I find that I get the urge to start working on another scrapbook before I've managed to finish the last one I started - this is a really bad habit that needs to go away. I will say I am one of the few people I know who has finished their wedding album. Although, I'd be lying because I have a few pages somewhere in the middle left undone and some writing that needs to be added here and there, but it is presentable as-is so I am telling everyone it's done. I also have our first year (the dating year) book done - with the exception of some things I want to change, some text I need to add, and a few things from about 2 months before our wedding. Ok, so that wouldn't qualify as "done"....it's just so close to it that I often forget that one isn't done. I have ONE page and possibly some text left for our honeymoon album and that book is fairly skinny so I am wondering if I should finish off the calendar year in that book or start a new one? It's a bit confusing to me where I should start and end my books. I think that's what causes me to stop working on them. It's not an excuse though because I could work on the pages and move them around later. I think it'd be silly to use an entire album for the last 3 months of the year just so that I can actually have "year books" after then. Oh decisions, decisions. I have a lot of books I need to get done so hopefully I can force myself to sit down and work on them. The only issue with that is that when I force myself to do it, they tend to not look as good. It's a mood thing I guess.
Here is what I have left to get done:
1) 1st year book - modify a few pages, add events in last few months before wedding.
2) Wedding - Finish/add remaining pictures/pages to middle of album, finish text.
3) Honeymoon - Waterfall pictures/page and text
4) End of 2006??? (maybe I'll tack this on to the 1st year book??? honeymoon book?)
5) Puerto Vallarta - start album
6) Cruise - Travel day and 1st cruising days are done, next: Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and home)
7) Cabo - DONE (this one is a digital book, which I am still not sure I like)
8) 2007 - do
9) 2008 - do
10) 2009 - do
11) 2010 -do
Well.. lots to do. I don't like the digital albums for vacations and bigger events, but I am thinking about doing the 12x12 digital albums for the yearbooks - they are a lot skinnier and I can add to them as I take the pictures - no need to print anything until I get the entire book printed.. plus I can do individual pages and put them in a fancy album if I want to... we'll see. I want to get the vacation books done before the year books though - I have a TON of bright, tropical etc papers, stickers etc. so the sooner I get those books done, the sooner I have less scrap-booking supplies lying around.
Just whats on my mind. Maybe reading this later will push me to work on these.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
This past month.
So, for the last week and a half I have been telling myself "I need to update my blog..." So here I am, it's 10:30pm and I'd honestly rather be curled up falling asleep right now, but am going to force myself to do this now, or it'll never get done (I have a habit of forgetting I even have a blog). Things have been going well (and busy) lately. I've been working full weeks for the last....almost two months now and things seem like they'll continue this way. This is both a good thing and a not-super-wonderful thing. It's great because I'm working, debts are staying down, we're able to have a bit of fun in our off-time, and we're less stressed over financial concerns or if we can afford to do xyz. It's not-super-wonderful because, well.... Craig got a new job (that's not the bad part, that is wonderful!). He's working out of Irvine now and he loves the job/hates the drive. When he got the new job, I was still unsure about how long my job would last and we decided that if I were let go (again) that we'd move closer to his new work. This would allow his commute to be shorter and allow me to have access to more design jobs (Orange County has many more opportunities available, in a better job market). So that's the part that makes me still working not-so-great, I don't get to see Craig as much and when I do, he's worn out from his long commute home. I see him on the weekends and at a late dinner time until bed, it stinks. But I am very thankful to have a job, so for now we'll stick it out.
So what's been going lately? Aside from working, we've been quite busy. A few weekends ago (well, back in January) we went to help clean up my grandparents house. They haven't been able to do it themselves due to health issues so Craig and I hopped in the car and went to Santee for the weekend to lend a hand. My Mom and I tackled the master bedroom first while Craig helped move furniture, organize the hundreds of CD's that were strewn about out of their cases, he dusted and helped my Dad with a few things here and there. Once the bedroom was clean, we took on the day-long task of going through my Grandmas clothes. She had so many clothes that were out-dated, over worn, stained, brand new (complete with store tags), or that just didn't fit her anymore. We did not anticipate that it would take us the entire day to do this. We did manage to get all of her hanging clothes to fit into one closet (about 15' long) and eliminate the make-shift-rod hung from the ceiling in another room. I know it meant a lot to them and we hope to make it back down there again to clean some more and weed through their belongings.
That same weekend was Peter's welcome home party. The first time I ever sung in front of anyone other than Craig (in the car). It helped that I wasn't front and center on a stage with a spot-light on me and that everyone else was singing - that's what made it so much fun. Plus it's always great to see my friends and make new memories with them.
Not to get all mushy now, but for Valentines weekend we planned a trip to Solvang, California. I had never been there and have heard so many wonderful things about it so I wanted to go. I told Craig one night and he ended up booking the trip within a matter of seconds. It worked out perfectly too - President's Day turned the weekend into a 3-day (4 for some lucky people). We headed out on Saturday morning and made it to our hotel by about 1:30pm. I thought we would have gotten their earlier but no biggie. The hotel we stayed at was where they filmed the movie Sideways. I would not recommend staying there though. It was the Day's Inn, in Buellton and unfortunately we were stuck with a smoking room. I knew this ahead of time and packed a brand new bottle of febreeze, which I used about half of over the course of the weekend. It was your typical seedy hotel/motel situation with the bar across the driveway and a disco dancing room next to that (run by the hotel too). It wasn't a big deal to us though, we didn't go to Solvang to spend it in a hotel room and the price was worth while. Once we got settled, we headed out to Solvang to get lunch at Root 246 - a super up-scale, very well designed restaurant that was only serving off of the bar menu. The food was incredible and I had the best glass of wine for the whole trip there. The bill wasn't nice though - $78 after tip for lunch for two people off of a bar menu - oh well, we're having fun this weekend!!
