Fruicide

Ever feel like this?

Five Years!

Well folks, today marks my five year anniversary with Nu Skin Enterprises! Never did I suspect when I first entered the call center, that I'd still be here half a decade later. Although unplanned, it just seems to work.


Nu Skin and I, we fit. Nu Skin's been good to me, and I've been good to Nu Skin. Basically my friends, The Skinny is lucky to have me. Is your job lucky to have you?


How about I give you a synopsis of my life at Nu Skin. Five years ago, at the age of 18, I began working a six hour shift five times a week as a Sales Support agent. I spent three weeks in training learning basic wholesale orders. Over the next few months I was trained in automatic orders, and shipping/returns. I totally thought I was rad, learning all these skill sets in a matter of months.


I endured two long years of the phones, some days pleasant, others haneous. I made a lot of friends, and a lot of enemies. "Enemies", you ask? Apparently I'm a bit sarcastic for my own good.

Two years into my employment I earned myself a supervisor position in the call center, which I thorougly enjoyed for the first 8 months or so. The last two months I realized my job was just a glorified baby sitter. Truly. The kids were happier with candy, and liked games. Baby sitter. Definitely beat taking orders, however!

For the past two years, I've enjoyed my new position of Regional Account Manager. It has required me to push myself further than the other positions I've held with Nu Skin, which has helped me grow as a person, and realize I tend to sell myself short. Yes, I'm back on the phones, but this time, I control my own time. POWER, and it rocks.

I enjoy that over 480 Executive accounts in Southern California and Hawaii depend on ME for help. I'm needed to give them advice on strategy, train them on our compensation plan, and generally update them on their account status. Additionally, I love the edge I have from working in the call center for three years. Knowing our orders system backwards and forwards certainly boosts my confidence. Am I sounding ridiculous yet?

The skills I've honed I will consider to be invaluable, no matter what. It's a 9 to 5 job, and is often monotony, but if I've got to work 9 to 5 somewhere, Dolly Parton, and I'm pleased as punch it's at Nu Skin. Nu Skin is not all work, it's plenty of play.

Please indulge me for a moment as I list a few memories Nu Skin has provided me with that I'll never forget (for sentiments sake):

• The way my name is pronounced by an Asian (bless their hearts)
• Orlando cab ride '08
• The endless teasing I receive for daring to tell a distributor, "I'm sorry Sir, I don't see how that's my problem".
• Cake Eating Contest '07
• Troy Dunn (bless the hearts of those who are related to him)
• Soulja Boy Halloween '07
• Scattergories "team meetings"
• Christmas parties
• World Cup golden boot trophy
• Pyscho Debbie Fox (exec) who is convinced hackers are after her, and refuses to fax, email or reside in one location for longer than three months
• Other psycho execs who baffle me day to day with the strangest things
• Drink runs

Five years, folks. Makes me feel like one of "them", you know, the veterans of Nu Skin. Heaven forbid I'm here for another five.

Must Share

I just ran across the coolest house website. Oddly enough I was googling "Reese Witherspoon" to find a pic of her latest hair cut, and clicked on a stunning picture of her, only to be directed to hookedonhouses.wordpress.com and I've been lovin' it up for the past few hours now.

One of my favorite posts so far is "The Spite House" in Alexandria, Virginia. You must take a gander, it's crazy!

Our first apartment we lived in was an old home just renovated. We LOVED it. All of it. The teeny kitchen, oddly placed shelves, white and green stucco exterior, radiators in each room but ours, and interior french doors. It was charming, and had character.

Our current apartment also scores high in the charming department. More so on the outside since we live in the add on, but either way, I'll take it. I love the character, and have insisted to Tadd on multiple occasions that we must own a home built in the early 1900's, if not earlier. Sure the plumbing and such will be a concern, but I have a handy husband with resources. I just want an old home to love and care for to pieces, more than I can even explain.

This gem of a site has plenty of these old homes I'm referring to, and it's making me homesick. Odd, eh? I don't live in one of them, but want to SO badly.

I feel much better now that I've admitted to this obsession of mine, and I suppose I must keep loving photos of old homes until I can inhabit one of my own. *Sigh*

Smooth Move

I just made the most kick-a smoothie with our freakin' sweet Magic Bullet, thanks to Kris, Kecia and Christmas. You all probably know the kitchen intimidates me, but after reading through the bullet's recipe book, I feel armed and ready!

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Back to my smoothie, seriously the best. Jamba Juice ain't got nothin' on my bullet. You'll love this:

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-Two handfuls of frozen berries (I favor blueberries, so a little extra of those)

-Half a banana

-Half a little thingie of Blueberries & Cream Yoplait yogurt

-Four-ish ice cubes

-Splash of orange juice

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Who wouldn't love those measurements?

Shut Out

Went to my first MLB game in California, ate a Dodger dog like I was supposed to, and watched the Dodgers shut out the D-Backs. Good times.

My hair and Cali don't mix

We had to follow through with tradition and cram as much of whatever Lauren would approve of in her mouth. Whole bag of cotton candy? CHECK!


Love them ballers!

Can't forget about this dude. He was so stoked that the Dodger's "closed" the Diamond Backs.

