I've Been Busy!

I've been doing something I typically shun - shopping! There are about nine new outfits in my closet for my return to work (yes! More on that later . . .), a new mattress and box spring to be delivered soon, and no less than four pairs of shoes (from the woman who truly HATES, hates, hates to shoe shop)! Actually, it started out as three pairs of shoes, but on the way to the register I spied these lovely silver tennies. I did the usual poo-poo of those and moved on.

Then the tennies started their voodoo - I dreamed about them, thought about them, mentioned them to others as outrageous. And after ONLY three days of trying to remove them from my brain with everything but a butter knife, I succumbed to the temptation of the tennies. Yes, they are mine now. And I was mistaken. They are not silver, but "pewter." Not sure how that makes a huge difference, but I find them "tastefully tacky."

Not sure if they are proper "work" attire - I'm thinking NOT.

As promised - the MORE regarding going back to work. Yes, after five weeks and two days of blissful "semi-retirement" I am returning to work at the same place I've been since last October. Granted, I will still be a temp, but I love the place, the people, and the job so it's not a stretch for me to go back. This is a three-month assignment, which will take me through about Thanksgiving, give me time off for the holidays, and perhaps something will come along by the first of the year that will be more permanent. I can't tell you how thrilled I am!! I baked them cookies for my first day back! hehehehehe

I Need a Job!!

Ok - today's Day 4 of official unemployment, unofficial "vacation."

I've managed to make some "important" calls, had a friend actually drop by - then force me into the front yard to pick up downed branches and limbs from the storm! Yesterday it finally cooled off a bit, so it was designated "errand day." Started out visiting the local yarn shop to buy 5" No. 2 needles - and they didn't have any for the second time . . . had everything else, but not these. Arrgh! (Came home and ordered them from an internet source.) Then dropped off some printouts about Denis Leary for my hairdresser who seems to have developed a "thing" for him and his firefighter causes. On to the hardware store to buy piano wire so I can finally block the Pacific Northwest shawl I finished March 8th. Then hit the grocery store.

Now, I've been working the last 9.5 months and have forgotten the laws of weekday daytime shopping. NEVER GO TO THE GROCERY STORE DURING A 15 HOUR SALE. Every grandpa, grandma, nursing home resident, and mother with 12 children under the age of 5 is there, stocking up. After the storm, I was terrified of buying much in case they decided to turn off the electricity again. Just enough for a few days. Which means - I ended up trying to shop IN THE MORNING AT THE 15 HOUR SALE. Omigod! How awful is that???

So, today, I had to go through some more of my aunt's stuff - travel books, brochures, postcards, and pictures. Some of our trip in 1969, some of another trip she made in 1983. And ran across this picture . . . .

(Sorry about the glare off the original snapshot, but couldn't resist!) Can you believe this? I not only remember this place in France, but remember USING IT, and then regaling my friends and family with stores about it! You put your feet on the sides (where indicated), do your business and FLUSH THE FLOOR! See??? It actually exists!

So all the quilt tops, travel books, and old knitting projects have been sent to the basement (where they will be rediscovered upon my death). I still have to hang a few pictures and take the rest down for storage, but . . . .

I NEED TO GO BACK TO WORK! I NEED A REST!

Made it Through Day One

So, Sunday evening was nice. Not that "oh, I have to get ready for the work week again" thing. This morning I slept till 8:30, had a leisurely breakfast, did dishes, watched TV and knitted all day.

No revelations, no burst of creative energy, no 180 degree change of direction to a new career in writing or catering or cookie baking. So far, since I left the job on Friday, have cleaned, done laundry, cleaned, done dishes, cleaned, knitted, signed up for unemployment, cooked, and cleaned. My car hasn't left the garage, nor have I worn shoes, since Friday. I haven't even poked my nose outside, since it's been over 100 degrees out there since Friday . . . . Just too hot!

I did, however, make a discovery. If you have VoIP, set to simultaneously ring your home and cell phone, and your cell phone battery goes completely dead . . . . . so does your home phone. Sort of sympathy ring, I think. The whole mess just dumps directly into voice mail on, of all places, the cell phone. Make some sense, I suppose, if you look at it in a warped and mysterious way . . .

Anyway, on to Day Two. Sure hope this doesn't last a long time! I have learned valuable lessons, however . . . Don't begin your job hunt by calling every temp firm in the region. This leads to temp jobs, not permanent ones with benefits. Do keep detailed records of all your job applications - unemployment wants to know you're looking. Never, ever, under any circumstances, answer the phone in the morning if you are not entirely awake! Let it roll to voice mail and claim unavailability. Let all your friends and family know you're looking - you never know who they know. Guess that's a good start.

