Looking Glass

 March and April were scattered with fun outings and events, along with the normal job searching duties, resume rewrites and attending a class on interviewing. I remain jobless, despite some solid leads and application or interview completions. (Sigh here.) I had another job interview last week. This job lead came from a friend you are familiar with; Derek.  He is the Business Manger at a local Economic Development Council organization. He called me when the business wanted to hire a new; Front Desk Receptionist. He called me one evening with the news, and during his conversation, he said, "Claire, I told you I'd let you know if I hear of anything-so, I wanted to let you know." Then in a softer, friendlier tone he stated, "Claire, this is so beneath you. It's just a receptionist position and not as much money as you used to make, but it does have benefits." I smiled at his hidden compliment and said, "I haven't found anything better. I appreciate ...

 As I shared my lavish view with you in a brief and limited way, I thought of how this time spent in this grand, modern household evokes feelings of appreciation. It allows me to see this world from a dear friend's eyes and taste a bite from a different piece of pie. Her elaborate reality is my dream and the world is her oyster yet, she is gracious and generous with her surroundings.  She views her estate as a blessing, reinforced by the plaques and notes decorating her walls and spaces; "Beach: If you are lucky enough to live on the water, you are lucky enough!" A plaque that greets guests at the entry; "Live-Laugh-Love". A note posted to her computer screen; "If the joy is in the journey, then you are having instant success." This charming lady has earned it all; from every tree branch to every patch of grass, from the brick pathways to each cement patio, from every inch of waterfront to all the waves on the water, she's earned this breathtakin...

 I deleted my last post as I thought it was the best thing to do. I appreciate kden and bill's reading and commenting of it. I had explained my four day stay at my friend's house in order to care for her two dogs. That is where I have been since Thursday and these last two days have been a time of peace and healing. More to come, but in the meantime, I thought I'd share my view with you.  There are actually three inlets that converge on this bay and the view embraces the tips of a few small islands that are located near here and in the adjacent county.

                                          Myself and fellow officers from Toastmasters Club.  I decided to share this picture with you of myself and fellow officers. I printed this picture in the April Newsletter for the club. The article was called, "Not Your Secret Service". The article revolved around officer duties and the service performed to benefit the club. I interviewed each officer and shared how this role has helped each one grow as a person and become more connected to the club because of  it, as well. I used a play on words throughout the article. My focus for this was to inform members of the officers' duties as officer elections will be coming in May. I arranged this photo "shoot" after one of our meetings and everyone was so cooperative in being tough looking. W...

 I had three paragraphs of a new post written and it disappeared! That is because I am in a lovely home, dog and house sitting at my friend, KP's house. She left me her laptop to use so I wouldn't need to dismantle my personal computer to bring for the four day stint. I discovered during my move, that process isn't difficult and I really contemplated bringing it...no computer is as compatible to me as mine. This laptop is so sensitive with the mouse pad and if my palm barely touches it, the cursor skips all over hell and I end up typing in strange places or accidentally deleting my work. (growl here). I guess I need to pay attention in order to avoid that mishap again.  No job yet but I have had three interviews lately. One with a mom and pops roofing company, one with Dept. of Revenue and one with a job coaching company, helping individuals with handicaps gain employment. Talk about a fit for that job! I worked with the disabled for 17 years and I certainly know about job...

 On February 27th and February 28th, I loaded and unloaded my Honda over sixteen times with boxes and belongings in efforts to empty my storage unit and old room of which I rented. I was successful with my plan of solo hauling to avoid encroaching on anyone's time and drove my stuff to the new digs, time and time again. I can pack my Honda to the hilt, and was very happy that my plan worked.  I had arranged with my friend, Sam, to help me Thursday PM after his workday was finished, to help me with his truck and muscle move my couch and overstuffed side chair from storage, and remove my bed and desk from the old room. I do believe he was impressed that I literally only had these few pieces of furniture to load. We did it by filling his truck bed, once...and hauled it all in one load. Bless his heart, he even helped me set my bed up in the new space, allowing me a comfortable place to sleep that first night. Of course, I stayed up late into the night situating furniture and mak...

 Tonight, at an earlier time than normal, I am feeling a bit fatigued. I have been working quite steadily these last few days. Of course, keeping with the momentum of the move, I have carted about seven carloads of belongings from my bedroom and storage unit to my new space. I have been doing this solo as it is a task I have under control. I have carted boxes and boxes of possessions up a flight of nine steps to the new room, from the car through the garage, prior to that. That is OK. I like work and have missed it actually. I have become quite the computer geek and not liking where it is heading, as I see my waistline thickening.  I went to the new place on Sunday and shampooed the bedroom and hallway carpets. Ready for a fresh start. Linda was nice enough to share the key code with me, gaining me entrance into the house and start the move prior to the 1st. Thank goodness. That has helped enough to when my friend Sam shows up tomorrow after work, we shall only have three ite...