It has been a long road for me to get to full employment. I never thought in a million years that I would have been unemployed over 60 days, let alone 90. Maybe I was unrealistic or maybe I did not want to buy into the whole economy and unemployment issue going on in the world. I have gone through a roller coaster of emotions and had to really do a deep internal dive into my soul. It is easy to hide behind your job but once it is taken away, you need to do an exploration and question who you are without this role.
So I started out kidding myself about this layoff. I was angry that the company could let me go. How could they functions without me? Then as my former employer continued to exist without me and actually do well, I started wondering why I was let go and others were kept. Was I really a substandard employee who thought I was a power player? I went through low self esteem and got really blue. I started feeling that I had low worth and really was seen that way in the eyes of other. It didn't help that every position I applied for received no response on my application.
Then I decided to seek help with a support group. It made me realize that I was not really in bad shape when I looked around the table. I started getting the idea that if I gave to others, good things would maybe come my way. I began listening to self help tapes to show how I could tap into positive thoughts and karma. From there, my network that I actually did not realize I had started sending me great job leads. Before I knew it, opportunities were coming my way and I was getting some positive feedback. But with that, there was still disappointment when some opportunities I thought were a sure thing never seemed to materialize like I had envisioned.
It was a trying period wondering if I would ever get a position or a position that I would actually like and feel that I could thrive in. Having no income and still having to meet house payments, medical bills and prescriptions and honoring our commitments definitely kept me up at night. But guess what we survived ... and now are excited for the next stage of our life. What a ride it has been - but I am ready to get off and stabilize.
REALIZATIONS
* I was in denial from Day 1 - 30. I separated myself from the general other. I kidded myself to think that the rules did not apply to me.
* Once I realized that I was no better or worse than any other unemployed person, I began to do the work and ask for help
* Most companies suck at using their job boards effectively. I stopped applying months ago - because I am convinced that companies don't look at their candidate pool.
* This is a competitive advantage for me and my new company as I optimize our candidate pool and provide good candidate communication.
* I am going to continue to increase my network in Linked-In and Facebook and make sure I network with other companies. Peers from other companies were my strongest lead generators and references.
* Be kind and helpful to others as good karma will come back to you if your intentions are true
* Realize that the most important things in life is the family. They seemed to be the unchanging force in tough times
* Blog - it was really cathartic and helped me get my stuff out
* I had more followers on the blog that I realized - thank you so much for your support
* Finding humor in life keeps you going... I never take myself too seriously. I did manage to laugh (usually at myself) daily
* I realized that I had no idea how this was going to end - and actually made fun of this opportunity and almost did not take the interview. Little did I know this was actually the very best step I could do for my career and family. I feel like an ass about this point.
* I think this unemployment situation came to teach me a lesson. I was too comfortable, not growing, and really off on some of my opinions.
* I learned the candidate experience and that is a strong lesson from someone who provides talent acquisition services
* I realized that I committed to a blog that lasted way too long - but I stuck it out - yeah
* I realized that many people in this situation feel the same exact way and have experienced the same things I did - it was a good mechanism to help them not feel like they were crazy.
* Most of all - I have learned to be compassionate for anyone in this situation and have a new perspective on work, life and what is really important.
Thank you all for supporting me through this journey. It has been fun actually creating the blog and trying in a lame way to insert some humor. I hope you enjoyed my day to day stories and brought a smile to your face. Thanks for everything PEACE OUT!!
P.S. By the way, if you want to get in contact with me, I can be reached at risaborr@gmail.com.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
DAY 92 - WHAT WILL I BE LIKE?
Now that I have the job, I am starting to think about the role, my new reports and what needs to be done from comments and observations. This is also a time where I reflect on the things that I did well and the areas not so good. How do I want to reinvent myself? I think when you have been with a company as long as I had.. you take for granted the acquired comfort level. I am now starting with a new company, new industry, new state and new culture. The style I had with my former company may not fly in this environment.
