So, it's been a really long time. See? I got a job. It's even better...I went back to Fannie Mae. Why, you ask is this so funny? It's funny because remember, I got laid off in December, and now, I'm back. Same position, new department. And you know what???? I ADORE IT!
I work for a fabulous group of people. I knew I was spoiled see, after the "Mistake in March." I like that - rather than call out who I worked for (jack ass that he is) I can simply call it "The Mistake in March". It works!
So in late July I returned. It was really frustrating at first, and boy was I glad that my new boss was away on vacation. Why? Well, because all of the things that worked so well when I left, I had to have reinstalled. There were endless calls to our tech support team, visits by deskside technical support (I was great at confounding them with new, interesting and challenging problems that they'd never seen before - I'm good at that sort of thing), and more calls to tech support. Finally, once we got everything up and running, we then had to request access to the stuff that I need to see. This takes forever now due to internal controls. But nevertheless, I am up and running at 100% and am so happy to be back that I celebrated with a shopping trip.
One other thing that I am taking full advantage of is the ability to utilize group networking avenues - in this regard I am becoming a healthier individual. I'm working out, changing my eating habits and my lifestyle, and eventually I will be the person that I was put on this earth to be - or as close to it as I can get this go around.
Today, however, is a joyful day. Not because my beloved boss works from home in New Jersey, while I am here in the metro DC area - oh no! But because of a training session that I almost didn't do. I have had the pleasure of spending the last two hours in a training session learning from Gina Rudan (http://www.ginarudan.com/) on "How to be and Effective Leader." This lesson focuses not just on our personal self, but on our professional self...After all, we spend almost as much time focused on work as we do on ourselves right? Right? Now face it...How many of you focus on work all the time? Let me see your hands? Uh huh...Well, Gina reminds us that we are all genius's. Read her blog. You'll understand.
We made "story boards" that represent ourselves individually. Mine is colorful. After all, I am a colorful person right? And as I look at it, really look at it - it refocuses my energy and states - my family is my center (it's located in the center of my storyboard) - my center is a heart - that heart represents my family, my lifeblood, if you will. Inside the heart are words that state "Married Life Rocks!" For the most part it does...But it takes a lot of hard work. A great deal of energy, commitment and comprismise and most of all COMMUNICATION. Marriage is not just about sex and love, it is about a never ending relationship that ages and changes, evolves and develops and is never ending for those who are not just committed, but loyal, faithful and true to the commitment of the union and to the people that that union connects.
On either side of the heart that is my family are two other words - one is "Sacred" and the other "spirituality." Both are me. Actually, the storyboard and putting it together is nothing but "undressing emotionally" and sharing with a large corporate group. This is not just about learning to be an effective leader, but by leading by example.
This class and Gina Rudan left a mark on my soul. This class meant something to me. Thank you Fannie Mae for providing me with not just an opportunity to have 8 months off through lay offs, but a chance to grow during that time - not just spiritually, but emotionally. I am thankful for the opportunities that Fannie has given me in my past, present and future - and I was meant to work here. I hope to continue to do so for a long time to come.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Looking for a Job
So last week, prior to quitting my short-term, hell on earth, job I found Career Builder. Unlike Monster, Career Builder has mostly corporate entities posting. It's interesting, as a person on the job hunt, the things that you find yourself looking at.
For example, job postings with the title misspelled. My husband, bless him, has a job posted on Career Builder. However, his second in line for the throne failed to proof read her work, and therefore the title of the position is misspelled. I don't know if I would apply for a position where there are misspellings. I mean, if they are going to critique my resume, shouldn't I critique this - their first foray into finding someone suitable?
Secondly, if the job says small business or is asking for a dependable person (for which I am - unless I hate you - then it becomes a chore) be aware. The person hiring may be a micromanager. I didn't understand truly what a micromanager was until my short-term position. Having someone stand over my shoulder while I am waiting for a program to load is annoying. Having someone breathe down my neck while waiting for something while I am on the phone getting answers to questions that the manager can't answer because they don't know either is doubly annoying...but I digress...my month in hell, was truly just that - I'm working to throw off the negativity.