La-Lympics

With the Olympics still fresh on our minds, I thought now would be a great time to reflect upon the day I had the honor of grasping the Olympic Torch...

Too bad it wasn't any cooler than going up to the Olympic Park in Park City for a Nu Skin Ruby Trip. Eh, good time either way.

Whit and I on the lift heading up to the Alpine slide, whoopee!!!

Justin and Whitney SUPER excited for the slide. P.S. It was really freakin cold. IN JUNE!

Our first Nu Skin bobsled team!

Sometimes, do you not know how to finalize a post, so you just end it, all lame-like? That's what I'm doing now...

My Buddy n' Me

Me and my thrift shop hoppin' buddy.

I heart our new hobby. (more to come on our finds)

Scuzzy Saturday

Saturday's are ugly days.

So, what's a girl to do on a Saturday when she's supposed to attend her friend's baby shower and go out in public? Well, she yanks her hair back for a frickin' early flight home from California*, skips the teeth brushing** and swishes Diet Coke around her mouth.

Ah, the joys of Saturdays.

Granola, Powla (housing the moppet) and Funny-Pants

*Flew to California for a work thing at noon on Friday, and flew home at 7 a.m. the next day, ugh
**I forgot my toothbrush ok!?

Office Pets

I'm not really one for dogs, but our boss, Justin, brought in his two puppies to work one day, and I was done. Stick a fork in me and I'm done!

Don't worry Meg, these pups can't hold a candle to Sophers.

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!

I believe congratulations is in order for the following bloggers:

Katie "Skatelayne", Anna, and Darise

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I'm so excited to meet Katie and Anna! Amazing how this blogging world brings us together!

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Darise is my husband's cousin, so she's MINE now too, and I was so pleased to see that she bid on my services! Lucky for me we already have an appointment set up for tomorrow!

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Also, being the ditz that I am, I informed Darise she'd won my auction and instructed her to donate $40 to The Nielson PayPal account, when she'd actually just bid $20! Being the GEM Darise is, she actually donated $40 without a second thought! So sorry Darise!

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Katie and Anna, contact me soon so we can set up your appointment!

GET YOUR GIVE ON!

Most auctions are still running! Visit www.designmom.com for 300+ items being auctioned to help Stephanie and Christian!

Full Color Service

Cut Included

Options:

Weave (one or multiple colors): Suggested value of $70-$75

Weave with color inbetween: Suggest value of $85

All over color: Suggested value of $60

Women's Haircut

Suggested Value: $25

Women's Haircut

Suggested value: $25

Drum Roll...

Rules and details for my auction!

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I have decided I'll be auctioning off not one, but three, services: two women's hair cuts and a full color service. By request, a women's cut may be transformed into a one men's cut & one kid's cut.

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I also decided to extend my auction to Sunday evening at 11:59 p.m, so as to accomodate all my dedicated bidders!

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Here is how it's all gonna go down:

1. Auction opens up at 12:00 a.m; three separate postings, one for each different hair service.

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2. The bidding begins at $10, and the average value of each service will be posted as well on each posting.

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3. Your bid amount needs to be higher than the bid amount of the last comment (thus the whole auction element).

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4. Round your bid up to the nearest dollar, please.

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How do you bid? Leave a comment on the desired post with the amount you're bidding and your email address. If you are uncomfortable leaving your email address in the comment, email it to me at caitlyncox@gmail.com.

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I'm allowing anonymous comments during the auction period, but the anonymous comments must contain a valid email address to be a valid bid.

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How and when do you pay for your services? To ensure payment is made you'll click on the button in the left sidebar, pay the funds you've committed and email me the receipt of payment you receive from PayPal. After that's done, we will set up your hair appointment for the soonest time convenient for the both of us. I promise I'm good for it, promise.

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Let the bidding begin!

Don't forget to check out HAIROIN.BLOGSPOT.COM

Oh, you don't believe in jinxes?

I love gum, always have.

I keep a pack by my bed for times that I just need a chew. Last night was one of those nights. I actually fall asleep quite often chewing gum, and have considered myself skillfull when I wake up the morning after, gum tucked in cheek.

This morning was NOT one of those mornings.

Tadd noticed my nightly chewing for the first time, and asked if I ever get it in my hair in my sleep. "Nope, never," I responded.

I woke up at 3 a.m. with sticky hair, and a fuzzy brain. My brain couldn't figure out what stuck itself to my hair, and figured it out .01 seconds later. CRAP! So, turns out peanut butter does work! I never thought I'd encounter a 5 year old experience at the age of 23. Well done, Caitlyn.

No gum in cheek this morning, just peanut butter smelling hair.

Awesome Auction!

Only four more hours until auction time.

Whip out those check books my friends, for you will have to fight me on a number of auctioned items! Don't forget to check out the evergrowing list of Auctioneers HERE

NieNie Day!

Many of you probably know about the tragedy that has struck so many lives this past week. Stephanie Clark, her husband, Christian, and Christian's flight instructor, were in a fiery plane crash in Arizona last Saturday evening. To read more, you can visit Stephanie's blog that her dear sister has been updating here, or her sister's own blog: c jane run.

