Last Day of Unemployment - April 30

On my last day of unemployment, I had lunch with 2 great guys (Ben & Matt) that I've just gotten to know well over the past few years. There are somethings that I will always be grateful to Kodak for and that is bringing great people into my life. My ate at one of my new favorite pizza places, Corner Pizza. They like it so much that they don't even have to order, the guy already knows what they want!

On this last day of unemployment, I thought I'd share with you my Top 10 of Things I'm Going to Miss about Unemployment

10. Doing errands/shopping the AM: It's amazing what a difference experience it is when there aren't as many people out.

9. Working out in the AM: Many of you will say, "You don't have to stop"...well, you don't know me very well and you will understand after you read #1. I will go back to working out (probably after work), but it won't be the same.

8. Making my own schedule

7. Trips to the Bank: I rekindled my fondness of going to the bank to make your deposit. There is definitely a different feeling than the direct deposit. It took me back to my high school days of going to the bank on pay day to cash your check.

6. Lunches with people I might not get to see as often

5. Weekday bike rides: Like the shopping/errands, it makes a difference when there aren't as many people out. Included in this will be the afternoon trips to Rita's with Mayda and Jen, Meredith & Luke.

4. Not fixing my hair everyday: Enough said

3. Traveling without restrictions: well, time restrictions. There is the issue of $$ restrictions.

2. Spending the afternoons with JJ & Mac. They truly brought a sense of enjoyment to me after Charlie & Henley. The sad part is they have never known me to work. I wonder what they are going to think when I'm suddenly gone everyday all day? Maybe I'll get a kitty cam.

and the #1 Thing I'm going to miss about being unemployed...

1. Sleeping late: For those of you who know me really well this should come as no surprise! Along with this I'll add, staying up late (since they go hand in hand).

Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited about going back to work. So, stay tuned for Monday's edition of "Top 10 Things about Being EMployed!

Yard Work - April 29

Today was a perfect day to finish up my yard work projects that I started on Monday. The vegetable is done and hopefully I'll have lots of tomatoes and peppers in a few months. I also turned Charlie's favorite play area in a flower garden. It will hopefully be a nice remembrance of him playing there. I can only imagine how much fun he would have had tearing up these flowers!

As my last weekdays of freedom comes quickly to an end, I thought I'd share some of the other things I feel like are notable accomplishments over the past 13-14 months. You know I traveled, spent time with family & friends, had some priceless moments with Charlie and Henley, and lastly adopted 2 crazy cats. Here are my last things I feel like are worth noting.

Interviews: We all know that I spent a lot of time job searching. Some days were easier than others. It all was working toward getting that mighty interview. I think I ended up having about 16 total interviews. Some I was sure I was going to get and others I knew I didn't have a chance. But, I always knew the right one would come along.

Classes: I'm not sure if anyone realizes how many classes I attend. I went to classes on advancing my job search, interviewing, being a new Mac user, iPhoto, etc.

Lunches: It was nice being flexible and having lunch with people I might not normally get to see. A few of those were: Tom (P and H), Elizabeth, Ben, Matt, James, Terrie, Rachel. I'm leaving off last names, but you know who you are. I hope now that I'm back working that we'll keep in touch. I know that will be easier for some than others.

Many weekday bike rides: I really wish I had kept track of the miles I rode while I was unemployed. It would have been nice to say "I rode 500 miles while I was not working", but I can't because I didn't keep track of it. Thanks to Mayda, Jeff and Chat who were my bike riding buddies.

Rock Climbing Class: I can't say I did much else with it after that, but at least I went and took the class. Something I knew I wanted to do while I was not working. Thanks Mayda

Books: I probably didn't read as much as I would have liked. But, I read at least 10 books, probably more.

Family: I got to visit with family too....Uncle Jim & Pat, Robbie, Amy, Wanda & Amber, Aunt Bea to name a few. Of course, I saw my Mom & Carl too. But, I would see them anyway!