After lunch we went to Sanford Winery - my boss and his wife told me about the winery and talked it up like it was the best one to go to, so I just had to go check it out. I wasn't impressed. We got there at 4pm on the dot and they had just closed, but allowed us to taste the wine - we had a free tasting coupon so in that respect the drive was worth it. I guess that area is known for it's Pinots and Chardonnays of which I am generally not a fan, so I didn't like anything from this winery. We headed back to Solvang and stopped at the Ostrich farm on the way - I totally loved this stop. It was such a child-like cheesy thing to do but it was fun and those birds are both ugly, pretty, graceful and retarded all at the same time. I don't know if that makes any sense but if you ever see an ostrich in real life, up close - you'll understand. We got back to Solvang to find that the little downtown area starts shutting down at about 5pm. Most of the stores were closed and the few that were open were getting ready to close. We managed to check out the leather store (way too expensive), a mosaic glass store (no need for any of that) and a chocolate shop (yes, we bought chocolate and a caramel dipped apple) and then headed back to the hotel where we spent the remainder of the evening.
The next day (Valentines Day) we had a scheduled wine tasting tour. We were picked up by a tour bus and shuttled around to four different wineries. The first was Kalyra, we enjoyed two of the wines from there - the Muscat and their Port. The next winery was Branard Cellars where we had some more tastings, had lunch, and took a ton of photos. We met a really nice couple there (Rob and Lisa) and ended up playing photographers for one another, taking a ton of pictures from this little tower window. We then went to Shoestring Winery, the only wine I enjoyed their was the Rose - but I did get some more great pictures in (that's what matters on a wine tour, right?). The last winery we went to was LaFond, and again I wasn't impressed with their wines (maybe I'd had too much to drink by then?) but we ended up getting lost in conversations with our new friends and ended the day taking pictures by the vines. All in all it was a great day, beautiful weather and scenery and great company. Once we were rested after getting back to the hotel we went to Pea Soup Andersen's for dinner where we both got stuffed!! So good!
Our last day on this trip we drove up the coat to Hearst Castle - I have to say this was definitely the highlight of our trip. Craig had been there once before when he was younger and I had never been. I had no idea what to expect. As we drove up to the base of the mountain I could see this small building out in the distance, it looked like a far away version of Balboa park. Once we got to the castle I was in complete awe. The entire time the guide spoke of the castle I just couldn't believe all of the history I was looking at. I imagined living there, in that time period and being a guest at Mr. Hearst's castle. Swimming in the pools, staying in the guest houses, having dinner in the Gothic dining room! Amazing!! Coming from an Interior Design background, having learned all of the period styles and finally getting to see actual period pieces was just amazing to me. To top off the tour, one of the guides had a small blue glass tile with gold leaf that he let me hold. I had a piece of Hearst Castle in my hand! I couldn't get over that! Craig and I decided that we're definitely going to make a trip to see Hearst Castle again - we'll stay closer to the castle and visit the area a bit more as well as take a few more tours of the castle - well worth it!! The long 6-8 hour drive home was actually not too bad. Craig drove but I don't think it was too bad for him either - not too much traffic and where there was traffic we navigated around it (which probably added more gas to the trip but made it more interesting). We got home about 11pm and went to bed as soon as we finished telling Craig's parents all about the trip. Immediately passed out when our heads hit our pillows and got up for work the next day....and real life continues...
I can tell that my brain is beginning to not function as time goes on this evening. I've corrected several typos and spelling errors and I knew I had more to say than what I've already said. Please forgive the bad grammar and if I've repeated myself I apologize. These sleepy eyes are going to go to bed. I'll see about updating my list progress sometime this week.
So what's been going lately? Aside from working, we've been quite busy. A few weekends ago (well, back in January) we went to help clean up my grandparents house. They haven't been able to do it themselves due to health issues so Craig and I hopped in the car and went to Santee for the weekend to lend a hand. My Mom and I tackled the master bedroom first while Craig helped move furniture, organize the hundreds of CD's that were strewn about out of their cases, he dusted and helped my Dad with a few things here and there. Once the bedroom was clean, we took on the day-long task of going through my Grandmas clothes. She had so many clothes that were out-dated, over worn, stained, brand new (complete with store tags), or that just didn't fit her anymore. We did not anticipate that it would take us the entire day to do this. We did manage to get all of her hanging clothes to fit into one closet (about 15' long) and eliminate the make-shift-rod hung from the ceiling in another room. I know it meant a lot to them and we hope to make it back down there again to clean some more and weed through their belongings.
That same weekend was Peter's welcome home party. The first time I ever sung in front of anyone other than Craig (in the car). It helped that I wasn't front and center on a stage with a spot-light on me and that everyone else was singing - that's what made it so much fun. Plus it's always great to see my friends and make new memories with them.