Some other things that the candidate should look into is the relationship with their placement agencies. I'm working with one, and I don't get along particularly well with the recruiter. I find her to be "fake." I don't know why - I don't know her well enough to be able to place this label upon her, but there's just something about her that I don't like. Maybe part of it is that she calls me before 9 a.m. When a person is out of work, they may not be out of bed at 7 a.m. Especially if they have a husband and child that aren't out of bed at 7 a.m. This is just a pet peeve, but it adds to the sensation of dislike.
I find that it is important to ask questions - so as you are reading the job description, write down questions that you may have and if you're lucky, and the place is posted as to whom is doing the hiring (rather than reading "Confidential Company" or a placement agency, research that company. Find out information about it and do your work - you want to know the culture of the place, what their business dress is and how comfortable are you working for a small, medium or large company or corporation.
So, overall, it is important to do one's research in looking for a job. It also helps to look smart, even though we all know you are smart. By doing your research, you are showing that you are truly interested. And also, follow your gut. I didn't do that and well, I gave up a month of my time in hell. But you know what else? If you do what I did and took a job that you hated, learn from that experience. Make sure you do. I know that I am not a good candidate for a one-on-one kind of office...in other words where there is just me and him and rules or regulations. In these kinds of situations, make sure that you feel comfortable speaking up for yourself. I did.
Also, ask lots of questions. If the person interviewing you appears to not be listening, stop talking. If you want, ask questions reiterating what you just said to see if they were listening - don't ask them if they were listening to you though - unless you know you don't want the job :) I did that, and guaranteed myself out of the running. Ask about the culture. If the manager doesn't know the term, you don't want work there.
Remember, interviewing isn't only about finding a job, it's about making sure that you'll be happy there too.
For example, job postings with the title misspelled. My husband, bless him, has a job posted on Career Builder. However, his second in line for the throne failed to proof read her work, and therefore the title of the position is misspelled. I don't know if I would apply for a position where there are misspellings. I mean, if they are going to critique my resume, shouldn't I critique this - their first foray into finding someone suitable?
Secondly, if the job says small business or is asking for a dependable person (for which I am - unless I hate you - then it becomes a chore) be aware. The person hiring may be a micromanager. I didn't understand truly what a micromanager was until my short-term position. Having someone stand over my shoulder while I am waiting for a program to load is annoying. Having someone breathe down my neck while waiting for something while I am on the phone getting answers to questions that the manager can't answer because they don't know either is doubly annoying...but I digress...my month in hell, was truly just that - I'm working to throw off the negativity.
Some other things that the candidate should look into is the relationship with their placement agencies. I'm working with one, and I don't get along particularly well with the recruiter. I find her to be "fake." I don't know why - I don't know her well enough to be able to place this label upon her, but there's just something about her that I don't like. Maybe part of it is that she calls me before 9 a.m. When a person is out of work, they may not be out of bed at 7 a.m. Especially if they have a husband and child that aren't out of bed at 7 a.m. This is just a pet peeve, but it adds to the sensation of dislike.
I find that it is important to ask questions - so as you are reading the job description, write down questions that you may have and if you're lucky, and the place is posted as to whom is doing the hiring (rather than reading "Confidential Company" or a placement agency, research that company. Find out information about it and do your work - you want to know the culture of the place, what their business dress is and how comfortable are you working for a small, medium or large company or corporation.
So, overall, it is important to do one's research in looking for a job. It also helps to look smart, even though we all know you are smart. By doing your research, you are showing that you are truly interested. And also, follow your gut. I didn't do that and well, I gave up a month of my time in hell. But you know what else? If you do what I did and took a job that you hated, learn from that experience. Make sure you do. I know that I am not a good candidate for a one-on-one kind of office...in other words where there is just me and him and rules or regulations. In these kinds of situations, make sure that you feel comfortable speaking up for yourself. I did.
