02-21T07:17:33.875-05:00

Follow-through isn't just for golf. But you knew that already, at least when it comes to work. You might find that follow-through makes all the difference in love too. There's certainly not a whole lot of resistance on their part (they might even be downright into you). So make sure to let them know you're still interested, and you could see a whole lot change. You might not even need to say

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-14216485373979041362011-02-20T08:34:00.001-05:002011-02-20T08:35:56.642-05:00

"I would have brought flowers, but I thought you'd like ice cream better."He knows the way to my heart is through my stomach.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-75099243479696950482011-02-17T07:35:00.008-05:002011-02-17T09:54:28.616-05:00

I see people. They don't know they're dead.You know in The Sixth Sense when the ending is revealed and Bruce Willis learns that he's dead and suddenly you can see the entire move from a different point of view?Him: Meet me at 42nd Street Oyster Bar at 6:30.I was sitting at the bar, drinking a glass of wine as I waited.Him: where r u?Me: I'm the cute girl at the barI watched him walk over to me in

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-35384994013067022512011-02-17T06:58:00.003-05:002011-02-17T07:06:51.867-05:00

I'm so glad you made time to see meHow's life, tell me how's your familyI haven't seen them in a whileYou've been good, busier than everWe small talk, work and the weatherYour guard is up and I know whyBecause the last time you saw meIs still burned in the back of your mindYou gave me roses and I left them there to dieBut this is me swallowing my pride, Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-67444522437554228162011-02-16T14:43:00.001-05:002011-02-16T14:46:40.424-05:00

The Official WTF?!? Face ©

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-81850003124822018312011-02-16T13:35:00.006-05:002011-02-16T14:21:52.215-05:00

Him: Hey,what are you doing this evening? I have to be in Raleigh by 7 and done there by 9, want to hang out?I think it's safe to say that we're on our way to becoming friends.My "I am loving my life despite the crap we went through" email didn't derail the friendship process. In fact I think it opened the doors to be able to talk calmly and openly about the shit that went down.Him: I thought we

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-54116316415508342732011-02-15T06:39:00.003-05:002011-02-15T06:50:08.560-05:00

The rest of my afternoon at work after being dropped off by Charles was as productive as the hours at work I wasted in anticipation of him coming to pick me up. I did some little stuff here and there, but the majority of my time was spent thinking "now what?"At least I had plans today. I was meeting Kelly after work for a few drinks. I got there first and ordered a Blue Moon to keep me company."

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-63320455417307807542011-02-14T09:13:00.014-05:002011-02-15T10:38:47.885-05:00

It started with an email to Charles yesterday.I hope you and your family are doing well. I'm wishing you an early valentine's day. I would really like us to be friends.take care-It was just before lunch on a gorgeous Sunday as I was walking Barry in the park. The sun was shining brightly, the world was warming up and all around me people were basking in the warmth walking, flying kites, feeding

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-24827232492146994172011-01-20T08:59:00.002-05:002011-01-20T09:04:05.895-05:00

I don't know where the time goes. Weeks fly by faster than I thought possible.This has been a tremendous year for me. I changed fairly static portions of my life and now I feel like I'm actually living.Which may be part of the reason that I'm not writing. It does make me sad a little to let the days pass and moments that I would normally record for posterity are being slowly forgotten.But here

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-81063378204856594242010-12-09T09:41:00.001-05:002010-12-09T09:42:25.491-05:00

This year's Christmas card!Oh What Fun Christmas 5x7 folded cardShop Shutterfly for unique, personalized Christmas photo cards.View the entire collection of cards.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-61072314512508291512010-12-07T07:35:00.002-05:002010-12-07T07:38:02.841-05:00

Have you thought about becoming some sort of advisor or mentor to someone? If you haven't, you should -- and today would be a good day to investigate how to get involved in something like that. It could be as formal as a teaching position or as informal as just showing a friend how to do something in their home. What's important here is that you spend some time sharing a skill or talent of

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-75481769501147720702010-12-06T10:32:00.002-05:002010-12-06T10:36:56.527-05:00

Saturday night, Raleigh got hit with its first snowfall. Granted, it was just a dusting, but it was pretty. And the best part was that it was gone the next day.It's a far cry from the crap I used to get back home.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-62090680461154281032010-12-06T10:19:00.004-05:002010-12-06T10:31:05.474-05:00

It happens every workday morning. More often on Monday mornings. That whole "What did you do this weekend" question that ultimately lasts for 90 minutes.Working in a cube farm I hear all the conversations. And for the most part, I don't care. At least I don't care at 9am.My most productive time of the day is the early morning. I am active, alert, creative and I want to be able to throw myself

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-75004917241443236442010-12-04T16:05:00.001-05:002010-12-04T16:07:04.783-05:00

Barry is doing what he loves, hunting for field mice.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-35041117407565274492010-12-02T12:43:00.004-05:002010-12-02T13:05:34.451-05:00

There are a lot of stupid things on tv. The only show that I will stop my life and turn on the tv for is Glee. Yes, I am a gleek and I'm not ashamed to say it.I've traded in a lot of tv time for reading. And I was holding out on an e-reader for a while. I thought I would miss the tactile-ness (is that a word), and the smell of books. But one day when I was home in NJ, I decided I wanted an

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-68948319515299971122010-12-01T16:22:00.002-05:002010-12-01T16:25:18.626-05:00

As part of my yearly tradition, I sent out my Thanksgiving email:Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!It's that time of year again. When the roads, skies and rails are packed with people all trying to get back to their loved ones. And maybe if they're lucky, can get a little sumthin' sumthin' in the TSA pat down line. I am finally one of those people who have to travel hours (8 by car, to be exact) to