Over the years some of my skill sets evolved, I am much more efficient at project and time management, I know recruiting well (although this web 2.0 and beyond is a little scary), I know how to handle change management and how to influence earlier on.. But on the other hand, I was known for being very straight forward, painfully honest and as one my subordinates told me - needed to filter at times. I want to polish myself, grow up always be inspiring and mature in my interactions. Actually joining a new company really gives me a chance to reinvent myself. I just need to be clear what I want to be reinvented to!!! All and all, I am very excited to jump in and start working again.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Next weekend, I will be driving to Pennsylvania which is about an 8 hour trip. I am actually kind of nervous as I have never driven alone that long. It sound pathetic but true. I will be bringing all the essential things I need to be set up in temporary living.. even though that has not been nailed down yet. My husband has always taken care of me for these type of events. He is the driver, to him this is a piece of cake to jump into the car and go.. me not so much. First of all, I am retarded when in comes to geography and directions. I hope that my GPS serves me well or I could land in Texas without knowing it until it is too late. Next, I get bored in the car so I need to figure out what I want to listen to, so I don't just bag the idea in Ohio and fly the rest of the way. I am exploring Talking Books and maybe I could actually learn something along the way. Maybe I can learn the 7 Habits of Successful Leaders, How to Win, How to meditate (probably not a good one for driving) or listen to an interesting murder mystery. This could potentially make time go faster. Me, the Lincoln and all my crap in the back of the car. I hope I don't get carjacked.
CLEANING OUT THE HOUSE
This process has gone relatively smooth for us. I just need to tackle my bedroom and the basement (which is in good shape). I am so glad for my obsessive purging month's ago. The house looks great and packing up some of our unnecessary stuff is less emotional than I thought. We keep on talking about the new house - which by the way will solve all of our problems that the old house could not handle. We have this vision that there will be tons of storage, it will be a sunny house, cool kitchen, pool would be nice, 4 bedrooms for guests, office in basement for husband (he lost his first floor rights due to his sloppy behaviors but he does not know it yet - shhh), walk out basement, near a running trail, big backyard, bigger master bedroom. Let's see how we do. I find myself drawn to houses that look exactly like this one.
REALIZATION - I think it is always important to grow professionally and take stock of wins and areas needing improvement. Relying on the old stuff can only take you so far. I am going to really try to be a better me - kind and motivating to my employees, process and pragmatically oriented, influencer with less emotions (less hands flaying in the wind). I am going to rise above the noise, gossip and pettiness to achieve the greater good. I am going to see if I can create a world class recruiting organization again. Realization 2 - I am taking on a challenge by driving this on my own. It is not big in the scheme of things but knowing I can do these tasks without heavy dependence on others is important. Realization 3 - We will find a house they may in fact no have any of our wish list - but we will love it and look forward to the next chapter of our lives living in it.
Over the years some of my skill sets evolved, I am much more efficient at project and time management, I know recruiting well (although this web 2.0 and beyond is a little scary), I know how to handle change management and how to influence earlier on.. But on the other hand, I was known for being very straight forward, painfully honest and as one my subordinates told me - needed to filter at times. I want to polish myself, grow up always be inspiring and mature in my interactions. Actually joining a new company really gives me a chance to reinvent myself. I just need to be clear what I want to be reinvented to!!! All and all, I am very excited to jump in and start working again.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Next weekend, I will be driving to Pennsylvania which is about an 8 hour trip. I am actually kind of nervous as I have never driven alone that long. It sound pathetic but true. I will be bringing all the essential things I need to be set up in temporary living.. even though that has not been nailed down yet. My husband has always taken care of me for these type of events. He is the driver, to him this is a piece of cake to jump into the car and go.. me not so much. First of all, I am retarded when in comes to geography and directions. I hope that my GPS serves me well or I could land in Texas without knowing it until it is too late. Next, I get bored in the car so I need to figure out what I want to listen to, so I don't just bag the idea in Ohio and fly the rest of the way. I am exploring Talking Books and maybe I could actually learn something along the way. Maybe I can learn the 7 Habits of Successful Leaders, How to Win, How to meditate (probably not a good one for driving) or listen to an interesting murder mystery. This could potentially make time go faster. Me, the Lincoln and all my crap in the back of the car. I hope I don't get carjacked.
