Hello, friends! Let's catch up on the last month, shall we?
First of all, I'm still unemployed, but I'm much closer to jumping off of the government teat, so that's a good thing! ;)
There is one job in particular that I really, really, really want and should hear about this week. I've seriously done everything that I can to get this job: I studied HARD CORE for the interview and feel like it went really well, I followed up, and even hand-delivered cupcakes with a note. If they don't appreciate my efforts, then I guess it's just not meant to be and I'll have to accept that.
Seriously, I've prepared for and studied so much that I should write a book about how to prepare for and interview for a job. Except that I haven't gotten a job yet so there's that ...
Next up, my abysmal dating life. I went out on three dates with a guy, recently, but there was quite obviously not a love connection, so I decided not to waste either of our precious time. He was very nice and smart and somewhat interesting, but I don't think he was interested in ME.
I learned a lot about him because he spoke incessantly about his job and his life, but really never asked any questions about me. I offered up information because I felt he should know who he was hanging out with, but he never asked for more. The last time we went out, I purposely quit asking questions to fill the air just to see if he would. We sat in silence and people watched for an hour. It's OK. He was REALLY skinny and I'm pretty sure I would have broken him if it ever came down to sexy time, anyway.
There was another guy who I thought that I may be interested in, but then he called me and after five minutes on the phone, I wrote it off. Hard core, huh? All it took was him telling me that he was scared to travel outside of the country because of "what's going on in the world right now" for me to write him off. Pussy.
Then there was a third guy who called me and within one minute of ever speaking with him, asked me why I hadn't had kids. Next! Let's face it; I'm not ready to date right now, anyway.
Finally, I have some heartwarming news which I feel I can share. I found out today that my dad has a girlfriend! He told me that he doesn't care if people know, so I feel comfortable writing about it.
My step mom has been gone for three years and I wondered whether my dad would ever open up his heart again and meet someone. She was the love of his life and always will be; but being the silver fox that he is, the ladies couldn't stay off his jock! OK, that's a little extreme, but he did meet a nice lady (or she sounds like she's nice) and he's happy.
They are planning a trip and he's going to fly! My dad is terrified of heights and I've never known him to fly, so this must really be a big deal. I cried when he told me it made me so happy!
Here's to a great week full of great news!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
It's Warm-Fuzzy Time ...
I had a much needed GNO last night which involved a couple of beers, a lot of people watching and some kick ass music!
People watching is the best! I saw a couple of girls who were definitely going to end up bent over a bed later and/or bent over a toilet, depending on which came first. But, I digress ...
One of the girls I was out with I've known for years, but we'd never really been close. I really dig her, but I realized that I didn't know a lot about her. After our conversation last night, I vow to do a better job "knowing" my friends.
I found out that she, too, had lost her job in the past and had actually been out of work for a year and half. She understood what I was going through and gave me some great advice and encouraging words. There's something comforting in commiserating with people who've had the same experiences. It makes you feel like a little less of a loser and restores your hope that this will all work out for the best.
She suggested that I watch J.K. Rowling's Harvard commencement speech from 2008. She mentioned that the speech had a great message about finding the positive in failure and making the most out of what life dishes out. Because, let's face it, we all experience failures, some larger than others. We are defined not by our failures, but by how we bounce back and move on.
I'd like to share this with you all and hope that you'll take some time to watch it. Her message definitely touched me based on what I'm currently going through, but it's one that I feel should touch and inspire all of us in one way or another.
Peace and love, friends. And thanks, Debbie!
People watching is the best! I saw a couple of girls who were definitely going to end up bent over a bed later and/or bent over a toilet, depending on which came first. But, I digress ...
One of the girls I was out with I've known for years, but we'd never really been close. I really dig her, but I realized that I didn't know a lot about her. After our conversation last night, I vow to do a better job "knowing" my friends.
I found out that she, too, had lost her job in the past and had actually been out of work for a year and half. She understood what I was going through and gave me some great advice and encouraging words. There's something comforting in commiserating with people who've had the same experiences. It makes you feel like a little less of a loser and restores your hope that this will all work out for the best.