Anybody in St. Louis need a devoted, honest, hard working, intelligent Business Analyst with Access whiz? Am also MOS certified, A+ and Network+ certified, and a darned nice person. Just leave a comment - I promise, I'll contact you!

The End of Another . . . . Job . . . .

After being laid off from my job at Wyeth in November of 2003, I've had about six temp/contract positions doing differing things at various places. And by far and away, leaving the job I've worked at for the last nine and a half months today has been the most difficult. Unfortunately, the budget wouldn't support me any longer.

I started last October updating customer websites, and once that kind of petered out in mid-November, I was picked up by another manager working on a very specific database project. Apparently, that went so well that my duties grew to where I was still doing a task for the first manager, another updating specific websites for someone else, and a boatload of high-profile databases for the new manager.

Now, you must understand - these managers are a hoot! They are very bright, knowledgeable men, and both are adept at changing from detail freaks to happy, joking co-workers in the blink of an eye. Other people were helpful getting my rusty Access skills back up to semi-expert level, and still others gently pointed me in the right directions as I hunted for data, people's desks, and so forth. We all teased each other mercilessly, and that basically made work beyond enjoyable.

Personally, I feel that all these folks are very good friends now. It seems nobody really wanted me to leave - especially my boss - and everyone hopes I will be back very soon. There is a possibility of a position to which I've applied in the same department. After the cookies this morning and the "farewell ice cream party" they had for me this afternoon, it's doubtful anybody would want to be in her place. It's like everybody who knows me and what I can do will be bugging her to bring me back. Right now, it is my only hope, but I will keep looking there and hoping to return.

I am purposefully not naming the company - they have been wonderful to me and I will cherish the time spent working there.

February 2006

Geesh - almost an entire month has flown by with barely a peep out of me here! Bad blogger!

Everything has been a whirlwind for me this month. My birthday, still working and still loving it, busy with a broken computer (hard drive crash), trying to keep up with my son and his constant back-and-forths to work in Kansas City, spring's here - no it isn't - yes it is - no it isn't. If you've visited my knitting and needlework blog, you'll see I've been busy there knitting a shawl and making curtains for my office/guest room. Have also been getting things situated to begin a huge stained glass project - a fireplace screen that will be covered with irises. Beautiful. So, it's not like I've been sitting on my thumbs all month . . . .

Oh - and my niece is leaving St. Louis and moving to Kansas City (actually, Overland Park, KS) for a new job with her old firm. A nice promotion, but an upheaval here at home. I'm sure she will flourish there just as she always has, but it will be difficult for those of us staying here.

Anyway, hopefully, spring really will be here soon. My bulbs and azaleas think it's time and the robins are back. With the weather going from 70s one day to about 25 a couple days later with snow, I wouldn't be surprised to find frozen robins stuck to tree limbs one day! Would love to remove my fake squirrel's hat sometime soon. Perhaps he will get that new muffler next year.

It's about time to get back out in the yard and see if I can find plants other than hostas that thrive with no sun. Am also eagerly anticipating the blooming of the cherry tree I planted last spring, and seeing if I actually get some cherries this year (will have to beat the birds and squirrels to them!)

I really will try and be a better blogger.

Not Much Blogging - Not Much News

Not too much going on in my little world. I am once again gainfully employed, but once again as a "temp." Wonder if I will ever have a real job I can call my own for the "duration" again. Has been a couple years now. Perhaps I should try my best, and actually consider myself "semi-retired." At least this particular one is with a good company and will allow me to meet my financial obligations for a change instead of just scraping by. That's something to be thankful for!

Otherwise, if you've visited my knitting blog, you will notice that everywhere in my life is my "waiting room" and much of my time waiting for the phone to ring has been filled with knitting. Gotten lots of little stuff done.

With the Great Drought of 2005 officially over, the devestation in my yard and garden is almost complete. I have one surviving tomato plant which is currently graced with 3 tiny green tomatoes - the first of my season. Surely the fall leaves can't be too far behind. Figures! The begonias in front have managed to hang on and are only a couple months stunted. When they are finally killed off by the frost, they should look pretty good! And the Montmorency cherry tree survived! Now if it can make it through the winter, perhaps we will see more than one cherry next year. I can hardly wait! Although I have decided to give up the official vegetable garden and will pursue this in pots on the patio next year in hopes of a better harvest - or just a harvest of something!