CLEANING OUT THE HOUSE
This process has gone relatively smooth for us. I just need to tackle my bedroom and the basement (which is in good shape). I am so glad for my obsessive purging month's ago. The house looks great and packing up some of our unnecessary stuff is less emotional than I thought. We keep on talking about the new house - which by the way will solve all of our problems that the old house could not handle. We have this vision that there will be tons of storage, it will be a sunny house, cool kitchen, pool would be nice, 4 bedrooms for guests, office in basement for husband (he lost his first floor rights due to his sloppy behaviors but he does not know it yet - shhh), walk out basement, near a running trail, big backyard, bigger master bedroom. Let's see how we do. I find myself drawn to houses that look exactly like this one.
REALIZATION - I think it is always important to grow professionally and take stock of wins and areas needing improvement. Relying on the old stuff can only take you so far. I am going to really try to be a better me - kind and motivating to my employees, process and pragmatically oriented, influencer with less emotions (less hands flaying in the wind). I am going to rise above the noise, gossip and pettiness to achieve the greater good. I am going to see if I can create a world class recruiting organization again. Realization 2 - I am taking on a challenge by driving this on my own. It is not big in the scheme of things but knowing I can do these tasks without heavy dependence on others is important. Realization 3 - We will find a house they may in fact no have any of our wish list - but we will love it and look forward to the next chapter of our lives living in it.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
DAY 91 - COMING TO THE END
Ok... so how do I gracefully ease out of this blog? I committed to it until I found gainful unemployment and guess what I did. I have officially crossed all pre employment hurdles and that means that I am off to Harrisburg next weekend to start chapter (too many to count) or my life. So we are going to head into the final countdown of this blog. It will come to an end on Friday with the last post DAY 93.
You can anxiously await my next project which is night night chat with Isabelle. I am going to start recording funny conversations that occur from my daughter when she should be sleeping. She always seems to have the weight of the world on her shoulders at the bewitching hour of 8:45p.m. when she should be fast asleep.
FORMS
Part of a new employees on boarding experience is the endless amount of forms that come your way. It would not be so bad but it always seems that each form asks for the same information in a different format. I think I have filled out 4 variations of direct deposit requests.
It is interesting to really pay attention to each detail of this experience because I am in fact going to be in charge of it. Any opportunities to streamline operations is now my charter. All and all, I have actually been impressed with CANDYLAND. I mean when I started the pre employment process I filled everything out on line. Now that I am further into it, I am filling in the paper version of the same thing. I guess I need to be thankful for low hanging fruit.
EAR PIERCINGS
I decided to cave in and let my daughter get her ears pierced. I was trying to hold out till age 10 but noticed that almost all the gals had them pierced. I also felt that she has been handling the impending move in very good spirits. Because of all these factors, we decided to let her get her ears pierced. It was so cute because she had that nervous excitement over the course of the last two days. She wanted to know how it felt, she consulted her girlfriends and of course she could not wait to wear dangling earrings.
During my many visits to various jewelry establishments, I saw a woman getting her ears pierced at this particular store. I thought this location would work out better than the dreaded visit to Claire's in the mall. Besides Isabelle's friend Lauren said that the girls at Claire's (small cheap trinket store) gets trained for only 30 minutes how to pierce ears. The man who works at this jewelry store, was the master piercer. He held this honor with high self esteem. Also he had instead street credibility because Lauren from school said that he pierces everyone's ear. How could you go wrong?
When it was time to pierce, the master piercer emerged from the salon style doors in the back of the store. He looked like Rob Schneider (Deuce Bigalow) with longer curly hair a lot of piercings and way too many Pandora braces. I mean I guess he believes in his product. He performed the piercing with ease and grace and he was done before Isabelle even knew what happened. What a pro.. I am not worthy...
POD UPDATE
The POD sits empty on our driveway as it heads into Day 3. It does however become a big hit for the kids. They are all playing in it like it is a big clubhouse. This personally freaks me out as I think my husband is being a little loose with the lock and key. I have this feeling that we go to load it tomorrow and when we unlock it, a small child that we do not know will come running out. It is kind of freaking me out - like how old refrigerators that have been discarded for the trash. Remember the stories of how dead children are found in them after an innocent game of hide and go seek gone wrong.
