Just a ramble,

Last week was a bit of a rough week for me emotionally. I’m determined to make this a better one. I think the long standing unemployment is wearing at my mind more than I had realized, with so many jobs to which I have applied and so few calls for interviews. Even close friends & business associates will call and say, “I talked to so-and-so and they’re going to call you.” And nothing happens. Then I had a bad phone call with the unemployment office, and to top it all off, something was going on with my family at home. I found myself the other night with my friend SO, and then a day or two later sitting in a restaurant with my G, on the verge of tears. It’s just all a bit more than I can take. But I’m going to make this week a better one.

Here’s some positive things to remember:

Late Friday evening, as My Fella and I were falling asleep, he whispered, “Today you walked taller, you spoke with confidence, and I know that’s where you need to be. I hope you get that job at the casino.” He has said many supportive things, but that one deserves remembering. He hasn’t wanted me to pursue a casino job, remembering the odd hours. But he noticed a change in me Friday that I didn’t notice myself. I could of made sweet sweet love to him for that remark. I settled for letting him have the inside of the spoon most of the night.

Yesterday I went for one last lunch from the downstairs McAlister’s. Waiting in the long line for the Big Ol’ Boy, I got to the front and said succinctly, “To go. Soup and salad. House. Blue Cheese. Chicken tortilla. Unsweet, no lemon.” He said, “That deserves a discount.” That man gave me three dollars off, just for knowing what I wanted to eat! I think he wants me. There was a time, he could have had me.

Today, I am going to a luncheon for a local group that focuses on sales and marketing in the tourism industry. A friend of mine is picking me up in a little while and taking me as her guest. It should be a good networking opportunity. Lunch is usually banquet-ish. You know, chicken salad on a croissant, or three green beans with some hollandaise sauce over them. But the important thing is I have shaved, showered, I have the perfect business casual outfit. Blue and white striped shirt, khaki’s that will be nicely pressed. Calling cards.

Last night was A.I. night and “Mother C” had us as guests in her home. Her son and I share a love for all foods bad for us, and for childhood memories of boxed potatoes and such. To make her son happy, his mother had a supper of “Bucket Chicken” with biscuits, mashed potatoes and whole kernel corn. Yum yum. For supper, a cherry pie and ice cream. And she did that neat trick where she kept the bucket chicken warm in the oven, so it was crispy and fresh as if the Colonel had just fried it.

Yesterday I applied on line for a floor salesman job at one of the area office supply stores, and I think I’m not through there. I need a job, and I am going in search of the polo’s and t-shirts. Target Red? Best Buy Blue? I’m going to take charge of this one way or another.

Right now, I need to iron those pants. Got to look good eating my chicken salad.