2012

We are one week into a new year.  2012!  I started this new year with a new job.  I have been working for a whole FOUR DAYS now, and for all the crap I went thru in job hunting while on unemployment, this job virtually landed in my lap.  Just the week before Christmas the phone rang (I almost didn't answer it as I was headed out the door) and it was Christina, the HR representative with this company.  She asked how I was, and wanted to know if I was working.  Well, of course I was not.  The few jobs that were out there that I had applied to never called.  Most of them never called.   The few calls that I did get were either jobs that were too far away with a small pay wage, or not too far away with the SAME small pay.  One even wanted me to sell RV's!  Me, the non-camper.  No thank you.  So anyway, this call comes right out of the blue.  She said they had a new position and was I interested in speaking with them? Of course I was interested.  Now don't get me wrong - I loved having the six months off that I had.  Summer 2011 was the first summer I was able to enjoy since I was 18 years old.  I relished it.  I gardened, played with the dogs, supervised kitchen and bath renovations, went on vacation, got a tan, and took a catering course.  I LOVED IT.  But, I knew I needed to be more productive....FINANCIALLY.  During this phone call, we made an appointment for me to 'interview' with them.  So, I went to see them the next work day (Monday) and the following day, Tuesday, they called to offer me the position.  While I was still shocked at how this position had miraculously appeared to me, I accepted, and enjoyed the rest of the 'countdown' time to the end of my 'lady of leisure' status.

My first day was rather painless.  Even the drive in was not too bad.  Everyone is very helpful, very friendly, and they are all patient with me as I learn the details of this new position, which is Insurance and Collections for a Commercial Real Estate Company.  I have an office with a semi-view (if I look out the window of the office across the hall) and I am right downtown where I can enjoy the State House grounds when it gets warmer.  You see, I like to walk on my lunch hours.  And get outside.  I truly miss the outdoors in the daytime.  But that's okay....for now. 

This phase of my life is just the latest, and current one.  I am sure it will not be permanent.  I still have big plans for unrealized dreams I have had for a long time...and hopefully 2012 will see one of those dreams come true.  At his point in my life, it's about time, don't you think? 

I wish for all of you a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2012!!!!

Home Renovations and Sad Realizations

We have ordered the granite for both our kitchen AND bathroom countertops.  Check out this marvelous company we got them through:  Stone Interiors http://www.stoneinteriors.com/

They are being cut to size as I write this.  Next week our shower is being torn out and reconstructed with beautiful travertile tile on the walls, and travertine mosaic on the floor.  We have a glass shower wall being installed with Tuscan Bronze Faucets, etc. 

Once all this is done, we'll have to repaint and repair the walls for any damage that will have been done as the result of this soon to be beeyoutiful renovation.  Any suggestions on color?

Every day I search for jobs.  I apply for jobs.  I get turned down for jobs.  Day after day.  Most of the companies I apply to never even respond.  It's more than disheartening.  It's difficult for this baby boomer to come to the realization that I am too old for employers to need me.  It's also difficult to not be needed ANYWHERE.  I thought this would be the happiest time in my life - kids are gone and now it's time for me.  I was wrong.

SO, I signed up for a catering class online through Midlands Tech.  Don't know if I'll ever use it, but it can't hurt to have it to go along with the floral design and cake design courses I have already taken.  Never know when that B&B will present itself.  And it keeps me busy and keeps my mind off what I can't do anything about. 

I can dream, can't I?