Ups & Downs

Life is like a roller coaster -- full of ups and downs and sharp curves. I'm taking the ride full force right now. I hope the ride will soon come to an end.

My seven day count-down has officially started -- soon I will be unemployed -- just saying and hearing that word does not give me a warm, fuzzy feeling. I'm still optimistic that something good will come by way but the waiting game kills me. I do not care for change much and the unknown is the worst torn.

Send some good vibes my way -- I will openly accept the thoughts, openings, and concern.
V

Crisp Air

I love the fact that it's spring!

The weather is getting warmer; the birds are chirping loudly; the flowers are in bloom; the trees are colorful; the air is crispy clean; the sun is shining brightly; the days are long; the lawns are nicely manicured; the clothes fashion is changing; my walks with dog are longer; I love spring.

5 Alive

Yesterday I went with my buddy Renee to a Country Jam Concert at the Oracle Arena. The performer line-up was:
- Lost Trailers
- Luke Bryan
- Keith Anderson
- Jason Aldean
- Blake Shelton
It was quite an energetic show -- we stood for the entire concert - (5 hours); yes, my back was killing me!
There were many red-necks in the crowd but it was a very entertaining concert. A good break from reality and job hunting.
Thanks Renee for another memorable event!
Now, back to job hunting.
Enjoy your Sunday,
V

Fast Typist

My typing skills have never come in more handy as now -- I've been updating my resume, applying for jobs on line, recording contact information, emailing possible leads, making action-item lists, and composing cover letters. I'm very glad my typing speed is fast!

Today is a new day and hopefully one of new opportunites. Although I'm tired from lack of sleep and stress, I'm still confident that something will pull through and I will get a fabulous job. Keep your fingers and legs crossed (I am).

Enjoy this day and get ready for spring.
V

HOPE

The word of the day for me will be: HOPE.

I hope I will be strong.
I hope a new door will open.
I hope my spirits will stay high.
I hope my family will be patient and understanding.
I hope my friends will be there for me.
I hope there will be a brighter future.
I hope new ventures will come by way.
I hope I will find a smile deep down.
I hope all my friends/co-workers will find peace within themselves.
I hope today will be the beginning of something new.
I hope this opportunity brings new people into my life.
I hope I will be happy.

I hope that some day VERY SOON, I will find a new job. Unfortunately I was laid off yesterday (not a very lucky day for a St. Patty's) and was completely in shock. A lot of my co-workers will be joining me and all I can do is HOPE.

Happy St. Patty's

Hi all,
A good ole' Happy St. Patty's Day to you all. I hope you enjoy a day of GREEN. I promise to not get pinched today as I'm sporting a green top accompanied with my green eyes. I also have my good luck charm on -- a silver three-leaf clover that my daughter brought me from Ireland in December!

Enjoy this recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage:

INGREDIENTS
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 pound baby carrots
3 cups water
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet, cut in half
1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges

DIRECTIONS
Place the onion, potatoes and carrots in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Combine water, garlic, bay leaf, sugar, vinegar, pepper and contents of spice packet; pour over vegetables. Top with brisket and cabbage. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Weekend Update

Hi all,
I survived Reno! It was a fun city to visit; since I hadn't been there in a while, it was nice to see it's growth.

We had beautiful sunny skies on the way up. It was so invigorating to drive through the mountains of snow -- snow is so very white and it always reminds me of whip cream.

During our lunch break, we hit up the Golden Arches -- some place I rarely eat at; although I must admit that I LOVE their fries. Once we arrive in Reno, we freshed up and relaxed with a cold drink at the VIP lounge. Our room was on the 26th floor and we had an awesome view.

As a late celebration for Casey's 16th birthday, we had dinner at the Outback Steakhouse (just us girls). It was a yummy meal! I love their Aussie Fries (loaded with cheese and bacon; the dipping sauce is a modified Ranch -- I love it)! We made this an early night and was back up in the room by 8:30 p.m. We attempted to rent a movie but the T.V. was having issues; resorted to good old T.V. instead. Of course I feel asleep early since I was up at 4:45 a.m. that morning.

Saturday was another girl's day spent shopping. We hit up Ross, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Stein Mart, Pac Sun, Tilly's, American Eagle, Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, and had a great lunch at Red Robin (I love their bottomless fries) -- by the way, can you tell that I love french fries?!!!

Saturday we attended a VIP reception dinner put on by the Atlantis. It was a four-course dinner: lobster bisque, salad, filet and tiger shrimp encrusted with crab meat; and a cheesecake for dinner. It was delicious! We then toured their new spa. It was something like I've never seen. They have all the modern, hi-tech equipment and specialty rooms. I wanted a massage right then and there. It was such a very peaceful surrounding (they had waterfalls strategically placed throughout) and the place smelled fresh and pure. We finished off our evening with a little drive thru downtown Reno.

It snowed on our way home which was really pretty and a great way to finish off a great weekend.

Thank you to Monica/Peanut/Carlos/Roxy/Victor/Casey and Breanna for great memories with friends.

Back to reality,
V