REALIZATION
I am really super excited now that I have passed the background check. I hope that I can make strong contributions to my new company. Realization 2- I am starting to dread the final post where I need to sum up this whole experience with a wise yet kitchy ending. Realization 3 - Savor those who enjoy and master their job. It may not be a position that solves cancer but this guy knew how to use a piercing gun and he took pride in what he did which made him excellent. Both holes were perfectly aligned and no tears were shed. Realization 4 - The POD needs to get filled and get off our driveway. I will make it a priority to finish this task up by Friday.
You can anxiously await my next project which is night night chat with Isabelle. I am going to start recording funny conversations that occur from my daughter when she should be sleeping. She always seems to have the weight of the world on her shoulders at the bewitching hour of 8:45p.m. when she should be fast asleep.
FORMS
Part of a new employees on boarding experience is the endless amount of forms that come your way. It would not be so bad but it always seems that each form asks for the same information in a different format. I think I have filled out 4 variations of direct deposit requests.
It is interesting to really pay attention to each detail of this experience because I am in fact going to be in charge of it. Any opportunities to streamline operations is now my charter. All and all, I have actually been impressed with CANDYLAND. I mean when I started the pre employment process I filled everything out on line. Now that I am further into it, I am filling in the paper version of the same thing. I guess I need to be thankful for low hanging fruit.
EAR PIERCINGS
I decided to cave in and let my daughter get her ears pierced. I was trying to hold out till age 10 but noticed that almost all the gals had them pierced. I also felt that she has been handling the impending move in very good spirits. Because of all these factors, we decided to let her get her ears pierced. It was so cute because she had that nervous excitement over the course of the last two days. She wanted to know how it felt, she consulted her girlfriends and of course she could not wait to wear dangling earrings.
During my many visits to various jewelry establishments, I saw a woman getting her ears pierced at this particular store. I thought this location would work out better than the dreaded visit to Claire's in the mall. Besides Isabelle's friend Lauren said that the girls at Claire's (small cheap trinket store) gets trained for only 30 minutes how to pierce ears. The man who works at this jewelry store, was the master piercer. He held this honor with high self esteem. Also he had instead street credibility because Lauren from school said that he pierces everyone's ear. How could you go wrong?
When it was time to pierce, the master piercer emerged from the salon style doors in the back of the store. He looked like Rob Schneider (Deuce Bigalow) with longer curly hair a lot of piercings and way too many Pandora braces. I mean I guess he believes in his product. He performed the piercing with ease and grace and he was done before Isabelle even knew what happened. What a pro.. I am not worthy...
POD UPDATE
The POD sits empty on our driveway as it heads into Day 3. It does however become a big hit for the kids. They are all playing in it like it is a big clubhouse. This personally freaks me out as I think my husband is being a little loose with the lock and key. I have this feeling that we go to load it tomorrow and when we unlock it, a small child that we do not know will come running out. It is kind of freaking me out - like how old refrigerators that have been discarded for the trash. Remember the stories of how dead children are found in them after an innocent game of hide and go seek gone wrong.
REALIZATION
I am really super excited now that I have passed the background check. I hope that I can make strong contributions to my new company. Realization 2- I am starting to dread the final post where I need to sum up this whole experience with a wise yet kitchy ending. Realization 3 - Savor those who enjoy and master their job. It may not be a position that solves cancer but this guy knew how to use a piercing gun and he took pride in what he did which made him excellent. Both holes were perfectly aligned and no tears were shed. Realization 4 - The POD needs to get filled and get off our driveway. I will make it a priority to finish this task up by Friday.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
DAY 90 - STILL WAITING FOR BACKGROUND CHECK
I have been starting to tell people about my new position but still waiting for the results of the background check. I think they started processing it on Monday so I may not know for another couple of days. I feel like when that is completed, I can tell everyone with a sense of confidence and know when I drive down to PA they will be expecting me. I know I am sort of weird but always been a safety girl.