Be sure to catch tomorrow's blog "What I'm going to miss about being unemployed"

Free Days Ending - April 28

I had originally committed to being at a meeting today for my new job. But, I got out early and decided to spend the afternoon on my bike. I went to some of my favorite mountain biking trails with Mayda for one last "weekday" ride. That's right, my free weekdays are quickly coming to an end. One of the things I love most about biking is that it allows me just to think. Today I reflected on how that has changed/happened for the good & bad over the past year. When I was laid off last year, I told everyone near and dear to me that I wanted to work hard on finding a job, but at the same time try to enjoy myself and take advantage of my time off. I wanted to do things that I might not normally get a chance to do. So over my last few days of freedom from the workplace, I thought I'd share some of the things that I will remember about the last year.

Travel - I knew when this happened that I wanted to travel. I don't think even I had a clue on exactly how much I would travel. Here's the complete list...
Las Vegas
Emerald Isle, NC
Austria
Denmark
Germany
Sweden
Camping on the Sun (aka Cumberland Island, GA)
Washington, DC
New York City
Cuzco/Machu Picchu Peru
Biloxi, MS
Orlando, FL
Summary - 2 continents, 5 countries, 6 states/DC and 1 wonder of the world

Charlie & Henley - Everyone knows by now that I lost the 2 sweetest pets. While it was extremely difficult losing my 2 boys, I'm just as grateful that I got the extra time at home to spend with them. That is probably the absolute best thing that came out of my time at home.

JJ & Mac - the 2 craziest cats ever came into my lives.

Family & Friends - If I had ever questioned it before (which I hadn't), it became even more crystal clear how much support I have from my friends & family. They were always there for me through the ups & downs of my job search. They let me be in a bad mood when I needed it, cheered & prayed for me when I had interviews, knew when not to ask, got excited with me when I had interviews, etc. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Thank you to each and every one of you who did "your part" in this crazy quest.

That's just the beginning...more to come!

My Gift to Me - April 27

I had been telling myself that once I landed a job, I was going to by myself a present - new sunglasses! After doing quite a bit of shopping and trying on many many pairs, I landed on a pair of Maui Jim's. I had a pair of MJ's several years ago and loved them. I'm sure these will be the same.

Projects Projects Projects - April 26

I have one more week before heading back to work. Today was spent on project projects projects!

Garden tilled - check
Fence/driveway/sidewalk/patio pressure washed - check
dishwasher fixed - check
A/C maintenance - check
paint estimate - check
termite inspection - check

Let's just say it was a very well planned day. I even had time after everyone was gone to get my garden planted. Let's just say in several months I'm hoping we'll be bombarded with tomatoes and peppers (red, yellow and jalepeno!).

BTW, my fence looks brand new! I'm very thankful to Wonder Wash for a great job!

Festivals - April 25

What a gorgeous day to spend at Inman Park Festival! A festival is just not a festival without "festival food." Did I partake? Of course, I couldn't resist the Jalepeno Corn Dog with an ice cold margarita. Well, it sounded good at the time, but now, not so much.

I have no idea what "festival hair" is and I have no intentions of finding out!

Beth Moore - April 24

This morning and afternoon were spent listening to Beth Moore at Woodstock Baptist Church. Her talk was centered around her latest book, So Long Insecurity.

A Secure Woman Is...

Saved from herself
Entitled to truth
Clothed with intention
Upended by grace
Rebounded by love
Exceptional in life

As always, she was very inspiring and freed us to let go of the old self and welcome the new!

Bookmark - April 23

I decided a while back that when a day came around that I didn't have anything interesting happen, I would write about one of my favorite bookmarks. This was given as a gift at bible study one night and I just love the poem. I believe is has special meaning because of what has transpired over my life in the last 12 months. It reads...

My life is a gift of God
given not in years,
but a day at a time.
Today is the day the Lord
has made.
He planned it to be the most
important day of my life.

