Monday, December 28, 2009

Unsettling Dreams

I go through phases with dreams. I won't remember any at all for a very long time and then suddenly I'll start remembering them again. And the ones I do remember are usually really odd. Like a recent one I just had where I went camping and some guy from Dunkin Doughnuts stopped by to deliver pancakes to us every morning.  'Cuz yeah, I'm pretty sure that's a service they offer!

Two nights ago I dreamt that I'd been gone all day and when I came home, I found some guy in my kitchen.  It wasn't someone I recognized from real life but I guess I knew him in my dream as I didn't seem surprised to see him.  Anyways, he had my little Chico on a cookie sheet and was getting ready to put him in the oven.  Chico was just standing there on the cookie sheet with his little tag just a waggin'!  I told the guy no, I didn't want my little dog cooked and he said, "Relax, I do this all the time!"  I woke up after that and made sure my little dog was still alive.

Last night I dreamed I had some woman and her two kids over.  Again, not sure who the woman was as I didn't recognize her from real life but I seemed to be friends with her in the dream.  So we're sitting there talking at my kitchen table when I realized that I hadn't seen Chico in awhile.  I went to go check on him and discovered that he had broken his leg.  I was really upset and trying to clean up the blood that was coming out of his leg.  I told the woman one of her son's had hurt my dog but she didn't seem to be overly concerned about it.  I was upset by her attitude and told her I needed to take my dog to the vet and that she needed to pay for it since her son did this.  She didn't want to leave though, she wanted me to sit so we could talk some more.

I don't know where Shiver was in these dreams.  I really hope these dreams aren't a forewarning of something to come.  They were really bothersome.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

My Babies

Shiver with Chico in the background


Shiver and Chico


I was hoping for more close up pictures but this is what I got so I can't complain.  I apologize for the carpet looking so gross.  I don't know if it's just the way the light hits it or something but it doesn't look that dirty in person.  Shiver got a treat too but he put it down so he could try to get Chico's.  He always does that.  You can see where he chewed up the corner of the baseboard when he was a puppy.


Monday, December 21, 2009

Shiver


Shiver here!  I haven't gotten to do a post on my own yet so Mama finally said I could do one today since Chico got to do one awhile back.  If you'll remember, I look kinda like the doggie on the right, only redder and probably a little taller. 

Goodness, Mama has sure the cleaning bug something fierce!!!  In the last 2 days she has vacuumed (twice), shampooed the carpet in the living room, mopped, done laundry, cleaned the baseboards, washed dishes and dusted.  She better be done  because I'm not liking all the noise that vacuum and carpet cleaner make and all the moving of furniture makes me nervous.  First Mama moved everything into the kitchen, then she moved it all into the living room and then she moved the kitchen stuff back into the kitchen again.  Plus when she's busy cleaning, that's that much less time to pay attention to me!  I heard her talking about cleaning the bathrooms but I'm gonna see if I can distract her for a little while and try to get her to play with one of my chew toys with me.

And when she's not doing that, she's busy looking for jobs.  Geez, when do I get a little face time? 

Mama was gonna ask for a digital camera for Christmas but changed her mind.  She felt bad asking for presents when she can't afford to buy nice stuff for anyone this year.  She did buy gifts but not as many and not as nice as what she usually buys.  She rrreeeaaalllyyy wants to post some pix of me and Chico for everyone to see to show we really do exist and not just in her imagination (BOL) so...she has someone coming over who does own a digital camera and they're gonna take pictures of us!  Not sure when but it should be some time this week.

Mama is apprehensive about how I'll act.  Chico is very outgoing whereas I'm very shy.  She thinks I might not cooperate.  Hmm...I just might not since she hasn't been paying much attention to me!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Advice Needed Please

Ok, I've been unemployed for two months now and NO ONE is calling me for interviews, no matter how many jobs I've applied for.  So far I've had exactly one interview and as well as that went, I didn't get the job. 

My career field is in banking/mortgage/loans so I've tried to stick with applying for those kinds of jobs when I see them advertised.  However, I've also been applying to a lot of administrative assistant types of jobs.  With absolutely no luck what.so.ever.

Two friends say that it's just the recession.  I disagree.  There are plenty of jobs out there but they either don't pay well, I'm not qualified or I'm just not interested.  Or I am interested so I apply and I don't get an interview.  Seriously!

I've been asking people for advice.  One friend mostly gives me really bad unsolicited advice like apply for any and every job you see whether you're qualified or not and whether or not it's really something you're interested in and don't worry about the pay.  Well, why bother wasting my and the interviewers time if you aren't qualified?  Yes many positions offer on the job training but I'm not gonna apply to be a doctor if I haven't gone to school and gotten a license.  According to my friend, I should still apply anyways.  And as for pay, I know how much my bills come to at the end of the month and I can't accept a job that will pay me any less.  I don't want to work 2 part time jobs because I'm having a hard enough time finding even just ONE job so I don't know how quickly I could find another one.

