"There isn't an easy way to do this, so I'm going to jump in and say it. Your position has been eliminated. It has nothing to do with your performance, but as you know, the state is in financial crisis. Therefore, we have to make some changes, and unfortunately, we have no choice but to let you go."
These were the words that slapped me in the face yesterday. I walked into my meeting with the VP and AVP under the impression that I would be gaining added responsibilities and signing a contract (per previous discussions and emails with the bosses). For millions of hard working people across America, similar conversations are taking place every day. I've been lucky enough to have been "laid off" (for lack of a better term) three times in 18 months. Times are tough. I know that. I also know I'm not alone. But when you absolutely love your job, enjoy going to work every day, work your tail off and sacrifice time with your family, it really and truly is a slap in the face.
I'm lucky to have options. I'm lucky to have a severance package. I'm extremely lucky to have a husband with a career. I have options. Just when I finally thought I was working my way up the ladder, the ladder tipped out from under me and I fell off the roof.
This isn't a blame game. It's more of a written pity party. I promised myself I wouldn't wallow, but instead of sitting here enjoying the sunshine, I'd rather be in my office, doing work I love. Every time I think about it, the tears flow like the swollen Red River. It's not that I want any old job; I want MY job. I loved it. I know, I know, there are billions of problems that are a lot worse than my little drama, but I'm going to wallow for a bit. The only thing I know right now is that I'm going to turn this into something good. I don't know how, but I will. When God closes a window, He opens a door. In the mean time, I'll fake it 'till I make it.
Time to call the unemployment office and update my resume. Here I go again.
Showing posts with label unemployment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unemployment. Show all posts
Crash!
It's been so long since my last post - I'm not sure where to begin.
Last Saturday, Murray and I were driving home from Story Time at Barnes and Noble when we were in a car accident. Thankfully, all parties involved are fine. It happened right on our street with a neighbor (who was driving the other car).The streets were a slick layer of snow and ice, and the snow banks were so high that we didn't see each other. Anyway, the Grand Am is totaled but the insurance company has been wonderful. We'll pick up our rental today, and then plan to take our time looking for a new or used car. We have the Durango, and since I'm unemployed, we're not in too much of a hurry to find a second vehicle. We have grown accustomed to not having a car payment, so we'll take advantage of that as long as we can. I want an Accord or another Grand Am, but Craig refuses to buy foreign, so I'm guessing we'll find a Chevy or Pontiac that will suit us.
In the mean time, I've picked up a temporary position at a local radio group. I will be filling in for the sales assistant while she is on maternity leave. The gig should last about eleven weeks, and I start on Monday. I'm thrilled to be working with so many friends that I've worked with in the past; it will be a fun way to pass the rest of this miserable winter.
Murray went back to daycare this week, and I thought he would be sad, but I thought wrong. As soon as we walked in, he whipped off his winter clothes, ran up the stairs to hug Lyn, kissed baby Caitlen, and ran off with a quick "bye mama". Turned out I was the one who was sad. He's growing up before our very eyes. Everyday, it's something new. Yesterday, Craig had to volunteer at SAL after work, so we told Murray that daddy had to go back to work. Murray tearfully replied, "No work, Daddy, no work". We all felt terrible, but Murray and I painted to cheer him up. This morning when his sunshine night light came on, we heard a hearty "MORNING!" Honestly, where does he come up with these new words? I just love that he's beginning to put short sentences together. Watching him transform is one of the most amazing, joyous and bittersweet things I've ever witnessed.
I think that's the update; we are just trying to get through winter without going crazy. I've been so forgetful lately - I'm chalking it up to winter dementia. For example, I stocked up on books on Saturday during the Barnes and Noble outing, put them away when I got home and now I have no idea where they are. Our house is tiny, so I just can't figure out where the heck I stashed them! Anyway, I'm off to do some housework, so with a prayer to St. Francis, maybe they'll turn up.
Last Saturday, Murray and I were driving home from Story Time at Barnes and Noble when we were in a car accident. Thankfully, all parties involved are fine. It happened right on our street with a neighbor (who was driving the other car).The streets were a slick layer of snow and ice, and the snow banks were so high that we didn't see each other. Anyway, the Grand Am is totaled but the insurance company has been wonderful. We'll pick up our rental today, and then plan to take our time looking for a new or used car. We have the Durango, and since I'm unemployed, we're not in too much of a hurry to find a second vehicle. We have grown accustomed to not having a car payment, so we'll take advantage of that as long as we can. I want an Accord or another Grand Am, but Craig refuses to buy foreign, so I'm guessing we'll find a Chevy or Pontiac that will suit us.