THE POD
As stated in my previous blog, we have been trying to get the house in order so we can put it on the market. I want our house to show nicely and we are making minor investments to clean up some loose ends. One thing we decided to do is to move out some extra stuff and decided to get a POD. It is a clever acronym for something like portable storage units (but that would be PSU - you get my drift). It is really cool how they deliver it and leave it in your driveway. It is very spacious and seems kind of conceivable that someone could definitely bunk in it like a small apartment. I suppose the whole bathroom, heat, electricity throws a curve ball. It is really convenient to take out the clutter of your house. It is amazing how much stuff a family acquires over the last 10 years. I do have to say that I had done a lot of purging so the majority of the junk comes from my hoarding husband's office.
It is funny how much curiosity the POD generates in the neighborhood. Everyone is coming out of the woodwork inquiring about the POD in the driveway. It seems like a good technique if you want to get to know your neighbors. I think people think it will sit in our driveway for years on end and bring down our already low property value.
HOMEWORK AGAIN
I somehow got roped into doing homework with my daughter which throws me into a tail spin. I am not sure why I become so unglued. Maybe it is because she does everything in a rush with tons of mistakes? Or she writes so hard that she can't erase her mistakes and then the printing looks like crap? Or maybe the attitude she gives me when I tell her if I was her teacher I would not accept this low quality work. That really pisses her off. How do you teach your kid, pride in work? I send her to a pricey school and I would like that she shows some promise of interest in her homework. Maybe I see myself in her and remember all my scamming days.. I don't know but I just don't like doing homework with her. I will do art projects, I will dance and do fitness, I will read with her but math and other homework makes me crazy...
REALIZATION
I need to help Candyland streamline their recruiting and onboarding process - it takes too long. I have been in this cycle for almost 2 months. But that is why they are hiring me so at least I can find some low hanging fruit. Realization 2 - The POD rocks and it is a great business idea. Nothing like having the storage unit delivered to you, load it and then send it off. Genius... Realization 3- I am not cut out for teaching my child - I think daddy will have to take the lead --- he seems much better at it then me.
THE POD
As stated in my previous blog, we have been trying to get the house in order so we can put it on the market. I want our house to show nicely and we are making minor investments to clean up some loose ends. One thing we decided to do is to move out some extra stuff and decided to get a POD. It is a clever acronym for something like portable storage units (but that would be PSU - you get my drift). It is really cool how they deliver it and leave it in your driveway. It is very spacious and seems kind of conceivable that someone could definitely bunk in it like a small apartment. I suppose the whole bathroom, heat, electricity throws a curve ball. It is really convenient to take out the clutter of your house. It is amazing how much stuff a family acquires over the last 10 years. I do have to say that I had done a lot of purging so the majority of the junk comes from my hoarding husband's office.
It is funny how much curiosity the POD generates in the neighborhood. Everyone is coming out of the woodwork inquiring about the POD in the driveway. It seems like a good technique if you want to get to know your neighbors. I think people think it will sit in our driveway for years on end and bring down our already low property value.
HOMEWORK AGAIN
I somehow got roped into doing homework with my daughter which throws me into a tail spin. I am not sure why I become so unglued. Maybe it is because she does everything in a rush with tons of mistakes? Or she writes so hard that she can't erase her mistakes and then the printing looks like crap? Or maybe the attitude she gives me when I tell her if I was her teacher I would not accept this low quality work. That really pisses her off. How do you teach your kid, pride in work? I send her to a pricey school and I would like that she shows some promise of interest in her homework. Maybe I see myself in her and remember all my scamming days.. I don't know but I just don't like doing homework with her. I will do art projects, I will dance and do fitness, I will read with her but math and other homework makes me crazy...
REALIZATION
I need to help Candyland streamline their recruiting and onboarding process - it takes too long. I have been in this cycle for almost 2 months. But that is why they are hiring me so at least I can find some low hanging fruit. Realization 2 - The POD rocks and it is a great business idea. Nothing like having the storage unit delivered to you, load it and then send it off. Genius... Realization 3- I am not cut out for teaching my child - I think daddy will have to take the lead --- he seems much better at it then me.
