Wordless Wednesday: 9/26/2007

Hancock
Originally uploaded by Moncrief Speaks.

I drive through elk grove to get to my office but never realized there really was an elk grove until yesterday.

Started my PatioScaping business

I started my business and gave it a try. It’s definitely something I want to do again when I feel like I have more of a support structure.

See more progress on: Start my PatioScaping(TM) business

Registering a Car in Illinois

So, my California tags expired at midnight on July 31. When I got to my car the next morning, I had a ticket. The officer gave me the ticket in the middle of the night at 1:45 am. So that day, a Wednesday, I went to the DMV, which stayed open till 7 pm. I thought that my CA car registration would suffice for registering my car in Il. When I got there I discovered that I needed to have proof of ownership, which meant my loan paper work. So couldn't take care of my car that day.

Went back on Friday afternoon, later that week, I got to the DMV 10 minutes before they closed, where I discovered they didn't take Credit Cards. Only checks or cash or Discover. Who carries checks anymore??

So I left and that Saturday got my second ticket. Tried to leave the office early the following Monday and Tuesday, which didn't work. Then I left work to get there before they closed at 7pm, but didn't make it because of the horrible traffic that night. So finally, Thursday, at lunch I raced there and managed to finally get my license plates! And then finally today I got them on my car. It only took me 14 days.

Now I'm going to contest my tickets. You only need to register cars that are moving and my car wasn't moving at the time I received the tickets. It was in the middle of the night.

Weekend in Dallas

Just got back from a weekend in Dallas, where we celebrated my Mom's 65th birthday. It was a nice celebration with my brother and his wife and kids. The other amazing thing is that my Mom at 65 is starting a business. A friend of mine and my mom have applied for a patent for a medical garment that they invented together. It's pretty amazing that at 65 my mom is a patent applicant and the director of a corporation. I'm helping them with marketing their business. It's fun. Just goes to show you, you can reinvent yourself at any age.

While in Dallas, we ate at Salum on Cole street. It was delicious and the restaurant was teeming with Dallasites, all dressed up for Saturday dinner. It's been a long time since I've been to a restaurant where people actually dress up for dinner. I've missed that.

I did it!

I not only got a job, but I think I’ve landed a dream job. I’m so happy! Having a ton of fun! Working on some exciting projects, with some exciting people. The company is on an upward trajectory with tons of potential.

It goes to show you that waiting for the right thing does pan out. I waited a year. Plus taking a risk for it helps as well. My risk was moving from San Diego to Chicago.

See more progress on: get a job

Quick Update

Hello! I can't believe so much time has passed since my last post. Basically, I received a job offer for a great job, but in Chicago... not San Diego. And I accepted the offer. I have since found a place to live, moved all of my worldly possessions, found a renter for my place in San Diego and have started my new job and life in Chicago. Everything is fantastic. I really, love my job. I've never said that before and meant it as much as I do in this instance.

It's a start up company with a great opportunity. Every employee is on the same page when it comes to focus and mission. It's not like starting at a company that is five or 10 years old and some people are burnt out and bitter and negative. It's great. And I'm working on projects that are so exciting. Like building a brand and logos and marketing plans. I am truly reinvigorated and inspired right now.

I'll write more. The delay was that I just got internet set up at home this past Saturday. Could I have moved more slowly. Don't think so. More to come!

Reinvigorated!

I can't tell you how excited I am about the possibilities of life again! Wow! What a difference a month makes... just a month ago, I was extremely low. My prospects were not good. Since opening myself up, everything has changed. I'm moving to Chicago! And I am so excited. Even the thought of snow can't damper my spirits right now. So, since my last post, I've accepted the position, flew to Chicago and found a great apartment to rent in Lakeview.

I flew in last Wednesday and my Aunt picked me up from the airport. We drove around and the first few neighborhoods we saw were ok. I was pretty underwhelmed. I kept telling myself that it would be ok... I would grow to love it. But then we picked up my cousin and she drove us to Lakeview and I was like, this is it! Love it!

The next day we went and looked at several rentals I found on CraigsList. Again, very underwhelmed. I was getting really worried... (p.s. can I tell you how surprised I am at how expensive it is to rent there... as much or more than when I was renting in La Jolla, CA). Then I put it out there, like in The Secret, that I was going to find a fabulous place to live in. And then we stopped at a real estate office and the next place I saw was it! Right on the main street of Lakeview above a bakery, next to a bar and ice cream shop! Two blocks from Anthropologie! Two blocks!!!! A block from the grocery store. The street is lined with boutiques and salons and restaurants and is very safe. The place itself is charming, hardwood floors, bay window, built in hutch. Kitchen and bathroom old and dated. But wait, it gets better. The next day after signing my lease, the leasing agent calls and says the landlord wants to gut the bathroom and re-do it with granite and marble!! Gut it!!! Woot!!! So excited!!

Anyway, I'm so happy! Yeah for me!

How TO Hire Someone

Well, it's been a year since I was laid off by Dot HELL and the first few months were really enjoyable. The last few months... not so much, very stressful. I've found it really difficult to find the right opportunity here in San Diego. I've interviewed with just about everyone, Sony, PetCo, Intuit, Iomega and many others. Finding the right level of challenge, growth opportunity and salary has proven to be extremely difficult. For some reason, companies here in San Diego don't want to pay for the marketing expertise that I have developed over the years. I've worked for some really big companies, Sprint, CompUSA and Gateway and have managed some really remarkable marketing programs.

Anyway, after one year of searching San Diego, I've come up empty handed. But after a week and a half of opening up my search to outside of San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago to be exact, I have a job offer! How amazing is that!

I've not accepted yet, some details to work out... but looks like I'm leaving San Diego... for the time being at least. I find it amazing that there are companies out there that are willing to pay for my relocation across the country and pay me exceptionally well, yet companies in San Diego are not.

So, this is news to many of my friends out there... I'll send out an email announcement once it's finalized and I wrap up some details personally and with some of my clients. It'll be a couple of weeks so I'll be able to see everyone before I go. Oh, and the opportunity is outstanding. I'll provide more details on that as well.

Thanks to everyone for your support over the last year. When I make the move I'll continue to post to this blog, so you can continue to follow hopefully mostly UPs from here on out!

XOXO
SBG

Boredom...

Sorry I've not posted in awhile. The whole process of being told I had a job offer and then it disappearing really got me down. There were some other factors as well, but I was really in the dumps. I can't say I'm totally better now, but I'm working on it. The fact that I'm alone all day long doesn't help. My mind starts a going and sometimes just doesn't stop.

So, my freelance business is not going as gangbusters as I had hoped and I've not done a thing about my other business idea. I've been experiencing alot of doubt about my abilities over the last few months. I'm also sick with worry about money. So I've opened up my job search to outside of San Diego. Chicago and San Francisco to be specific. And I have been interviewing for a position in one of those cities. The hiring manager today said he wants me to come out for a face-to-face. I'm not over joyed by the idea of moving. Starting over, building new friendships. It takes a while to build strong friendships.

So we'll see... stay tuned.

How NOT to Hire Someone - Part II

So, in part I of this saga, you learned how I'd been back burnered by a company that I had been interviewing with. When I made this post, following my second interview with the CEO, I wasn't sure what to do. My good friend Eydie called and offered me the advice of contacting the VP of Marketing, the hiring manager, to address any concerns that he had and the CEO had again to be sure that he had the ammunition to fight for me. Which I did. I left three voice mails for the VP and sent one follow up email. But I didn't hear from him until two days later when he sent this email:

Got your messages. Sorry about the delay. I spoke with the CEO and let me give you an update.

1) CEO has been asking me about marketing and our long term plan. he wants to invest a lot more money in marketing for a number of reasons in 2H’07.

2) As such, he wants to make sure whomever we bring in for Marketing is a real pro.

3) I represented that I believe you are very good, and your references where solid.

4) The CEO wants me to investigate one other candidate that he has forwarded. We are interviewing them on Friday.

I apologize for the process. This is not how I like to work. However, he’s the boss. I will let you know where we stand on Monday.

