Friday, April 27, 2007

Interviews

I've had several phone interviews, had some face-to-face and hope to have a few more next week. I was hoping to take the job that I interviewed last week and the week before. But, there is a slight problem with pay that is a slightly lower than what I made already. Don't understand it, they have insight into my salary. Well, I don't want money to be the main decision-maker, but honestly, it is a good part of the decision.

I mean there's company culture, growth, opportunities, training, education, benefits, day's off, and I have found a couple places like this!!

I'm really tired now, so I will blog more tomorrow about what jobs are out there in San Diego.
God Bless!
"Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!"
--- Eleanor Roosevelt

Friday, April 20, 2007

The waiting game.......

tick-tock....TICK-TOCK....wait....wait....wait some more :)

I don't mind the wait, really, especially when I have other options in the wings. In fact, it's a test in patience, something that we ALL need MORE of!! PATIENCE.

In fact, I had already decided not to do anything on my job search today...which has already been blown out of the water. I've already talked to a recruiter, have another one that I need to return a call to, and am looking in my email in case there's anything in there important enough to give some of my attention.


Besides, it's COLD here today. Supposed to rain later, so I am going to take Snicker for a nice walk in a bit. I kept hoping for some sunshine, but it's not happening. Bundle up baby!! Brrr, it's probably 58 degress or even a little colder.........Alright, alright, I know that is NOT cold, but it is for me now !! OMG - How will I ever handle Cincinnati weather again???????? EEEECCCKKK!

Tick-Tock....off I go.

"Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!"
--- Eleanor Roosevelt

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Big Interview Today

This morning I have my 3rd and 4th interview at a company close to home. In fact, my former company's "sister" company. They are solid, self-sustaining. The folks I've already met were really great, the company has a strategy, a good product, global clients and a smart, talented team. I'm up early to start getting ready, just thought I'd say GOOD MORNING!!

I have a phone interview at 11, after I get home. This company has been trying to hire me for a year. We'll see how that goes.

More on this later - have a great day!!!
"Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!"
--- Eleanor Roosevelt

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

New look for my blog

So, how do you like the NEW LOOK? I needed a change and this one is more than welcome!

My problems are so insignificant

Problems, well, I don't have too many - I'm out of a job and I guess if this continues for a long period of time, then I have problems. But for now, that's about it. I try to keep things in perspective. I am a survivor.

I was taught as a child to be responsible for my actions. As the only child in the house it was kind of obvious if I did something wrong - no one to blame it on!! So, I was careful not to do many things wrong. I also learned that there was a severity in the "wrongness". Like taking an extra cookie was overlooked, where breaking a lamp was obvious. The point being no matter what I did, I was responsible for my actions. Simple law of physics: "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction".

Which brings me to the sadness at Virginia Tech. I wasn't going to blog about this, but the sadness came over me today and the reality for those families is horrific! Everyone that was there was affected in some way or another. I just hope that the families can carry on and get the help they will need to carry on without their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, friends, and so on. This sort of tragedy is so shocking for a nation to comprehend.

You know, I have a daughter in college, but she lives at home. I know that those poor families who sent their children off to college to get an education to be prepared for a successful life are mourning and will mourn the loss of their children. I am grateful when my daughter comes home everyday. I don't think about mass murderers getting her, but I do pray that she stays safe from drunk drivers, weird men, sickos, and mass gunman. It could happen anywhere, at the restaurant, getting out of your car, in class, at work, in the library. For God's sake, we are an open society that allows free will, it's the basis of our belief system.

So for the family of the gunman, I know you must be heartbroken that your son could do something so horrid. But your loss and hurt is tainted because of how your son became - mentally ill, deranged, lost, psychotic, whatever you want to say. He became it.

But the families of the victims and injured. I pray for you. God Bless You. In Jesus' name.
"Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!"
--- Eleanor Roosevelt

Monday, April 16, 2007

Another day of job seeking.......

