I Can See Magna From Here

So I like my job so far. I've been eating a few cookies for, you know, product training. And to balance it out, I've been taking the stairs rather than the elevator to the 4th floor. I'm not going to say I'm out of shape, but I can really feel the elevation by the time I reach my cube. Yes that's right. I'm in a cube farm. It will be a couple months before I take over the company and get a plush windowed office with views like these, from our break room. Annie's IKEA opened yesterday to much fanfare, Swedish pride, and freeway bottlenecks. I'll probably see her again in about a month. I'm off to California tomorrow for a long weekend, which I'm really excited about. It's a family reunion / 60th Anniversary party for my grandparents. I believe that puts them in the category of "really old"... but they're still rockin' and I have a blast with my family. Annie can't go because IKEA won't let her leave the meatball line until the entire state is satiated. Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Will Work For Cookies

After months of preparation, not making enough dough, chipping away at HR personnel, and baking in front of managers and presidents in numerous interviews, I have a new job. You'll recognize the name, Mrs. Fields, as a famous cookie company. What you may not know is the company also owns the TCBY, Pretzel Time, Pretzel Maker, and Great American Cookies brands.

I'll be an assistant brand manager for the Mrs. Fields cookie brand, working closely with the franchisees around the country. You may have seen them in your favorite mall or an airport food court. I may work a little bit with their packaged goods division, which are the products you'd see on store shelves in the 'premium cookie' section.

Look for Mrs. Fields locations HERE, and try their White Chunk Macadamia Nut, it's a classic.

To celebrate, I decided to fly home to Michigan for the weekend. I'll be home this Thursday afternoon through Sunday, which happens to be Mother's Day (you're welcome, Mom). Can't wait to see everyone! Annie cannot come unfortunately. Apparently she has some sort of store opening approaching or something. Like that's so important.

I am Driving Excitement

I finally got a new car. This one feels good. I've been driving for nearly 13 years, and this is the first time I've purchased a new car just for myself. (Thank you to my parents, who handed me down several very groovy cars over the years, which were fast, well-equipped sedans.) It's not brand new, but considering the newest vehicle I'd ever owned was a 2000 model, my 2006 Grand Prix GT with 20K miles on it feels, like, way new. Not surprisingly, it's a fast, well-equipped sedan. White was not my first choice, but this thing was the perfect package and the best 'deal' on the lot. I'm still only partially employed, so 'deal' is relative. The fact is, I can't afford it. Which is why I flash a wicked grin every time I step on the gas.

Looking back, the oldest car I can remember our family having was a '78 Pontiac Bonneville, and it was white. I guess I've driven full circle now.

Familiar signs

There is a Michigan Ave. in Salt Lake. Not unique to this city, I realize, but I felt it photo worthy.

"If you're going to San Francisco..."

"...Be sure to overdress; the weather is not as warm as you might think..."

You'll recognize that as a classic song lyric. Either that, or my latest lesson in travel. Annie and I had a great time in SanFran last weekend. It was the first time in the city for both of us, and we got to celebrate her birthday while we were there. The weather was cloudy & foggy on Friday and Saturday, but we did the requisite trolly rides, pier tour, seafood eating, wine tasting, shopping in Union Square, and getting pedicures. WHAT?! Yes, it's true. My primary birthday gift to Annie was a simple concession: "Okay, I'll get a pedicure with you." She's convinced it's the greatest thing ever, and I have to admit, it was not awful.

It was also a chance for me to see some great friends, Brad and Megan, from Michigan. They recently moved to Foster City, south of SanFran, and it was their first time meeting Annie. Just 4 months ago, Brad and Megan lived above me at an apartment complex in Grand Rapids. Now look at us! They picked us up in the city Saturday around noon, and after taking a drive down Lombard Street (the winding, steep one), we headed out to HWY 1 and drove down through Half Moon Bay, and then over to their home in Foster City. It would have been a gorgeous drive if not for the fog and clouds, but fun nonetheless. Megan has provided her perspective on the weekend at her blog, here: http://www.xanga.com/theparisians

Annie and my pictures are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/sj.gingrich/SanFranTrip

THE END OF UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATE #1: I have a 3rd interview on Monday with a notable cookie company based in SLC for an assistant brand manager position. It's a famous brand, the founder was on the Today Show this morning, and you may have seen their franchise in a mall near you. Wish me luck!