So, Monday came and went... didn't hear anything. So Tuesday at the end of the day, I sent a follow up note, just asking if he had made a decision. I've not heard a thing from him. I can not believe that now, after he said there was an offer for me, that he won't even call to let me know that they are going with some one else. No apology or anything. Really can't believe that! A new low for the job search process.

Happy Earth Day

Today is the 22nd annual Earth Day celebration. The earth's atmosphere continues to get warmer and warmer, which will ultimately turn many green areas into deserts; stories have been written about lack of snow in the coldest of locales. But how can one person make a difference? Here are some facts, and figures from the April 16th, Newsweek.

• If every household in America switched out one compact fluorescent bulb, it would reduce energy consumption as much as taking a million cars off the road
• Production of bottles for bottled water consumers over 1.5 million barrels of oil a year. Even worse is the energy squandered on shipping water halfway around the world. As a result, you pay more for a bottle of water than equivalent amount of gasoline.

This fact is from the ABC 20/20 broadcast on Friday.

• If everyone in the U.S. started getting 30 miles to the gallon we could end our dependency on foreign oil by 2025!
  

Imagine. There are many ways to make an impact and if you just made one little change, it would have a snowball's affect.

p.s. Today, Home Depot is giving away 1,000,000 Compact Flourescent lightbulbs today! Here is your chance to make a switch.

Wordless Wednesday

Quiver tree sunset
Originally uploaded by Jumbo22.

Fun San Diego Event

Here is something that falls into the best kept secret, do that again category! Saturday night I headed over to Ray Street in North Park for the monthly Ray At Night event with some friends. Basically, Ray Street is home to several art galleries and the second Saturday of the month all the Galleries celebrate the opening of an artist at the same time. They close the street off and there are bands and DJs, wine, cheese, beer and of course Art! All sorts of art, good art, bad art, mostly very contemporary art. Something for everyone. Make sure you save the date for May 12, and check it out. Lots of people, very social and entertaining. Great people watching.

Anyway, afterwards, we headed over to Apertivo for dinner. Apertivo offers Italian Tapas and wine. A very small place, with great food. With small plates you can try many different tastes. The wine selection was great and service was good. Kitchen got busy... as the restaurant filled up. We waited about 20 minutes for a table... it flew by. Definitely would go again. Finally, after that we headed over to Heaven Sent Desserts for some rich indulgence! We tried four desserts and the thumbs up winner among all of us was the Apple Tart. Delicious!

The only thing that would have made the night better would have been some actual art purchases or some shopping at the fabulous boutiques in the area... maybe next month.

How NOT to Hire Someone

As you know I was laid off last May from my job with Dot Hell. I interviewed actively from June to December, early January, when I decided to really focus on building a freelancing business and work on my other business idea. But back on Friday, March 9th I interviewed with a software company here in San Diego. The opportunity came about through networking which proves that networking does work... however, I'm so disenchanted with the hiring process I want to cry.

I interview with SIX people in a four hour time frame March 9th, including the CEO. I did my due diligence following up once a week with the hiring manager. On March 27th, I get this email:

thanks Sarah. I made a recommendation to the CEO to bring you on board. He is in NY today and I should hear from him later. Let me talk to him and I will give you a call later today or tomorrow.

Will need references – I assume you have them. Just 2 please.

Then don't hear from him, even though he said he would call. So I follow up a week later and receive an email from him to call him. So I do, thinking this sucks that I have to call this guy to hear that they are going with someone else. But when I do call I hear from him that he wanted to talk salary and would craft an offer letter. I get this email Monday of this week:

We are close. I setup the offer letter. Our CEO has to review and when he gets it back to me, I can send over.

Then on Tuesday, I get a call from the CEO's assistant requesting a follow-up phone interview for Thursday. She calls on Wednesday, asking to re-schedule for a face-to-face interview on Friday. So, went on the interview today and now I hear that there are a couple of additional candidates they want to meet with before making a decision. That I'm the only one they've brought in for a second round, everyone likes me... and they'll get back to me.

I'm so F'ing sick of being on the back burner. At this point I want to tell them step off. This is crap! I am so over the job interview process. It's clear to me that my future manager can't get decisions approved by the CEO.

This is my life too. This is a horrible experience from my perspective and really gives me doubt about working for this company. I really want to opt-out. I'm going to give the weekend to think about it and if I feel the same way on Monday, I probably will.

Wordless Wednesday

Fuerteventura beach - before sunrise
Originally uploaded by @t..

What's it going to take?

I wanted to share with you an editorial featured in the April 10, 2007 issue of Business Week about an organization called Catalyst, titled "A Little Shame Goes a Long Way".

The article in Business Week was about how the organization has stopped naming companies that don't have women in the top ranks of the company. The reason:

President Ilene H. Lang says it takes too much time and there's little value to publishing the data by company.

When I went to their website and read the press release about the 2006 Census of Women in Fortune 500 Corporate Officer and Board Positions, I was shocked by a prominent statement:

Corporate Officers and Top Earners: At the current rate of change, it could take
women 47 years to reach parity with men as corporate officers of Fortune 500
companies.

The mission of Catalyst as stated on their website is:

Catalyst is the leading research and advisory organization working with businesses and the professions to build inclusive environments and expand opportunities for women at work. As an independent, nonprofit membership organization, Catalyst conducts research on all aspects of women’s career advancement and provides strategic and web-based consulting services globally. With the support and confidence of member corporations and firms, Catalyst remains connected to business and its changing needs. In addition, Catalyst honors exemplary business initiatives that promote women’s leadership with the annual Catalyst Award. With offices in New York, San Jose, and Toronto, Catalyst is consistently ranked No. 1 among U.S. nonprofits focused on women’s issues by The American Institute of Philanthropy.

I don't really consider myself a feminist, but since moving to San Diego and during this job search, I'm frustrated by the lack of mentoring among the women of San Diego and frustrated with the low pay that company's are offering me for my experience, it sort of drives me towards that position. In Dallas, I considered one of my former managers my mentor, but since moving to San Diego have lost touch with her. When I was at Gateway, I had high-hopes that Sanders might fill that role, but the Kernel, has become a joke amongst several of my peers based on her poor management and leadership. It's such a shame, because she could have really been a fantastic mentor had she not been so Bi-polar. And on the salary issue, I know that there are men in marketing roles out there that are being paid plenty and I have the same or better experience! It's so frustrating.

This story just really hit home and I agree with the author that perhaps Catalyst should start humiliating the male corporate leaders to facilitate change. It seems to be working in the Don Imus situation... really don't understand why there is name calling in this world still. Haven't people learned their lesson. I do find it sad that in order to facilitate change, men have to be bullied and shamed in order to make it happen.

But what gets me about the article is this last statement:

That Lang insists nobody cares about such specific information-"except for a couple of people in the press" -may say much about the mindset in today's corporate suites.

What are your thoughts?

Bayside Concert

Last night I went to see one of my favorite performers, John Legend, at Bayside venue by Viejas at the Embarcadero Park South. I'm a huge fan of John Legend and his opening act was Corrine Bailey Rae, who is also a terrific performer, so I was really excited to see this show. I'd never seen a show at this venue and really didn't know what to expect.

The location is really great... right behind the Convention Center on the Bay facing west. So as the sun set, the clouds were all pink and purple and you could see the marine layer float in. However, once the sun went down it got really cold, really fast. I really felt bad for this girl in front of us who just had on this tiny little cotton top and shorts!!! It was probably in the 50's last night. Typically, they don't have seating at this venue and people just bring blankets. But last night there was seating, which was great... but last night it seemed like the speakers weren't loud enough. I kept looking around and noticed people just sitting around like they were at a lecture... not at a concert. I was dancing and singing... I think that perhaps they kept the speakers low, because of recent complaints from the millionaires that live on Coronado. Apparently the music in the past has disturbed their peace. Anyway read more about that here.

John Legend put on a good performance. He had some new re-mixes, but very little new material since I saw him perform at the HOB in November. As we were walking out we discovered you can sit outside the fences and here the music. There were people with picnics and blankets. Seemed fun.