She suggested that I watch J.K. Rowling's Harvard commencement speech from 2008. She mentioned that the speech had a great message about finding the positive in failure and making the most out of what life dishes out. Because, let's face it, we all experience failures, some larger than others. We are defined not by our failures, but by how we bounce back and move on.
I'd like to share this with you all and hope that you'll take some time to watch it. Her message definitely touched me based on what I'm currently going through, but it's one that I feel should touch and inspire all of us in one way or another.
Peace and love, friends. And thanks, Debbie!
Friday, February 15, 2013
The Unemployment Chronicles - Membership has its Priviledges ...
For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of being on unemployment, they apparently now require everyone to check-in in-person every four weeks. I completed my first check-in today and I have to say, I feel like I need a shower after that trip.
I went to a satellite office up by the airport, so it was a little less disgusting than I'm sure it would be a their main office, but no less humiliating.
You're required to complete a profile online and answer twelve "basic assessment" questions, I guess to make sure you're not a complete, unemployable dullard. Apparently I aced the math and missed one of the reading questions - seriously? It didn't really matter, but being the over achiever that I am, I almost asked her to re-take the assessment. Almost.
There was a guy ahead of me there for his check-in. He had to bring along his girlfriend to use the computer because he didn't know how to use a computer. I'm pretty sure she really didn't know how to use a computer, either, but her struggle was much less than his.
He stunk like cigarettes and bon fire and left his smell on the seat so that I could sit in it as I met with the nice lady running the office. She and I had a laugh over how much he stunk and how dirty and nasty he was. She mentioned that his hands were covered in dirt and soot and that she "didn't know how that woman let him touch her." She said, "I'd tell him 'go wash your fuckin' hands'! Oh, Lord, forgive me!" Yes, she dropped the "F" bomb on my 4-week check in. We are now besties.
So, I'm officially a card carrying member of the Missouri Career Center Full Employment Council. Yes, they give you a card and call you a member. I'm framing this bitch when this is over, mark my words!
Happy Friday!
I went to a satellite office up by the airport, so it was a little less disgusting than I'm sure it would be a their main office, but no less humiliating.
You're required to complete a profile online and answer twelve "basic assessment" questions, I guess to make sure you're not a complete, unemployable dullard. Apparently I aced the math and missed one of the reading questions - seriously? It didn't really matter, but being the over achiever that I am, I almost asked her to re-take the assessment. Almost.
There was a guy ahead of me there for his check-in. He had to bring along his girlfriend to use the computer because he didn't know how to use a computer. I'm pretty sure she really didn't know how to use a computer, either, but her struggle was much less than his.
He stunk like cigarettes and bon fire and left his smell on the seat so that I could sit in it as I met with the nice lady running the office. She and I had a laugh over how much he stunk and how dirty and nasty he was. She mentioned that his hands were covered in dirt and soot and that she "didn't know how that woman let him touch her." She said, "I'd tell him 'go wash your fuckin' hands'! Oh, Lord, forgive me!" Yes, she dropped the "F" bomb on my 4-week check in. We are now besties.
So, I'm officially a card carrying member of the Missouri Career Center Full Employment Council. Yes, they give you a card and call you a member. I'm framing this bitch when this is over, mark my words!
Happy Friday!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Pretty in Pink ... Isn't sheeee....
Yes, I'm still unemployed, but I've decided that I'm not going to dwell on it or write much about it tonight. I've had a couple of good interviews and the law of numbers tells me that something will fall into place soon (at least that's what I learned in my first sales position).
I am amazed at how relaxed I've felt lately. I seriously could get used to not working (as long as I had money, of course). I don't miss the stress and bullshit of the corporate world and am thinking seriously about getting out of it. One of the jobs I interviewed for would be out of the "hustle and bustle" and I hope they liked me enough to offer me the position. I think a change is in order.
I'm not naive enough to believe that I won't have stress at any job, but I promise I'll never again work for a company that considers it a sport to yell at and berate their employees. Mark my words.
So, onto the fun stuff. It's no secret that I dabble in the world of online dating from time to time. Well, to be honest, lately it's just been a lot of messages and no effort on the guy's part to actually meet me, so there has been more dabbling than "dating."
