Okay, okay, I've returned from my exhile. I know I've been out of touch for a while, and I apologize. My life has lead me in some interesting directions in the past 8 - 10 months.
Last I wrote, I was unemployed enjoying the beautiful summer of 2005. Having just been "sacked" from the wicked new Mapleview manager, I decided to sit, sip and reflect about what I really wanted to do with the remained of my time on this earth. Well, I sat. And, I sipped. I sipped alot. With all the wonderful outdoor patio's conveniently at my disposal, I sipped an extra 15lbs. worth of beer on my tummy. Only God knows how much cash I blew. Being given a hefty severence package, I had no worries about finances.
In September '05, I gave Nannying another try. This time it was different. It was family. I was with my cousins two kids (ages 3 & 5) three days a week. It was fun but was only part time, temporary until September '06.
Then, out of the blue an opportunity fell into my lap. I was sitting on my favorite barstool when my favorite bartender invited me to meet two ladies from Wisconsin, who were in town opening the first Canadian warehouse for Curt Manufacturing. They were looking for someone to do shipping and receiving. Preferrably a female with brains, and attention to detail and who didn't mind hard work. The male worker they had hired through a temp agency was screwing things up royally. Curt Mfg. makes trailer hitches. Five classes of trailer hitches. Big, heavy, solid steel trailer hitches. Am I coming through clearly? It was hard work. Possibly, the hardest job I've ever done, but I loved it! It was great exercise. I dropped my 'pint pounding' weight in no time. I slept great at night knowing I worked hard and had some fun doing it. Then came the excruciating pain in my right elbow. I kept on lifting hitches all the time popping Advil and thinking nothing of it. A few days in to the pain I realized this wasn't normal. I saw my doctor and I had Tennis Elbow. This is where you tear the tendons away from the bone. Suddenly, I find myself out of work for 3 weeks or until the elbow is better and the doctor says I can return to lifting.
What's a girl to do? Back to the pint pounding.
In the meantime, I met my brother Randy who was non-existant in my life two years ago. He was given up for adoption at birth and spent significant time (20 years) searching for my mother. He now lives in Texas with his wife Ruth. It was a wonderful experience for both of us.
During my 3 weeks off, I got a call for an interview with a landscaping company. I guess I "wowed" them because I've been reporting to work everyday for the past 4 weeks. It's an Administrative Assistant position with NO heavy lifting. Unfortunately, it's alot of sitting but it keeps me busy. The people I work for are a husband and wife team. They are a very nice couple and thankfully, have been patient with my learning curve. We're all working with new software designed specifically for the Landscaping industry. There's alot of bells and whistles that go along with it but I'm catching on. I'm pretty happy there, for now. It's a seasonal position with December, January, and February off. I can't say it's my dream job but it'll pay the bills. (Christmas in Hawaii sounds good, too.)
What I'd really like to do is use my creative skill to earn a living. I love to draw, paint, take photographs, and write poetry. Advertising would be my place. But without any real work experience it's hard to get a foot in the door. Who knows? I'm still young and my dream is still alive. Until then, I'll trudge on. I have a great life with my husband Jason. I have nothing to complain about so I won't. Many others have less. I am truly blessed.
By the way, today is our 5th Wedding Anniversary! Oh dear. More pint pounding!