Week One!

cre•a•tive –adjective
1. having the quality or power of creating.
2. resulting from originality of thought, expression, etc.; imaginative: creative writing

Wow I can’t believe how fast last week flew by! I was exposed to months of work in just a few short days. Monday started out with lots of introductions and a little confusion for me. The building layout is a windy maze of cubicles, offices, conference rooms and anything else you can imagine! Very confusing! It took me most of Monday morning to remember where the bathroom was! And normally I’m awesome at finding my way around!

To welcome myself and the other “trainee” on board, a few of the higher ups took us to Quaker Lube for lunch. It was my first time there and it was delicious! We even tried their fried pickle appetizers! I bet I could do that with my own pickles, what do you think!?

Back at the office, we were able to participate in multiple meetings, client calls, and brainstorming sessions! And this went on all week! Pretty much any meeting going on we were included. That has been pretty much the “norm” all week and the plan for this week as well! In between meetings we met with my supervisor to go through our trusty training binders. We went over everything from the computer program we will be using to what forms we will need for what project. It’s been a whirlwind and I love it! Everything is new and exciting to me.

No matter what department you hail from, everyone is very busy with work. Last week was learning the different departments of SKM and their functions. I am amazed by the talent we have under our roof. SKM deals with a lot of clients, some big, some small, but who are all uniquely interesting as the next. The work our creative team does to design all the different concepts for our clients is beyond amazing. In just one short week I have seen a wide range of creative material come and go. Some go on with revisions and some go into the trash, never to be seen again. Too bad little creative concepts, we will remember you!

I love my new job. I feel potential seeping out of me. This new way of life feels appeals to me. I can’t wait get more and more involved and throw myself into each and every project. I feel blessed for my new job and to be in such a career-driven environment. Put me in my coach, I’m ready!

On to week two! I can only imagine it will be as wonderful as the first! :o)

Buffalo Loves Patio Bars

Buffalo loves patio bars. No matter where we go in the summer, it needs to be somewhere we can sit outside in the sun. Probably for no other reason than being trapped inside for 9 months out of the year with snow, sleet, rain, etc. We soak it all in when we can!

Saying Goodbye

As the week continues to come to an end, more and more pleasant surprises have been showing up. My boss has been so adamant about showing her appreciation for all my work over the last 3+ years, that not only did I receive a beautiful bouquet of daisies (also my boss's middle name!) but she also got me a $50 gift certificate Excuria Spa! I have been there once before and it was PHENOMENAL! I can't wait to go back and de-stress with lots of pampering! Maybe before Lindsay's big wedding in August!

If that wasn't enough, my team took me to Red Lobster for lunch yesterday! AND tonight is my Farewell Happy Hour - Part 1, which is a must for all parties leaving SHC. If there is one thing I can say about SHC employees, it's that we love a good happy hour! It's just the type of people we are. I personally think it's the best way to say farewell and send our little proteges out into the world.

Farewell from SHC

For those of you un-aware, Jamie Zielonko has given her notice to pursue an opportunity as an Account Executive with a Marketing Firm. Her last day will be on Friday, June 18th.

Her Story:
Jamie started with Supplemental Health Care in January 2007 as an Associate Recruiter after Graduating from St. Bonaventure with a degree in Communication and a minor in Marketing.

Three years ago, I was honored to have Jamie Zielonko added to my team as an assistant. Since Jamie became my assistant, along with Bridget -- We grew the team to an all time high of 99 FTE’s. Jamie has proven her success as a leader and has always been willing to challenge me and the team to get to the next level.
With her energetic personality and determination she has pushed the A-Team to reach goals that seemed unattainable, such as 100% participation on our EOS.

She also received a giraffe award during her tenure with SHC, which is one of the highest honors you can receive while at SHC.

Not only will SHC be losing a devoted team member, I will also be personally losing a friend and babysitter! Jamie, we wish you the best of luck with your new career. Use the tools you’ve learned along your journey at SHC and reach as high as you can--as you’ve taught us, NOTHING is unattainable.

Thank you for your loyalty and friendship; you will not only be missed by me but by everyone here at SHC.
Good Luck!

Love, Tina

Once a Bonnie, Always a Bonnie!