Truly, I don't know why I still do it because I seem to only meet people with commitment issues or admitted STDs. Those of you who know me know that I don't give up easily, so I think that it's become a sport to me to prove that busy NORMAL people actually can meet online. Well, I've had a new issue thrown at me - cross dressing.
I met "George" a few months ago (honestly, I don't remember his name). We chatted and started texting and playing Words with Friends. I was really busy getting ready to move, so we decided that we'd meet once I got settled. Well, once I got settled and was ready to meet, he decided that I lived too far away (whatever) so we quit talking.
He recently sent me a message but I couldn't figure out who it was from because his profile pic had changed (see the shock and horror below):
This would indicate to me that he takes cross dressing seriously. I mean look at the amount of eyeliner for fuck's sake! He's not fucking around! And the pink wig? I can only imagine the nipple shot if he'd decided to pan down ... ugh.
So, needless to say, I didn't respond to his message, nor have I asked him WHAT THE FUCK? I'm pretty open minded, but I don't want to date a guy who wears more makeup than me - PERIOD.
People, I swear, I don't make this shit up.
Peace out.
I am amazed at how relaxed I've felt lately. I seriously could get used to not working (as long as I had money, of course). I don't miss the stress and bullshit of the corporate world and am thinking seriously about getting out of it. One of the jobs I interviewed for would be out of the "hustle and bustle" and I hope they liked me enough to offer me the position. I think a change is in order.
I'm not naive enough to believe that I won't have stress at any job, but I promise I'll never again work for a company that considers it a sport to yell at and berate their employees. Mark my words.
So, onto the fun stuff. It's no secret that I dabble in the world of online dating from time to time. Well, to be honest, lately it's just been a lot of messages and no effort on the guy's part to actually meet me, so there has been more dabbling than "dating."
Truly, I don't know why I still do it because I seem to only meet people with commitment issues or admitted STDs. Those of you who know me know that I don't give up easily, so I think that it's become a sport to me to prove that busy NORMAL people actually can meet online. Well, I've had a new issue thrown at me - cross dressing.
I met "George" a few months ago (honestly, I don't remember his name). We chatted and started texting and playing Words with Friends. I was really busy getting ready to move, so we decided that we'd meet once I got settled. Well, once I got settled and was ready to meet, he decided that I lived too far away (whatever) so we quit talking.
He recently sent me a message but I couldn't figure out who it was from because his profile pic had changed (see the shock and horror below):
This would indicate to me that he takes cross dressing seriously. I mean look at the amount of eyeliner for fuck's sake! He's not fucking around! And the pink wig? I can only imagine the nipple shot if he'd decided to pan down ... ugh.
So, needless to say, I didn't respond to his message, nor have I asked him WHAT THE FUCK? I'm pretty open minded, but I don't want to date a guy who wears more makeup than me - PERIOD.
People, I swear, I don't make this shit up.
Peace out.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
The Unemployment Chronicles - Saturday Motivation
It's Groundhog Day and yes, this day feels like I've lived it 1000 times, yet it's only 9:36 am. "...I got chu babe ...."
I am surprised that I haven't really freaked out about my "job situation" yet. In my heart, I believe that everything will work out and I'll find a good, fulfilling job. I'm not willing to just take whatever's thrown at me. It's important that I continue to further my career and not just settle. The pole isn't looking good ... yet. :)
I assume that I didn't get the job I'd interviewed for since I never heard back. I thought I'd at least get an e-mail letting me know they'd decided to go in a different direction, but I guess not. I know that I tried my best, followed up, sent reasons why they should hire me, etc. If none of that worked, it wasn't meant to be and obsessing over it won't change anything.
I was thinking this morning about all of the little things that I miss about having a job. Mostly it's the freedom of spending money knowing that I'll have more later. I miss little things like going to a coffee shop and buying a nice cup of coffee and going out to eat whenever I want (example: Mexican food. I would seriously blow a hobo for some Salsa Grill right about now ...).
I miss filling up my car vs. putting in a few gallons to get by until prices go back down. I miss meeting my friends out for a drink without feeling like a leech getting free drinks. I also miss using my brain. I miss having conversations with people, not just my dogs. I don't feel useful right now and that's a frustrating feeling.
