Date:	2008-09-17 01:20
Subject:	We come in peace. Take me to your cornfields.
Security:	Public
Mood:	tired

I found this slightly interesting... Reported on ABC News, 5 cops from a couple of towns called Highland, Lebanon and Shiloh IL - all about 20-30 minutes from me, reported seeing a large UFO flying very quickly over town - pretty low to the ground. When 5 different cops see the same damn thing in about three towns, that makes you go hmm.....

So states across the country are throwing fits about text messaging while driving. I admit, I've done it from time to time. Or more than that. But still. I know it's dangerous, just like the wonderful politicians do. So, here's my thing. Many many radio stations who target the 18-24 or the 25-39 demographics now hold contests on the air where you have to text your answers to win. Knowing that it's young people who do the most texting, and knowing that radio stations are obviously promoting text messaging (they don't give a shit if it's while you're driving or not, but one of our stations holds these contests at 45 minutes past the hours of 7 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM and 7 PM which are prime after school/after work driving hours) why don't they tell the stations not to do that?

I know it's probably a silly idea, but it seems to me that the radio contest thing is one factor in DWT (driving while texting). I know we'll never stop it completely, hell, I'll probably never stop (at least I'm honest) but it might help...

I'm now off my soap box. Time to text message everyone I know. :)

I just saw a story on Yahoo where a man was ejected from a New York Yankees game during the seventh inning stretch and the singing of "God Bless America" because he got out of his seat to use the restroom.

Aparently, Yankee Stadium and the Yankees have a rule (that I've never heard of, as I'm sure most people haven't) that you cannot leave your seat during the singing of God Bless America. The man tried to go use the restroom and was stopped by a member of the NYPD - told he would have to sit back down. He said that he didn't care about the song but that he needed to use the restroom and was then ejected from the stadium.

I understand that Patriotism is important. I understand that. I understand that we have to support our country and our troops, and I do. But when you're at a sporting event which you pay (in my opinion) way too much money to go to (and eat/drink at as well as other junk) and they're telling you that you can't pee whenever you need to, that's when I have a problem.

I'm sure I've peed during God Bless America at the game - Hell, I've sung along drunk as a skunk at Busch Stadium at a Cardinals game before. Actually, if I'm that drunk then I spend quite a bit of time peeing. But maybe I'm just nuts, I think the Yankees are a little over the edge on this one...

Date:	2008-08-27 11:46
Subject:	Food. Bad.
Security:	Public
Mood:	curious
Music:	Barking Weiner Dogs - what a joyous sound....

I'm finally getting over my first real bout of food poisoning... I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's bad. Thankfully, my employer is very very understanding and has not thrown a fit when I had to either go home early on Monday or changed yesterday's and today's schedules. But then again - they love me.

I found out last week officially that I'm going to be working one on one with our HR/Compliance officer very very soon. Starting November 1, the Fed is putting some new and VERY stringent/difficult Identity Theft/Red Flag regulations in all of banking. I haven't had a chance to read over the material all that much, but basically banks are now empowered to do more to fight identity theft and other forms of fraud, but we're also held accountable big time if something slips through the cracks. Federal Regulators are going to basically go over our work with a fine tooth comb - not only new accounts, but actual transactions, file maintenance to ensure that if there should be a warning in place on an account for whatever reason, it's in all appropriate places so that all staff has access to it, and I believe will actually require an override should a teller be attempting to complete a transaction with such a warning.

It's going to be a challenge. But something else I discovered - I have to create a manual for all staff within the company - by September 20. This is encompassing all areas of financial fraud, scams, elder abuse, financial exploitation, kiting, forgeries, counterfeit instruments and everything else in between. Yes, it shall be fun.

I've been having some odd dreams lately as well. Two nights ago I had a dream that my mother and aunt were stopping at a restaurant in a town called Wood River not far from here where my aunt works. On the way home, they were in a bad accident and my mother died. But a day later, she showed up at the door alive and well...

Last night, I had a follow up dream. Not to that, but to something I had years ago. I've always done this - I have a dream, usually something very strange. Then quite some time later, I pick up after it left off, continuing the story. Originally I had a dream where there was a building on our high school campus that was all but abandoned, and it had a really nice auditorium/theater in it. Well, being the nosy bastard that I am, I had to tour the place. Now, there were empty class rooms, abandoned desks, papers, everything that you would find in a place that was abandoned in a hurry. There were also major rumors that the place was haunted.

Especially the auditorium.