Not to get all mushy now, but for Valentines weekend we planned a trip to Solvang, California. I had never been there and have heard so many wonderful things about it so I wanted to go. I told Craig one night and he ended up booking the trip within a matter of seconds. It worked out perfectly too - President's Day turned the weekend into a 3-day (4 for some lucky people). We headed out on Saturday morning and made it to our hotel by about 1:30pm. I thought we would have gotten their earlier but no biggie. The hotel we stayed at was where they filmed the movie Sideways. I would not recommend staying there though. It was the Day's Inn, in Buellton and unfortunately we were stuck with a smoking room. I knew this ahead of time and packed a brand new bottle of febreeze, which I used about half of over the course of the weekend. It was your typical seedy hotel/motel situation with the bar across the driveway and a disco dancing room next to that (run by the hotel too). It wasn't a big deal to us though, we didn't go to Solvang to spend it in a hotel room and the price was worth while. Once we got settled, we headed out to Solvang to get lunch at Root 246 - a super up-scale, very well designed restaurant that was only serving off of the bar menu. The food was incredible and I had the best glass of wine for the whole trip there. The bill wasn't nice though - $78 after tip for lunch for two people off of a bar menu - oh well, we're having fun this weekend!!
After lunch we went to Sanford Winery - my boss and his wife told me about the winery and talked it up like it was the best one to go to, so I just had to go check it out. I wasn't impressed. We got there at 4pm on the dot and they had just closed, but allowed us to taste the wine - we had a free tasting coupon so in that respect the drive was worth it. I guess that area is known for it's Pinots and Chardonnays of which I am generally not a fan, so I didn't like anything from this winery. We headed back to Solvang and stopped at the Ostrich farm on the way - I totally loved this stop. It was such a child-like cheesy thing to do but it was fun and those birds are both ugly, pretty, graceful and retarded all at the same time. I don't know if that makes any sense but if you ever see an ostrich in real life, up close - you'll understand. We got back to Solvang to find that the little downtown area starts shutting down at about 5pm. Most of the stores were closed and the few that were open were getting ready to close. We managed to check out the leather store (way too expensive), a mosaic glass store (no need for any of that) and a chocolate shop (yes, we bought chocolate and a caramel dipped apple) and then headed back to the hotel where we spent the remainder of the evening.
The next day (Valentines Day) we had a scheduled wine tasting tour. We were picked up by a tour bus and shuttled around to four different wineries. The first was Kalyra, we enjoyed two of the wines from there - the Muscat and their Port. The next winery was Branard Cellars where we had some more tastings, had lunch, and took a ton of photos. We met a really nice couple there (Rob and Lisa) and ended up playing photographers for one another, taking a ton of pictures from this little tower window. We then went to Shoestring Winery, the only wine I enjoyed their was the Rose - but I did get some more great pictures in (that's what matters on a wine tour, right?). The last winery we went to was LaFond, and again I wasn't impressed with their wines (maybe I'd had too much to drink by then?) but we ended up getting lost in conversations with our new friends and ended the day taking pictures by the vines. All in all it was a great day, beautiful weather and scenery and great company. Once we were rested after getting back to the hotel we went to Pea Soup Andersen's for dinner where we both got stuffed!! So good!
Our last day on this trip we drove up the coat to Hearst Castle - I have to say this was definitely the highlight of our trip. Craig had been there once before when he was younger and I had never been. I had no idea what to expect. As we drove up to the base of the mountain I could see this small building out in the distance, it looked like a far away version of Balboa park. Once we got to the castle I was in complete awe. The entire time the guide spoke of the castle I just couldn't believe all of the history I was looking at. I imagined living there, in that time period and being a guest at Mr. Hearst's castle. Swimming in the pools, staying in the guest houses, having dinner in the Gothic dining room! Amazing!! Coming from an Interior Design background, having learned all of the period styles and finally getting to see actual period pieces was just amazing to me. To top off the tour, one of the guides had a small blue glass tile with gold leaf that he let me hold. I had a piece of Hearst Castle in my hand! I couldn't get over that! Craig and I decided that we're definitely going to make a trip to see Hearst Castle again - we'll stay closer to the castle and visit the area a bit more as well as take a few more tours of the castle - well worth it!! The long 6-8 hour drive home was actually not too bad. Craig drove but I don't think it was too bad for him either - not too much traffic and where there was traffic we navigated around it (which probably added more gas to the trip but made it more interesting). We got home about 11pm and went to bed as soon as we finished telling Craig's parents all about the trip. Immediately passed out when our heads hit our pillows and got up for work the next day....and real life continues...
I can tell that my brain is beginning to not function as time goes on this evening. I've corrected several typos and spelling errors and I knew I had more to say than what I've already said. Please forgive the bad grammar and if I've repeated myself I apologize. These sleepy eyes are going to go to bed. I'll see about updating my list progress sometime this week.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Complainers
I am writing this blog about complainers. I will admit to being one as well, because I too complain but have tried my hardest not to (at least, I feel I've tried). Yes, I do see the irony in complaining about complainers.
I know everyone's lives have been of the sucky nature lately and don't think for one second that your life is worse than anyone else because you were or are unemployed or because you don't make enough or whatever other horribly awful reason you have...trust me that you're not the only one who has had something negative going on in your life at some point.