Monday, May 3, 2010
DAY 89 - DEAD ANIMALS IN THE YARD
We have made a lot of progress with the house. It is really shaping up nicely and I am optimistic or at least hopeful that another family will fall in love with it like we did when we first moved in.
We have been working on the curb appeal by cleaning up the yard and planting flowers. So I was pleased to meet a couple with a young son who happens to be looking for a house. They are friends with our neighbors a few houses down. I took the opportunity to start the soft and persuasive sell. They want to live in our subdivision and it was my job for them to think our home was the one. Did I mention the incredible competition in our sub - unfortunately with many homes for sale? They had a young son who was getting anxious and wanted to play. I suggested they come over and play on our fabulous play set. I guess I should mention to you that we tricked out our background to be a kid haven of fun. So we went back to our place and there son was having a great time on the teeter tauter and climbing up the ladder of the swing set.
My daughter was in the backyard and decided to join our discussion. This couple actually knows her. She began providing vital information to kill the sale. First she mentioned how there are at least three dead animals in our backyard including a squirrel (which the kids have been flinging around the yard with a stick), a robin red breast and another dead squirrel. She kept on carrying on with her stories as I tried to hush her with mommy's evil looks. It was not working. When she began talking about the neighbors across the street who we hate and think are rude and obnoxious - I had to shut her down. I said "honey", our guests are interested in maybe buying our house - could you mention some of the positive stuff instead of focusing on the negative. She said "oh - I did not know." Great - I am sure damage was done - no problem honey!!!
I then try to save the whole conversation and I look at my neighbor's backyard grass. What would you know - it is long with dandelions and weeds everywhere. I guess the deck was stacked against me. Oh well, I will leave the selling to the realtor.
UPDATE
Today, I am in the grocery store and I see the family that was interested in buying the house. They stopped me all excited and said they were anxious to come over and see the rest of the house. Apparently, they were not scared off...
REALIZATION
I am feeling confident that everything is going to work out. Although, candyland just processed my background check so it will be a few days till I am officially off the nervous hook. Realization 2 - Maybe I should have gone into real estate ... nah just kidding... I think knowing that my house is going to have a nice family in it helps with our closure. I hope that the house sells soon... but then that is what I said about the job search...
We have been working on the curb appeal by cleaning up the yard and planting flowers. So I was pleased to meet a couple with a young son who happens to be looking for a house. They are friends with our neighbors a few houses down. I took the opportunity to start the soft and persuasive sell. They want to live in our subdivision and it was my job for them to think our home was the one. Did I mention the incredible competition in our sub - unfortunately with many homes for sale? They had a young son who was getting anxious and wanted to play. I suggested they come over and play on our fabulous play set. I guess I should mention to you that we tricked out our background to be a kid haven of fun. So we went back to our place and there son was having a great time on the teeter tauter and climbing up the ladder of the swing set.
My daughter was in the backyard and decided to join our discussion. This couple actually knows her. She began providing vital information to kill the sale. First she mentioned how there are at least three dead animals in our backyard including a squirrel (which the kids have been flinging around the yard with a stick), a robin red breast and another dead squirrel. She kept on carrying on with her stories as I tried to hush her with mommy's evil looks. It was not working. When she began talking about the neighbors across the street who we hate and think are rude and obnoxious - I had to shut her down. I said "honey", our guests are interested in maybe buying our house - could you mention some of the positive stuff instead of focusing on the negative. She said "oh - I did not know." Great - I am sure damage was done - no problem honey!!!
I then try to save the whole conversation and I look at my neighbor's backyard grass. What would you know - it is long with dandelions and weeds everywhere. I guess the deck was stacked against me. Oh well, I will leave the selling to the realtor.
UPDATE
Today, I am in the grocery store and I see the family that was interested in buying the house. They stopped me all excited and said they were anxious to come over and see the rest of the house. Apparently, they were not scared off...
REALIZATION
I am feeling confident that everything is going to work out. Although, candyland just processed my background check so it will be a few days till I am officially off the nervous hook. Realization 2 - Maybe I should have gone into real estate ... nah just kidding... I think knowing that my house is going to have a nice family in it helps with our closure. I hope that the house sells soon... but then that is what I said about the job search...