So I tried to get in, and here's where it gets fuzzy because it's been so long. I found a way in the auditorium on the third floor of the building, tried to get in but something or someone heard me, scared the living shit out of me and chased me out.

Well, last night I picked up later - I was still in high school, but it was probably three years later. I was a Senior. And they had completely redone that building and of course, all my classes were in it. So I go in, find a computer thing that prints out a 20 page packet of all of my information just by using a sensor to identify it's me (I don't type, speak, nothing) and I get my schedule with a friend. I have classes on ghosts, werewolves, mummies, all the strange shit. And they're scattered all throughout this building. I also had like 4 free periods in the middle of the day, so I just decided I'd skip most of the classes. I walked by the auditorium, but never went in for some reason, even though the doors were wide open. When I went in the classrooms though, I could see flashes of how they were - desks thrown all over, papers on the teacher's desk, trash all over. It was flashing in and out of reality. Strangest fucking dream I've had in a LONG time.

So with that, I've decided that I'm either nuts, I'm REALLY fucking nuts. Either way, you be the judge.

Date:	2008-08-17 13:36
Subject:	It finally happened....
Security:	Public
Mood:	anxious

In lieu of my excessive, almost binge, drinking this weekend, I have decided to clear the air.

It is Ask Me Anything Sunday

I shall answer any question pertaining to any subject. The only catch is - you must ask it! Which means put your thinking caps on, remove your hands from places that they shouldn't be and click the 'reply' button!

Date:	2008-07-27 11:28
Subject:	Last Night
Security:	Public
Mood:	excited

I know it's a brief post, but I feel it is important, significant and warranted a mention.

I was at the Alton Holiday Inn for a friend's wedding reception last night and they also had karaoke in the lounge. Now, also going on last night, the classic rock band "Survivor" was performing at the casino downtown and Argosy has a group of rooms at Holiday Inn for their entertainment. I go to Holiday Inn usually every Friday for karaoke but sometimes on Saturdays. Since I was there anyway, I figured 'what the hell.'

So I'm singin a couple songs and in walks "Survivor" and late in the evening the lead singer, keyboard player and one of the roadies do a couple songs. Now, by this point, I'm drunk. So after the lead singer sings "Stay With Me" by Rod Stewart, I go up and say the usual stuff 'I wish I could have gone to your concert, you guys are awesome, blah blah blah' and he tells me "You're awesome too. I've been watching you tonight."

I almost creamed myself right there.

That is all.

Date:	2008-07-20 19:08
Subject:	My life, courtesy of Jack Daniels
Security:	Public
Mood:	tired

I've been drinking way too much lately. Yay. Unfortunately I still can't get any lol

As of two weeks ago, I've officially been given a title for my position at the bank - Fraud Prevention Coordinator. I've already recently gotten a raise so I can't complain about that. But it's nice to be recognized for the work that I have done and continue to do.

I went to see The Dark Knight yesterday afternoon and it was fucking AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If Heath Ledger doesn't win, or at the very least get nominated for an Academy Award then there is something seriously wrong. He was evil, demented but really intriguing. Then one of our branch managers from another branch invited me to a pool party last night. So I went, took a bottle of Jack Daniels and partied with him, his wife, a few family and friends in his new house/pool and it was fun. I think. At one point about four of us went down to play pool. So we're drinking, playing, and then the manager turns on the Playboy Channel. It was rather... stimulating... oddly enough. All I wanted was a circle jerk... I would have been quite happy with that but nooooo......... they all kept it in their pants. Dammit. I had way too much to drink last night and I should thank my lucky stars that I didn't end up hurt, dead or in jail. Can we say wake up call? I have to change my ways if I want to live to see 26.

I had planned on going back to Vegas on Halloween but I've come to the conclusion that it would be best if I hold off a bit - so I'm going to call the Hilton and cancel my reservation tomorrow and I'm going to use the money I had for this trip for a massive, kick ass 26th Birthday Party in Vegas in February of next year. Let me tell you, it's going to be a fucking awesome time. I'll have more $$, paid vacation time and my liver will have a chance to regenerate a little bit. lol However, working at a bank I make next to nothing I'll be sleeping on a budget when I'm there. I found a pretty good rate at Excalibur - I know it's a cheesy, kid friendly resort but they have some awesome renovated rooms and some pretty good prices. I'm trying to stay different places every time I go. I also like the old properties, so if I don't stay at Excalibur I'll be at the Sahara. Opened in 1952 - they're still going strong. Yea it's on the far north end of the Strip but it's got a monorail station right there so I can ride anywhere on the strip. And it's cheap. lol

That's my life in a nut shell. Eh. Time to chill right now - I need an easy, early night.