Basically, I'm not very good at being idle. What is it they say about idle hands, that the "devil finds work" for them? Well bring it on Wicked One, I'm bored! I'm kidding. I'll never get that bored.
(So that you guys understand the process behind my blog "magic," I literally just spent 5 minutes researching "idle hands" quotes and "satan nicknames." At least I wasn't looking for images this time. Oprah only knows what would have popped up!)
I did find a really good quote, though, from one of my faves, Buddah. "To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent."
I believe that diligent is one of 5 good words that describe me well. (I'll let you all come up with the other 4, and bitch had better not be one of them!). There hasn't been anything thrown at me yet that's kept me down so watch me get back up and kick some serious ass!
Remember, "Success comes in cans; failure in can'ts." It's time for my CAN of whoop ass to be opened! OK, I think I've sufficiently motivated myself for now. Time for a shower.
I am surprised that I haven't really freaked out about my "job situation" yet. In my heart, I believe that everything will work out and I'll find a good, fulfilling job. I'm not willing to just take whatever's thrown at me. It's important that I continue to further my career and not just settle. The pole isn't looking good ... yet. :)
I assume that I didn't get the job I'd interviewed for since I never heard back. I thought I'd at least get an e-mail letting me know they'd decided to go in a different direction, but I guess not. I know that I tried my best, followed up, sent reasons why they should hire me, etc. If none of that worked, it wasn't meant to be and obsessing over it won't change anything.
I was thinking this morning about all of the little things that I miss about having a job. Mostly it's the freedom of spending money knowing that I'll have more later. I miss little things like going to a coffee shop and buying a nice cup of coffee and going out to eat whenever I want (example: Mexican food. I would seriously blow a hobo for some Salsa Grill right about now ...).
I miss filling up my car vs. putting in a few gallons to get by until prices go back down. I miss meeting my friends out for a drink without feeling like a leech getting free drinks. I also miss using my brain. I miss having conversations with people, not just my dogs. I don't feel useful right now and that's a frustrating feeling.
Basically, I'm not very good at being idle. What is it they say about idle hands, that the "devil finds work" for them? Well bring it on Wicked One, I'm bored! I'm kidding. I'll never get that bored.
(So that you guys understand the process behind my blog "magic," I literally just spent 5 minutes researching "idle hands" quotes and "satan nicknames." At least I wasn't looking for images this time. Oprah only knows what would have popped up!)
I did find a really good quote, though, from one of my faves, Buddah. "To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent."
I believe that diligent is one of 5 good words that describe me well. (I'll let you all come up with the other 4, and bitch had better not be one of them!). There hasn't been anything thrown at me yet that's kept me down so watch me get back up and kick some serious ass!
Remember, "Success comes in cans; failure in can'ts." It's time for my CAN of whoop ass to be opened! OK, I think I've sufficiently motivated myself for now. Time for a shower.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The Unemployment Chronicles - blah blah blah
I've officially been unemployed for two weeks. I've grown into a steady routine of waking up, hitting the gym, then applying for jobs. I'm telling you, there are actually a lot of jobs out there that I'm qualified for and would likely enjoy, but it's a BITCH getting anyone to call you back! I've never had this much trouble getting someone's attention. Maybe I should flash my tits ... that always seems to work. I kid. :)
Remember that job interview I had a week and a half ago? I found out this morning that the decision maker has been sick, which is why I haven't heard about the job - YET. I received an e-mail from the HR lady letting me know I should hear by the end of the week. I'm still feeling pretty good about my chances - cross whatever you've got for good luck and send it my way!
Random thought: I saw a commercial tonight for a new dating site called "blackpeoplemeet.com." Seriously? Is it necessary to create a website specifically to encourage inter-racial dating? What if someone created "whitepeoplemeet.com"? Oh wait ... it does exist. It's called the KKK. (ba dum dum).
Don't get me wrong, I'm well versed in online dating and I know first hand that it is extremely difficult to meet people online with which we have any interest in, let alone much in common. But, there is something about the site that rubs me the wrong way. Oh well. Good luck to them!
(Note: I was trying to think of something witty and smart assed to say about a crush that I have on a hot black actor so I Googled images of "hot black guys" to help me with my writers block. Apparently the Interwebs felt that I was looking for hot "naked" black guys ... Whoa.)