Also, ask lots of questions. If the person interviewing you appears to not be listening, stop talking. If you want, ask questions reiterating what you just said to see if they were listening - don't ask them if they were listening to you though - unless you know you don't want the job :) I did that, and guaranteed myself out of the running. Ask about the culture. If the manager doesn't know the term, you don't want work there.
Remember, interviewing isn't only about finding a job, it's about making sure that you'll be happy there too.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Rules of the Interview
If you've ever gone to a career website (Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com, for example) there are two things that you will undoubtedly run into. One is the resume writing button - which will eventually will cost an arm and a leg to have them write it, with "guaranteed results" and secondly, the article on "what to do and NOT to do in an interview".
It is the latter that I will be discussing rather than the former.
OK - now people, I've read articles on body language, how to dress, how to bathe (yes, people still refrain from this activity on occasion - can we say - GROSS!), and what to say and not to say. I mean they've had psychologists analyze people going through job interviews. It's really rather fascinating. However, after going through many different interviews, it is more how to answer the questions that is to me the most interesting.
See - I'm interviewing. I'm unemployed. I was laid off in December, but after a regrettable lapse in good decision making, I'm back to being unemployed. My choice. So, the interview itself should not provide a great deal of nervousness if you have any confidence within yourself whatsoever. Bathe, light fragrance (if you wear perfume - don't drench yourself in Shalimar) and if you're a gal, a pant suit (yes a coat and slacks that are sold together as an outfit) or a traditional business skirt suit do a remarkable job. Please make sure that this is in fashion and not something your mother would have worn in 1976. You can get these suits at reasonable prices at TJ Maxx, and Marshalls and for the plus size woman try Catherine's or Ann Taylor Woman. You can also find plus size clothing at reasonable prices at Bloomingdales. They're always having a sale at Bloomies. Macy's has great sales too - so if you don't find what you want at the true budget friendly shops, let me know and I'll try to lead you in the right direction.
So, now that we've established what a woman wears to a job interview, let me tell you that confidence can either make or break an interview. I am a confident woman. This means that I know that I am capable of doing a great job. However, there are those out there who will interview a confident person and not be confident within themselves. They can feel intimidated by you or find you aggressive. I've come across usually with recruiters. Unfortunately, they then tell you that you need to back down in regard to your personality. This is unfortunate because you want to "sell yourself" during the interview.
Now, you don't want to come across as arrogant. This can happen. It's a delicate balance.
So, my learnings today - after a phone interview - is to balance your personality with your desire for the position. Make sure that you really want the job, and be confident and ladylike as well as use good body posture and body language.
Good luck - and I wish myself good luck too as I've got quite a few interviews set up for the next few days. I'll keep you informed, and let you know how things go.
It is the latter that I will be discussing rather than the former.
OK - now people, I've read articles on body language, how to dress, how to bathe (yes, people still refrain from this activity on occasion - can we say - GROSS!), and what to say and not to say. I mean they've had psychologists analyze people going through job interviews. It's really rather fascinating. However, after going through many different interviews, it is more how to answer the questions that is to me the most interesting.
See - I'm interviewing. I'm unemployed. I was laid off in December, but after a regrettable lapse in good decision making, I'm back to being unemployed. My choice. So, the interview itself should not provide a great deal of nervousness if you have any confidence within yourself whatsoever. Bathe, light fragrance (if you wear perfume - don't drench yourself in Shalimar) and if you're a gal, a pant suit (yes a coat and slacks that are sold together as an outfit) or a traditional business skirt suit do a remarkable job. Please make sure that this is in fashion and not something your mother would have worn in 1976. You can get these suits at reasonable prices at TJ Maxx, and Marshalls and for the plus size woman try Catherine's or Ann Taylor Woman. You can also find plus size clothing at reasonable prices at Bloomingdales. They're always having a sale at Bloomies. Macy's has great sales too - so if you don't find what you want at the true budget friendly shops, let me know and I'll try to lead you in the right direction.