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Although I have never known Stephanie personally, my husband Tadd does (had a crush on her in high school), her blog is filled with personal experiences, that have allowed me entrance into her life. Many know I'm not one to hold back tears, and the story of their circumstance is no exception. I feel a strong urge to help, to give more than just my prayers and thoughts.

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Ashley Thalman just announced that she is conducting a silent auction, and invited other bloggers to do the same. So, I thought...what better to auction off than my own trade! Hair services! I'll be auctioning off a full salon service to my highest bidder...rules and details to come Wednesday evening. All proceeds from that bidder will be sent directly to The Nie Nie PayPal Donation Fund.

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For a sneak peek of my "abilities", visit Hairon, my personal drug. (Please allow me to update recent services).

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Stay tuned, I'm very excited about this!

Guacamole Cannoli

Birthday dinner at Carrabbas with work friends!

(L-R: Tadd, Me, Nick, Celina, Aaron, Adrienne, Whitney, Sam, Paula, Alex)

Also, why can't guys smile? Except for Nick, but that's a WHOLE other story.

Birthday Surprise!

Lookie! The stork visited me on my birthday!

*Additional Information: We have named her Kissy Face*

I Miss My Friends

Did I mention I have the prettiest friend?

Happy Day to Me!

I have awesome coworkers!

I spent my work day sitting in a pink crepe paper throne wearing a jeweled crown, jeweled clip on earrings, and jeweled rings!

Whitney also adorned my desk with Happy Birthday confetti and doctor rings!

You know, the ones Dr. Clayton let you pick from his treasure box when you were cooperative during your doctor's appt. Those ones!

Kristen made me a FANTABULOUS cocount cake. Do you watch The Food Network? She duplicated, and bettered, Bobby Flay's winning Throw Down cocunut cake.

PF Changs for lunch, and I ate my weight in Salt and Pepper Prawns. No regrets, however.

(L-R: Celina, Paula & Moppet, me, Kristen, Nashley, Mikey, Adrienne, Nick, Whitney and Justin. Not Pictured: Kevin and Jeff)

Thanks for making my birthday one of the BEST ever!

Happy Start

What's better than getting red roses delivered to your work with a sweet note from your husband? Oh, I know! Receiving a Nordstrom gift card on your pillow that morning!

Milkin' It

It's 11:30 p.m, and I'm already using this:

"It's almost my birthday, so could you please go get me a bottled water?"

"Can you cook me a pizza for my birthday?"

"It's almost my birthday, so can I have a baby yet?"

Yup. That. Just. Happened.

House Tag

Nickell challenged me to an "As Is" tag. And I accepted!
Rules: Take pictures of the following, there's no tidying up and no wiping of your kids faces. So here goes:

Fridge

I had to include the freezer, so you didn't think we had ZERO food. Yeah, I don't cook.

Closet

I know, a total mess. Strange because I'm always looking into how to make it more organized. Too bad you can't see the bins on the shelves, those give me peace of mind. Wait, is that a bra? And since Tadd and I don't share a closet I thought I'd include...

Tadd's Closet

You guessed it, every one of those shirts hanging up in there are Ralph Lauren Polo's. Golf snob.

Laundry Room

Not really a room, but we love the walls!

Kitchen Sink

Clean thanks to Tadd finally washing his pots and pans last night!

Toilet

We have a chipped toilet seat, which I've always hated, but eh...what do you do? Also, notice that the lid is DOWN, which I am extremely picky about! Tadd has learned well.

Fave Room

This room is so comfy, and notice what I'm enjoying...

Fave Shoes
(currently)

Nine West outlet find. Love them!

Self Portrait

No kids for me, so no pictures are included of them!

I shall tag whomever would like to take on this challenge!

Happy B-Day LoLo, Camme and Tadd!

Sunday was filled with birthday celebrations. I headed down to E.R (Elk Ridge, for those uncool peeps) with Haley and Jon after church, and after breaking the Sabbath for my dear mother who just NEEDED her Diet Dr.

I didn't get any pics from dinner, but we sisters had a glorious time chatting around the dinner table after we had all stuffed ourselves on my mother's delicious tacos.

After dinner I drove back up to Provo for Tadd and Camme's Cake n' Ice Cream Celebration. I picked up a cake from Costco, and afterward Camme, Kecia and I agreed that Costco cakes are no longer allowed. Could they get any heavier and unhealthy? From now on, some sort of dessert needs to be handmade (or purchased as an exception for me, sad) for everyone's birthday! Seriously, look at those 7 inch-high frosting balloons! Gag.

This was the exact type of cake I devoured with a friend a year ago for $50. We each ate 8 or 9 man-fist sized pieces. Another reason I should NEVER eat this cake again.

Check out Andrew, such a stud! Yes, that's a Hulk tat, awesome!

Darling little Bree! She can sign "milk" now, she's growing up so fast!

Ell Bell and Camme with Camme's sweet card!

Tadd and Crew-Man. They have a special bond, well more of an attachment. Don't try to take Crew away from Tadd, you'll regret it!

Happy Birthday to all you last-week-of-July-birthdays!