Work:
One of my reasons for writing this is because I am tired of people complaining about their work, the job they do, their coworkers or their boss...on facebook.. really?! You're complaining on the internet about your JOB. First off, be thankful that you have one...I was without work for nine months and even though everyday isn't perfect and not planned with my personal comfort in mind I am SO thankful to be working again, getting a paycheck and keeping myself busy and my mind active (not to mention utilizing the expensive skills I picked up in college). Stop making comments on how you can't wait for the end of your work day, that you're dreading tomorrow's, that you have a case of the Mondays, or that hump day is here. I know plenty of people who would LOVE to take your job if you're not happy or willing to do it (send me an email if that's the case and I'll work on getting you out of there).
Personal:
No one wants to know that your back hurts, that you're going to the doctor to check out that weird rash, about that oozing abscess on your back, or whats in your bank account. If you have a really cool story about breaking your leg by all means tell it, but don't sit and bitch about it hurting for weeks on end (hell-o, broken bones hurt...duh!). The world (ie: everyone on your facebook friends list) doesn't need to know about your DUI court case, how so-n-so is ruining your life because of xyz, your parents ruined you life or that you're thankful so-n-so died. Keep your personal life PERSONAL (they call it that for a reason, you know). Now, I am not saying to never ever talk about personal things to your family and close friends, but there isn't any need to post this all over facebook/internet (try using the phone, email or a text for a change).
I've learned something this past year from being unemployed, losing our house and losing some family members. LIFE GOES ON. It's not the end of the world. I've learned to be more positive no matter the situation, avoid telling the world all of your grudges and only talk about everything that's going good in your life - things will eventually get better. I don't assume everything will work out wonderfully and I'm not walking around with my hopes up in the air. Yes I want things to work out for me and my family but realistically they don't always go the way they are planned - but I'm not going to bitch and moan about it to the world.
I am not where I want to be right now, but I am not complaining about it everyday. I'd love to have a new house, not be living with my in-laws, have time and money to take fancy vacations, be in a position to have children soon, be able to get a new car, and be able see my friends and family more often (just like most of my friends). But that is not where my life has taken me right now...I'm still positive though - I have a husband who loves me like you wouldn't believe, I have in-laws who are allowing us to live with them until things get better (for both us and them), and I have dreams that I can hold on to that ONE DAY I will achieve.
No matter how many negative things happen, my life will still be positive. I wish others would think and act the same way.
I know everyone's lives have been of the sucky nature lately and don't think for one second that your life is worse than anyone else because you were or are unemployed or because you don't make enough or whatever other horribly awful reason you have...trust me that you're not the only one who has had something negative going on in your life at some point.
Work:
One of my reasons for writing this is because I am tired of people complaining about their work, the job they do, their coworkers or their boss...on facebook.. really?! You're complaining on the internet about your JOB. First off, be thankful that you have one...I was without work for nine months and even though everyday isn't perfect and not planned with my personal comfort in mind I am SO thankful to be working again, getting a paycheck and keeping myself busy and my mind active (not to mention utilizing the expensive skills I picked up in college). Stop making comments on how you can't wait for the end of your work day, that you're dreading tomorrow's, that you have a case of the Mondays, or that hump day is here. I know plenty of people who would LOVE to take your job if you're not happy or willing to do it (send me an email if that's the case and I'll work on getting you out of there).
Personal:
No one wants to know that your back hurts, that you're going to the doctor to check out that weird rash, about that oozing abscess on your back, or whats in your bank account. If you have a really cool story about breaking your leg by all means tell it, but don't sit and bitch about it hurting for weeks on end (hell-o, broken bones hurt...duh!). The world (ie: everyone on your facebook friends list) doesn't need to know about your DUI court case, how so-n-so is ruining your life because of xyz, your parents ruined you life or that you're thankful so-n-so died. Keep your personal life PERSONAL (they call it that for a reason, you know). Now, I am not saying to never ever talk about personal things to your family and close friends, but there isn't any need to post this all over facebook/internet (try using the phone, email or a text for a change).
I've learned something this past year from being unemployed, losing our house and losing some family members. LIFE GOES ON. It's not the end of the world. I've learned to be more positive no matter the situation, avoid telling the world all of your grudges and only talk about everything that's going good in your life - things will eventually get better. I don't assume everything will work out wonderfully and I'm not walking around with my hopes up in the air. Yes I want things to work out for me and my family but realistically they don't always go the way they are planned - but I'm not going to bitch and moan about it to the world.
I am not where I want to be right now, but I am not complaining about it everyday. I'd love to have a new house, not be living with my in-laws, have time and money to take fancy vacations, be in a position to have children soon, be able to get a new car, and be able see my friends and family more often (just like most of my friends). But that is not where my life has taken me right now...I'm still positive though - I have a husband who loves me like you wouldn't believe, I have in-laws who are allowing us to live with them until things get better (for both us and them), and I have dreams that I can hold on to that ONE DAY I will achieve.
No matter how many negative things happen, my life will still be positive. I wish others would think and act the same way.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year, New Update
I've been thinking a lot about some of the items I put on my 101 things in 1001 days list. I've noticed a lot of them are pidly things to do on a regular basis (such as bake something once a month, which I've noticed I would be doing regardless of the list). I will be changing those silly little things into more substantial things, as I think of them and updating my blog as necessary. It's a new year, filled with new ideas and adventures on my mind.