I took this photo of the back of the Convention Center as we were leaving. It's pretty neat. (Neat is such a weird word... can't believe I justed used it in a sentence.) But the stairs light up and reflect back on the bay. Its kind of small, I took it on my cell phone.

Check out a concert at Bayside sometime, fun experience!

Wordless Wednesday

The perfect wedding.
Originally uploaded by luisa_m_c_m_cruz.

April Horoscopes

My friend KZ has me hooked on my monthly horoscope at the AstrologyZone by Susan Miller. The monthly horoscopes are very detailed and long. She covers everything, romance, work, life etc. I'm a Scorpio. That's right... don't mess with me! Apparently this is going to be a great month for my romantic life:

Your romantic life is about to perk up beautifully. It's time to go out and see what the world has to offer, dear Scorpio. Every member of your sign, of every possible marital status, will be included.

Do you have no one to love? Mars will enter your romance sector on April 6, to join Uranus and Mercury, already there, to stay until May 15. From the moment Mars enters, you will start to have romantic choices. With Mars in Pisces, the sign of two fishes, you may have two sweethearts in time to decide about.

Interesting. Susan also says that April 21 is the perfect day for me to get a pet! It's down on my calendar, I'll be taking the day to visit lots of shelters.

Finally, if you've been thinking of getting a pet for your household, you'll have one of the very best points of the year to choose one. Do so at the new moon, April 17 or in the days that follow.

If you visit the animal shelter on Saturday, April 21, your best day, you'll find a little animal with a rare and special affinity to you. Your little creature could become like family to you.

I'm sure my friends Denise and Stephanie are screaming right now... they've been telling me for months.... no, Years to get a dog, and I decide when I read it in my horoscope! Yeah, I don't get me either.

Overall, I've got mixed feelings about what she writes related to my work life... it appears that I need to continue focusing on my freelance work.

What seems to be happening this month is that all the right assignments will come to you now, ones you will be able to use to show as evidence of your growing stature in your industry. You are learning a great deal about your job, and that learning period is almost over now.

This month, Saturn is about to turn direct after being retrograde since December 2006. Once Saturn changes to direct speed on April 19, you will see your professional life take on new vibrancy. You may have been despondent about the slowness of your professional progress lately, but this month, you will be heartened to see lots of progress. Don't give up. You have walked the 1,000-mile journey and you are so close to getting to your oasis. Onward and upward!

Anyway, it's fun to read her horoscope each month. You should read yours here.

Book Recommendation: The Secret

A couple of weeks ago Oprah featured the author of a Book and DVD called The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. It's about the secret to life and to getting EVERYTHING you've ever wanted in life. The premise is based on the Law of Attraction. That we attract everything into our lives through our thoughts. It's basically the power of positive thought and manifesting our thoughts. It talks about how most people think thoughts about what they don't want; however the universe doesn't understand the don't concept, so it actually brings about the things that we don't want. I feel that this is really true in my life. For example, whenever I walk into the hallway of my building I think about how I don't want to see BW and his little chiquita. But inevitably I see them. Prior to this never, did I run into him. I also when I meet a new guy, automatically think about how I hope he is not another guy who doesn't want a relationship and guess what. He doesn't!

So how I'm putting this into practice is to stop thinking about BW/chiquita... I'm gong to train myself to think about how successful I'm going to be at my freelance work life. I'm also going to train myself to start believing that the next great guy that I meet IS going to want a relationship WITH ME! I tell you though that last one is going to be hard. I've become Pavlov's dog in that respect.

Anyway, the book is good. It has some really great concepts in it. The DVD is even more powerful. I think you can go to The Secret website and watch the movie for $5 or so. I really suggest you watch. I think we can all use a little more positive framing in our life and focus on those self-fulfilling prophecies in a positive way.

Welcome International Visitors!

My good friend Jeff A. encouraged me to add Google Analytics to my blog. It provides some very interesting info. Last week I had more new visitors than existing. Wow! Anyway, the cool thing is that there is a map on Google Analytics that shows where all my visitors are coming from and I have recently had a visitor from Chadigarh, India! Wow! That is SO cool! So welcome to my little blog! I hope you didn't get the wrong impression from my blog title, if you're some purvy guy, you could expect it to be completely different. This blog is pretty simple, just my adventures in and around San Diego.

Do you know that Chadigarh means The City Beautiful? I did not. Learned that on Wikipedia. Check it out. It looks like a pretty amazing city. India is definitely on the list of places to visit.


And if you visiting from another state or even country, drop me a comment! Thanks for visiting.

Cheers!

One of San Diego's Best Kept Secrets

I've recently discovered one of San Diego's best kept secrets. Free adult education classes through the San Diego Community College District. They have classes on all sorts of stuff. I'm working on some professional education and am taking an Illustrator class. I'm planning on taking some other classes on Photoshop, InDesign, web design, HTML, search enginge marketing classes to help develop my on-going skills as I develop Brand Sassy Blonde Girl. But I also plan on taking some fun classes, Art, Writing and maybe even some Culinary Arts Classes! Woot! I want to perfect my cake decorating ability, as that's my thing now... when I go to a party I bring a home-made cake. Yumm!

Anyway, check it out for yourself!

Good vs. Evil

The problem with me, sometimes, is that I want to take revenge. 99.9% of the time I don't act on that impulse; I'm a pretty self-controlled individual. But today, I want to use this post to bash a man and trash his name all over the internet. However, I'm not going to stoop to that. It's bad karma. So, I'll just say, that recently met a guy, we went on a few dates, we've been exchanging emails, however, he never responds promptly to my emails. It's so RUDE! Anyway, I'm focusing on my positive energy and who I share that with. Not him. You can read about previous Man Rants here.

Wordless Wednesday

Hot Huts
Originally uploaded by alexandrecc.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Happy St. Patty's Day!
Originally uploaded by kelsana.

Wishing you the luck of the Irish today!

Thursday 13 - March 15, 2007

13 Reasons Why I'm Happy I'm Still Single

1) Don't have to check in with anyone to in order to go out with my friends
2) Don't owe anyone any explanations on how I spend my $$
3) Don't have to explain to anyone why I need another pair of black shoes or little black dress or new lipstick
4) Doing laundry for one is a ton faster
5) I can watch whatever I want on TV whenever I want to
6) I can leave all the lights on in the house
7) I can eat a bowl of cereal over the sink for dinner
8) I get great nights sleep; no snorer to keep me up
9) I can take as long as I want to get ready in the bathroom
10) I can decorate my place exactly the way I want it
11) The only mess I have to pick up is mine
12) No in-laws to suck up to
13) I can date multiple men if I want to!

Discipline

I'm really struggling with the discipline it takes to manage my time while freelancing. I've found a great tool to utilize to track my hourly billing; but I'm not that great at activating it or turning it off.

Today for example, I got up early and feel like I was pretty productive, yet, when I look at the hours I billed 2:29, I feel like I haven't been productive at all. My goal is to bill a minimum of 3 hours a day, and I know I spent 3 hours working for my clients. I did spend way too much time on my volunteer work with a marketing association today, so that doesn't help. Plus, I'm not that great with using the time. Hitting it when I start and when I finish a project.

I guess the more I use it the more effective I'll be at starting it and ending it timely.

Frustrating...

Associated Content

Hey, check out this video about Associated Content!

Still light out

It's 6:00 pm and with the time change, it's still light out. I'm so happy that the days are getting longer. Pretty soon it will be warm enough to spend the afternoon at the pool. I'm very ready to enjoy the summer. I had a great summer last year!

Today has been a really great day. Got up early and met my friend KZ for a visit to the San Diego Museum of Art to check out the Annie Leibovitz exhibit. The exhibit was wonderful; featuring her professional work alongside personal family photos from 1990 - 2005. The photo series was very touching; especially the personal photos of her partner Susan Sontag's struggle through many bouts of cancer. She shared some very sad photos of Susan and of her father's death. I got very teary looking at those photos. But weird fact, Annie, gave birth to her first child at 51! And then three years later to twins. I definitely am a supporter of women having children whenever they decide, into their 40's, but in your mid 50s seems extreme. Her children will be 10 when she is 65. I want to go back sometime during the week to go through the exhibit again as there was a movie I didn't get to watch completely, it was very crowded. I highly recommend checking out the exhibit if you get a chance.