It's been one of those days. I've been on the phone, I've been searching for opportunities and filling out online applications. I spent a little over 2 hrs filling out an application for Homeland Security, Border Patrol in San Diego. I'm certainly qualified for the position I found. It would be something different for me and actually I would enjoy working for them. Perhaps I could help to implement change. It could end up being my life's work and why I was put here. Who knows?

The frustrating part is the application process. I spent all that time filling out the application and that was only one section out of seven. And I saved and saved and saved and saved, periodically. I made sure that I wouldn't lose all my hard work. I logged out and logged back in and NOTHING saved!! I can't believe it. Made me think that maybe I should Project Manage the development of a new application submission project!! Crud!!

But all in all, it's still nice to be home, even though I'm job searching. I spoke with several people today, have recruiters looking for me and even though my interview seemed to go well on Friday, I believe it's wise to continue to seek. No point in thinking I have the other job and waiting around for nothing. Besides, I have this great room in my house that I love to sit and work in.

My sun room. It's perfect. Cozy, sunny, airy, cool, private and allows me to concentrate. It smells wonderful, lots of candles, liquid potpourri, incense, anything that I can find to make it wonderful.

So still job hunting, still wondering where I'll land, what I'll be doing and how soon it will happen. But in the meantime, I know the PERFECT job will come along. Just for me. Someone that will benefit the most from my experience, someone that will value what I can bring to the table, someone that really needs to have their organization improved and managed - THAT'S ME!!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Snicker at the vet

I took Snicker to see Dr. Pyne at Fallbrook Veternary Hospital. First off, I can't say enough about how GREAT this vet is! He is wonderful with the animals and the owners. I just love going there and so does Snicker. He knows everyone and is happy to see all of them, especially Brian! So thanks to them for being so wonderful.


Dr. Pyne gave Snicker a 'clean bill of health", which is SUPER FANTASTIC!! He has been through so much and to come out of it so quickly is amazing. Dr. Pyne was very pleased with how well he is, how healthy he is and how the mites that caused him tons of issues are GONE!! YIPPEE!!

Plus, I found out that Snicker is a Pug/Chihuahua mix or they called him a CHUG!! That fits him so perfectly ;) He weights 17.3 lbs, up .8 lbs from 2 weeks ago. He is such a good boy and he really showed off at the vet that he knows how to 'sit', 'down', 'watch me', 'take it', 'drop it', 'leave it', 'loose leash walk', and be really, really good. He showed off as much as he could, kissing and wagging all over everyone that works there.

So, Snicker is happy, healthy, smart and doing excellent. I'm a happy owner and will keep on teaching him as much as I can learn. Thanks to Critter Crossings for finding him for me. It certainly is a match made in HEAVEN!
"Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!"
--- Eleanor Roosevelt

Interview today

I had my first face-to-face interview today and I think it went well, or at least it seemed to. But isn't it funny, no matter how well we "think" things went in an interview, we never really know until we get to move on to the next step. When I watch certain reality TV shows, which I don't watch alot of them, but those where someone is "asked to leave" each week, an elimination round, that's how the interview process seems to be.

You put your best face forward, dress up, wear makeup, best clothes, do your hair, make sure that you make the VERY BEST FIRST IMPRESSION. Remember, that you can only make ONE first impression, so make it the VERY BEST. It's probably one of the most important things that I learned from my Mom.

Then you meet people at their offices, in their environment. It's nice because you get to look around the company, size up a few of the people that you meet - like the receptionist, sometimes an assistant or a more Jr manager with the person that you are there to meet. You get to see how people work. Either in cubes, quads, bullpens or offices or a combination of those depending on what the team does. I usually get a glass of water or a cup of coffee, so that's a little relaxing and I get dry mouth because I'm talking so much answering and asking questions.

When I answer the question, I try to answer it specifically the was it was asked. Direct and to the point. I talk alot, so I have to really try NOT to talk alot at the interview, but JUST ENOUGH. And knowing what that is sometimes is hard. And answering the questions, you just have to hope that you said somethings that sparked an interest to pursue you and your skillset. But maybe while you're out interviewing you have to keep in mind that it's good to go to several interviews, do a little compare and contrast between the teams, the folks you met, the services or products, the work environment, the company culture, the compensation, and the benefits to try to determine if you would like to work there.