My monthly update (a little bit of a different format, cause the prior took much too long to organize):
1. I got a job. My old job, back. I posted about that here.
22. We didn't purchase Dexter, instead we purchased Netflix which I am absolutely loving. We've since gone through the entire first season of Dexter and plan on starting the next season this week. We've also added a ton of other shows to our instant q and bought a PS3 to stream through. BEST - INVESTMENT - EVER!!
38. I made soap for everyone for Christmas, I also made my Dads gift, which is awesome and I'm still not going to post about it cause I think I could make some money from patenting it (once I figure out how to do that). I made a gift for my in-laws too - it's called a swatchbook and it's about 20 pages (3x6) of all of their dogs with reasons why we they are so special.
79. Credit cards have been paid off, however this past week I needed new tires and some work done on my car, so we added $800 to our goodyear card that we have to pay off now (12 months same as cash). But I am keeping this one crossed off - we got them paid off, so paying them off from here on out is much easier (which was the entire point of paying them off in the first place).
I know it's not much but I've managed to cross off 8 complete items on my list in the last 3 months. This is why changing the on-going pidly stuff to something more substantial is a good idea to me.
My monthly update (a little bit of a different format, cause the prior took much too long to organize):
1. I got a job. My old job, back. I posted about that here.
22. We didn't purchase Dexter, instead we purchased Netflix which I am absolutely loving. We've since gone through the entire first season of Dexter and plan on starting the next season this week. We've also added a ton of other shows to our instant q and bought a PS3 to stream through. BEST - INVESTMENT - EVER!!
38. I made soap for everyone for Christmas, I also made my Dads gift, which is awesome and I'm still not going to post about it cause I think I could make some money from patenting it (once I figure out how to do that). I made a gift for my in-laws too - it's called a swatchbook and it's about 20 pages (3x6) of all of their dogs with reasons why we they are so special.
79. Credit cards have been paid off, however this past week I needed new tires and some work done on my car, so we added $800 to our goodyear card that we have to pay off now (12 months same as cash). But I am keeping this one crossed off - we got them paid off, so paying them off from here on out is much easier (which was the entire point of paying them off in the first place).
I know it's not much but I've managed to cross off 8 complete items on my list in the last 3 months. This is why changing the on-going pidly stuff to something more substantial is a good idea to me.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The year that sucked.
2009.
Why this year sucked (for me)...
1. Unemployment:
During the first three months of the new year I knew I would be losing my job, eventually. Sure enough at the end of March two of us were let go. My Mom & Dad, Mom & Dad in law, Sister in law, best friend and several other people that I know were all let go as well (some in 2008) and most are still unemployed.
2. Foreclosure:
We decided to give up our house in June. First we tried a loan modification, which they wouldn't do because we were still current on our loan, with no late payments. Next we tried to short sell it, which they wouldn't do without us first signing a promissory note in the amount of $15,000 payable over 10 years - no thanks! And our last option was to foreclose, which will be effective January 2010. No biggie - we'll move on.
3. Hospitals and Losses:
Well, my Grandma Owens passed away at the beginning of 2009 and my Uncle Gary Owens during the middle of 2009. My Aunt Mildred fell, broke her leg and hip (this after having a hip replacement) and is still not doing so well at the hospital, my Grandpa Smith fell the day before Thanksgiving and had slight bleeding on his brain, he was released two days later and a weekend after that my Grandma Smith was at the ER for her eye - which she now has to have surgery on. My Dad has been having issues with his leg (which seems to be getting better) and my Mom had to have neurosurgery on her lower spine (which she is doing well from). Several other family members have been in and out of the hospital for various reasons as well. More so than usual.
On a more positive note...
Nine months after I was laid off I received an email that the company I used to work for needed some help, so I came back to work for them as a regular part-time employee with a 3% pay raise (started December 12th). Hopefully this will be more permanent an I can learn and grow more from the experience of being laid off. I have learned the value of having a job and will (hopefully) no longer complain about having to go to work, or do the things expected of me. I am grateful to be working again. We had a vacation in Cabo that was memorable, especially with the majority of those in attendance being unemployed at the time. This year has definately pointed out our financial flaws and we've learned how to improve upon them. I think we've been doing well. We've managed to pay off every one of our credit cards and our savings account is continually growing. I got to see my brother and his family from Arizona as well as my Aunt and Uncle and cousins from Colorado, aside from the incident with my Grandpa - this made for a great and memorable Thanksgiving - it was nice to have everyone together (with a cardboard cut-out makeshift Grandpa).
The way this year has ended is giving me hope that 2010 will be better for everyone.
Here's to ending 2009 on a positive note. *cheers*
Plans for 2010? (no not resolutions, I have my list for that).
--Vacation with just Craig and I (Brazil? Ireland? Tropical Getaway? Europe?)
--Moving out of the in-laws place (House? Apartment? Condo?..who knows!)
Why this year sucked (for me)...
1. Unemployment:
During the first three months of the new year I knew I would be losing my job, eventually. Sure enough at the end of March two of us were let go. My Mom & Dad, Mom & Dad in law, Sister in law, best friend and several other people that I know were all let go as well (some in 2008) and most are still unemployed.