On that note, I'll leave you all to decide whether you want to Google and find out for yourselves. ;) Peace out.
Remember that job interview I had a week and a half ago? I found out this morning that the decision maker has been sick, which is why I haven't heard about the job - YET. I received an e-mail from the HR lady letting me know I should hear by the end of the week. I'm still feeling pretty good about my chances - cross whatever you've got for good luck and send it my way!
Random thought: I saw a commercial tonight for a new dating site called "blackpeoplemeet.com." Seriously? Is it necessary to create a website specifically to encourage inter-racial dating? What if someone created "whitepeoplemeet.com"? Oh wait ... it does exist. It's called the KKK. (ba dum dum).
Don't get me wrong, I'm well versed in online dating and I know first hand that it is extremely difficult to meet people online with which we have any interest in, let alone much in common. But, there is something about the site that rubs me the wrong way. Oh well. Good luck to them!
(Note: I was trying to think of something witty and smart assed to say about a crush that I have on a hot black actor so I Googled images of "hot black guys" to help me with my writers block. Apparently the Interwebs felt that I was looking for hot "naked" black guys ... Whoa.)
On that note, I'll leave you all to decide whether you want to Google and find out for yourselves. ;) Peace out.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
The Unemployment Chronicles - one long weekend
Hey friends, it's Sunday! I'm telling you that so that I can keep track of what day it is, not because I think you're all lacking in access to a calendar.
I'm beginning to feel a little like Chuck in Castaway. I haven't yet started having conversations with balls (well, there was that guy this weekend ... I kid ...), but I do feel like I need to make a concerted effort to keep track of which day it is because they've begun to blur together. Boo hoo. Suck it up, Spiffy!
When I talk to my friends about my "present predicament," they all tell me, "It will be OK." I want to say, "How do you know? Do you have a direct line to Ms. Cleo?" I know that they all mean well, but it could end up being "not OK."
I mean seriously, I'm sure the majority of the homeless people we pass on the streets each day thought they would be OK, too. But, instead, they're wearing 2nd hand, K-Mart panties, using cigarette ashes for eyeliner and eating pork-n-beans for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I REFUSE TO WEAR K-MART PANTIES!
Maybe my disdain for anything K-Mart or ash-related will be the spark I need make sure that everything is, in fact, OK. It's a weird, scary feeling to not know whether things will truly be "OK."
Out of the pity pool and onto the fun stuff, Debbie Downer! I had a really good weekend. I had some good laughs and drinks with my friends and caught up with an old friend who I haven't seen in years. He filled my head with stories of my high school debauchery that I don't remember, but that I don't doubt either. We had a lot of fun in high school, but I am thankful that I don't have a daughter like me. :)
Tomorrow is Monday and let's hope that it's HIRE DAY! Positive thoughts!
xoxo
I'm beginning to feel a little like Chuck in Castaway. I haven't yet started having conversations with balls (well, there was that guy this weekend ... I kid ...), but I do feel like I need to make a concerted effort to keep track of which day it is because they've begun to blur together. Boo hoo. Suck it up, Spiffy!
When I talk to my friends about my "present predicament," they all tell me, "It will be OK." I want to say, "How do you know? Do you have a direct line to Ms. Cleo?" I know that they all mean well, but it could end up being "not OK."
I mean seriously, I'm sure the majority of the homeless people we pass on the streets each day thought they would be OK, too. But, instead, they're wearing 2nd hand, K-Mart panties, using cigarette ashes for eyeliner and eating pork-n-beans for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I REFUSE TO WEAR K-MART PANTIES!
Maybe my disdain for anything K-Mart or ash-related will be the spark I need make sure that everything is, in fact, OK. It's a weird, scary feeling to not know whether things will truly be "OK."
Out of the pity pool and onto the fun stuff, Debbie Downer! I had a really good weekend. I had some good laughs and drinks with my friends and caught up with an old friend who I haven't seen in years. He filled my head with stories of my high school debauchery that I don't remember, but that I don't doubt either. We had a lot of fun in high school, but I am thankful that I don't have a daughter like me. :)
Tomorrow is Monday and let's hope that it's HIRE DAY! Positive thoughts!
xoxo
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