Date:	2008-07-08 20:19
Subject:	In case you cared...
Security:	Public
Mood:	horny

I need penis

Date:	2008-06-30 19:46
Subject:	I always had a feeling.....
Security:	Public
Mood:	amused

robbieboi's LJ stalker is leorawrs81!

leorawrs81 is stalking you because they think you are rich and they want your blingbling. They are also in jail for murder!

Date:	2008-06-18 21:59
Subject:	Where has the time gone...
Security:	Public
Mood:	excited

I know, I haven't updated this thing since before my vacation to Vegas and Tahoe in April... needless to say, tonight is NOT going to be the trip report. But I am off tomorrow, so there might be some stories and pictures then, who knows.

The scary thing is: I'm working on a way I can go back for Halloween!!! YEAH!!! The Las Vegas Hilton is giving me 4 nights for $200 through 10/31... Now that's an awesome deal (Basically $50 a night) but most importantly, how much fucking fun would Vegas be on Halloween?!?!?!?

YEA!!!!

TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a CAT scan scheduled for Friday at 11 am for my headaches. The doctor has finally decided to let me take a pain killer - in a fun way. He's given me 800MG of ibuprofen and Compazine. I can only take them together. Not quite sure why the second one, but oh well. After playing phone tag with the damn doctor on Friday, his receptionist told me that my scan was scheduled for Monday, April 28.... Needless to say, I had to told them that I would be a little late as I would be in Vegas. So they rescheduled. Yay.

I've been pissing quite a few people off at work lately - but I have to. Example one:

A guy came in yesterday wanting to cash a cashier's check. Nothing unusual. So I determine he's not a customer (When he told me that he wanted to cash a check and it was from our bank so he guessed it would be good was a big clue), and I ask for his ID. I look at the check and it's issued to him and another gentleman who was not with him. Due to bank policy and Federal regulations, we HAVE to be sure of the identity of the people we're conducting transactions for. So we have a check written to two individuals (Person A & Person B) but only person A there. If the check were issued to Person A OR Person B, then I could have cashed it. So I informed him that, even though the check was signed by both him and the missing man, since I couldn't be sure that it was actually the second person who signed the check, I couldn't cash it. That pissed him off a smidge... Now I was very professional and polite about it... but he just snapped and grabbed the check back, said "Give me that.. I've heard some shit in my day but that's...." and trailed off. Then when I said that I was sorry, he said "Oh, piss on you." Needless to say, my response was a very timid "I'd rather not" which set my coworker into fits of giggles and the customer that she was waiting on just grinned.... Yeah. Go me.

Four more days..... Two more work days of hell, then time to sin in Sin City. Oh, whoever shall I do....

Date:	2008-04-20 20:51
Subject:	Seven days and counting... and not a moment too soon
Security:	Public
Mood:	excited

So Friday morning was fun... at about 4:30 in the morning, we had a little 5.2 earthquake that woke my happy ass up. That was my first earthquake. Not a real big fan of it. I'm sure you cats from California are quite familiar with them. But when my bed starts shaking and there's no one but me in it I have a slight issue.... So that was a fun wake up call.

Of course the ironic part is that the wonderful doctor the day before told me (regarding my headaches) that he didn't think it was a brain tumor because they expose themselves in different ways (seizures).... so what happens? 16 hours after he tells me that the bed shakes like there's no tomorrow. Slight freak out opportunity. Now, do you see the irony and humor in that?

So I worked Saturday (my 6th or 7th in a row) and so glad I got through with that. Now not another Saturday until at least Mid May. Today, however, I spent almost all day laying in bed in the dark because my head has been throbbing all damn day, and I can't take any flippin pain killers... not even a fucking Tylenol. This is gonna be a LONG week....

BUT........ 7 days from today I'll be in Las Vegas!!!!!!!! One more fucking week!!!!

Date:	2008-04-17 19:23
Subject:	Yes, we have no bananas
Security:	Public
Mood:	pissed off

I had a rare day off today. I coordinate my work schedule, or more fittingly my days off work schedule, to the St. Louis Cardinals schedule. The Cards have a promotion which they call the "First Pitch Tickets" - the first 175 250 people at one of the ticket windows outside Busch Stadium at 9 am on the morning of any home game can buy a pair of tickets for $5.50 each - so a pair is $11. (On a side note, they picked $5.50 because the games are broadcast on 550 AM KTRS in St Louis.) These are tickets that have been returned from players, sponsors, etc or just plain not sold. After you pay your $11 you get a voucher with your name on it, and then 10 minutes before game time you line up outside Gate 5, show the person at the gate your ID and voucher and you get an envelope with your two tickets. This is the fun part - you never know where your seats are going to be when you buy them until you get in the stadium and open your envelope. On Opening Day this year, they interviewed a woman who did it and got seats RIGHT BEHIND HOME PLATE!!! I did it several times last year and didn't sit any higher than the loge level which was awesome.