2. Foreclosure:
We decided to give up our house in June. First we tried a loan modification, which they wouldn't do because we were still current on our loan, with no late payments. Next we tried to short sell it, which they wouldn't do without us first signing a promissory note in the amount of $15,000 payable over 10 years - no thanks! And our last option was to foreclose, which will be effective January 2010. No biggie - we'll move on.
3. Hospitals and Losses:
Well, my Grandma Owens passed away at the beginning of 2009 and my Uncle Gary Owens during the middle of 2009. My Aunt Mildred fell, broke her leg and hip (this after having a hip replacement) and is still not doing so well at the hospital, my Grandpa Smith fell the day before Thanksgiving and had slight bleeding on his brain, he was released two days later and a weekend after that my Grandma Smith was at the ER for her eye - which she now has to have surgery on. My Dad has been having issues with his leg (which seems to be getting better) and my Mom had to have neurosurgery on her lower spine (which she is doing well from). Several other family members have been in and out of the hospital for various reasons as well. More so than usual.
On a more positive note...
Nine months after I was laid off I received an email that the company I used to work for needed some help, so I came back to work for them as a regular part-time employee with a 3% pay raise (started December 12th). Hopefully this will be more permanent an I can learn and grow more from the experience of being laid off. I have learned the value of having a job and will (hopefully) no longer complain about having to go to work, or do the things expected of me. I am grateful to be working again. We had a vacation in Cabo that was memorable, especially with the majority of those in attendance being unemployed at the time. This year has definately pointed out our financial flaws and we've learned how to improve upon them. I think we've been doing well. We've managed to pay off every one of our credit cards and our savings account is continually growing. I got to see my brother and his family from Arizona as well as my Aunt and Uncle and cousins from Colorado, aside from the incident with my Grandpa - this made for a great and memorable Thanksgiving - it was nice to have everyone together (with a cardboard cut-out makeshift Grandpa).
The way this year has ended is giving me hope that 2010 will be better for everyone.
Here's to ending 2009 on a positive note. *cheers*
Plans for 2010? (no not resolutions, I have my list for that).
--Vacation with just Craig and I (Brazil? Ireland? Tropical Getaway? Europe?)
--Moving out of the in-laws place (House? Apartment? Condo?..who knows!)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
When it rains...
...it pours gumdrops and lolly-pops!!
I got a job!! Well, actually I got my old job, back! Apparently the lone designer they kept working when I was let go was getting overloaded with projects to work on. Nine months ago when I was let go there were only four projects on the project board and now the board is filled up. This is a good sign of things to come for the company as most people are not doing construction projects during the holidays. As my boss has said, if you don't have much going on at this time of the year, then your next year will have even less, but if you do have projects going on then you'll have a good year. At least that's the trend he's seen in his 25+ years of experience (so I think I'll take his word on it).
Based on the projects on the board they think that it should take us through the next four months. My boss is hoping longer and hoping that they won't have to cut-back again (as I would, again be the one they cut). Fortunately they put me on payroll instead of a contract position, so in the event they have to let me go again I can at least qualify for unemployment. Oh and the even better news is that I got about a 3% raise from my previous pay. I'll only be working three days a week for now, hopefully I can sneak a few days in here and there though.
Also at the same time my old company called me back I also set up an interview with Luxury Design. Its for a residential design assistant position in Rancho Santa Fe. I don't know what the pay is, what the hours would be or really too much about the company so it'll be an informational interview, three days before Christmas. I am doubtful that they'll pay me more than I am getting currently, but we'll see. I do know that I would get a minimum of 32 hours a week, which I am not getting at my current job (24) but it'll all depend on the pay rate as it's also an hour away from home (the pay would have to compensate for the travel). Another thing is that I don't have much experience in residential design. It is something I'd like to get into (professionally) at some point, but my confidence in that area is low.
The funny part about all of this happening this past week was that I had JUST begun working on my portfolio so that I could include it with my resume on my job hunt. Oh the irony.
The negative this month: I have yet to get an unemployment check from the past month. I should have received two by now, so it's really affecting our bank account and ability to knock out the last credit card we have. I won't get paid for another two weeks so hopefully I'll get something before then and get caught back up on our bills.
If I am not offered the residential design position (or it's not what I want, if offered), I think I'll sign up for classes at cadteacher.com they offer online and onsight classes for Auto CAD (computer aided drafting). It's roughly a thousand bucks to take all of the classes needed to get certification in AutoCAD. Basically starting you in the introduction class, then intermediate, advanced, project management and finally the exam certification prep class. All of the classes are four hours each day, two days a week, for two to three weeks with the exception of the prep class which is only a few hours in one day. I would want to take the onsight classes as I am not a big fan of computer learning (what if I have a question??). The only drawback is that they are located in Pt. Loma - such a long drive to make for a lengthy class. I think if I could suck it up and deal, then it'll be worth it in the end. Plus I could always stay at my bestest's place (if not my parents)!!
As I posted on Twitter the other day "Things seem to be looking up, for me. Hopefully things will get better for others before 2009's end so we can start 2010 on the right foot!"