In the mean time, I've picked up a temporary position at a local radio group. I will be filling in for the sales assistant while she is on maternity leave. The gig should last about eleven weeks, and I start on Monday. I'm thrilled to be working with so many friends that I've worked with in the past; it will be a fun way to pass the rest of this miserable winter.
Murray went back to daycare this week, and I thought he would be sad, but I thought wrong. As soon as we walked in, he whipped off his winter clothes, ran up the stairs to hug Lyn, kissed baby Caitlen, and ran off with a quick "bye mama". Turned out I was the one who was sad. He's growing up before our very eyes. Everyday, it's something new. Yesterday, Craig had to volunteer at SAL after work, so we told Murray that daddy had to go back to work. Murray tearfully replied, "No work, Daddy, no work". We all felt terrible, but Murray and I painted to cheer him up. This morning when his sunshine night light came on, we heard a hearty "MORNING!" Honestly, where does he come up with these new words? I just love that he's beginning to put short sentences together. Watching him transform is one of the most amazing, joyous and bittersweet things I've ever witnessed.
I think that's the update; we are just trying to get through winter without going crazy. I've been so forgetful lately - I'm chalking it up to winter dementia. For example, I stocked up on books on Saturday during the Barnes and Noble outing, put them away when I got home and now I have no idea where they are. Our house is tiny, so I just can't figure out where the heck I stashed them! Anyway, I'm off to do some housework, so with a prayer to St. Francis, maybe they'll turn up.
Slapping Craig
Funny thing how life doesn't stop, even if you think it should just take a rest for a minute.
Last night I read for three hours and when I finally gave up, I dozed on and off, my mind racing in between very strange dreams. So much seems to be happening at break-neck speed, but at the same time, I feel as though time is dragging. Sounds strange, I know, but it's true. At one point, I was having such a bizarre dream that I physically slapped Craig - hard - strangely, it wasn't him I was dreaming about. In the dream, I was slapping a lady who was assaulting us, and I distinctly remember how good it felt to slap her in my dream. Poor Craig woke up and said, "what the heck did you hit me so hard for"? I hadn't realized that I had whopped him one in my sleep. No wonder we have a king-size bed. He needs protection from his own wife.
I have another temp opportunity, and it seems to be a go. You may remember from my last post, that there is a need for a sales assistant at a local radio group while their permanent employee takes maternity leave. I was able to negotiate a salary that I can agree with, and I start a week from Monday (training). I'm thrilled, to say the least, especially since I will be working for a former supervisor and now friend. Murray and I met everyone this morning and since I've been in the media for so long, I know half of the staff already (huge bonus). Those I didn't know were very friendly and welcoming. The hours are 8am-3pm, which will be a perfect transition to a full-time world down the road. I'm going stir-crazy in the house.
Yesterday, my dad, Maggie and I attended the funeral for our friend Roger. It was an emotional day, to say the least, but it felt good to be able to celebrate his life and grieve his death with others. I know he's in heaven and am sure my Mom is showing him the ropes (to quote my dad). My prayers to Roger's loved ones.
Murray is napping (surprisingly so after 3 cookies at my new "temp" office" and a tootsie roll and a Hershey Kiss at Craig's office), so I think I'll take advantage of my time and get some cleaning done. The clutter and toddler toys may have won this battle, but I am determined to win the war.
I will be having another contest in the near future, so keep checking back!
M
Last night I read for three hours and when I finally gave up, I dozed on and off, my mind racing in between very strange dreams. So much seems to be happening at break-neck speed, but at the same time, I feel as though time is dragging. Sounds strange, I know, but it's true. At one point, I was having such a bizarre dream that I physically slapped Craig - hard - strangely, it wasn't him I was dreaming about. In the dream, I was slapping a lady who was assaulting us, and I distinctly remember how good it felt to slap her in my dream. Poor Craig woke up and said, "what the heck did you hit me so hard for"? I hadn't realized that I had whopped him one in my sleep. No wonder we have a king-size bed. He needs protection from his own wife.