At least during this little break I have kept busy and completed quite a few of the things I can do that were listed on my Monster Chore list. Thank goodness! Several of the remaining things require either a man or enough money or both . . . so they will wait a bit longer, as right now neither of those are on my horizons. One day, I vow, the car will be able park in the garage again!! Garbage will get ground up in my disposal again!! And laundry will spend an hour in a magical box and come out fluffy and dry instead of hanging in the basement on a clothesline for a couple days and ending up like boards. You heard it here first!

So, tomorrow I take the required drug test for the job, and hopefully will start within a week or so. Yippee! Keep your fingers crossed!

Lots-o-Fun

Had a nice week - at least the evenings! Still working temp, and waiting news on the great job I interviewed for the end of June. When I last checked there was no decision yet, but they said they would let everybody know once they had singled out a candidate. I've still had no letter of regret, so am still a bit hopeful. But, in all honesty, have convinced myself I won't get it, even tho it feels like a perfect fit. Just the way my luck seems to run.

Michael and Angela came home Monday from the Baltimore, MD, area and took my "grand dog," Lazlo, home. Miss the silly mutt for some reason. He didn't give me a moment's peace, but maybe that's a good thing!

Tuesday, Wendy, my niece, came over and we went to a 30% off yarn sale at Myer House - a great yarn shop near my house. She went slightly nuts, but I managed to be a bit more reserved due to my finances. Anyway, I got a nice Regia blue stripey yarn (1932) for a pair of socks and some #1 needles. Tiny! Next week, they have 40% off bags of yarn.

Wednesday, I was left to my own devices, and didn't do anything special, but Thursday, Michael and Angela took me to dinner at IHOP - my favorite place for breakfast at dinner time. We had a very nice evening!

Last nite, again, nothing special, but since I'm not accustomed to so much activity during the week, it was nice. Today, went back to Myer's House and got another pair of socks' worth of yarn (Regia 5729), and one that makes a pattern to make a Harlequin Hat (Regia 5178)for little Lindsay. Hopefully, that will keep me out of trouble a while! Also, finishing up a pair of knitted anklets for my best friend's niece. They'll be here the second week of August, so not too much time left (that's precisely why they're anklets!)

Also, been disassembling Wendy's mohair sweater - she ended up hating it, and it wouldn't fit me, so I am meticulously unraveling it. It is very similar to trying to unwind cotton candy. What a job! All the little hairs float around and tickle your nose! They've also ended up in every mouthful of food I've had at home since I started!

I am considering putting in an application to work as a craft instructor at the Michael's craft store in Florissant. Would add to my cash and would hopefully be a lot of fun! Will keep you posted.

It has been WAY too hot to be outside much, but am glad it finally decided to rain a while here - thanks to Hurricane Dennis. Kinda like my life - feast or famine. Either we are bone dry for weeks on end, or it rains buckets every darned day! At least the grass is greening up, and the garden hasn't completely died yet, so there may be hope.

I will post some pictures of my newest hand-knit socks on my needlework blog soon - and maybe the little hat once it's finished.

6 Jul 05 in Blu's Backyard

It's Stargazer Days at Blu's!!!

This year the bunnies didn't eat them, and the squirrels didn't dig them up!! So, there are a total of 10 blooms. These have all opened up since Tuesday morning, and they are absolutely glorious!


Not a bad closeup!


The whole bunch together . . .



And - Here's Lazlo - my "grand-dog" who is visiting while his "parents" (my son, Michael, and his wife, Angela) are off to the east coast to shoot wedding pictures. Tonight included an emergency trip to the grocery store for Milkbones - and a new, BIG tennis ball. Ever since I gave him the toy, I am no longer allowed to touch it! hehehe! He's HUGE - 111 pounds and can almost knock me over. I say "almost" because he hasn't quite done it yet, but it's only a matter of time! He's already picked a favorite stick in the backyard - and I'm no longer allowed to touch that, either! It is a nice treat to have him for almost a week - but I gotta admit, Granny's tuckered after just one night's entertainment.

Also - quick job update. I still have one this week - and they're keeping me busier, so I'm enjoying it more. Hopefully, something else permanent will come along soon and I can rejoin the normal workforce and start feeling like a member of a team (any team?) again. Will be nice to finally get my life a bit more settled after the last two full years of uncertainty.

Keep those fingers crossed! - and thanks!

Summer Update

Well - things are going . . . . . going . . . .

Yeah. Anyway. Looks like the job I've been working at will be ending sometime in the next week or two. Been looking (as ever) for my next gig and hoping for a "keeper." Hopefully everybody who knows me (and some who don't) will be keeping their fingers crossed for me, too!