So!  I'm asking for your best job hunting advice.  Also, if you've ever been fired, how did you handle it with your next employer?  In the one interview I had, the lady barely even asked about my last job.  She was much more interested in a different job I held with another company and focused her questions mainly on that.  She didn't ask why I left my last job so I didn't volunteer the information.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Christmas At Arlington Cemetary

This is the final part of my email.  Hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have!






You may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Twelve Days of Christmas

This is another part of the email that went along with the pictures of the Christmas trees in my last post.  Don't know how true this is but I found it interesting and wanted to share it.


There is one Christmas carol that has always baffled me.  What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

This week I found out.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.  It has two levels of meaning:  the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church.  Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John .

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit -- Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit -- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.


Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Christmas Trees From Around The World‏

This is from part of an email I got yesterday.  I found it interesting and thought others might too!


The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C. is decorated with 3000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren.  Encircling evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.



The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region.  Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city.



A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's night time neon display is projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.


Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains in the southern Czech Republic .



Venice's Murano Island renowned throughout the world for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree in the world.  Sculpted by master glass blower Simone Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern
reflection of the holiday season.


Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar on Jan. 7.  For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden.  He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.



The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall) can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal.  Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special enchantment of the city during the holiday season.



Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree:  Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany 's Karwendel mountains, a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.



Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette!  In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic.  With its monumental baroque dome plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.



In addition to the Vatican 's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.



The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party.  Madrid's two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers.  On Dec. 22nd, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.


A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London 's Trafalgar Square has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.


Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.



Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).

I've looked at all of the trees and just can't make up my mind which is my favorite. They're all so beautiful!   What are some of your favorites of the ones pictured here?


Monday, November 23, 2009

Whoa!!!

What a day it's been already and it's barely 1/2 over!

I procrastinated following my usual morning routine and decided to do the daily blog check.  And was shocked and excited to discover I'd been presented with an award by Dip-Dip and The Bridge!  Thank you sooooo much, ladies!   And of course little brother Elliot too!  If you haven't stopped by their blog, it's snowing over there!


The rules are to pick 15 friends to pass this wonderful award on to.  Last time I passed on an award, only two people acknowledged it.  So...if you want it, take it.  If not, that's ok too.  

As if that wasn't enough good news, I headed on over to dot ... dot ... dot ...  to check out the winners of the giveaways.  I was STUNNED to see my name!!!   I won a giant fortune cookie!!!


When I posted about all the fun giveaways, I never in a zillion years expected to win anything.  Sure, I was hopeful.  But I truly did not ever think I'd win.  I'm not sure if this is the exact cookie I'll be getting, I said I'd be happy with any of the chocolate covered ones.  I posted this picture to show the difference in size so you'll have an idea of how big the cookie really is.

Thank you Dip-Dip and The Bridge and dot ... dot ... dot ... for making my day so much brighter!  I can't stop smiling!!! 


Saturday, November 21, 2009

Giveaways

I haven't really posted anything lately just because I have nothing to talk about.  Seriously -- NOTHING!  I apply for job after job and sit at home waiting for the phone to ring.  And sadly, it doesn't. 

With all my free time, I've been trying to get the boredom to subside by surfing the net each day.  Somehow I came across particular website.


I'm all about gettin' stuff for free so I was kinda stoked to find this.  Every weekday they list new things.  Some of the stuff you have to enter sweepstakes and things but some of it really is completely free!  Yesterday I ordered a sample of chips and a candle.  Didn't even have to pay shipping and handling and they didn't ask anything of me to get them! 

I also found another website giving away free goodies but I haven't really checked it out.


Also yesterday, Tiffany over at Memoirs of a Munchkin Mommy mentioned a blog with a bunch of giveaways.  I checked it out and she wasn't kidding, April @ dot ... dot ... dot ... is giving away TONS of stuff!!!!!  I don't usually have much luck with these kinds of things but I'm not gonna let that stop me.  I mean, SOMEbody's gotta win it, right?  Why not me?!

These are some of my favorites: 
1.  Hot Mama Glasswear.  Set of blue and white "Let It Snow" balloon glasses which includes Frozen Whoopee drink recipe on the bottom of the glass.
2.  Wire Wrapped Designs.  The winner receives a pair of earrings of their choice! 
3.  Pet Elegance.  A collar and a personalized tag of the winner's choice.  There are lots to choose from.
4.  Fancy Fortune Cookies.  Who knew fortune cookies could be so pretty?
5.  Sweet & Simple.  Very pretty Simple Sparrow necklace.
6.  Herb'n Development.  Just because the girly girl in me can never have enough of this kind of thing.
7.  Anderson Soap Company.  Who can resist a shopping spree?
8.  Red Clover Clutch.   The perfect clutch can make or break an outfit.
9.  Kidoodles.  The star shaped crayons are adorable!
10.  mac and e.l.f.  I love, love, love any and all makeup.
11.  Almay Pink Shimmer.  Two words -- lip gloss.  Need I say more? 
12.  Coach.  A cute little coin purse

This is only a list of the ones I'm interested in.  There are over 20 so even if none of these interests you, I'm sure you'll find something that will.  If you decide to enter for any of these, you'll need to hurry!  The deadline is Sunday 11/22 @ 8 PM PST.  And please mention that I sent you as I'll get extra entries.  Yes, I did namedrop Tiffany!

