Content and restless

In the past 2 months, so much as happened. I met with Abby's recruiter and two weeks later, I had gone on 11 more interviews with 8 different companies. All but two jobs were accounting positions, one was an auditor position (no thank you) and one was a pension plan/401K advisor. With all the choices, I was pretty stressed out and confused. It all worked out so perfectly. I went with the first company I interviewed with through my recruiter, Neiman Marcus. I was so hesitant about the job. It was a strictly accounting position in the small financial reporting department with Neiman Marcus Group (the corporate office). Headquartered in it's birthplace, Dallas, it is quite a company. I had never even walked through the store with the purpose of shopping or window shopping before. I an now a senior accountant for corporate finance and reporting. The turning point in my decision making came from my follow-up lunch/meeting with the Neiman's corporate reporting team at the famous Zodiac room at the Flagship NM in down town Dallas. We talked and ate lunch for 2 hours. I was very nervous, but they (4 of the 5 women in my group) were so nice and encouraging and friendly and personable. After the lunch, I received a call from my recruiter. The reviews were in and the Neiman's group said "She's just wonderful and a perfect fit. We get that she was a less stressful life and wants to have a life outside of work to volunteer and we would be willing to work with her to make sure she can do that." ... That's not something you hear everyday, especially from a corporate job. It's not the non-profit accounting and operations job that I wanted, but it sure is a great job.
It's strange being on this side of things. There are still deadlines and expectations, but it's SO much more relaxed. I feel appreciated, accepted, liked, and valued. What more could you ask for in a job. I've completed 4 and 1/2 weeks and I couldn't be happier with my decision. I love my co-workers and the work is definitely better. It's still accounting, and accounting is still not my passion, but it is a wonderful job all the same.
On the social front...I recently threw caution to the wind, worked up all my courage, and asked a guy (who I've been day-dreaming over for the past...um...long time) if he would attend a friends party with me. The idea was first suggested by my friend Sarah. Sarah sort of introduced me to Patrick, but we've remained friends...even though we only see each other a few times a year. We had dinner about two months ago and she mentioned that she was planning a surprise party for her boyfriend who's birthday was on November 8th (my birthday!). She told me she wanted me to invite my "interest" at the time and come to the party. I said "we'll see". So I got a call from Sarah on Halloween and she invited me officially to the party. I talked it over with my mom and sister. They thought it a perfect opportunity to as "SW" to said party. I didn't have his number, but I did have his email and when I found out that my sister was calling his parents house to ask for his phone number for me (they are in the church directory, but he isn't), I put a stop to the match making and took control of the situation and emailed him with:
"I was wondering if you were busy this Friday night. I've been invited to friends party and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to know anyone there other than the hostess, so I was wondering if you would like to join me. Let me know if you are interested."
On Thursday (my birthday) I received a response:
"Good to hear from you. I'd be glad to check out this party with you tomorrow. Just let me know what time."
So we went to this "80s prom" party on Friday. We had a good time, but I made the fatal dating faux-pas, I talked incessantly due to nerves. I hugged him good night in my parking lot and he said "I'll see ya around!". Not a good sign for a close relationship. So I was hopping I would at least get an email this week thanking me for taking him. Nope. Too bad. He really was close to my ideal guy. I only asked him to the party to get to know him better and I didn't get to know him at all because I couldn't stop talking. He's a little shy and not so talkative himself, so I felt a need to fill in every single pause. I can not stop beating myself up for this. I wish I could forget it and move on, but when you imagine someone to be such a good match, it's hard to let it go.
On another note, MY JACK turns 1 next week!!!!!! I love my nephew. He's started to take steps on his own. It's just a matter of days before he starts walking all over the place. He truly is the happiest most content child I've ever met. I may be slightly biased.
Anyway, Life is pretty, pretty good right now. I hope life is treating you all well.
Much love to all!!!!!