For a night game, it's kinda stupid to do (especially when I have to work, it's impossible) - get the tickets at the stadium at 9 am and then be back at the stadium at 7 pm for the game.... so I have off work every home day game so that I can get over there early, get my tickets at 9 and then kill 3 hours before game time at 12:15. Today was the first day game (aside from Opening Day) so I was ready.

However, a snafu occurred.

For almost three weeks now, I've had some BAD headaches.. they started around the same time as the tooth issues so originally I thought that the two were connected and didn't think anything of it. However, the tooth issue (where I suddenly needed two root canals) has all but been resolved (I canceled the root canals, the pain is for the most part completely gone with the minor exception of a sore tooth here and there - but every time in different parts of my mouth) while the headaches have continued to get worse. So over the weekend, I started taking Excedrin Tension Headache thinking it was tension headaches (not a far stretch, I work in a bank....) and it really hasn't helped TOO much. Finally yesterday I called the doctor. He could see me - today at 11:30.

Cardinal game

I get there and the little weasel listens to what I have to say - where it hurts, what kind of pain it is, he checks my ears, nose and throat and we're all having a damn skippy time. Then the analysis.

He can't see any sign of a sinus infection.

He doesn't think it's migraines - they don't come and go.

He doesn't THINK it's a brain tumor (but he's not gonna check just to be sure)

He said it might be tension headaches.

Or it might be tied into the teeth (even though they only hurt rarely and it's a different spot each time).

So his orders - No painkillers for the headaches for a week. Call him on Wednesday. If they're not all gone bye bye by then, he'll give me something for then for my vacation and we'll go from there.

Why would a doctor tell you NOT to take any pain killers if any part of your body was throbbing at any given time? That just doesn't make any sense to me...

So in the mean time, I'm going to be doing a LOT of hurting (all day today so far) and I'm probably going to be a royal bitch at work... this could be interesting.

*GRRRRRRRRRRRR* 10 more days.......

Date:	2008-04-12 23:28
Subject:	The home stretch
Security:	Public
Mood:	drained
Music:	New Kid In Town - The Eagles

I was a bad bad monkey.... I canceled my root canals. Yes, my teeth still hurt somewhat but not too badly, but EVERYONE was telling me to go to another dentist and at the very least get a second opinion, of course a lot of it was telling me that my dentist was a money grubbing, blood sucking vulture who needs to go out of business.

The $1900 out of pocket for the buggers made the decision a little easier too.

On a more personal note, I've been enjoying xtube WAY too much lately.... hehe

I'm waiting on the Rozerem to kick in (I've been sleeping TERRIBLY lately), and while doing so I'm watching the Eagles Farewell 1 Tour DVD and I must say that I've been a fan of the Eagles for MANY years. One of the things about them that I absolutely love is the harmonies between Don Henley and Glenn Frey - those two sound phenomenal together. And when Don takes the actual harmony it's wonderful... his voice is fantastic. Obviously back in the 70's when they were in their prime it sounded better but even after all these years they still sound pretty damn good.

I'm also getting even more excited - I'm only two weeks away from my vacation. And it's a damn good thing too - work is REALLY starting to grind on my nerves.... For one thing, we have a girl that works as a part time teller who does ABSOLUTELY nothing. You constantly have to ask her to get a tube in drive through or wait on a customer in the lobby - she's always too busy either doing homework, playing with her cell phone, iPod, or playing solitaire on the computer. What makes it even worse is that I went to school with her for years - she's been a friend of mine for years. But I can't stand working with her because she never does anything. When I'm at work I WORK! Of course, that could be because I'm always going back and forth between the teller line and my new accounts desk, and working on all of the fraud work as well (I'm in the planning stages of getting a new employee training program put together for all employees - new and current - in addition to all the reporting, intercepting and public speaking engagements). So I never have time to goof off. But it really pisses me off. Then she always either comes in late, wants to go home early almost EVERY shift, or both. I've never worked with anyone so useless in my life.