From there we walked over to Spanish Village and checked out some of San Diego's local artisans. It was beautiful in Balboa Park today and we decided to have lunch at the Prado. It's definitely spring in San Diego. Lunch was delicious and I enjoyed a Mojito. I'm ready to mix up the first batch of 2007 Mango Mojitos for poolside enjoyment.

Tonight will be a nice night in, I've got plans to make some Brussels sprouts with panchetta. Yumm! I've been out every night this week since Tuesday night. And will be out most of next week.

Maybe a date...

So, I may be going on a date next week. Yep. Last Wednesday, went to a networking event and met two guys. Pretty big night for me. Anyway, met the first guy, "N", he seemed nice enough. The girls were adamant after he left the bar to have dinner in the restaurant, that I give him my card suggesting we get a drink sometime. As we were debating that, another guy "S" sits down and starts giving me the eye. KZ was convinced that S was 10 years younger then me. Anyway, long story short, I sent my card over to N via a waitress, and as we were flying out of the bar, S, mans up and asks me for my info. AND then he's even brave enough to email me and suggest we get together for a drink. So, right now we are trying to figure out when that will be. So looks like I'm going to possibly have a date. Pretty interesting.

Don't forget to Spring Forward. Huh... maybe it's the spring thing.

Something to think about

"Tough times don't last. Tough people do!" not sure of the author

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Today's post is a Thursday 13 list. I've kind of fallen off the bandwagon here, with the Thursday 13 stuff, so here goes.

13 Songs that I Love in no Particular Order!

1) Brand New Day - Sting
2) Lips Like Sugar - Echo & the Bunnymen
3) Holiday - Madonna
4) Here Comes Your Man - The Pixies
5) Dream Some - Shelby Lynne
6) Never Stop - Brand New Heavies
7) Mirror in the Bathroom - The English Beat
8) Luxurious - Gwen Stefani
9) Baby I'm a Star - Prince
10) Rock With You - Michael Jackson
11) Let Love Rule - Lenny Kravitz
12) Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead
13) I Will Survive - Cake

Wordless Wednesday

In the middle of nowhere...
Originally uploaded by Claudia1967.

Suze Orman

One of my personal goals is to get out of debt and build my emergency fund back up. Personal finance has been a minor obsession with me for over a year now. Started when I read "Smart Women Finish Rich" by David Bach. I love that book. I believe it's a book that every woman should read, regardless of where she is in her life. The one point that I took from that book that I like to share, is that women should be saving 12% of their income, because the 10% rule was based on an average man's life expectancy. Women lives 20% longer then men, therefor should be saving 20% more. That book really frightened and inspired me. Cut to a year later and I'm much more worse off financially, just adding to my obsession.

Anyway, I don't expect that to last long (what's long...). When I began my search for knowledge I attended a seminar by the Learning Annex that featured Suze Orman as the keynote speaker. She was good. I've been meaning to pick up her book, but just haven't had the time. Anyway, surfing around last night I found her on my local PBS station giving a presentation on her latest book Women and Money: Owning the Power to Control your Financial Destiny. I was only able to catch about 30 minutes before they cut to the break where they ask for your contribution (I'm so guilty as I've not been able to renew my contribution) and then it Hero's came on. I'm going to program my Tivo to record the program for watching later on.

When I had cable, I would watch her program on CNBC, but at times found her manner abrasive. At times I felt really bad for the callers. Anyway, from what I was able to watch of her program on PBS, it seemed like a good inspirational, "women take control of your financial lives" talk. Once I watch the complete program I'll provide more info.

I'll post more about my personal finance obsession later. My question to you is, "Is your financial life in order?"

Out of it...

Just a quick post to let you know that I've not fallen off the face of the earth. Just, busy? Well, I'm a bit out of it. I've been taking a ton of stuff for my allergies... makes me a bit lazy and drowsy. Spent time this weekend with my friend Randy and her husband and little girl on Saturday. Her daughter is the cutest. So sweet and loving. I just adore her. We had a nice time... I was out of it though. Then Saturday night and Sunday I was busy working on a friends patio. So, all in all pretty uneventful weekend.

But it looks like I have some spending coming up. My mom's retiring this week and I need to think of something significant to do/give her to commemorate the occasion. Also, I must confess I went to Bloomingdale's yesterday to use a gift card and I spent more than the gift card amount. Only $12... well worth it!

Tomorrow, going to get going!

Shopping Sabbatical Broken Toe

How's that for a word twister? Well, it's happened. I broke the shopping sabbatical today.

It's due to the fact that I broke my big toe last Thursday night. Walking through Balboa Park, I fell down some stairs and as I did to avoid taking out my teeth, I did this weird body twist that in which I rotated on my right big toe in sky high heels and landed on my left hand. So when I stood up, shaken and started walking my toe was throbbing.

We were on our way to Culture and Cocktails. We noticed Jon the Sculptor's limo (yes, he's such a partier that he actually bought a limo so that he and his friends could get wasted and he hires local kids to drive them around) parked out front. No Jon, but we did see his sidekick Bobby. Uggh. After waiting in the extremely long line for about five minutes we were told that since we were so far back in line and hadn't bought tickets in advance chances are we wouldn't get in. So we walked/limped over to the Prado for a cocktail. After a glass of wine and a nosh, we headed out and discovered that it was pouring rain! No umbrella. And of course I had to park pretty much at the zoo because so many people we at the Museum event. So I ran/walked fast to the car in my sky high heels with a broken toe.

Next morning confirmed it was broken, bruised, swollen, not able to bend it or put weight on it. I've been wearing tennis shoes since - I only own one pair of flat shoes. Can you believe that? All my shoes have a heel. Anyway the flat shoes that I own are not comfortable.

And as a side note, I've become disenchanted with my wardrobe. I hate everything I own and pretty much wear the same two tops and pair of yoga pants every day. I decided last week that I was going to use all my gift cards given to me as gifts to get some new clothes.

Tonight, I made my way to the Gap and bought three tops, a pair of jeans and some ballet slippers. It's not so much that I shopped because I said I could use the gift cards on the shopping sabbatical, but I went over the gift card amount. And now when I think about what I have to do to make that money back, I kind of feel guilty. I may have to take the shoes back, because after my toe is better I won't be wearing them and I do have my uncomfortable shoes. I may have to re-evaluate the uncomfortable shoes figure out a way to improve them.

So that's that.

Women Entrepreneurs

Just received an email from Business Week that focuses on women entrepreneurs. I'm taking it as a sign. I've been so jazzed about my current plans to focus on freelancing and my side business, I'm so happy to have something that allows me to be in control of my future. Instead of waiting for some company to offer me a job that will allow my life to move forward. I'm sick of being in limbo and I've just decided to take myself out and move myself forward.

Working for the figurative & literal Man will never allow me to gain the wealth or allow me the freedom and flexibility I so desire. I'll be picking up my business cards next week for my freelancing business and will start littering San Diego with them! And waiting on my side business logo to be developed. I'd love to get an email out to my friends and family announcing that on 3/1. I've figured out how much I need to charge and how many hours I need to bill a week and it's quite reasonable/doable! Anyway, plans are moving along nicely!

But back to the email from Business Week it featured several stories about women entrepreneurs who left the corporate world to start business. It also took me to a story about a program called "Make Mine a Million." The objective of the program is to help female entrepreneurs grow their business to the $1Million in revenue per year mark by 2010. Only a small percentage of small businesses post revenues exceeding $1Million per year. The whole series is very inspiring for me right now. Check it out for yourself!

As I've said many times before, it only takes one idea!

Bitches!

So, tonight, LB and I went to Sushi on the Rock for dinner. We had already decided what we were going to order even before we got in the car to go to La Jolla. LB wanted The Don roll and I wanted the Kitchen Sink. We were seated at the Sushi Bar and there were two seats to our right that were open.