I have another temp opportunity, and it seems to be a go. You may remember from my last post, that there is a need for a sales assistant at a local radio group while their permanent employee takes maternity leave. I was able to negotiate a salary that I can agree with, and I start a week from Monday (training). I'm thrilled, to say the least, especially since I will be working for a former supervisor and now friend. Murray and I met everyone this morning and since I've been in the media for so long, I know half of the staff already (huge bonus). Those I didn't know were very friendly and welcoming. The hours are 8am-3pm, which will be a perfect transition to a full-time world down the road. I'm going stir-crazy in the house.
Yesterday, my dad, Maggie and I attended the funeral for our friend Roger. It was an emotional day, to say the least, but it felt good to be able to celebrate his life and grieve his death with others. I know he's in heaven and am sure my Mom is showing him the ropes (to quote my dad). My prayers to Roger's loved ones.
Murray is napping (surprisingly so after 3 cookies at my new "temp" office" and a tootsie roll and a Hershey Kiss at Craig's office), so I think I'll take advantage of my time and get some cleaning done. The clutter and toddler toys may have won this battle, but I am determined to win the war.
I will be having another contest in the near future, so keep checking back!
M
Monday Mutterings
We had a pretty busy weekend, but it was a good one. Craig and I went to a movie on Friday and slept until 10:00am on Saturday (Murray was having a sleep over at the Beckerleg's)! I can't say enough about how wonderful date night is not only for our marriage (and catching up on sleep), but our whole family. By lunch time on Saturday, we missed Murray so much that we were crazy to pick him up. I just love those MAMA and DADDY shrieks when he greets us if we've been away from him.
Troy and Stef came over for dinner and a movie on Saturday. We made (some) homemade Chinese (Craig made his pot stickers and I made egg rolls). Stef brought the most amazing hot spinach dip and sugar cookies (much to Murray's delight). It was great way to spend a cold Saturday night.
Yesterday we took Murray to open skate at the high school. Poor Craig - his knees were screaming at him by the time we finished - he skated in a squat so he could hold Murray. I tried to help, but am not a very strong skater so it was best for everyone on the rink if I skated on my own. We tried to get Murray to push a chair, but he's just too darn independent. He must feel he has more control if we're holding his hands. I'm glad he loves to skate so much, but I don't care for the tears when it's time to get off the ice.
Speaking of Murray, it's Catholic Schools Week this week. I almost cried when I realized that next year, my baby will be in the pre-school class at St. Joseph's school. EEK! Anyway, tonight we're going to the open house at the school to tour the facilities, since at this time next year, he'll already be attending.
I just finished paying bills and it was nice to be able to pay my own bills with my own money. Now if I can just find a permanent job, I'll be in good shape. I'm seriously considering going back to bartending or serving until something comes along. I still haven't heard about the job I interviewed for, but I'm assuming it's a big fat no. There's also been discussion of finishing up my degree, so who knows? Time will tell.
Troy and Stef came over for dinner and a movie on Saturday. We made (some) homemade Chinese (Craig made his pot stickers and I made egg rolls). Stef brought the most amazing hot spinach dip and sugar cookies (much to Murray's delight). It was great way to spend a cold Saturday night.
Yesterday we took Murray to open skate at the high school. Poor Craig - his knees were screaming at him by the time we finished - he skated in a squat so he could hold Murray. I tried to help, but am not a very strong skater so it was best for everyone on the rink if I skated on my own. We tried to get Murray to push a chair, but he's just too darn independent. He must feel he has more control if we're holding his hands. I'm glad he loves to skate so much, but I don't care for the tears when it's time to get off the ice.
Speaking of Murray, it's Catholic Schools Week this week. I almost cried when I realized that next year, my baby will be in the pre-school class at St. Joseph's school. EEK! Anyway, tonight we're going to the open house at the school to tour the facilities, since at this time next year, he'll already be attending.
I just finished paying bills and it was nice to be able to pay my own bills with my own money. Now if I can just find a permanent job, I'll be in good shape. I'm seriously considering going back to bartending or serving until something comes along. I still haven't heard about the job I interviewed for, but I'm assuming it's a big fat no. There's also been discussion of finishing up my degree, so who knows? Time will tell.
