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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.

Staying on top of my posts...

This post is for all my friends who don't know what a RSS feed is. By clicking on the links to the right: subscribe or add to google or yahoo, you can receive updates when I put up a new post. But before you click on that, go ahead and learn a bit more on the Google Reader service and the Yahoo! Reader service. Pretty much whatever you use as your portal to news, you can customize and add the feeds you want to read on a daily basis. Check out Netvibes as well. This is what I've been using.

Thursday Thirteen #2

Today, I'm making a list of 13 things I want to do in January:
1) Get a job
2) Get the oil changed in my car.
3) Work with DezineGirl to complete my Mixed Media logo and
4) Print my business cards
5) Complete my Mixed Media business plan
6) Complete my PatioScaping business plan
7) Sign up and start my first of two Real Estate classes
8) Hike one new trail
9) Not eat any fast food
10) Refrain from buying any clothes, shoes or accessories
11) Find a renter for my place
12) And move in with Charlotte
13) Sign up for my first of three horticulture classes at MiraCosta College as part of my PatioScaping efforts

Yes, I'm pretty sure that I need to find a renter and move in with Charlotte. The cost/benefit analysis is better than living in my condo. I can save a big chunk of money over the year and put it towards my debt. I woke up at 4 am this morning and couldn't go back to sleep thinking about it. It's such a hassle, I'm totally dreading it. I'll probably sell some of my furniture. I have placed an ad on CraigsList. I've placed it for a pretty steep price so we will see if I get any takers. I will probably have to reduce the amount that is advertised.

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Video from Big Daddy Baker's Birthday Party

New Music Tuesday

Hey, I just stumbled upon this group. I received an email from DailyCandy, which led me to one site and I was clicking on some of the links they had on their site and I found this link to the group, Hey Willpower. Check them out. They have a very cool sound. Kind of poppy, kind of r&b. What's Crunk? Does anybody know? I'm so out of touch. There is some really cool music on My Space. I'll be posting links to music I'm listening to on Tuesdays.

Also, if you're not listening/dancn' to Scissor Sisters right now, you're missin out!

Ciao!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2007! Officially, the YEAR of SARAH! Yes, I'm declaring it my year. This is the year that many of my dreams will come true. Which ones you ask? WELL, just stick around my friend and find out.

So, last night was a fun, low-key evening. Drove up to Del Mar to Charlotte's house to celebrate NYE with her. Her friend Andrew was there. He has plans to introduce me to two fellows. We shall see... Both in their 40s. Not so sure about that. Keeping an open mind though. So weird, I seriously almost panic'd last week when Skelly brought up introducing me to a guy. She had pictures so that may have made it more real. Right now it's all talk. We'll see how I react when I get closer to actually meeting one of these guys.

Anyway, after drinks and apps, we trotted off to Il Forniao at the Plaza and had a very nice enjoyable dinner. Our waitress was so cute and fun. Tricia. She was from Ohio, like Charlotte. Back in school to become an acupuncturist. She was sharing bad date stories with us. I totally should have gotten a photo of the three of us.

As we were leaving the plaza, we were (or rather Charlotte was) accosted by this guy Richard, who desperately wanted her number and to take her out. He had a friend with him Guy. From a distance, Guy looked ok. But upon closer inspection, you'd note, the white rumpled button down shirt with the buttons on the collar AND the cigarette burns on his face. At least that's what we thought they were. Perhaps they were just a really bad rash. He ended up following us out across the street and went with us to En Fuego. He was hammered. Very close and loud talker and very/too touchy feely for either one of us. I immediately turned off. Poor Charlotte hasn't mastered my shut up and eye contact avoidance techniques. Of course I've spent years shedding drunks, she is still young yet. The only thing is this guy totally was cramping our style. There was the cutest little hipster in his Amsterdam red zippy and little glasses. Boo. Would have loved to chat with him. He was giving me great eye contact.

Today, we went for a fantastic walk by the coast in Del Mar up the hill to the top of Torrey Pines. Another bitchin' day in San Diego.

Charlotte has offered to let me move in to her second bedroom. I'm about 75% convinced it's the thing to do. I just HATE to leave my condo, even if its for a year to save money. I'll be posting to Craigslist to see if anyone is interested.