Friday, April 30, 2010
DAY 88 - STAGING THE HOUSE
Hello, today I finally got enough courage to start getting the house into sale mode. I started in our gross kitchen. I was inspired after I realized that my blinds could actually be washed after about 7 years. I went through all the cupboards and organized our stuff (I want to give the impression that the house has good storage). I also washed the walls, took the stuff of the counter and removed all pictures from the refrigerator. I was impressed in the end of the day that the kitchen actually looked decent. That is if you are not into stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops or a walk in pantry.
Tomorrow we are going to tackle the lawn, flowers and ultimate curb appeal. We have a lot of work to do. I figured if I pick rooms each day, I will just make it before I leave for Harrisburg. It is a good process to come to terms with vacating the house.
We have been receiving a nice reaction about leaving. People generally seem sad that we are moving out of Michigan. We are also excited as the reception coming into PA has been so warm. It is a weird time as we are still half into Michigan and half in PA.
STAGING THE HOUSE
I want to see if the hundreds of hours of watching HGTV will pay off in my knowledge about staging. My husband thinks I am nuts but I am convinced that I am a designer brought in to get this house sold. I have visions of how to lay out the furniture, cover up little issues and find creative ways to use non personal artwork that was not worthy of making the walls before. It's kind of like a Design on a Time and Sell Your House episode.
UPDATE ON MY JOB STATUS
My references and drug screen came back fine and all the company is waiting for is my background check. I don't know why I am nervous. I just think what happens if someone stole my identity and did bad things. Maybe I was off on a date or two. I mean I can't actually remember the exact year I graduated from my Masters Program or the exact amount I was paid at a position 12 years ago. Let's just hope everything works out. I mean as far as I know, I am not a criminal, I did work where I said I did and I did attend and graduate college. I guess I am ok...
REALIZATION
My house is super cute - we fell in love with it when we saw it so there is no reason to believe that someone else will not have the same feelings - at least we hope. Realization 2 - HGTV makes everything seem easy and fast. It took me 7 hours doing unglamorous work and I still have 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1 office, 1 dinning room and 1 living room and 1 family room and 1 laundry room, 1 garage and a basement to go... oooh that is alot of days. Realization 3 - I am sure my background check is fine ---
Tomorrow we are going to tackle the lawn, flowers and ultimate curb appeal. We have a lot of work to do. I figured if I pick rooms each day, I will just make it before I leave for Harrisburg. It is a good process to come to terms with vacating the house.
We have been receiving a nice reaction about leaving. People generally seem sad that we are moving out of Michigan. We are also excited as the reception coming into PA has been so warm. It is a weird time as we are still half into Michigan and half in PA.
STAGING THE HOUSE
I want to see if the hundreds of hours of watching HGTV will pay off in my knowledge about staging. My husband thinks I am nuts but I am convinced that I am a designer brought in to get this house sold. I have visions of how to lay out the furniture, cover up little issues and find creative ways to use non personal artwork that was not worthy of making the walls before. It's kind of like a Design on a Time and Sell Your House episode.
UPDATE ON MY JOB STATUS
My references and drug screen came back fine and all the company is waiting for is my background check. I don't know why I am nervous. I just think what happens if someone stole my identity and did bad things. Maybe I was off on a date or two. I mean I can't actually remember the exact year I graduated from my Masters Program or the exact amount I was paid at a position 12 years ago. Let's just hope everything works out. I mean as far as I know, I am not a criminal, I did work where I said I did and I did attend and graduate college. I guess I am ok...
REALIZATION
My house is super cute - we fell in love with it when we saw it so there is no reason to believe that someone else will not have the same feelings - at least we hope. Realization 2 - HGTV makes everything seem easy and fast. It took me 7 hours doing unglamorous work and I still have 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1 office, 1 dinning room and 1 living room and 1 family room and 1 laundry room, 1 garage and a basement to go... oooh that is alot of days. Realization 3 - I am sure my background check is fine ---
Thursday, April 29, 2010
DAY 88 - WHY AM I SO SORE?