Back at it, at Least, Temporarily
I received a call yesterday from my mother-in-law (she is the the textbook manager at a local college). If you aren't familiar with this time of year, for universities everywhere, it's book rush. Book rush equates to extreme craziness for campus bookstores. Some colleges tend to hire extra help during these periods because students have classes and there just isn't enough full-time staff to cover the chaos. So, at the last minute, the temp that was previously hired backed out and Mary needed help. I worked the fall book rush in 2002 and had a blast, so of course when Mary offered me a two-week gig in the bookstore I was thrilled. Today was my first day. The students are much friendlier than I remember, especially the student workers who are training me in. They don't treat me like a dumb old lady newbie and their knowledge of all things related to the bookstore is amazing! I just love being surrounded by stacks and stacks of books; the colors, the smells, the sound of brand new book spines cracking. Hmmm. . .maybe I should study library science? Anyway, it was very short notice, but it's nice to be out of the house and contributing to the family income again.
The other good news I have is that I must have passed the phone interview because I was called today for an on-site interview. I'm thrilled. They are interviewing four candidates, including myself. If it doesn't work out, I'll know that God has other plans, but I'm still praying.
If you have travel plans this weekend, please make sure you have emergency kits in your cars. When DH traveled a few weeks ago, I asked if I should put together some safety items for his trip. Here's how the conversation went:
Me: Do you want me to pack some candles, matches, a flash light and batteries etc?
Craig: No thanks, I have a blanket in the car and I always stop and get a candy bar when I get gas.
Me: Hysterical laughter.
Does he really think that a blanket and a Hershey bar will save his life? Sheesh. Anyway, on my to-do list this weekend is to assemble a real emergency kit, candy bars and all.
I'm off to start the weekend. More tomorrow. Tomorrow or Sunday we plan to take Murray to open skate (indoor arena), so I will post some pictures. As for the moment, snuggle in; it's only going to get colder!
Blessings,
M
The other good news I have is that I must have passed the phone interview because I was called today for an on-site interview. I'm thrilled. They are interviewing four candidates, including myself. If it doesn't work out, I'll know that God has other plans, but I'm still praying.
If you have travel plans this weekend, please make sure you have emergency kits in your cars. When DH traveled a few weeks ago, I asked if I should put together some safety items for his trip. Here's how the conversation went:
Me: Do you want me to pack some candles, matches, a flash light and batteries etc?
Craig: No thanks, I have a blanket in the car and I always stop and get a candy bar when I get gas.
Me: Hysterical laughter.
Does he really think that a blanket and a Hershey bar will save his life? Sheesh. Anyway, on my to-do list this weekend is to assemble a real emergency kit, candy bars and all.
I'm off to start the weekend. More tomorrow. Tomorrow or Sunday we plan to take Murray to open skate (indoor arena), so I will post some pictures. As for the moment, snuggle in; it's only going to get colder!
Blessings,
M
I'm On a Mission
Dear Readers and Facebook Friends,
In a recent post, I discussed chasing one's dreams. After some soul-searching, prayers, and many discussions with DH, I have decided to make some life changes. One of them directly affects my communication with all of you, but it's a decision that needed to be made. It's simply an experiment, but if it works, fabulous, if not, no loss. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? Anyway, as of Friday, January 9, 2010, I will be on hiatus from Facebook. This isn't meant to be as dramatic as it sounds. I've just decided that I have been spending entirely too much time checking my status, messages, and the like. I need to cut out some of the non-essentials in life so that I can pursue what I've always wanted to do, which is (for fear of sounding like Ross from "Friends), to concentrate on two of my dreams; music and writing. Let me tell you, both need a lot of work if I want to go anywhere and I need all the extra time I can get! I have finally re-discovered the passion that I've been missing for so long; I've actually ached to feel this way again! This unemployment time has been such a blessing in disguise. God must have realized that I needed some time to sit down and re-evaluate. Thanks to my awesome piano student, I can hardly walk by the piano anymore without sitting down to play - I haven't felt that way in years. I've had lots of time to think about finding out what I really want to do with my life. I'm about eight years behind, but no worries! I'm on my way and I feel better mentally than I have in a long time.
I have so many ideas and plans and the time has come to execute them. Slowly, but surely, I hope to learn, gain insight and someday, with God's blessing, maybe will be the next Lori Line or John Steinbeck. Even if I don't achieve fame and fortune, at least I'll have the knowledge that I fought for what I believed in, what I wanted for myself, my family and my God.