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-19340692223492469382010-11-08T09:01:00.004-05:002010-11-10T09:21:28.751-05:00

I was feeling nostalgic, I admit it.I spent the weekend in the Pocono Mountains, PA with my college friends. There was enough silliness to go round, but there were moments for me to reflect on my move to North Carolina, what got me there and what's keeping me there now.Charles, of course, popped into my head.I was reminded of the great time we had at the mountain house. The beginning of the

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-33918306727281790342010-11-01T08:20:00.002-04:002010-11-01T08:23:26.305-04:00

There is a mystery in my house.That was finally solved.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-87933100757318075112010-10-18T14:22:00.001-04:002010-10-18T14:24:01.021-04:00

I'm not feeling very talkative today. So instead, here's the video of what I did this weekend.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-7576021950004233352010-10-15T09:30:00.001-04:002010-10-15T09:36:45.420-04:00

Look at that. I can't stay with one thing for more than 3 says. So much for the 30 days of truth.But in other news, let it me known that I'm an idiot.I went to the dentist yesterday to get a cavity filled. My new dentist is awesome and it was actually the best drilling experience (heh... that's what she said) I ever had.While I was getting drilled (heh heh), I had my own personal tv screen

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-60973470256098372512010-10-10T09:48:00.000-04:002010-10-11T09:57:43.676-04:00

Something I have to forgive myself for?This is a hard one because I either already forgave myself for stuff, or I don't feel like I did anything wrong where I need forgiveness.Not to say that I'm without fault. I've got plenty. But you can paralyze yourself with things that are wrong with you, or you can say 'to hell with it' and live with it.As a personal rule, I try not to deliberately cause

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-40987089781207256052010-10-09T13:14:00.004-04:002010-10-09T13:14:00.191-04:00

This is a much easier post than yesterday's.I love that I'm not afraid to do things by myself.It hurts my heart when people say that they can't do things on their own. Whether it be going to the movies, or have a meal at a restaurant. I happen to find it liberating.Maybe it's because I've spent more of my life single than in a couple. Maybe because I tend to tire of people (see Day 1). But I have

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-7656834993739267772010-10-08T12:46:00.003-04:002010-10-08T13:12:05.321-04:00

Is it arrogant to say that there isn't a whole lot that I hate about myself?I mean there are things I don't like, the number on the scale, the split ends of my hair, that one zit that keeps coming back... But hate?I don't like how when I tire of something, even if only for a little while, I tend to shut it out. This can be for anything: a task at work that I need to do, the dishes in my sink, or

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-70731127142952704712010-10-08T11:21:00.002-04:002010-10-08T11:25:29.733-04:00

There's an internet meme that's been going around: 30 Days of Truth.Given that I haven't had much writing inspiration, I think I'll give this a try. I never know how long I last doing stuff. My 365 Photo project stalled in May. But still, it's something to work towards.Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.Day 03 → Something you have to forgive

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-8353830851774288122010-10-07T14:13:00.005-04:002011-04-28T10:00:24.226-04:00

What do you do when you have time to kill at work? Look at Awkward Family Pet Photos. What do you do when you see this? Laugh your ass off.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-55791581228333110612010-10-05T08:57:00.001-04:002010-10-05T08:58:38.688-04:00

A mystery solved.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-17653941843844881872010-09-27T15:32:00.003-04:002010-09-27T15:46:47.864-04:00

I have been extremely lucky to have met a group of women who's company I enjoy and where I fit in nicely.This past weekend I spent at the beach with 10 women in one beach house. What was great is that we all got along, with no drama.We are all, except for one, transplants to North Carolina and the group formed out of a MeetUp group whose purpose was to simply meet new people. This splinter group

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-3673637012713705792010-09-20T08:54:00.002-04:002010-09-20T09:08:43.296-04:00

If you've been struggling with a relationship for a little while now, today could be a turning point. It's hard to say why something shifts between two people, but one of those tension-easing changes is poised to take place. Take a deep breath and you might even notice that the difference isn't so much in them, or in your duo's dynamic; it's more like a shift is taking place within you. So

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-36931197851309085452010-09-16T08:53:00.003-04:002010-09-16T08:55:28.620-04:00

My bathroom, in addition to my cool-ass shower curtain, has beautiful Key West watercolor paintings, wooden frog & lizard thingys and a super-awesome metal gecko to make me smile as I'm pooping.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-48499731133954799492010-09-15T09:05:00.005-04:002010-09-16T08:52:20.222-04:00

My photos are finally starting to be hung on the wall making my apartment feel more like my home. I still have a lot more photos of my travels to be hung, but this is a good start.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-3631014255684978502010-09-14T15:37:00.003-04:002010-09-14T15:38:53.611-04:00

And you can be one too. Make your own superhero avatar!

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-91322080415526850202010-09-13T09:08:00.002-04:002010-09-13T09:29:12.453-04:00

Owls are cute. Hungover owls are even cuter.This is my new favorite site.Hungover Owls

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-63041880094842431662010-09-07T11:38:00.010-04:002010-09-07T17:32:50.522-04:00

I had a great Labor Day weekend here in Raleigh. It was full of activities that made me appreciate all that I have around me.Friday was First Friday in Raleigh. It's an art celebration on the first Friday of each month. I love it because not only to art galleries participate, but local businesses turn into galleries as well to showcase local artists as well as their products. I picked up a cute

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3456182.post-16814205179156602182010-09-03T07:14:00.003-04:002010-09-03T07:21:09.601-04:00

Maybe I'm not the only one who likes my shower curtain. Barry seems to have taken a liking to it, too.I don't know what's so appealing about sitting in the bathtub for him.But it's obviously something he enjoys.

Claudine Carohttps://profiles.google.com/103604259197684617417noreply@blogger.com3