Yesterday is gone,
never to return.
I must not worry about it,
But leave it in the hands of God.
Tomorrow and all it holds is
God's secret and its coming
it not assured.

Only today is mine.
Each day arranged by God
with infinite wisdom and
goodness is His gift, His act
of Love for me.

In Thanksgiving I will offer Him
everyday the gift of myself,
my prayers, works, joys, and
sufferings.
Dear Lord, graciously receive it.

Free Classes - April 22

Now that I'm going back to work soon, its time to get busy and finish all those things on my list. Today I took one of the free Apple Store classes on iPhoto. I'm sure there is a lot this package as to offer that I'm not taking advantage of now. I learned how to use the facial recognition and photos that have a GPS tag. Very cool!

13 Months - April 21

I can officially stop worrying about the whole unemployment thing. Today, I officially signed an offer letter to join InComm in their Retail Marketing Group. My free days are officially limited, but its going to be great to get back into the workforce and feel like I'm being productive again.

Decisions Decisions - April 20

After spending the morning at the DOL yesterday, I get to make a big decision! How does one go 12 months without a job or a job offer (but with lots of interviews) only to get NOT 1, but 2 offers in practically one day? Now, one of my biggest fears is coming true. I have to make a decision on where I want to start my next career. As Phyllis says, God does have a sense of humor. Personally I do not think it's very funny (at all). After this, I'm thinking about buying a lottery ticket!

DOL - April 19

On April 1, I had officially been receiving unemployment benefits for 1 year. Little did I know until I didn't get my check, that after 1 year you have to go and RE-file. Let's just say that spending my morning at the DOL is not the best way to start my week.

Rule Breaker - April 18

So, you might be thinking..."what in the world could be so interesting about a pair of shoes?" Well, I was talked into playing on an ALTA team this season even though I haven't played in I DON'T KNOW how many years. So, I went out and got my tennis racket re-strung and a new grip. But, it never occurred to me to get tennis shoes. I didn't have any others so I resorted to wearing my running shoes. I get to the visiting teams courts to see a sign "Absolutely NO running shoes"! I was (a little) worried they were going to call me out on it, but I got away with it. If I decide to keep playing, I think think it'll be time to invest in some "tennis" shoes!

do.justice - April 17

Thousands of singles gathered in Atlanta this morning for service work all around the city. My group cleaned up a nature reserve down in Adamsville in SW Atlanta. It was awesome running into and re-connecting with old friends. You just never know who you are going to run into or meet at anytime.

No Frills - April 16

My car A/C was being fixed again today, so I had to get a rental car. I asked for the cheapest thing available. Little did I know they still made cars with manual windows, manual locks, etc. The strange thing is that it had a remote for your garage door.

On a side note, I've mentioned before about how much I love Roswell Outback Automotive. As a neighbor mentioned, they "almost" walk on water. I would have to agree. I've been a loyal customer of theirs for about 5 years. I wouldn't dare take my car anywhere else. Well, today my bill was "on them" because I'm unemployed and have been a good customer.

Well, I saved $200 at the auto shop only to get home and find that somehow my garage door remote changed codes. To make matters worse, my storm door was locked which means I was locked out of the house. After working with neighbors for an hour, I had to give in and call a locksmith. After waiting another hour, he had my house unlocked in a matter of minutes. There went my $200 savings!

Tax Day - April 15

Today is tax day for all Americans (well those of us who actually pay our taxes anyway). As always, I've waited until the first last minute to send in my forms. While normally I'm dropping them off at the late night Post Office. I actually got mine in the mail YESTERDAY!

A/C - April 14

What happened to spring? Temps are already in the mid-80's and I just couldn't hold out any longer. I can stand it during the day, but the hot air rising into my room at night is just unbearable now. I've been holding out because I know once I turn it on, its not going off until Fall. The other reason is that this is the perfect time of year for your gas and electric bills. No heat so gas bill is low and no A/C so power is low. Hello hi power bill!