Fmily and friends will never take up too much of my time, it's my own addictive personality that eats at me (I tend to check Facebook about every five minutes, so yes, it's gotten out of control). However, I beg of you to keep in touch via email, blog, or phone. I desperately want to hear from you! Despite the fact that I won't have the immediate contact that I've loved having with all of you, don't be surprised if you receive a good old fashioned snail-mail letter from me. Now that I'm making more time for writing, I hope to post every day instead of sporadically. Again, please keep me posted while I'm "on leave". You can always leave me a comment here, email me at beckerleg@hotmail.com or call any time!
In a recent post, I discussed chasing one's dreams. After some soul-searching, prayers, and many discussions with DH, I have decided to make some life changes. One of them directly affects my communication with all of you, but it's a decision that needed to be made. It's simply an experiment, but if it works, fabulous, if not, no loss. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? Anyway, as of Friday, January 9, 2010, I will be on hiatus from Facebook. This isn't meant to be as dramatic as it sounds. I've just decided that I have been spending entirely too much time checking my status, messages, and the like. I need to cut out some of the non-essentials in life so that I can pursue what I've always wanted to do, which is (for fear of sounding like Ross from "Friends), to concentrate on two of my dreams; music and writing. Let me tell you, both need a lot of work if I want to go anywhere and I need all the extra time I can get! I have finally re-discovered the passion that I've been missing for so long; I've actually ached to feel this way again! This unemployment time has been such a blessing in disguise. God must have realized that I needed some time to sit down and re-evaluate. Thanks to my awesome piano student, I can hardly walk by the piano anymore without sitting down to play - I haven't felt that way in years. I've had lots of time to think about finding out what I really want to do with my life. I'm about eight years behind, but no worries! I'm on my way and I feel better mentally than I have in a long time.
I have so many ideas and plans and the time has come to execute them. Slowly, but surely, I hope to learn, gain insight and someday, with God's blessing, maybe will be the next Lori Line or John Steinbeck. Even if I don't achieve fame and fortune, at least I'll have the knowledge that I fought for what I believed in, what I wanted for myself, my family and my God.
Fmily and friends will never take up too much of my time, it's my own addictive personality that eats at me (I tend to check Facebook about every five minutes, so yes, it's gotten out of control). However, I beg of you to keep in touch via email, blog, or phone. I desperately want to hear from you! Despite the fact that I won't have the immediate contact that I've loved having with all of you, don't be surprised if you receive a good old fashioned snail-mail letter from me. Now that I'm making more time for writing, I hope to post every day instead of sporadically. Again, please keep me posted while I'm "on leave". You can always leave me a comment here, email me at beckerleg@hotmail.com or call any time!
"I Fall Down Couch"
To the contest winners: Your prizes have been mailed and you should receive them tomorrow. I apologize for the wait - it's been a bit crazy around here.
I had a bit of a medical scare over the weekend, and am pleased to report that it turned out to be an infection and not something more serious. I can't tell you how relieved I am and have said many thank you prayers. Now it's just a matter of the antibiotics to kick in and I should be back to my old self.
Murray update: We are constantly amazed at how much he's learning. Everyday it's something new. Lately, we are thrilled that he is using two and three-word phrases. Yesterday, for example:
Me: "Please sit on your bottom, or you will fall off the couch."
Murray: "NOOOOO!"
Three seconds later, Murray responds: "I fall down couch". Hysterical laughter and giggling follows.
I just love this new form of communication. Now, if we could just break him of the whining habit. . .
I have a phone interview this morning, for a position that I'm extremely excited about. I won't say more until I know more myself, but some prayers would be appreciated.
Brace yourself for the snow, soon we'll be shoveling. . .again. At least it's good exercise!
I had a bit of a medical scare over the weekend, and am pleased to report that it turned out to be an infection and not something more serious. I can't tell you how relieved I am and have said many thank you prayers. Now it's just a matter of the antibiotics to kick in and I should be back to my old self.
Murray update: We are constantly amazed at how much he's learning. Everyday it's something new. Lately, we are thrilled that he is using two and three-word phrases. Yesterday, for example:
Me: "Please sit on your bottom, or you will fall off the couch."
Murray: "NOOOOO!"
Three seconds later, Murray responds: "I fall down couch". Hysterical laughter and giggling follows.
I just love this new form of communication. Now, if we could just break him of the whining habit. . .
I have a phone interview this morning, for a position that I'm extremely excited about. I won't say more until I know more myself, but some prayers would be appreciated.
Brace yourself for the snow, soon we'll be shoveling. . .again. At least it's good exercise!
Too Much Tragedy and TV
I'm on my way to pick up Murray early, but I had to post first.