I got a job!! Well, actually I got my old job, back! Apparently the lone designer they kept working when I was let go was getting overloaded with projects to work on. Nine months ago when I was let go there were only four projects on the project board and now the board is filled up. This is a good sign of things to come for the company as most people are not doing construction projects during the holidays. As my boss has said, if you don't have much going on at this time of the year, then your next year will have even less, but if you do have projects going on then you'll have a good year. At least that's the trend he's seen in his 25+ years of experience (so I think I'll take his word on it).
Based on the projects on the board they think that it should take us through the next four months. My boss is hoping longer and hoping that they won't have to cut-back again (as I would, again be the one they cut). Fortunately they put me on payroll instead of a contract position, so in the event they have to let me go again I can at least qualify for unemployment. Oh and the even better news is that I got about a 3% raise from my previous pay. I'll only be working three days a week for now, hopefully I can sneak a few days in here and there though.
Also at the same time my old company called me back I also set up an interview with Luxury Design. Its for a residential design assistant position in Rancho Santa Fe. I don't know what the pay is, what the hours would be or really too much about the company so it'll be an informational interview, three days before Christmas. I am doubtful that they'll pay me more than I am getting currently, but we'll see. I do know that I would get a minimum of 32 hours a week, which I am not getting at my current job (24) but it'll all depend on the pay rate as it's also an hour away from home (the pay would have to compensate for the travel). Another thing is that I don't have much experience in residential design. It is something I'd like to get into (professionally) at some point, but my confidence in that area is low.
The funny part about all of this happening this past week was that I had JUST begun working on my portfolio so that I could include it with my resume on my job hunt. Oh the irony.
The negative this month: I have yet to get an unemployment check from the past month. I should have received two by now, so it's really affecting our bank account and ability to knock out the last credit card we have. I won't get paid for another two weeks so hopefully I'll get something before then and get caught back up on our bills.
If I am not offered the residential design position (or it's not what I want, if offered), I think I'll sign up for classes at cadteacher.com they offer online and onsight classes for Auto CAD (computer aided drafting). It's roughly a thousand bucks to take all of the classes needed to get certification in AutoCAD. Basically starting you in the introduction class, then intermediate, advanced, project management and finally the exam certification prep class. All of the classes are four hours each day, two days a week, for two to three weeks with the exception of the prep class which is only a few hours in one day. I would want to take the onsight classes as I am not a big fan of computer learning (what if I have a question??). The only drawback is that they are located in Pt. Loma - such a long drive to make for a lengthy class. I think if I could suck it up and deal, then it'll be worth it in the end. Plus I could always stay at my bestest's place (if not my parents)!!
As I posted on Twitter the other day "Things seem to be looking up, for me. Hopefully things will get better for others before 2009's end so we can start 2010 on the right foot!"
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Day 62 of 1001
Day 62 of 1001 status update of the list.
1.Get a job, any job...and then what I really want when it becomes available!
Well I worked a total of six days over the course of four weeks (the third of which I was sick and didn't work) with my friend Laurel packing wine glasses. All of the money I earned for that was "under the table" and has since been put toward "79. Pay off credit cards" so it was very beneficial to get this small side gig. I am hoping in the future they have little odd jobs for me to do so I can get a little more extra cash!
9.Attend a meet up for digital scrap booking [11/6/09]
I finally ended up going to one of these meet-ups, read about that here. I also managed to finish the book that I had a credit for. It turned out pretty well but I learned that I need to be a bit more careful when I proof future projects, there are a few things that bother me about the book (but they only bother me it seems).
28.Bake a different cake, cookies, muffins or brownies once a month [2/32]
Made Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, which were very good. They were made with yogurt so it kept them really moist for days!
30.Paint my toe nails a new color each month [2/32]
I painted my toe nails a deep red shade this month. Not too fancy for a picture.
31.Wear my hair down at least once a week [in progress]
I actually went and had my hair cut and since then have worn my hair down more than once a week this past month, actually I think I've worn my hair down more than I have up!! It's had mostly good days but some bad ones in there too.
34.Get my art work/pieces framed [1 done, countless remaining]
I finally got my favorite flower that I drew my freshmen year of design school framed! It's done with pastels and very very chalky and when we moved I was afraid it'd get damaged. I've been babying it for over six years and it's been stuck to the walls with thumb tacks - it's about time I got it framed!! I still have several other things that need to be framed but they are currently packed and sitting in our storage unit. I may pull a few things at a time to get them framed though, I know of a few that we could actually hang up in our room.
38.Make everyone's gifts for one Christmas
I made soap (I also bought gifts, this was just for fun).
I also made my Dad's gift which I will post up after Christmas, although I may not cause I might just market the idea!!!
55.Have an outing/event with a minimum of two friends once a month [2/32]
Went to see New Moon with Krystle, Craig, Amber, & my brother the day after Thanksgiving.
62.Add friends and families birthdays and anniversaries to calendar (with years)
Horray for facebook and a big chunk of my family (and friends) for posting their birthdays publicly and sharing their anniversaries with me. I got a big chunk of this done just by hitting up the events page!!
79.Pay off credit cards [ONE left]
Huzzah... only one left between the two of us and it's below the $1k mark. Wahhooo!! I just made one payment on it today and hoping to make a second and final payment before December's end. Good way to kick off the new the year, don't ya think?!
83.See Michael Jackson's 'This is It' in theaters
Failed. The time line just didn't work out in my favor. If any theaters happen to be playing it still, I'll go soon.
