The Hardest Question in the World

What do you want? That is the hardest question in the world.

I don't know what I want, and I don't want you to expect me to know what I want. mmmmk?

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about the future and where I want to be, what I want to be doing. As soon as I think I've decided, I change my mind. Again. And Again. And Again.

On better news, the new job is going well. I really really like my new boss, he is amazing. 

And I'm official. :D

Dan and I finally invested in a little Weber charcoal grill - AND WE LOVE IT! If any wife out there is trying to get help from her husband in cooking and making food, but him a grill. Dan burns a quesadilla on the stove, but give him a fire and that man makes a mean steak! We've had some amazing steaks, hamburgers and grilled pineapple. Mmmm

Summer is made for grilling.

The only problem is that summer hasn't arrived here yet. It hasn't hit the 70's yet but they say that should change this week. Fingers crossed.

I haven't done much sewing lately. I usually would work on my projects while Dan studied, but he has the summer off. So I've been spending more time with him than my sewing machine. But once I start again, I'll post some pictures. 

Great Day!

Today has turned out to be such a great day. Friday the 13th has always been good luck for me. 

Today I was able to put in my two weeks notice at work because I accepted a job in the IT department at the University. This could not have come at a better time. 

Today Dan took his last final for law school year one, and he received his writing assignment back... He was one of four students who got an "A"!!! I couldn't be more proud of him.

He has worked so hard.

Today I am cleaning and packing up the cat to come to UTAH! 

I cannot wait! I miss all my friends and family so much!

Praise Saint Saturday!

Today is the start of the first weekend after starting my new job. I haven't appreciated a Saturday this much in 7 months! Who knew I'd love sleeping in until 10 so much? I am proud to report that I have been productive enough to not feel worthless, but I have managed to recharge my batteries as well. Praise Saturdays! (and three day weekends)  :)


That being said, I'd accept a volunteer to come and make dinner. Chicken noodle soup sounds so good - but I don't really want to make it. At least it is guaranteed to be better than Progresso (so nasty)!

Working Hard or Hardly Working? .. Working Hard!

Today completed day two of the new job, and its been great so far. It feels so weird to be working again. I definitely miss sleeping in until 9 everyday. I'm not going to lie, working in the Registrar's office isn't the most exciting or challenging job I've ever had, but I am loving it. If they haven't kicked me out yet, then my chances are looking good.  :)


One of my favorite parts of the job is that it is so close to our house. I literally work two and a half blocks away. There is nothing like sunshine and a stroll in 10 degrees to wake you up on your lunch hour. I'm just hoping the snow will go away soon so I can start wearing some of my cute shoes again! 


I've forgotten how little time you have when you work full time. For the past six months spending an hour or two on dinner and dessert was no big deal, now poor Dan is lucky if I make anything vs. throwing a frozen pizza in the oven. Thank God for Freschetta. So other than the fact that the house is getting exponentially messier, the dishes usually aren't done, and dinners have been downgraded - I'm loving it! 

New Year, New Job, New Blaaaahg

I haven't posted in a few weeks because I've been in Utah visiting family and friends. The holidays were amazing! Filled with good food, friends, and family.  The new year naturally causes a "renewal" process or resolutions for many people. My only "resolution" is to never make a resolution. They are usually overly publicized and insincere.  As chance would have it this new year has already brought new opportunities, and forced me to take a small part in all of the new year hype. 


The day after we got home form our 16 day vacation I received a phone call from the University for an interview. I interviewed the next morning and received the job offer a few hours later. The process happened so quickly that it doesn't seem real. I've been searching for a job for over six months - and in a matter of two days I went from unemployed to  .. "I have a job on Monday"


So here is to a new year, job and a new design for the blaaaahg...


Cheers!

Unemployed..

A blessing or a curse? 


For the majority of America I am assuming this is a curse. 


For me it was quite the opposite really. I was working for a company that I classified as a "sinking ship." Working crazy hours on salary and it was demanded because "in this economy you are replaceable." I had a hard time focusing on work with the thoughts of an upcoming wedding and move for Dan's law school. Being laid off was a blessing because it allowed me to still receive some income while I finished wedding plans and set off on an adventure to Idaho. 


Being unemployed after working for years is a feeling that I can only classify as weird. A wave of different emotions crash in on a regular basis. At first I loved being unemployed. I loved having the summer off of work and responsibilities to spend time relaxing and having fun with Dan. I loved the fact that I had enough money coming in to scrape by, and that I could plan a wedding in one month. I was busy with the all of the major life changes that took place in a matter of months - anyone who has ever moved out of state can understand the enormous task. I had been consistently looking and applying for jobs along the way, but I secretly hoped that none of them would call me back. Occasionally I would have some fear and anxiety about really finding a job, but because I didn't need one immediately I'd suppress those feelings and soon enough they'd go away and I was right back to enjoying my time off. 


Today a wave of ANXIETY hit like a ton of bricks. I am just starting month five of my unemployment and with the recent election that means I have about 7 weeks until I am high and dry of income, unless by some miracle congress extends the unemployment benefits - which they are proud to take away. 


The job search in Moscow, Idaho is far more challenging than I had ever imagined. The two universities are the major employers within a 70 mile radius. Getting a university to look twice at my resume has proven impossible. I found a job listing the other day for a ticket clerk at the sporting events that would start at $12/hour but REQUIRED a bachelors degree. Are you kidding me? You want me to go to school for four years to be qualified to take tickets at a football game!


I've read a few articles recently about how the unemployment rate for individuals in their 20's is much higher than the national average. This article is always quickly accompanied by articles talking about the college graduates that can't get a job even with their recent degree.


Whats a girl like me to do? No degree. Two and a half years experience in project management for software development (which is almost a foreign term in this rural community). Going to school is an option that I have explored extensively, I was even enrolled for classes this fall - but out of state tuition is crazy and money isn't easy to come by.


All I know is that I have control over a few things. Many things I cannot control at all. 


Today I'm going to get up, put my right foot in front of my left foot, take my left foot and put it in front of my right, and repeat because that is all I can do..