First and foremost, I would like to request a prayer for babies and their loving parents.
A small bit about unemployment: it seems I've been bored for too long. My good friend informed me a few minutes ago that I need to set a schedule and stick to it. It works for him, so I'm going to attempt to act like I have to go to work tomorrow (plus I have an interview) and get on with my day. Instead of watching re-runs of "My Wife and Kids", "Full House" (which is completely cheesy and my guilty pleasure) and "Desperate Housewives" between loads of laundry, my plan is to get active again. When I'm not applying for jobs, I could volunteer or do something to help out a person or family in need. I want to get back to water aerobics as well.
This morning I woke to the sounds of one of the animals vomiting. Turned out to be Rudy, who has not been ill in his five years of existance. We're diligent about our vet check-ups, so I couldn't figure out what was happening. He was sick every half-hour from 2am to 6am. Every time I cleaned up the mess, he looked at me with those big brown eyes and you could just tell how embarrassed he felt. I called the emergency clinic at five am and after consultation they assured me that it was probably a diet issue. We are strict on their diet - 2 cups of Iams twice a day, so I surmised that he must have eaten something that wasn't dog food behind our backs. I held his food today until noon, and so far he hasn't been sick. I am so relived. I love our animals so very much, as you know.
I've discovered over the last year that there are so many hardships and devastation in the world. Our family has had several in the last month or more so today I pray that joy will come to those who have been afflicted by tragedy.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Peace to all.
Ree
P.S.Since I've written this post, I have set up a volunteer schedule that I'm quite thrilled about. More on this later.
First and foremost, I would like to request a prayer for babies and their loving parents.
A small bit about unemployment: it seems I've been bored for too long. My good friend informed me a few minutes ago that I need to set a schedule and stick to it. It works for him, so I'm going to attempt to act like I have to go to work tomorrow (plus I have an interview) and get on with my day. Instead of watching re-runs of "My Wife and Kids", "Full House" (which is completely cheesy and my guilty pleasure) and "Desperate Housewives" between loads of laundry, my plan is to get active again. When I'm not applying for jobs, I could volunteer or do something to help out a person or family in need. I want to get back to water aerobics as well.
This morning I woke to the sounds of one of the animals vomiting. Turned out to be Rudy, who has not been ill in his five years of existance. We're diligent about our vet check-ups, so I couldn't figure out what was happening. He was sick every half-hour from 2am to 6am. Every time I cleaned up the mess, he looked at me with those big brown eyes and you could just tell how embarrassed he felt. I called the emergency clinic at five am and after consultation they assured me that it was probably a diet issue. We are strict on their diet - 2 cups of Iams twice a day, so I surmised that he must have eaten something that wasn't dog food behind our backs. I held his food today until noon, and so far he hasn't been sick. I am so relived. I love our animals so very much, as you know.
I've discovered over the last year that there are so many hardships and devastation in the world. Our family has had several in the last month or more so today I pray that joy will come to those who have been afflicted by tragedy.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Peace to all.
Ree
P.S.Since I've written this post, I have set up a volunteer schedule that I'm quite thrilled about. More on this later.
Dogs + Chocolate = Poison
Two years ago, about this time, our two golden retrievers ate two pounds of bakers' chocolate and three bags of chocolate chips. When I discovered the mess, I hauled them both to the vet where they spent the day expelling their bodies of the poison they had ingested. One large emergency vet bill later, they were both fine. It turned out that Rudy didn't have a trace of chocolate in his system, hence, Nala had consumed every bit. Since then, I've been extremely careful about where the chocolate is stored. Yesterday I found a half eaten candy cane full of chocolate kisses (it was in the stocking stuffer pile that I had hidden under the bed). There were no traces of foil or the plastic cane. This time, I decided to watch them closely and only take them in if one or the other showed signs of illness. Thankfully, they are both thriving. When I told Craig, he jokingly replied, "Well, we'll just have to see which one passes away first." We never would have let that happen of course, so I kept vigil yesterday and through the night. Anyway, I'm happy to report that the incident passed with no ill side effects. Lesson learned - again.
We have a busy weekend ahead. Tonight we will attend a groom's dinner for our friend Ryan, who is marrying a wonderful woman tomorrow. It will be so much fun to have the group back together again. Craig is a groomsman, so Murray is going to attend the wedding with me, and then Dennis and Mary will take him to the reception (spouses are invited to ride in the limo with the wedding party). We're excited to see him dance (you know how much he loves to rock out) and when he's partied himself out, Dennis and Mary will take him home for the night. I just love having kids at weddings; they are usually the first to get the dancing started!