The seats were filled by these two bitchy women; very La Jolla like, carrying their Louis Vuitton bags in their pricey jeans. Obviously these women were hungry, cause they were so bitchy. One, asked the sushi chef what he was preparing and when he said the Don roll for us, LB, chimed in that it's the best roll they make. Then he passed the food to us, LB, showed them the fabulous sauce that comes with it. Then as we are digging in, one of them goes "You girls sure can eat!" My head about swiveled off my neck!

Then the other one said something like "if you are a true sushi fan you only eat rolls." Then they had the nerve to order a Kitchen Sink. I was fully prepared to comment on the amount of food they had ordered, but since I'm such a good eater, I'm not so bitchy.

Flying to San Francisco to attend the Furniture Mart spring show. Lining up some suppliers for my business! Have a great Sunday!

Happy Belated Valentine's Day

Yesterday was such a busy day for me that I hardly even realized it was Valentine's Day. Which is good, cause the last thing I needed to be doing was sitting around feeling sorry for myself. It took a homeless man wishing my "Happy Valentine's Day" as I walked around downtown to realize what day it was.

I spent a good part of the day taking care of some business related activities. I opened a business account, so I could get my Resale permit, then tried to take care of my tax certificate but didn't and then went by CCDC. I've now got a contact at CCDC to get some data from. I also went out to see my container guy; he's going to give me a nice discount.

As far as my evening goes, I had a nice bowl of pasta and watched some shows I had Tivo'd. It was nice; even seeing BW whisk his little Chiquita off for a romantic dinner didn't damper my spirits. Much better on my own. For sure!

Hope it was a good day for you!

I've been Published!

I've written two more articles for Associated Content:

Hillcrest Thai Restaurant Not the Best Service

Downtown Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Expands

I made a couple of bucks...

Chocolate Frosting

I'm totally jonesing for some chocolate tonight. Ate all of the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Ice Cream that LB had "hidden" in my freezer earlier this week. Last night went with KZ for a drink to Extraordinary Desserts and after enjoying a delightful cheese plate, split a chocolate croissant bread pudding with her and her late arriving husband. So I'm now on a kick. Found some Sara Lee frosting at the back of the refrig and enjoyed a spoonful. With all the chocolate and carb-loading I've been doing lately and lack of fitness I've been practicing I'm growing into a very health girl! I'm going to resolve that tomorrow!

Anyway, trying to figure out what to write about?? And then found this site tonight: Ririan Project. I really enjoyed reading his post on Ten Commandments for Living a Bold Life. Number 5 really struck a cord with me. I was wallowing in the self-pity pool pretty much all late last year and through January. "It's not fair. Life's not fair." Buggh. Really disgust myself sometimes. But I like his take on it. Of course life's not fair. Everyone would have the same things. I can turn this around at any time.

In the process of reading The Secret. A book promoted on Oprah. It talks about the Law of Attraction and how what you put out there you get back. It's a bit new agey for me. Some of it I agree with. I do believe (and have not been practicing very well) that everything you put out there comes back to you multiple times. When you're a bitch to someone it comes back to you with two or three people being bitchy to you. One thing I've gotten out of it is some visualization exercises. So, I've taken one of the business cards that I acquired last week during an interview with a company I'd like to work for and I've crossed out his name and wrote in my name. I've got it right here. Looking at it right now. It's hard, in my mind, I keep going "I hope I get it." When according to the book I need to be "of course I'm going to get it." I found out on Friday that I didn't get one of the other jobs that I had interviewed for and when I got off the phone that's what I thought. "Of course I didn't get that job with XYZ internet security company, because I'm going to get the job with XYZ software company."

Well Grammys are about to start and I really want to watch. So that's all folks. Enjoy. Have a great week.

Business Services

As I delve into developing my own businesses, all sorts of thoughts and ideas pop into my head as "oh, I need to take care of that." One thing I've been wrestling with is taking payment. How am I going to accept payment for services. Obviously, I'll take cash and checks, but what about Credit Cards how can I do that?

Well, I'm thinking of using Advantage Processors. Advantage Processors offers "Merchant Accounts" for credit card processing so that a business can accept credit card payments. They work with both internet and offline/retail establishments. That would allow me to take credit cards: American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover. I think that would be beneficial in my PatioScaping business? Don't you?

I could take a deposit and final payment, via credit card. I think many people would want to pay me that way. Advantage Processors offers competitive pricing and low transaction rates, which is key. There is no reason to take a credit card payment if the majority is going to be taken by the processor.

The other benefit to taking credit cards, is the ability to track payments as far as bookkeeping goes. In looking at my skin care business last year, I have not done a great job in tracking payment or expenses, but with Advantage Processors, I'll be able to track payments against invoices. Brilliant!

I guess there is no reason for me not to just dive into my PS business. Really, what's the hold up?

This post was a sponsored post. Thanks for reading!

New Path... Possibly

So, I'm thinking of abandoning my job search altogether and focus on my freelance business. Yesterday ANOTHER opportunity came to me from my networking. A man I met through my good friend Jeff A. who is involved in the Connect programs. Anyway, this man and I will be meeting on Monday to discuss my capabilities to help them with their fledgling business. All in all that is four new opportunities that have landed in my lap this month.

I'm going to spend some time this weekend trying to figure out how many hours i have to bill in order to pay all my bills, have some fun money, save and pay taxes.

I'm also still working on the PatioScaping idea. A friend has asked me to work on her patio which is fantastic, because I need to build out my portfolio and figure out the process etc.

Stay tuned....

No Fast Food - Lasted 37 days

So, I just broke down - drove all the way over to Chick-fil-a for a chicken breakfast sandwich. I woke up not feeling all that great. I've been so busy over the last week. Mostly just preparing for interviews. Can I tell you how sick of interviewing I am? Last week interviewed with a company, the HR person told me the VP would probably ask me about strategy at company I worked at two jobs ago, in 1999! So I spent hours researching that, talking to people about the company to refresh my memory. Did he ask me anything? No! Then had interview this week with a big company. Was warned they would ask questions like how my electric poles in San Diego or how many pencils manufactured each year. Questions that would demonstrate my reasoning/thinking abilities. Did they? NO! AGGGGGGHHHHH! So over interviewing.

Back to the fast food breakdown. So I slipped once in 37 days. That's great! I'm going to see if I can go till end of March, as that is my original goal. The thing is, if I was going to slip, I wish it had been the shopping sabatical. At least if I bought some new clothes or shoes, I'd have something to show for it. With food, well, the enjoyment is fleeting.

I've been Published!

Check out my recently published content on AC:
Sushi in San Diego

I made TEN whole dollars! Almost covers my meal! Woot!

February Horoscope

I've been really trying not to put too much stock in the horoscope from AstrologyZone. But it's too close...

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Your February Horoscope by Susan Miller

A professional matter is coming to critical mass. Will you get the big job with the corner office? It seems so. The full moon that will fall on February 2 will bring either reward or critical feedback, but either will allow you to advance if you read the situation properly. Saturn is standing somewhat close to this full moon, so it may be that you are about to be given much more responsibility. The level of work coming your way may concern you, and only you can say if you feel you can handle it all. If you are given the big promotion, seal a big deal, or are lauded for completing a project with superb results, congratulations!

Having said that, sometimes Saturn brings on depressive circumstances or disappointment. It is very possible that circumstances over which you have no control are currently affecting your career. Don't let whatever is going on undermine your confidence.

If you need to make professional course corrections, do. More positive developments will come up at mid-year, for Saturn will finally leave your professional sector on September 2. (Saturn has forced you to deal with a very challenging career situation since July 2005.)

Not much to say...

I don't have much to say right now. Just keeping my head down. Working on my freelance assignments (two more just popped up thanks to some old work connections), building out my business plan, and job searching.

So far this week, one phone interview and one face-to-face interview down, with an additional face-to-face interview this week. All with different companies. I'm remaining optimistic, but guarded.

I've also been taking a Property Management class to fulfill my real estate license requirements. I'm just going to get my license and keep it in my back pocket. Like a possible escape plan or retirement work plan.