Big event of last week: Actually noticing when the car rolled over to 111, 111.1 miles. What a deal! Kinda fun, in an odd sorta way.

Biggest event in the yard this week - the wren who found the perfect place to nest - enclosed with a HUGE picture window! She built a lovely little mud/moss/stick/leaf nest in my barbeque pit! Of course, I'm too soft-hearted to move her out. Besides, she'd probably peck me!

Potato Update! The potatoes were planted in a half-barrel and grew out of that, so I installed a 24" chicken wire cylinder over that, and they've grown out of that, too! I just tucked some leaves around the edges and kept filling it with dirt to encourage more tubers. Can hardly wait now until I get to harvest them. Just about everybody I know is curious what will be there - including me! I will update with pictures when the time comes.

The garden is growing it's head off! The chicken wire fence still has not been breached so I now have eggplants, tomatoes, green beans, purple beans, cucumber plants, lettuce, beets, and squash and some mystery stuff (not sure, but is growing in a straight row, so I must have planted it!). All I ask for is just one meal with purple beans and cheese sauce!!!

For Father's Day, just couldn't get up the excitement to bake the "traditional" butterscotch pies, so managed a butterscotch cheesecake, instead. Think it was a hit - it's pretty well gone now! Grace fixed lasagna, Wendy made a salad, and Kelly and Jason supplied the entertainment - in the form of six month-old Lindsay. I also FINALLY got some pictures! Am thrilled and had to show those off at work today. It was a very nice day!

More pictures will be on the way soon!

Blu's Very Boring Spring Update

Ok - so tomorrow's April Fool's Day . . . and if anybody's a fool, tis me!! I have decided to adopt a pet – Am looking for a beta – one of those frilly, blue fighting fish. It would look lovely on my living room fireplace mantle! Altho the fish is still only an idea, it already has a name – Fin. May have to take a trip to the little fish store and see what we can find. Perhaps there will be a picture of the new arrival here soon!

In other news, have actually held this job 11 days now – and counting! Hopefully they seem to like me, and things seem to be going well. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Next big hurdle is the three-week mark. Once past that, I’ll breathe a sigh of relief!

Have been knitting in the evenings and trying to keep ahead of the housework and errands I used to have all day to do.

Not much else to report – spring has finally arrived – periodically – and the azaleas are getting ready to do their thing, the magnolias are coming out around the neighborhood, and the moss that covers the mud in my backyard is a lovely shade of chartreuse/green. Guess that means it is really healthy, although I’d rather have grass! My daffodils have put on quite a show this spring, the irises are getting ready, the bleeding heart survived the winter and is growing again, the forsythia is blooming - even though it spent most of last summer with a huge tree limb on top of it – and there’s little green leaves coming out again on many things. May be time to build that fence to keep the bunnies and squirrels out of the garden this year so I can finally have some spinach and those purple beans they’ve devoured the last two years in a row! We will see. The backyard animal wars continue!

Hope you enjoy the spring!

Another Miracle!!

Wonder of wonders! I have a new job! Is a three-month temp position at Distribution Control Systems in the engineering department! (Only about 6 miles from home!) Start today, St. Patrick's Day and pay will hopefully pay the bills, so that'll help! Just hope this lasts a long time! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Beware of Pfizer

Enemy Mine

Just a note to the wise - after only three days at Pfizer, I was released with no real reason given. I've worked for 3.5 years at Wyeth in the pharmaceutical industry and never seen a woman leave the restroom without washing her hands before working at Pfizer. These folks knew I left the job at Avanade - one I truly loved - because they offered me a 73% increase. And then they pull this stunt?? How can any employer treat employees like dirt? And they take such pride in being one of America's "Top 100 Places to Work". What a crock.

So, once again I'm unemployed due to no fault of my own. Heck - three days is barely time to learn a new employee's name!! much less how they will truly perform their duties.

Beware of jobs at Pfizer - I've interviewed with them before and should have stuck by my knowledge that those people are all idiots. No wonder they're having problems . . .

Avanade Halloween Party

Well, folks – what’s this??? Another update?? So SOON????? Yes!!! We had our office party today and had a blast! I brought pumpkin cupcakes (they disappeared fairly quickly) and one of the guys upstairs made the “Kitty Litter Cake” recipe I found on the internet (http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/dessert/cakes/kittylittercake.html). Peter Pan and Thomas Jefferson showed up, and an American dressed as an India Indian (and so did one or two of the guys from India), a bunch of frightening folks showed up, two even wore state prison outfits. Everybody seemed to have a great time.