Then comes my favorite part - asking them questions in return. And today I had a list of them. I always like to know the company strategy, the mission statement, the communication style, the number of employees, the organization structure, really understand the role and responsibilities of the position that I'm considering (or that they're considering for me, if you will). I like to ask as many leading questions that I can. Sometimes one answer also covers another question that I have so I can get through mine fairly quickly.

Today, by the time I left, I felt like I would get a second interview with the next group, but one can never tell and I don't like to "count my chickens before they hatch" sort of thing. So, I'll keep you posted, but in the meantime, I'm still looking, going to interview elsewhere next week, so watch out, I'll be dressed up, make up on, hair done, smelling good and trying to sound confident, smart and together!!!
"Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!"
--- Eleanor Roosevelt

Friday, April 13, 2007

SO MUCH to do....SO LITTLE time!!!

I have been so busy. Phone calls, job searching, doctor appts, tons of errands, and NEW SUNGLASSES!! Yep, today, I went out to spend my Flex Spending $$$. It took sunglasses for both my daughter and myself to spend it all. I have to get it mailed in tomorrow. So much to do, so little time.

You know, it's crazy, I should be enjoying some of this time off. I have things that I want to wrap up - I have some plants to take care of, still need to put my stereo together, am looking for another box of videos that I have yet to find, have to take care of the dog, my foot is still swollen and it slows me down, want to start hitting the gym, and spend some time relaxing at the beach. Wow! I need a vacation :) Hey, wait, I have one.........but unfortunately, have to spend it looking for a job.

Maybe, I'll get a job soon....be able to take a little time off to get my wish list done - RIGHT!!?!

Happy Friday!!
"Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!"
--- Eleanor Roosevelt

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

It's the "Little Things"

Losing my job has ended up being the most wonderful experience! I'm not frantic, I'm not freaking out, in fact, my friends have been so supportive. And I don't mean only my long-time friends from Cincinnati...who I love dearly. But I mean my NEW co-workers and friends that I just worked with for the past year. They have been calling me, telling me how much they enjoyed working with me, how much I'm missed in the organization, passing my resume around, giving me great references, encouraging me, saying some of the nicest things that I have heard!! So THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

It's great to have worked with all of them. A very nice group of people, hard-working, ethical, respectful of each other's experiences, great sense of humor, great technologists. I'm very happy to have known them, worked with them and hope to continue to have a relationship with them moving forward.

It's a crazy week, I have to do all sorts of things to get ready for interviews, plus tons of phone calls, research, job searches, phone interviews, Dr's (gotta spend the flex money THIS WEEK!), making plans, lots of little details to take care of. Went to the salon yesterday, a new place to me, Detour Salon in Encinitas, Jessica was my hairdresser. She did an excellent job, I love my hair!! Then off to the chiropractor this morning, ophthalmologist tomorrow morning, ordering new sunglasses tomorrow afternoon. Have to spend it all by FRIDAY!! Eecckk!!

But overall, I hope to have some time to go to the beach, take the dog to the dog park, hit the gym, do some walking, and just enjoy a little time off. I hope to start working around beginning of May, but after my friend visits, so May 9th........unless something really great comes along and they need me right away AND they pay me REALLY well, then I'll go back a little earlier.

And hey, I found this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt today - IT'S PERFECT FOR ME!! Isn't it the truth??? Gotta run, have a phone interview to get ready for..........:)

"Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!"
--- Eleanor Roosevelt

Monday, April 09, 2007

Pics of Snicker






The most spoiled pup in SoCal!! We have fun every day :)

still collecting ideas....and opportunities

Been thinking about the job search, weighing some options and decided that I want to look around to see as much as I can that's out there. It's a pretty nice market and I think that I will find exactly what I really want. I'm still available, still looking, and still deciding....I'll keep you posted.