This weekend was busy, as my PM class is Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Then Saturday afternoon a baby shower. I think I'm done with the baby shower scene for a while, unless Larissa, Kristin or Cathy decide to defect to the dark side as well. I hope not, as I enjoy their company on fun outings so much and I know motherhood puts a damper on some of that.

Saturday night was to be LB's birthday celebration, but due to the Navy helicopter crash on Friday night, that was put on hold. The helicopter came from her husband's squadron. Thankfully it wasn't Chris, but sadly four sailors did loose the lives. It's a very sad story. I spent the weekend with her, as Chris flew to the ship they flew from to investigate and I did my best tap dance to keep her busy.

Sunday, Kristin and I went to check out the new Museum of Contemporary Art buildings downtown. It's a very cool building. There is this one exhibition that features spices. You walk into the building and it smells like Chai Tea. I just wrote a review for Associated Content. I'm basically, reviewing everywhere I go to make some $$. After that LB and I went hiking out at Cowles Mountain. Wow was a long hike.

Last night I outlined some side income goals for the year. They are pretty aggressive, but if I'm going to dig my way out of the debt hole I'm in in less than 25 years I'm going to have to have additional streams of income. The biggest stream will be freelance consulting with almost half of my goal attributed to that and the rest split between my online efforts (Associated Content, Deal Barbie Pays, Blogging) and my business idea. I am really working out the details on my PatioScaping idea and plan on formally launching March 1. So now that I've put it out there, I'm going to have to stick to it! I'm going to spend Friday afternoon meeting with various SMEs to gather information and then this weekend (when not preparing for next weeks interview) finish the business plan.

So, Thursday night should be interesting. Kristin and I heading out to TNT at the museum. We may run into The Sculptor...

Woot!

I've just finished building out my two business blog sites. One for my freelance work and one for my Patio business. I'm so excited. I'll forward those links to you if you want to see, but as I'm trying to keep this blog separate from my professional life, I'm trying not to connect the two by posting the links here.

Also, it's been a good week. See the tally chart I've added to the side bar.

Thanks so much for all the great emails about this blog. It's very satisfying to get those!

Ebay Listing: Batter #-2

I just posted a listing on eBay for a lovely bracelet and earings that I received from a guy who was almost my boyfriend. Check it out. Most of you know the conclusion to the story, but who knows, maybe I'll make some walking around money.

I'm going to start documenting these dating stories, because as Ted L. pointed out to me this week, I have so many I should have my own sitcom. I'm counting down backwards from the last one, remember the guy I met for coffee who keep checking his blackberry. He's batter #-1.

I'm calling em batters, because I've recently referred to myself as being benched from the dating game. A self-imposed benching. So we'll call them batters, of the dating game. Or am I the batter and they're the pitcher (now don't go getting all sexual on me... I'm trying to come up with a metaphor) and I keep striking out? I don't know. All I know is I'm tired of playing the game!!!! :)

Great Feedback

I've received some emails and phone calls from some of my friends with great feedback on the blog. Thanks so much! I really have been enjoying writing and getting my thoughts out and hopefully sharing some fun stuff about what I'm learning about myself during this time off along with what I'm discovering online.

Yesterday, I mentioned to LB that I really wanted Taco Bell. And for some reason, I thought that I only had to wait till the end of the month for fast food. But I just looked at my list of 43 Things and it clearly states I have to wait Three Months for Taco Bell! It's not that I eat a ton of fast food. Maybe once every two weeks. But I love me some Taco Bell! Oh well. Better for the waistline and pocket book. That selective memory was acting up again!

One of the things that I've discovered in my blogging, is Del.icio.us . This website is a great place to bookmark favorite sites. Basically, instead of your bookmarks residing on your computer, they are out there on the web. So say you bookmarked something for work on your home computer, you can go to work and open up Del.icio.us and find what you've bookmarked. Hopefully you've tagged it based on the content so you can find it again. If you want to see what I've bookmarked, just search for me by FirstinitalLastname. You can join my network, pick out websites that you want me to check out etc.

I've also discovered the world of Blog Carnivals. Basically, a blogger decides to host a Carnival on a topic like Personal Finance or Fitness or writing or whatever and announces he's taking submissions. Bloggers then submit a blog they've posted on the subject at hand and the host then selects the best posts and collects them all into one posting. I've enjoyed the Personal Finance Carnival that comes out on Mondays. I just found a Personal Development Carnival that you may or may not want to check out. Some interesting posts.

Finally, I'm working on my PatioScaping website and will have something to share with you very soon. Can't wait!

New Music Tuesday

As many of you know I'm a huge fan of Pink is the New Blog! I read what Trent has to say everyday. Well, anyway, he is a huge fan of Kylie Minogue. Before I read his blog, I had heard of her, but I never had listened to her music. You may have heard Kylie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 at age 35 (I may not have that right) and went through chemotherapy, lost her hair and looks like she is in remission.

Anyway, I recently checked her My Space page out and it's streaming a new song by the Scissor Sisters that she introduced during her fall 2006 comeback tour of Australia (that's where she's from). She's got a pop/electronic sound.

Me likey! Hope you do! Let me know.

Out of Concealer

So, I'm out of under eye concealer. And, I'm almost out of my Super City Block SPF 25, the secret of my youthful skin. ;) Anyway, I know I'm on a shopping sabatical, but, I did state that I could replace essentials like concealer and sunscreen. I would go without eating before I gave up my sunscreen! I just can't buy new eye shadows or lipsticks or anything "fun." I was hoping that Bloomingdales' (because I have a Bloomies gift card) would be hosting a Clinique gift with purchase, but that doesn't start until February 14. I do have a Sephora gift card, so I will be going there to make my purchase.

I've done some investigating. It looks like Clinique has a new under makeup sunscreen: Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40!! 40 SPF! Those harmful rays will not be blemishing my skin with age spots and fine lines! Take that!

Also, they have a new concealer: Line Smoothing Concealer. So whatever lines I have that I've earned (through smiling, laughing, crying, etc) vs. etched on my face, will be minimized.

I'm very excited to get to go to the mall. I won't be going into any other stores, but being around people will be fantastic! And just the thought of shopping without spending, makes me giddy! Thanks to MM for my Sephora gift card. I'm so excited. Woot!

Digg Submission

Not sure if you read Sunday's Union Tribune, but the front page of the Travel section, featured a story on Edge of World Retreats' trip to Greece in March, that I submitted to the paper. Very excited. I've also submitted to Digg.com and for some unknown reason I can't blog the story from digg. Keeps telling me that I've got the wrong user name and password for my blog.

Anyway, would really appreciate it if you could "digg" the article for me.

Lucky Girl

I feel like a very fortunate and lucky girl tonight. I just got back from having dinner with a friend and her husband and little girl. She's a friend from "Dot Hell." She read one of my previous postings, one in which I wasn't the positive girl you all know and love. And she invited me over for dinner. We had a great time catching up on all the work gossip and just chatting and hanging out. She made a delicious roast chicken and very yummy brussel sprouts. A recipe I will have to make for myself sometime.

Anyway, she is a wonderful listener and offers great perspective on many of the challenges I'm facing. But the best thing of all was being around her 3-year old daughter. She was so much fun to play with. We painted with watercolors, played with playdoh, played with her new pink kitchen and other toys. It was fun to be around her wonderful, charming personality.

And my wonderful friend gave me a great pep talk and with a full belly I'm very relaxed and happy tonight. I'm so grateful for all of my friends; mostly just the escape their friendship offers. I'm living being jobless 24 hours a day, seven days a week and just being in a new environment and chatting really helps take my mind off of things.

