Taking A Break

As I near the end of one chapter of my life, I think about what my next move will be. Considering, my current job/schooling, which is one in the same, will be completed on July 8, 2009. Which basically means, I have to find a new job.
I decided to apply for this program because I wanted to have all of the tools I need to advance my career. Keeping that in mind, I took a $30,000 pay cut in order to embark on this endeavor. That in itself has been a struggle, as well as adjusting to a 1.5 hour/one way commute, getting my husband to share in household duties, study, learn the ropes in a new environment, etc., etc. Needless to say, the past 10 months have been trying but everyone says, "It's worth it. You'll have your SBB in the end." I smile, but in the back of my head I think, "What is the point of being a specialist if you can't find a freakin' job that utilizes your skills?!?!?"
Sadly, the deteriorating economy has had this devastating ripple affect that impacts ALL areas, including the job security we thought we had with health care. Why is that? Well, as people lose their jobs, they also lose their health insurance, which means they are less likely to come to the hospital because they cannot afford to pay out of pocket for treatment. So, hospitals lose money, they lay employees off, have hiring freezes, and do not fill vacant positions because it's cheaper for them to pay over time to current employees as opposed to hire someone to fill in.
How is that affecting me as a blood bank specialist with a Master's degree? Tremendously! I am over qualified for the positions that are available, meaning I would have to settle for a position that would not compensate me for my wealth of knowledge and value to any work environment. On top of that, I may have to work an off shift, like night shift or evening shift, which I vowed on May 1, 2008 that I would NEVER do again. I've worked too hard and have too much to offer to have to settle. Is it too much to ask for a day shift position with no holiday or weekend obligation at any local health care organization? Probably. LOL!
So, I've decided I will take a break. What? I deserve it. I've worked hard and I've been paying into unemployment since the tender age of 16. I think it's only fair to collect some of what is mine anyway. I know, unemployment will only last me for but so long. So, I plan to collect unemployment for about 2 months, after which I will apply for positions at my neighborhood fast food restaurants. This will allow me to continue my "break", while still having some income that does not require me to be responsible and accountable. I think it will be fun to work with the local teenagers and underachievers for a while. I hope to learn from them or at least acquire some motivation to "settle" for those positions that I currently look down on.
As a borderline OCD Virgo, I always have to have a plan. I need to know what my next move is. I have faith that God has a plan for me, but since it has not been revealed to me as of yet, this is my plan. LOL!


Disclaimer: This is a joke...kind of.

Things No One Tells You About Being Married

So, you've found THAT guy. He rocks your world, treats you like a queen, and exemplifies everything you THINK you want in a man and a husband. He sets up the most romantic proposal you've ever heard of. Your wedding was a fairytale. You were a good girl, so upon returning from your Caribbean honeymoon you FINALLY move in together. Then, it hits the wall. What do I mean "hit the wall"? The honeymoon comes to a screeching halt because of things you had no idea would bother you. Let me point them out:

1. The accumulation of pubic hairs in the bathroom will not bother him, while it totally grosses you out.

2. He won't understand why you have to make the bed when you're just gonna get back in it.

3. No matter what they say, he expects you to cook and clean even though you have to go to work too.

4. No matter how long he's lived on his own, he does NOT keep house the way you do.

5. He doesn't understand why things should be put away because it's easier to find it when it's in the floor.

6. You will argue about money. How you spend it, how he spends it, a budget if you're low on it, what to do with the extra....on and on and on.

7. You will argue about sex. What turns you on and off. He'll, almost inevitably, say that you aren't having it enough and complain about your scarf and night clothes.

8. Related to #6, figuring how WHO will manage the bills and how to manage the bills will be a nuisance.

9. His video game playing habits, while once cute, will really annoy you. Especially, when you are trying to get his attention or want to have a serious talk.

10. What's important to you is not necessarily a priority to him.
This list could go on and on, depending on you and your spouse. No relationship is perfect but it can be perfect for you if you learn how to deal with your spouse's quirks. It will take time. You WILL argue but be patient and make sure you are communicating with each other. Your marriage is what you make it. Enjoy!

Random Things About Me

There has been a "chain-letter" of sorts going around on Facebook. I thought it was fun, so I decided to post a list of random things on my blog. I won't number them since I have a lot. Tee hee.

• My favorite color is green, not just because it's my maiden name but because I really like it.
• I hate bras. I prefer to wear a camisole with support.
• I just recently learned how to help people see me for the nice, fun person that I really am. People used to think I was mean.
• I cheated on every boyfriend I ever had, until I started dating my husband.
• I like nice things, but I'm cheap. My husband bought me most of my big ticket items. If I bought it, it was only after hearing his infamous "You're gonna be killin' 'em with this hotness" speech.
• My husband is my personal stylist. I don't feel comfortable going out without his approval of my ensemble...if he didn't pick it out.
• I can cook, although most people assume because I'm pretty and spoiled, I can't.
• I don't like ketchup.
• I used to think I was Aaliyah, now I think I'm Beyonce'.
• I want children but I'm scared to get pregnant and have to push them out.
• I like working out but I hate sweating.
• I'm insecure about my hands and feet so I visit my local spa weekly for a mani/pedi.
• It makes me nervous that I am becoming more like my mother as I get older.
• I sometimes wish that I was a musician.....yes, even if it is a starving one.
• I'm very independent but I like to feel safe and taken care of.
• It hurts my feelings that my half-sister doesn't really like me because of things her mother told her.
• Sometimes I cry, in private, because I can't believe how blessed I am. Even after all of the crappy stuff I've done.
• I have a big secret that I've kept from my husband. I'm not sure how, when, or even if I'm going to tell him.
• I think highly of myself but I am sometimes shocked to hear that other people think highly of me too.
• My husband drives me nuts!!! But, I miss him when he's not around.
• I talk too much when I've been drinking.
• I get REALLY hot when I sleep, but I can't sleep unless I have covers on me.
• I color coordinate my towels and rotate them in the linen closet after they've been washed as to prevent preferential usage leading to unequal fading among the set. I know, that's my one OCD behavior.
• My pastor told me that I have the gift of influence, but I don't know how to use it.