I have moved into transition phase where I am thinking of household projects and how to stage the house nicely for sale. I don't want to do anything too drastic until I know that my background check is complete. I am weird about things like this. I also came to the realization that I will be starting work, if all goes alright in a week from Monday. I think I better try to push it back cause I am not sure I am going to get everything done. I was thinking that May 10 was in two weeks when it really is about 10 days.
MASSAGE
I went to get a massage because I joined Massage Envy, which is a monthly plan that offer inexpensive massages. I love it but some how have not kept up and have three massages to take. Listen I am not complaining because I love them. Any opportunity for someone to rub my back and feet - I am taking - no questions asked. I was especially looking forward to it today since I have been running alot and I think I hurt my ankle a little. I usually go to this great gal, but she broke her foot and will be off for another month. I went to a different masseuse thinking everything was fine since I like a ight touch and relaxing opposed to deep muscle. Well, she went to town on me. She was intrigued with my stress balls in my neck and some how leaving I feel very sore. Is that right? I wanted therapeutic and relaxing not car crash and paralysis.
THE KITCHEN
I am picking off one room at a time to get prepared for the sale. I am going to clean it up and stage it. I decided to start with the kitchen. The challenge is that this kitchen has 1967 cabinets and appliances. I thought I would capture the retro charm that is so in style now - or at least I tell myself that. Years ago, I bought window cell shades to allow the light to peek in and provides an airy feeling. I didn't realize how scummy they get from years of food splatter. For years, I have stared at these gross levelers. It occurred to me today, maybe I can clean them? I looked it up on the Internet and there were the directions to remove spots and grime. I went to my local K-Mart (hate this store) and picked up the cleaning products which was generally a white sponge and upholstery cleaner. I was so excited about my find that I tested it on one of the shades. It cleaned up beautifully. So basically I have settled for dirty blinds because I was too stupid to figure out how to clean them. I am gross and my house will look better as we move then when we lived in it = pretty pathetic.
Realization
I guess I should be happy that I can get massages - even a bad one is better than not having one at all. I think I will try someone else next time. I am finding myself doing a lot of head circles and hearing that crunchy noise. Realization two - I need to take better care of my next house but next time you can rest assure that I buy the proper window coverings.
MASSAGE
I went to get a massage because I joined Massage Envy, which is a monthly plan that offer inexpensive massages. I love it but some how have not kept up and have three massages to take. Listen I am not complaining because I love them. Any opportunity for someone to rub my back and feet - I am taking - no questions asked. I was especially looking forward to it today since I have been running alot and I think I hurt my ankle a little. I usually go to this great gal, but she broke her foot and will be off for another month. I went to a different masseuse thinking everything was fine since I like a ight touch and relaxing opposed to deep muscle. Well, she went to town on me. She was intrigued with my stress balls in my neck and some how leaving I feel very sore. Is that right? I wanted therapeutic and relaxing not car crash and paralysis.
THE KITCHEN
I am picking off one room at a time to get prepared for the sale. I am going to clean it up and stage it. I decided to start with the kitchen. The challenge is that this kitchen has 1967 cabinets and appliances. I thought I would capture the retro charm that is so in style now - or at least I tell myself that. Years ago, I bought window cell shades to allow the light to peek in and provides an airy feeling. I didn't realize how scummy they get from years of food splatter. For years, I have stared at these gross levelers. It occurred to me today, maybe I can clean them? I looked it up on the Internet and there were the directions to remove spots and grime. I went to my local K-Mart (hate this store) and picked up the cleaning products which was generally a white sponge and upholstery cleaner. I was so excited about my find that I tested it on one of the shades. It cleaned up beautifully. So basically I have settled for dirty blinds because I was too stupid to figure out how to clean them. I am gross and my house will look better as we move then when we lived in it = pretty pathetic.
Realization
I guess I should be happy that I can get massages - even a bad one is better than not having one at all. I think I will try someone else next time. I am finding myself doing a lot of head circles and hearing that crunchy noise. Realization two - I need to take better care of my next house but next time you can rest assure that I buy the proper window coverings.
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