Interview Update

So, I had an interview today. And I'm puzzled by the experience. I met with the hiring manager and two of my peers. She had mentioned that they would be joining us for the interview. She gave a 30 second overview of the position and then let the two women who would be my peers start asking questions. Their questions were good. More about how I would handle challenges, but not really about my work history or specific experiences with online media, which is what the job was primarily about. The hiring manager gave me good facial and verbal feedback to my answers. However, after 30 minutes, one of the peers asked me if I had any questions and of course I did. So I started asking and I noticed one of the women looking kind of bored or I don't know like I had overstayed my welcome. I had assumed it would be an hour long interview. So only after 40 minutes they concluded the interview. The hiring manager would be going on vacation for a week and then the following week the team would be traveling. I don't know. Maybe they only give all the initial candidates 30 minutes. It felt like they were doing the interviewing and she was just there for support and to evaluate their performance. Which is fine. But you would think that with three people an interview would last longer than 40 minutes. I interviewed earlier this week with one woman and that went 75 minutes. It's almost like, I was a test interview for all the real interviews they would be doing later. Who knows... but regardless I won't hear from them for almost two weeks.

Job Update & One Important Question

So, tomorrow I have an interview. It will be my third interview of the week. Each interview has been with a different company. So that's good...

In case you are wondering what I've been doing, here is a summary to date:

• Networking events attended: 30
• Networking meetings with associates: 7
• Phone Interviews: 8 (this is what I wrote down in my calendar, many times people would call and screen me if they reached me and I didn't write those down in my calendar)
• Recruiter Interviews: 3 face-to-face interviews with 6 people
• Face-to-Face Interviews: 16 with 31 people (I counted that second round with B&B as one interview, but with 7 people, even though it was two at a time for 30 minutes each. )

They say that the average person speaks to 8 hiring managers before they get an offer. I don't get it. I hate, HATE being below average. UGGG!

I've been contemplating a question. I recently breezed through "Who Moved My Cheese" and I've been pondering some of the thoughts/concepts from that book.

1) Basically if someone moves your cheese you shouldn't sit around and bemoan the loss of the cheese, but go and find new cheese. Now, should I think that since I've not found a job in my desired field that I should go and find a new field? I'm getting all these interviews. It seems like there is plenty of cheese. But, no one has presented me with the right cheese.

2) What would you do if you weren't afraid? I definitely am full of fear nowadays. I'm afraid of loosing my home; of never finding a job; of never getting out of debt; of having to file bankruptcy; of putting myself out there with a guy; of failing in love and it not working out, again; of not achieving my dreams. I know many of these are completely irrational. But, what would I do if I wasn't afraid?

I think.. I'd stick to my plan and keep looking for the right job. I don't think it's chuck it all for real estate. My fear there is more money out the door; not failing at it. But I feel like I have to give myself some sort of deadline. How much longer do I keep burning through money?

Associated Content

So, in all my online activity of late, I've discovered a website I'd like to share with you. Associated Conent. Basically, you can write a story on ANYTHING, a review of a band, a restaurant or a movie or a how to guide and you can make a bit of money. It takes 400 words and you could make a bit of money. It's not a ton. But it could pay for a manicure every once in a while.

Also, if you have a video camera and you shoot a how to video they pay more. If your interested, click from me because I get a referral fee if you publish.

I'm going to submit reviews of restaurants and businesses... once I get out there and I'm around people again. :)

Wordless Wednesday

Fireplace

Originally uploaded by chromant.

New Music Tuesday and stuff

Ok, this morning I went to the gym and I saw this woman walking through Horton Plaza in her cute trench coat wearing these shoes. I almost... pushed her down the escalator and stole them off her feet. They look sooooo cute on. Ohhhh, I've not bought a new pair of shoes since this summer, July, I think when I bought some black espadrilles from BR. I wish I could shop. I stopped by Guess and they are $99! That is so much money to me right now. But oh, I want them. :(

Tonight, watching the CBS Evening News they did a piece on more women staying single longer. Apparently, in 2005, 51% of women were unmarried. One woman they interviewed said she had been married twice and she was better off alone. I think I agree. I'm so much more emotionally stable when I'm single. Men are the reason why I get crazy. I am definitely on the bench and I'm not getting off anytime soon.

Ok, a couple of things about the Golden Globes. Big props to my favorite girl Cameron Diaz for being in the same room with her ex-JT. Although I lu-uve JT, I had high hopes for them as a couple. He probably decided that he "just didn't want a girlfriend at that moment, cause he just has too many things he needs to do." She looked fabulous!

Watching the GG, noticed a new campaign from Lexus, with what I saw two different spots. One of the spots featured a pianist composing the Mission Impossible theme song. I don't know why that spot resonated with me, but it did. I've been trying to find it on YouTube without luck, probably because it is so new. And the second spot was good as well.

Also, GMC ran a commercial for the Acadia, featuring a cover of Melt With You, the iconic, 80's song. It was a great cover performed by Nouvelle Vague.

Finally, to our new music of the day. At Christmas, my good friend Stephanie gave me a cd by Cat Power, called Dear Sir. I like it. The group is lead by Chan Marshall. She has a great voice. She sings the Cat Steven's song "How Can I Tell You" in the DeBeers commercial that was running during the holidays.

Weekend Fun

So had a really fun time Friday and Sunday. Spent those both with the Fabulous Bakers! Friday night after a great meal of catching up since hadn't seen them since Thursday before Christmas, we all hung out for a bit at their house and then decided to go bowling. As Chris is in the Navy, we went to the base bowling alley. As I've never been on a military base, I wasn't sure what to expect, but to me, it looks just like a college campus, with dormitories and classrooms and activity centers and dining rooms and restaurants.

Our evening of fun included three rounds (rounds, is it a round?) of bowling. As usual, I started off strong, and then my weak little girl arms gave out after throwing a 7 lb. (yes, that's heavy to me) bowling ball with all my might down the lane. I think the last "round" a scored a 52. Chris won two and Larissa won one.

But it was so much fun. They were playing some great music, we were all dancing around. It was the first time in a while that I really felt carefree. That may have been the beer. But it was also the first time in a long time that I've had a drink and not ended up bawling my eyes out. I realized on Sunday morning that I've not had a vacation since April. Sure I've gone to Dallas and a road trip with my Dad, but I've not really escaped my thoughts and been carefree for a long time now. It takes a toll on your psych to have such heavy thoughts on your mind all the time. Especially, when your friends won't let you escape from your problems at times. I appreciate the Baker's letting me have fun! Anyway, Friday night was fun. Definitely on the "Do That Again" list.

Sunday, was fun as well. Hanging out with the Bakers, watching the Chargers game. The outcome of the game itself was not fun, but great to be with people and not have to explain or discuss every decision that is on my mind. A little escapism never hurt anyone.

I'm going to plan some escapism for this Friday as well. Maybe a trip to the museum or the park. I'd love to spend a day at Disneyland, as I've not been since I was eight! Perhaps soon.

Thursday 13 - January 11, 2007

13 Things I Love to Do!
1) Laugh & Giggle
2) Make other people happy
3) Cook
4) Dine out
5) Work out
6) Yoga
7) Hike
8) Sit and enjoy the ocean
9) Read
10) Dance
11) Play with my niece & nephew
12) Hang out with my friends
13) Here's a new one: write my thoughts down

Straw that broke the camel's back

So it's gotten to the point where I don't want to talk to anyone. Not my family or friends. I have nothing to tell them. I've got some things going, but I don't want to talk about for fear that I'll start getting really excited about the opportunity and they'll start getting excited about the opportunity and then when I don't get it, and I have to tell them that I didn't get this fantastic job, I feel bad. I feel like I've let them down. And even though they don't mean to, there's always this sense of disappointment.

So when they call, I don't talk about what's cooking as far as job leads, and they keep asking me about what's going on (and I've got nothing, cause I can't spend any money and I'm not dating, I'm so boring) or worse, they've not read this blog and they start giving me advice on what I should do on stuff that I've moved on from a week ago. I'm so sick of the advice. I don't want any advice. Did I ask you for advice? ARGG! But the thing that makes me so sad, is that my dad doesn't know what to talk to me about anymore, so he just doesn't call or talk to me. I feel like such a loser.