84.See New Moon with at least 3 friends
We went and saw New Moon on 11/27 and it was much better than the first movie, but not great. The on screen chemistry is still NOT there for Edward and Bella. I think that's the part that bothers me the most because in the books you fall in love with their type of love and it's just not believable. And of course they cut parts of the book out and modified bits here and there, which is understandable to get it into a decent movie time. Although I wouldn't mind a 5 hour movie with an intermission.
89.Sell all of the items we currently have on craigslist [4/6 +Misc]
I managed to sell 4 items in one week. I still have 2 higher priced items up for sale on craigslist. Hoping to sell them soon. The money I got for the 4 items also went toward "79. Pay off credit cards".
91.Make a chore/errands schedule (and stick to it)
I have yet to make a chore/errands schedule because of where we're living now. It's difficult to plan when I am going to clean something because my in-laws don't have a set schedule of when they clean or do things, they just do (and tend to do, before I do).
92.Take 30 minutes everyday to do a chore/clean
I haven't done this either, but I have been keeping up with picking up after myself and my husband. I have yet to be overwhelmed with multiple cleaning tasks, so I feel good about where I am at on this one!
Not too much completed when I look at the entire list, but I have quite a while to get things checked off. Hopefully 2010 will be better to all of us and I can get cranking away on the list faster and easier.
1.Get a job, any job...and then what I really want when it becomes available!
Well I worked a total of six days over the course of four weeks (the third of which I was sick and didn't work) with my friend Laurel packing wine glasses. All of the money I earned for that was "under the table" and has since been put toward "79. Pay off credit cards" so it was very beneficial to get this small side gig. I am hoping in the future they have little odd jobs for me to do so I can get a little more extra cash!
9.Attend a meet up for digital scrap booking [11/6/09]
I finally ended up going to one of these meet-ups, read about that here. I also managed to finish the book that I had a credit for. It turned out pretty well but I learned that I need to be a bit more careful when I proof future projects, there are a few things that bother me about the book (but they only bother me it seems).
28.Bake a different cake, cookies, muffins or brownies once a month [2/32]
Made Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, which were very good. They were made with yogurt so it kept them really moist for days!
30.Paint my toe nails a new color each month [2/32]
I painted my toe nails a deep red shade this month. Not too fancy for a picture.
31.Wear my hair down at least once a week [in progress]
I actually went and had my hair cut and since then have worn my hair down more than once a week this past month, actually I think I've worn my hair down more than I have up!! It's had mostly good days but some bad ones in there too.
34.Get my art work/pieces framed [1 done, countless remaining]
I finally got my favorite flower that I drew my freshmen year of design school framed! It's done with pastels and very very chalky and when we moved I was afraid it'd get damaged. I've been babying it for over six years and it's been stuck to the walls with thumb tacks - it's about time I got it framed!! I still have several other things that need to be framed but they are currently packed and sitting in our storage unit. I may pull a few things at a time to get them framed though, I know of a few that we could actually hang up in our room.
38.Make everyone's gifts for one Christmas
I made soap (I also bought gifts, this was just for fun).
I also made my Dad's gift which I will post up after Christmas, although I may not cause I might just market the idea!!!
55.Have an outing/event with a minimum of two friends once a month [2/32]
Went to see New Moon with Krystle, Craig, Amber, & my brother the day after Thanksgiving.
62.Add friends and families birthdays and anniversaries to calendar (with years)
Horray for facebook and a big chunk of my family (and friends) for posting their birthdays publicly and sharing their anniversaries with me. I got a big chunk of this done just by hitting up the events page!!
79.Pay off credit cards [ONE left]
Huzzah... only one left between the two of us and it's below the $1k mark. Wahhooo!! I just made one payment on it today and hoping to make a second and final payment before December's end. Good way to kick off the new the year, don't ya think?!
83.See Michael Jackson's 'This is It' in theaters
Failed. The time line just didn't work out in my favor. If any theaters happen to be playing it still, I'll go soon.
84.See New Moon with at least 3 friends
We went and saw New Moon on 11/27 and it was much better than the first movie, but not great. The on screen chemistry is still NOT there for Edward and Bella. I think that's the part that bothers me the most because in the books you fall in love with their type of love and it's just not believable. And of course they cut parts of the book out and modified bits here and there, which is understandable to get it into a decent movie time. Although I wouldn't mind a 5 hour movie with an intermission.
89.Sell all of the items we currently have on craigslist [4/6 +Misc]
I managed to sell 4 items in one week. I still have 2 higher priced items up for sale on craigslist. Hoping to sell them soon. The money I got for the 4 items also went toward "79. Pay off credit cards".
91.Make a chore/errands schedule (and stick to it)
I have yet to make a chore/errands schedule because of where we're living now. It's difficult to plan when I am going to clean something because my in-laws don't have a set schedule of when they clean or do things, they just do (and tend to do, before I do).
92.Take 30 minutes everyday to do a chore/clean
I haven't done this either, but I have been keeping up with picking up after myself and my husband. I have yet to be overwhelmed with multiple cleaning tasks, so I feel good about where I am at on this one!
Not too much completed when I look at the entire list, but I have quite a while to get things checked off. Hopefully 2010 will be better to all of us and I can get cranking away on the list faster and easier.
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