As if all these goodies aren't enough, I checked out April's profile and discovered she's also hosting another one on Manicure Mommas.  If you love OPI nail polish, you'll love this giveaway!

This one ends Monday 11/30 12 AM EST.

Be sure to get your entries in for all of these lovely giveaways.  Or not, that's that much less competition for me!  LOL  (Just kidding, the more the merrier!)



Sunday, November 8, 2009

Things Are Looking Up

This past week has been difficult.  Reality has set in and I'm freaking BIG TIME about finding a job.  I can pay my bills for November but I don't know what I'm gonna do for December.  And on top of the bills, I don't know what to do about Christmas.  I can't just not buy anybody anything.  I'm sure everyone would understand if I don't but I just can't do that.  I still haven't heard if I've been approved for unemployment benefits.  If I get that, I'll be ok.  It won't be enough to pay my bills but it'll cover a good portion of them at least.

I spent most of my week crying and feeling sorry for myself in between applying for jobs. 

My one friend that I went skydiving with has redeemed herself above and beyond for all time.  She's looking to move out of her current rental and asked if I wanted to look at some potential houses with her on Friday.  I said sure because it's not like I had anything else to do.  It would get me out of the house and I could talk to someone other than my dogs.  I love my dogs to death but they don't answer back when I talk to them so it's like talking to myself basically. 

So we left a little early and she treated me to lunch at McDonald's which I appreciated.  We looked at 4 different places and found one we thought would work really well but she had a couple more she wanted to look at first before making any final decisions.

As she was driving me home she said she had a surprise for me.  She'd just been on vacation so I thought maybe she brought me back a souvenier or something.  We got to the house and she handed me a bag.  I didn't look in it, I just said, "Wow, this bag is heavy!  What's in here?"  And then she handed me another heavy bag.  As she reached for a third bag, I could see a bag of chips poking out the top and I said, "What did you do?"  She gave me a big hug and said she just wanted me to be ok.  I didn't want to take it but I didn't have much in the way of food in my cupboards and no money to buy more.  Right now, my priority is the bills.  I am eternally greatful and don't know how I could ever pay her back.  It's nice to have one less worry! 

Yesterday I went to a meeting for the American Cancer Society.  It was a day long meeting discussing various ways to raise funds and what those funds will do.  I couldn't enjoy myself, I just kept thinking that I needed to be at home trying to raise funds to pay my bills.  Towards the end of the day, they did a drawing.  I don't usually have much luck with those so I really didn't even pay much attention.  Someone at my table won a purple piggybank.  It was kind of cute and purple is one of my favorite colors.  I thought to myself that I wanted one of those.  Then they called my number and I won one!!!  It took me a second to realize it when they read off my number.  That seemed to be the turning point in my day.  I mean, it was just a little kid size piggybank but it's cute and it's purple and I wanted it and I got it.  They had much nicer prizes but that's what I wanted and I got it!

This morning I went online and did my usual job search.  I applied for two jobs in my line of work, am waiting for more information on how to apply for another (I had to email Job Service for the information.  Normally they just give it to you in the posting but for this particular job you have to email Job Service for the info.) and am considering applying for another one.  The one I'm considering is part time in another town but it's good pay.  I'd have to get another job to cover the bills but at least it'd be something.  My only concern is whether it'd be worth it after paying for gas to drive back and forth.  I'll probably still apply though.  Who knows, part time could potentially turn into full time!  Oh, and I found another job to apply for too.  I just have to go to the company website and complete the application.

So things are looking up!


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone for their kind words about my kitty and the loss of my job. 

I didn't like my job very much and had been kind of looking around here and there for something new but hadn't really felt any urgency about it since I had a steady paycheck.  Getting fired wasn't a total surprise but it wasn't exactly expected either, if that makes any sense.

So far I've had ZERO luck in finding a job.  I've sent out resume after resume with almost no response.  And this week I haven't found anything worth applying for.  Oh sure, there are plenty of jobs out there but either I'm not qualified or they pay minimum wage.  And I don't know how anyone can live on minimum wage!!!

I did have an interview last Friday that seemed too good to be true.  It was for exactly the job I wanted and the starting pay was for more than I've ever made in my life!  The interview went extrememely well and the interviewer didn't even ask me why I left my last job.  And they ALWAYS ask that!  She kept saying she was impressed with my previous experience.  I just KNEW I had the job.  Only I didn't.  They decided to hire from within.  Whoever they hired, that person's job had been elimated so they slid them right into my dream job.  I found out yesterday morning and spent a good portion of the day crying. 

Something will come up.  It has to!  I just can't lose my house!

Wordless Wednesday




 

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