For now, I'm off to continue my job search. Although it does get tiresome sending resume after resume, I hope that it will pay off in the end.
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!
We have a busy weekend ahead. Tonight we will attend a groom's dinner for our friend Ryan, who is marrying a wonderful woman tomorrow. It will be so much fun to have the group back together again. Craig is a groomsman, so Murray is going to attend the wedding with me, and then Dennis and Mary will take him to the reception (spouses are invited to ride in the limo with the wedding party). We're excited to see him dance (you know how much he loves to rock out) and when he's partied himself out, Dennis and Mary will take him home for the night. I just love having kids at weddings; they are usually the first to get the dancing started!
For now, I'm off to continue my job search. Although it does get tiresome sending resume after resume, I hope that it will pay off in the end.
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!
Red Tape and Rigmorole
I spent the last two-plus hours on the ND Unemployment website (a.k.a. UI ICE). I cannot believe the hoops I have to jump through to receive a very small sum of money each week. Don't get me wrong - I'm happy that they don't hand out cash to anyone who asks for it. I was just surprised at the amount of activity they monitor. I felt like I had to explain what I've been doing every moment since I was released from employment. Now that I have the initial red-tape paperwork complete, I have to report that I've applied for at least 2 positions weekly. It should be much less time-consuming from here on out.
So I've attacked that chore, and I'm sitting on my couch, guiltily watching "Wife Swap" re-runs. How pathetic can I get? That's a rhetorical question. Please don't answer it when you comment. :) Anyway, after applying for four jobs and dealing with the government, I feel like I have accomplished quite a bit for this morning. Unfortunately, I have a list a mile long today: bills, picking up after little one, getting my resume printed, laundry, present wrapping, etc. But you know what? I don't mind a bit. I'm really liking this work-at-home-mom business. I know it can't last, but I'm going to enjoy every minute. And besides, most people have to deal with these everyday tasks while employed!
If you get a chance, I was featured in The Forum in an article featuring parent blogs. You can check it out at: www.inforum.com I was honored to be included!
I can't end this post without mentioning Urban Hair, a new salon in south Moorhead. I've been friends with Lisa, the owner, for almost ten years and she's been taking care of my hair for a long time. They offer massage therapy, essential oils, special services, and of course, the best hair care in town. If you would like more contact info, let me know. I promise you won't find a more trendy, comfortable and reasonably priced studio anywhere. The grand opening is on Friday at 4:00pm - ribbon cutting, tours, and wine and cheese - all are invited. I don't mean to sound like a commercial, I just really think you will love Lisa, her staff and her salon. If you watch Valley Today on channel four or eleven, Urban Hair will be featured tomorrow morning.
Ok, I'm finally off to my chores. Have a blessed day.
So I've attacked that chore, and I'm sitting on my couch, guiltily watching "Wife Swap" re-runs. How pathetic can I get? That's a rhetorical question. Please don't answer it when you comment. :) Anyway, after applying for four jobs and dealing with the government, I feel like I have accomplished quite a bit for this morning. Unfortunately, I have a list a mile long today: bills, picking up after little one, getting my resume printed, laundry, present wrapping, etc. But you know what? I don't mind a bit. I'm really liking this work-at-home-mom business. I know it can't last, but I'm going to enjoy every minute. And besides, most people have to deal with these everyday tasks while employed!
If you get a chance, I was featured in The Forum in an article featuring parent blogs. You can check it out at: www.inforum.com I was honored to be included!
I can't end this post without mentioning Urban Hair, a new salon in south Moorhead. I've been friends with Lisa, the owner, for almost ten years and she's been taking care of my hair for a long time. They offer massage therapy, essential oils, special services, and of course, the best hair care in town. If you would like more contact info, let me know. I promise you won't find a more trendy, comfortable and reasonably priced studio anywhere. The grand opening is on Friday at 4:00pm - ribbon cutting, tours, and wine and cheese - all are invited. I don't mean to sound like a commercial, I just really think you will love Lisa, her staff and her salon. If you watch Valley Today on channel four or eleven, Urban Hair will be featured tomorrow morning.
Ok, I'm finally off to my chores. Have a blessed day.
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