But on some level the entire job is annoying - I've discovered that a part time teller was just promoted to full time teller/CSR and makes a quarter more an hour than me, and I do a SHIT load more work and have been there for two years.... And being on probation, I'll get evaluated again at the end of May to determine my raise and I will kindly point out the amount of work and volunteering that I do and expect a pay raise that reflects all of that.

Then again, my physical therapist has told me that she doesn't think I'm living up to my full potential here (I'm not) and thinks that when I go to Vegas and Reno/Tahoe I should take some resumes and hand them out and try to get a job out there. I would absolutely LOVE to live out there - after my trip in 2006 I fell in love with it. And after some other events and situations at home, I'm more than ready to get the fuck out of here.

*deep breath*

14 more days............

Date:	2008-04-05 19:47
Subject:	Oops.... I made it bigger....
Security:	Public
Mood:	excited
Music:	Nothing On But The Radio - Gary Allan

Well, I slightly extended my vacation today. I mentioned yesterday that the Horizon in Tahoe was going to give me two free nights to use between now and the end of May.. so I thought I'd call and see if I could use them when I had originally planned on going home, May 2. Turns out, they had room, so May 2 and 3 I'm at the Horizon. That's going to mean I come home on a Sunday. So I checked with switching my flight and it would cost about $70 to switch from Friday to Sunday, so I thought maybe if I stay one more night and leave Monday it would be cheaper to fly. I checked the Harrah's website because I get room comps out the ass at Harrah's in Reno (basically, looking at their calander, I can have every Sunday through Thursday night free at Harrah's Reno). Well, that was the one night that wasn't free. So I looked at the Harrah's in Tahoe and Harvey's and sure enough, Harvey's is giving me MORE free rooms... So my FINAL travel plans are below:

Sunday, April 27 - Wednesday, April 30 - Staying at the Flamingo on the Las Vegas Strip - $85 a night

Wednesday, April 30 - Staying at Wynn Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip - Free

Thursday, May 1 - Flying to Reno, renting a car and driving to Lake Tahoe (45 minute drive) - Staying at Harvey's in Lake Tahoe (Premium room overlooking the lake) - Free

Friday, May 2 - Saturday, May 3 - Staying at the Horizon Hotel and Casino in Lake Tahoe - Free

Sunday, May 4 - Tuesday, May 6 - Staying at Harvey's in Lake Tahoe (same type of room) - Free

So out of 9 nights in hotel rooms, I'm only paying for three of them. I've also already switched my flight from Friday May 2 to Tuesday May 6 and there was NO additional charge so That's awesome. That means my entire trip, sans rental car, is paid for. All I need now is money to gamble, eat, play, sight see and shop.

22 days!!!!!

Date:	2008-04-04 23:03
Subject:	23 days... if I survive....
Security:	Public
Mood:	contemplative

I just found out yesterday that I need to have two root canals next Wednesday. Ugh, that's gonna suck. Plus side, my finger is doing a LOT better. I've been wearing a splint on it instead of a cast, and it has straightened out quite a bit.

So, I've posted my travel plans before... April 27-May 1 I'm in Vegas, flying to Reno on May 1 and staying for free in Tahoe then flying home on May 2. Well, I got a thing in the mail today from the Horizon Hotel and Casino in Lake Tahoe - used to be the Sahara Tahoe in the 70's. I've never stayed there, never gambled a dime there, but I did sign up for email offers and stuff... well, they sent me coupons today, good through May 31, for $40 in free slot play, free tournament entries, $20 in free food and 2 free nights.... So I'm considering extending my stay by two more days, moving my flight (it'd be another 50-70 bucks to change the flight).. but having more time in Reno/Tahoe might be kinda nice. Only down side is that I'd be paying more for a rental car and gas.... and that'd also cut back my spending money considerably. But still.... 24 hours to enjoy two cities with a 45 minute drive between them isn't all that great. Should I go for it?

Ok, I'm on probation at work - have been since January or so. I said something and someone thought I said something else, and it's all a big ugly thing... of course, this also happened right around the lawyers got in the picture, so it makes me go hmm.... At any rate, for my annual review, I don't get a raise because I'm on probation. I threw a fit so they're going to re-evaluate me at the end of May. And they better give me a DAMN good raise...

But the President of the bank came by to talk yesterday - first and foremost was a major Kudos. I've been heading up all the fraud work for the bank since last fall - literally all of it - and it's a very tedious job. I've also, as a part of this, been speaking on Fraud and Identity Theft for different organizations and functions since November 8 (the night I sliced my pinky). Well, last week I spoke for a group of Municipal Clerks and apparently, did quite well. So much so, in fact, that the woman who organized the event, a friend of mine and a VERY prominent figure in the community, went to the president to praise me. And I got QUITE a compliment. So yay.