Kittys in the Window - April 13

I know I've been posting many things about JJ & Mac lately. But, when you wake up and see this site, how can you not smile? If I had to imagine what they were saying to each other it would be, "Hey JJ, did you see that bird?". "Yeah Mac, I saw it, I wonder how we can break out of this window and go chase it down?"

Kathryn Stockett - April 12

The Help has been one of my favorite books read this year. Tonight at PRUMC, Kathryn Stockett came as a guest speaker. Whether you've read the book or not, you would have enjoyed this spunky southern girl. The hit of the evening was when she was asked about the naming of the book. After being rejected 62 times for the publishing of this book, she declared (in church), "that she didn't give a rat's ass what they named it". The completely sold out sanctuary burst into laughter. She spoke briefly of the upcoming movie (which I can't wait to see) and a new book (which I can't wait to read).

Greenway - April 11

I have not been on the Alpharetta Greenway in years. But, its another gorgeous day and my bike is calling my name. I explored many of the paths and discovered that the Greenway hits the Big Creek mountain biking trails down near Old Alabama Rd & Holcomb Bridge. I ended up riding 15 miles today and have set a goal to ride 100 miles this week.

Urban Pl8 - April 10

What a fabulous little place on the West Side. Their menu has fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. The patio is awesome and the best part is that it has a good crowd but not too noisy. Nice patio too!

Blind Curve - April 9

Wills Park has some really nice walking/jogging paths and they are ONLY for jogging and/or walking. I find it odd that on a walking path, there would need to be a notice about a "blind curve". Is this a joke? Or, is the city government protecting themselves from possible lawsuits? "This man was jogging too fast on a walking path and ran into my baby stroller! I'm suing the city for negligence". Yeah, wouldn't surprise me.

Scoutmob - April 8

Scoutmob is my latest addiction! Scoutmob searches for deals across town that are good for a limited period of time. Most of the deals are restaurants, but there are other deals too such as spas. To go along with this fabulous website, there is now a Scoutmob mobile app. Yep, there's an app for that. Download the app and you get all the deals right there on your phone. Otherwise, you get the deal online and they text it to your phone. The best part about Scoutmob - it's FREE!

5733

My allergies bother me year round, but they have especially been bad over the past week or so. Today the pollen count is 5700! We all know that is bad, but do we really know what it means? The number represents the amount of pollen particles measured within the last 24 hours in a cubic meter of air. Crazy! No wonder everyone is walking around sneezing and sniffling.

Spring or Summer?

We are already having days in the 90 degrees. Is it Spring or have we skipped Spring and gone straight to Summer? Either way, I'm glad Old Man Winter is gone. There is just a special feeling that comes along with trees and flowers blooming, birds singing, grass turning green that gives you a special feeling.

Opening Day - April 5

Opening Day for me is one of the most exciting days of the year. Not just because baseball is back or because its a new season with new possibilities for the Braves. Opening Day represents new beginnings - anything is possible on Opening Day. Its kinda like New Years Day in a way - for baseball fans anyway. I like to think its representative of anything - anything is now possible. For now, lets just enjoy it for what it is today - its Opening Day and the Braves are going all the way this year. We started the season right with a 16-5 win over the Cubs. Hank Aaron threw out the honorary first pitch, Jason Heyward homered in his first ML AB, McCann homered, Lowe notched his first win and Escobar had 5 RBI's. I could go on, but lets hope this is a sign of things to come. Go Braves!

Easter Sunday - April 4

Luke 24: 1-8 - The Resurrection
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again." 8 Then they remembered his words.

Spring Mani/Pedi

I've gone all winter without a mani/pedi. It was time as Spring has Sprung in Atlanta, well we have sort of gone straight to Summer. Easter is tomorrow and I'm all ready!

Good Friday - April 2

Luke 23: 44-46 - Jesus' Death

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

April Fools - April 1

Maybe its because I'm not out in the workforce, but I didn't hear of any big Aprils Fools today. I wasn't "had" and I didn't "get" anyone. Oh well, maybe next year.