Tomorrow kicks off my five year college reunion weekend! This annual summer event rotates classes every year for one big reunion weekend. This reunion includes classes 1950, 1955, 1960, etc. up to my class, 2005! The school offers the option to stay on campus for the weekend and my girlfriends and I were able to snag a townhouse. We will have a kitchen to cook in, living room, a bath and a half to share and we each get our own bedroom! I’m super stoked and can’t wait to get in there and start partying!!

The weekend is chuck full of activities, speakers, events and BOOZE! I can’t wait to see old friends I haven’t seen since college and catch up. I’m pretty sure most of my conversations with them will be based off life events they have posted on Facebook over the last five years! “Congrats on your marriage!” or “So I see you had a baby!” Not too bad of an ice breaker if you ask me!

So basically if you don’t hear from me for a few days, don’t worry, I’ve alive, partying it up at St. Bonaventure! :o)

Stay tuned for pics my mother shouldn’t see!




Just kidding Mom! :o)

“Don't forget to love yourself.”

One Mans Trash is Another Mans Treasure...

Monday night I was thinking, “I need a project, something to do tonight to keep me busy.” After time well spent at the gym, cleaning wasn’t an option… and there is only so much Lifetime TV I can take. A certain tarnished, silver tray came to mind and I was all over it. With newspaper spread on the floor (in front of the Lifetime Movie Network – I just can’t get away from it) I set myself up for the long haul. I took me about an hour and a half of rubbing with a soft cloth and some silver polish unveil this gorgeous shine!! This once un-treasured garage sale find turned into a beautiful serving dish I will keep forever!

Spring & Step

I saw a woman at the gym the other day with these on. I'm not kidding! I tried to sneak a picture of them and the flash went off! She almost caught me!

My girlfriend from Boston said people love to run around the city in these, I think they're just as weird!

What's going on with people and weird shoes!?

Fresh Basil

Another reason I love summer… fresh basil! I grow it on my deck and love to pluck a few leaves to cook with. It just so happens that EVERY meal now includes BASIL! I grow parsley and thyme as well, but can’t bring myself to use them yet. I only want the fresh taste of basil in my food. For breakfast I put it in my egg as it cooks. For lunch its in my burger with some feta cheese. For dinner I’m sure it will be in the below!

I accredit my mom and her love for South Beach that brought about this recipe! Grill a tortilla for just a minute on each side on low heat. While leaving the grill on, remove the tortilla and add fresh chopped basil, minced garlic, sliced tomatoes, feta and mozzarella cheese. Return to grill long enough to melt cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and enjoy! A fabulous low carb pizza just for you! YUM!

To all my Family & Friends

I have fabulous news: I got a new job! Over the last three weeks I have been interviewing with SKM Group, a marketing firm here in Buffalo! Friday I received the call that myself and another girl were selected from 12 candidates for their two open positions! I am beyond ecstatic for this opportunity!! It's an amazing chance for me to move into the career I've always wanted. SKM will offer me more of a chance to shine and grow professionally.

As an Account Executive, I will be working with different clients to provide them direct marketing materials to reach their clientele. There is even some traveling involved that I am so pumped for! I can't wait to get in there and start, which I hope will be soon!

My boss and VP at SHC know I'm leaving as I already gave my notice. A select group of close friends celebrated with me on Friday, but other than that I have not told many. Work should be interesting tomorrow when everyone finds out!

A special thanks to my Mother who gave me all the positive encouragement and love to be able to believe in myself to secure this position. I couldn't have done any of this without her or the love and support of my family and friends. Thank you everyone!

I will keep you updated as I start off in my new position! Woohoo!!

Fearless

Nothing scares the devil cat!

Cali and I have been enjoying our evenings sitting on the deck. With the hot steamy weather I water down the wood to cool us off. The little water bug will let me get her wet too! Then she plays and plays, running all around me! She even likes the new chairs I bought!

I didn't pick the best time of year to start blogging again...

Finally it feels like Summer! What a gorgeous Memorial Day weekend!! We were on the lake by 10:30a on Sunday and didn't come back in until 9p!! The water was even warm enough to swim in! More than once did I thank my lucky stars for such a beautiful weekend! I hope you all were able to enjoy as well!

And a special shout out to my parents for celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary yesterday! I am very proud to have parents that have been together for so long. It seems rare these days!