But the other thing is that I feel like such a burden on my friends. I've bent their ear for so long about how much this sucks, I just don't think I can do it anymore. Hell, I'm sick of how I feel. I'm sick of the same conversation. I feel like a broken record. After last weekend, I've given up alcohol, cause all it does is make me cry more frequently. Instead of once a day, like once an hour. And can't cry any more cause it ruins my contacts and I'm on my last pair and before I can get a new pair I have to get an eye exam and well, don't have insurance or money, so before long I'll probably be wearing my glasses on regular basis, which make me feel like a dork.

I'm avoiding the hallways of my building cause I don't want to run into people that I haven't seen in a while, cause they ask me if I've found a job yet and I say no, not working yet and they say "Still!"

I went to a networking event today for the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association. It was a new group, because I've seen the same people for months now. Anyway the program was Making 2007 Your Best Year ever. Which as you know is one of my goals. So one of the things we were supposed to do was name three pivotal events from 2006 as part of a reflection. Most people put down positive things. All I could think of were two negative things 1) Ending things with the ME and 2) Being Laid Off. I guess you could spin those: 1) yea not with a guy who wasn't that into me to begin with and 2) least not being harassed by my manager and out of the hell hole of a company with horrible leadership. Ugg. Next we're supposed to visualize the end of 2007 and what we've accomplished. I'm trying to work on that.

On the positive side, doing some freelance work, but probably won't see the money until March and not sure if I can go that long without money coming in. Giving myself until 1/15 to decide what to do. Stay and keep spending money I don't have or Rent my place, find a room to rent for $500, which cut my costs, but will have to keep spending money I don't have. Need to do it before next morgtage payment due, if nothing significant starts happening. Please again, no advice. I'll figure it out.

Well, going to go for a drive. Get some fresh air.

Wordless Wednesday, 1/10/2007

New Music Tuesday - 1/9/2007

I favorited this guy, Dan Wilson, on MySpace. The song All Kinds is slow and melodic and melancholy-ish. And Breathless, love the piano in the background, reminds me of The Fray or John Legend. And when I think of John Legend, think back to his show at HOB on 11/20/06 (my birthday). The opening act for him was Robin Thicke. He is very good also. You can catch me playing Lost Without You, repeatedly.

As you can see, Robin's beard is bringing sexy back.

Well, there's two new musicians to check out. Let me know what you think!

Cheers!

Job Search Update

So, I made some calls today and heard from two companies that either the position had been filled or would not be filled for three months or so.

Checked Monster and there were very little in the way of new opportunities. Called all the other outstanding opportunities as well. Hopefully more will pop up this week.

Planning on attending a job fair on Wednesday, I think a number of pharmaceutical companies will be at this one, so I will go to see about that.

Did some research on making money on the internet. I found a great blog called 2 Nickels Making a Dollar, written by a woman, who has a full-time job, is a mom and a wife, runs a business, blogs and is doing some other stuff on the internet to make money. Will probably give that a try.

Got to her site through today's Carnival of Personal Finance. Check it out. There is a personal finance story for everyone.

As far as my list of 43 Things, don't feel like I've made a ton of progress on anything during the first 8 days of the year. I'm a bit stressed to tell you the truth. Money is increasingly tighter and I'm sleeping less and feeling anxious more.

Well, hopefully something exciting will happen tomorrow. I have lunch with a friend, so that will get me out of the house for a bit.

Lots of Things

So, as you'll notice one of the 43 Things I'm doing right now is refraining from spending any money on clothes, shoes or accessories. I can purchase basics like skin care and makeup (no new lipsticks or eye shadows) just replacements for basics that I run out of. The point is I have plenty. I have plenty of clothes and stuff. And I need to not spend the money, save if you will. And the point is, there is so much consumerism out there, magazines just to get you to shop, shows that make you unsatisfied with what you have. Here is an article about a group of people who went on a Shopping Sabatical in 2006. Currently, I'm tracking not to spend for six months. My friend Susan is joining me in my effort for the first three months and my friend Heather is joining me for the second three months. I just want to be a more conscious consumer and be more cognizant of what I really need.

But now that I've just finished talking about how I'm going to refrain from shopping, I have to tell you, just because I'm not shopping, doesn't mean I don't want to. Right now I really, really want the Blackberry Pearl. It's so cool. I don't know why. Maybe its the 10 email accounts you can have on it.

And, I just recieved an email from Designers Guild that they are having a sale and if you are in the UK, you should stop by. I love their stuff, so bright and cheery. I would love to re-do my bedroom in this stuff.

Was cleaning out my bulk mailbox and discovered an email from the guy that Kristin set me up with. The older triathlete. Well, as you recall, Kristin met him on the street one night back early December, and passed him to me (she being married and all). We met for coffee. Well, the last time I heard from him was Dec. 9 as he was flying to Dallas for a trip. The email that he sent reads: "Hi Sarah, How are ya? I’ve been travelin’ hard for work and then I set to Seattle for the holidays. Did you get the job you were after? I hope so. Care to get together soon?"

Well, I'm not planning on replying. For me there was no chemistry whatsoever. However, if I was a ballsy girl, this is what I would say in my reply: "Dear Ron: I'm great. No, did not get that job I was after. Thanks for your invitation, but as it's been a month and when we did meet you were a little too busy checking your blackberry and checking out every woman that walked in for my tastes, so I'm gonna take that as a sign that you are just not that into me. I'm guessing that you're bored and trying to find something to entertain yourself with. Which is fine, but don't waste my time. I'm trying to find a guy who can't wait to talk to me again and who, when we meet, turns off his phone if it rings, cause he'd rather talk to me and when we are out, never notices other women (and if so, doesn't so blatantly check them out that I would notice). Good luck to you with your ADD or your Bigger Better Thing search or your whatever."

Cheers,
Sarah

Job Search Synopsis

Ok, for all of you who are keeping tabs, here's the deal:

• Followed up with the Radio Station this week several times. Finally heard that they are trying to fill the assistant position first and for me to follow up next Friday.
• Got a lead with a LARGE/GYMONGO software company and heard to expect a call from the hiring manager next Friday.
• Was passed a lead for a recruiter at a LARGE/GYMONGO wireless company from a former colleague at Dot Hill. Applied for a position and also sent email to the recruiter with colleague. Then a friend of mine who I worked with at DH also has a connection at this super large wireless company and sent my resume over to her recruiter connection.
  
• Former DH colleague also submitted my resume to the Mktg Director at the company he works for: VERY Pet friendly place, you know, it's where the pets go...
  
• Found a posting for a position at an online flower retailer that reports to an acquaintance of mine. Sent her a note with my resume and applied for the position on line. Will follow up on Monday.
• Followed up on resume submitted to large/well-known storage company and left message for the hiring manager.
• Followed up on resume submitted to bio-tech company VP of Marketing I met at networking event in November. They still have not opened their search to non-biotech marketers. She said to touch base beginning of February
• That position that I applied for several times this summer, the large women's retailer, is still open. Don't get it!! Come on, not even an interview.
  

On the freelance side of things:

• Edge of World Retreats is on hiatus until February, as they are experiencing a cash flow issue. Watch for the Jan. 21 article in the UT.
• Met with an auto insurance company this week and submitted a proposal to help them with some branding and tv work. Should be good for about four weeks work.
• Met a guy last night, Manuel, a friend of Lee's, who is in the position of Marketing Director for a small tech company. Gave him my contact info and offered to give him advice or even consult on projects if needed. He seemed interested in my help.

Results of Networking this week:

• Wednesday, went to the 92101 Networking event and met a guy who is trying to find a marketing director for Vavi Sport & Social Club. Unfortunately, the pay is just above entry level. I will offer to consult.
• At this event, everyone wear's a nametag that indicates what you are looking for or what you want. I wrote down "A Patio." As I believe I need to complete a couple of patio designs to build up my portfolio as part of the PatioScaping business plan.
• As a result of this, I did meet an Interior Designer who says she is always needing someone to do patios or front doors. So who knows.
• Thursday: went to Lee's Thursday Night Happy Hour. See above re: Manuel

Checked:

• Monster
• The Ladders
• CareerBuilder
• Hot Jobs
• CraigsList
• LinkedIn

That's it folks, I'm done for the week.