Afterall....it's only been 2 days :)

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Needed a little time to digest the change

Everyone reacts differently to life-changing news. How do I? I look inside for strength, pull away from reality for a very short time, then make a plan, execute to it and face the challenge. In this case, I took an evening to digest the impact of getting laid off on my family, my finances, myself. Then I spent time with my family, getting rejuvenated by their love. Talked to a few others that were first-round casualties, then got a good night's sleep.

Things always look brighter in the morning, don't they? I woke up energized! Drank some coffee that my wonderful man made for me and enjoyed some breakfast, took the pup for a walk. With a clear head, I tackled my resume. I am not very confident in my resume, so I make changes, then change them again, and again. I guess it's ok, but it's very difficult to write what you think someone else wants to see :) IF ANYONE READING THIS IS AN EXPERT, PLEASE REVIEW MINE :) I WOULD BE SO GRATEFUL!!

Anyway, I made my changes, looked for some of the recruiters that I worked with a year ago and got my resume out there. Then one of the guys that I worked with just now took it and passed it on to 2 of his friends, 1 was VERY happy to receive it, so YIPPEE! Well, in total 13 resumes went out by the end of the day and since it was Friday before a holiday weekend, I didn't expect to hear back.

Surprise!! I did hear back from 2 recruiters. 1 had one job, 1 had FIVE!! Yep, 5!!!! So, I already have 6 choices to look at and some referrals from friends. Wow! I am sooooooooooo glad. And it was only ONE day of working on it. I know I won't get that kind of response everyday, but it's wonderful to kick start the job search in such a positive way.

Have a Happy HOPPY Easter!!

"The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant--and let the air out of the tires."

-- Dorothy Parker

Friday, April 06, 2007

the week just got worse

Unfortunately today I learned that I got laid off from my job.........so maybe the sickness was stress related, maybe I'll start feeling better right away.


"The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant--and let the air out of the tires."

-- Dorothy Parker

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Been out of it

I have been sick since Monday, so haven't felt like posting. Just a cold I guess, but it's made me so tired, sleeping alot, still working as much as I can. So, if I'm not responding to your comments or emails, it's because I'm really trying to rest.

Still training Snicker, in between sleeping and working. He's responding well to the clicker/treat training - positive training. I'm reading a book and been to a class. I have alot to learn, but I'm willing and trying to help him be a well-behaved companion. He has alot to learn and so do I.

The one thing that I wish I could find a place where I could take him to run and run and run. But where I wouldn't have to worry about him running away or getting lost. Maybe when I'm feeling better I'll take him out to the desert or something and find some place for him to have some fun. He needs to get out some energy and get extra exercise.

I've been reading The Dog Whisperer website and he says 45 min of exercise in the morning and 45 min in the afternoon. On the weekends, I can do that, but during the week I've not been able to do that. I guess I have to get up earlier, but that's hard for me. I do get up early, but not up early enough to get out and take him for a long walk! YIKES! I would have to get up around 5am. Too early.......

"The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant--and let the air out of the tires."

-- Dorothy Parker

Monday, April 02, 2007

What a day in sports!! Reds, Ohio State

It's a great day for Ohio! Cincinnati Reds and there's nothing like Opening Day in Cincinnati! Especially when The Reds WIN!! Congratulations, 5-1 against the Cubbies. I love my REDS!!!

And now, in the evening, it's The Ohio State University vs Florida in the NCAA Tournament. Go Ohio State!! Wow, I can just imagine being at my favorite sports bar in Cincinnati, watching the games with my friends and loving the entire day! Lots of good food, beer and sports fun. So to my friends in Cincinnati who are loving these games, I miss you!! I wish I was there.

Go Ohio State!! Beat those Gators!

WELL, SADLY, I'M AMENDING MY POST BECAUSE OHIO STATE LOST THE TOURNAMENT TO FLORIDA. IT WAS SO SAD SO FOR :(