I'm Baaaaaaaaaacckkkk!

I apologize 100% for not writing ANYTHING in the past 2 weeks! My new job has somewhat consumed my time, and when I am not at work or traveling for work, I am relaxing or sleeping! I seriously didn't even think about writing anything. I was actually doing a lot of soul-searching. I have to admit that the first 2 weeks of my job were hard. VERY hard. There was a training class that I attended with a group of new merchandisers - it was 3 days of intense learning, reading, listening to lectures, learning about the product and even building some bracelets. I hate to admit it, but I always used to hate school. I never felt like I learned anything by listening to someone talk about something. I am more "hands on" - I learn by doing things. When I started at my last job, I learned a lot quickly because I was immediately thrown into store openings, and I had to learn fast. So these training classes tended to bore me. I know that sounds shitty. But when I got into stores with my co-workers: my first store opening in San Jose with Brian, and working a full day in a store with Randy - I really learned a lot! It was fantastic. I am really excited about my new job. And this week, with our National Sales Conference being held at the Hilton in downtown Baltimore, I am optimistic to learn more. We have 5 Regional Merchandising Managers, and so far I've met 4 of them: Randy, Ginger, Greg and Mark. Collectively, they have so much knowledge, and I am excited to learn from them. I'm also excited because we have great evening events planned - there's a Casino Night with a tropical/Hawaiian theme, and there's also a "secret" destination for wednesday evening - that should be interesting! Also, our big wigs from Denmark will be there - so that should prove to be exciting and interesting as well.

Of the places I've traveled so far with Pandora, the most exciting places so far were Chicago (which I've loved for years!) and San Jose/San Francisco. Then hotness of the men in SFO airport alone was exciting. And in Chicago, I stayed at the Westin Hotel downtown on Michigan Avenue. Chicago has the hottest men in America I think - and I've been a lot of places.

The only bummer of the past week has been missing the AIDS Action Baltimore Bachelor Auction at Red Maple! I went last year, and it was so much fun. My friend Brian showed me photos today - his boyfriend Bradley was in the auction. He took a LOT of pics of the men being auctioned - they all had amazing bodies, and I was surprised that Bradley was in such great shape. I mean, I knew he was a swimmer and diver, but Damn! I am sorry I missed the action!

I went thrift shopping on saturday with Suzanne - and we found a Hawaiian shirt for my work dinner on tuesday night!! So that is exciting. The only bummer with saturday was missing the rugby games I usually attend with my friend Dan and his husband Rob. Man, I love ruggers!! They're the sexiest men.

Victory Over the World

I just finished my first week at my new job at Pandora - and it was great. I have to admit that while I was excited to start, I was also nervous as hell. What if I didn't like it? What if they didn't like me? I am a Capricorn, and while we're creative people who love to constantly advance in our careers, we also hate change. I am a creature of habit. I eat mostly at the same restaurants, and while there I usually get the same entree. At a bar, I usually order the same drink that I've ordered for years. I loved the people at my old job, but I was mostly disillusioned with the job itself. So when the opportunity at Pandora arose, I pretty much ignored it for about 2 months. But, the stars aligned, and I finally kicked myself in the butt to interview for the job I have now. My boss is such a nice guy, and the people I've met so far are so nice. I love Ginger, Brenda and Caren - I'll be working with them closely. Also, Brian is so great. He's the one I'll be working closest with. While I have more experience in visual merchandising, he's been with the company longer - I can only hope I'll learn a lot from him. Another thing I noticed is that I am the only single gay man in my department. All of them have boyfriends. I'm jealous as hell. So, on Tuesday, I sat through the first of 3 days of training. There were a lot of things I learned from Ginger, Randy, and Greg. But there is a LOT of things to learn. Jewelry is totally different from men's clothing and working in department store display. There's a lot more items, but they're very small. I'm used to unloading a tractor trailer filled with boxes and hanging merchandise. With Pandora, there's 1 or 2 large boxes filled with jewelry. That makes me very happy. I'll still be traveling for work (this week I head to Rhode Island and Boston), but I'l also get to travel internationally. That makes me even happier. In 2 weeks, we're having a National conference here in Baltimore, at the Hilton. It will be so exciting to meet everyone, and to see the 7 ladies I sat through training with.

So, life is good. I'm on the way to having a successful run at Pandora. My co-workers are all great, and will probably end up as great friends. Spring is on the way! I'll soon have new tires on my car and get the bodywork done, and the car repainted. My family is good - and my sister Anna is rebounding well. I'm so proud of her. She's an amazing woman. All that's missing is a man. But if you know me, you know I am always on the look-out.

Today Is the First Day of the Rest of My Life...

Today is my first day of work at Pandora, and I am so freaking excited!! I was supposed to start tomorrow, but because my trip to Houston (to visit my sister) fell through, we moved it up today. I head in at 1pm, and I'll start the first of 2 days of orientation. Many of my friends have said that I should have taken a week or 2 of vacation before I started my new job, but I was just too impatient!! I didn't want to wait! I am excited at the prospects my future holds! It's a beautiful day!