He also wanted to give me a pep talk... try and figure out if this is a career path for me or if it's just a job passing time. I'm sorry, but if I do as much shit as I do for them, volunteer for almost everything (or sometimes am volunteered)... I would think it would be pretty obvious I'm in it for the long haul. It could be they just wanted to hear me say it, or it could be that they just wanted to make sure I'm not just in it for the money (lawsuit/settlement). So I dunno... but he basically said if I lose my professional demeanor and start acting like a "clown" I'm canned. No pressure.... ugh...

But that's not even what's bothering me right now. I went back to physical therapy for the first time in two weeks today and she was less than thrilled. My finger has arched... and it won't straighten out. She tried for a half hour to stretch it some and the middle joint wouldn't move at all... so she's not optimistic that I'll be able to straighten and therefore have much use of my pinky. However, we're trying. Starting Monday, she's going to stretch it as far as she can, then she's going to put a cast on it. The cast will come off on Tuesday at therapy, where we'll work on flexing it and then another cast goes on until my Thursday appointment. See where this is going?

I asked her if it was fixable and she has no idea... but it sure as hell doesn't look good. It's just hard to imagine that a fucking little finger and a butter knife can be so damn troublesome....

As kind of a recap, I had my review which was quite good overall, however since I'm on probation I don't get a raise until May 30th... and that kinda pisses me off.

One thing that was interesting... Ever since late last year, around July/August, I've taken over all aspects of fraud prevention and training, interception and everything else fraud and identity theft related. As of November, I've had numerous public speaking engagements not only for the bank, but also for various groups and organizations (including one last week for Government employees). My job responsibilities with that area have grown VERY rapidly, however my job title is technically "CSR and Teller". In my review, my manager actually referred to me as the bank's "fraud trainer" a couple of times. Now, if you didn't know, banking is about titles. If you have a title in a bank besides teller or CSR/New Accounts then you're doing well. I think I'm getting a title.

The bank President today; we were in a meeting and at the end he was on his way out the door to St. Louis. He asked me if I was working all week, I told him I was, and then he told me that he'd be down to talk to me about something later this week. Now, I have a slight tendency to get into trouble. However, if I were really in trouble it would be HR or my branch manager approaching me, not necessarily him. This is also in the midst of our Fraud Prevention Week that I'm over. Between that and the fact that my direct manager knows nothing of what he wants but knows I'm not in trouble, I think my job position in the company is going to change pretty drastically. But in a good way.

And an even better thing - 33 days til I'm in Vegas!!!

Tomorrow is my annual performance review (over a month late) and given the fact that I've been in a shit load of trouble this year and they don't like me because I'm suing them, I'm a little worried. So I'm going to take all of the certificates, awards and recognitions I've received in the last year in the boss's office with me and just show her exactly how damn good an employee I am. I've received perfect scores on every mystery shop that I've had, I've received numerous letters to the president from my customers regarding my performance and how well they like working with me, I've met all referral incentive goals (with the exception of the last quarter of the year last year because I was out on medical leave). And I've been involved in almost every function at the bank, I've taken on ALL of the fraud work for the bank and that has included speaking publicly - not only for the bank itself but also for numerous organizations and groups.

If I were looking at those facts alone, I would give a glowing review and a considerable raise (seeing as how I don't make NEARLY enough money doing all that I do, nor do I even come close to the average salary for someone in my position)... But with me being on what could be my last leg, I am somewhat nervous about it. Time will tell.

On a positive note - I booked all my airfare to Vegas and Tahoe yesterday, so it's OFFICIAL!!!

April 27 - I'm flying out of St. Louis and getting into Vegas around 3:30 local time. I check into the Flamingo "GO Room" for three nights until April 30, when I check out and stay for FREE at the Wynn.

May 1 - I fly from Vegas to Reno, rent a car in Reno and visit the casinos out there, then drive 45 minutes or so to Tahoe and stay for FREE at Harvey's overlooking Lake Tahoe. (I'll also be driving up to the Cal-Neva, the casino that Frank Sinatra owned from 1960 to 1963).

May 2 - Drive back to Reno and fly back home, arriving at about 9:30 PM.

HELL YEAH!!!

Five nights in hotels and I'm only paying for three of them... It's gonna be a fuckin sweet vacation!