So, now that we've established what a woman wears to a job interview, let me tell you that confidence can either make or break an interview. I am a confident woman. This means that I know that I am capable of doing a great job. However, there are those out there who will interview a confident person and not be confident within themselves. They can feel intimidated by you or find you aggressive. I've come across usually with recruiters. Unfortunately, they then tell you that you need to back down in regard to your personality. This is unfortunate because you want to "sell yourself" during the interview.
Now, you don't want to come across as arrogant. This can happen. It's a delicate balance.
So, my learnings today - after a phone interview - is to balance your personality with your desire for the position. Make sure that you really want the job, and be confident and ladylike as well as use good body posture and body language.
Good luck - and I wish myself good luck too as I've got quite a few interviews set up for the next few days. I'll keep you informed, and let you know how things go.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Unemployed - By Choice
So, it's been quite some time, but let me tell you - what a ride it has been. To recap, in December I was laid off by Fannie Mae due to our department being termed "unnecessary". After all, why is an equity Investor Relations department necessary when the U.S. government is your largest shareholder?
So anyway, it took me a bit of time to realize thaa I no longer was a "Fannie Mae'er" and I was rather upset by it...I still haven't taken my parking sticker off my windshield, but I digress...
So - December was recovery and dealing with home improvement stuff (new carpeting and tile in the upstairs region of our home and bathrooms), Christmas, travel to New York City and in general - relaxation.
January was about getting the word out that I was looking for a job. Things were moving upward and onward when I got offered a job in February - February 14th actually. It was a very good day for me...However, after the second interview I did with the guy, I should have listened to my gut...It never fails me.
So I went to work for a small "IRA - or Independent Registered Agent" - this is a guy who works for a life insurance company and is a sales man - of not just life and health insurance, but also annutities and financial management...Only the more commissions he can make, the happier he is. He also doesn't take his client's risk appetite into account which concerned me - but the worst thing of all is the way he talks about people.
He's a "good old boy." Small business is the only way he'll be able to make it - he can't work for a large institution because he can't manage others well at all. Everyone was "an a-hole", a "moron" or a "brainless wonder". Other words came into play, but this is a family friendly blog - or so I try to keep it that way...suffice to say, that last Monday (March 16th) he called me "stupid".
Now, I'm not stupid, and in my house, stupid is a bad word. Like wash your mouth out with soap kind of bad word. It's not kind and it's actually rather harsh - and to me, I kind of lost my temper - I know I scared him when I got up in his face and told him in no uncertain terms that "I was not stupid" and "no one ever called me stupid" - he apologized but it was not accepted. To me, that was almost the straw that broke the camels back...later that afternoon he called me stupid to one of his clients. That was the beginning of the end. After a great deal of insight, meditation and conferring with friends, family and recent colleagues, I determined that it was best to leave his employ "effective immediately". I did that this morning. He hung up the phone on me and then promptly called my colleague, with whom I was sharing office space, and called me a "fkin' btch" and that he knew that I was going to quit. So - I did a little happy dance right out the door.
So, now reality sets in and I've got to find a new job. I've got interviews set up - I hate interviews, but it's absolutely necessary.
So onward and upward I go! I did learn a great deal from this experience though. I do have self worth, I am good at what I do, and no job is worth being that unhappy for...Money, while necessary, does not make one happy...So for now, I'm happy - and poor...
All the best,
Amy
So anyway, it took me a bit of time to realize thaa I no longer was a "Fannie Mae'er" and I was rather upset by it...I still haven't taken my parking sticker off my windshield, but I digress...
So - December was recovery and dealing with home improvement stuff (new carpeting and tile in the upstairs region of our home and bathrooms), Christmas, travel to New York City and in general - relaxation.
January was about getting the word out that I was looking for a job. Things were moving upward and onward when I got offered a job in February - February 14th actually. It was a very good day for me...However, after the second interview I did with the guy, I should have listened to my gut...It never fails me.
So I went to work for a small "IRA - or Independent Registered Agent" - this is a guy who works for a life insurance company and is a sales man - of not just life and health insurance, but also annutities and financial management...Only the more commissions he can make, the happier he is. He also doesn't take his client's risk appetite into account which concerned me - but the worst thing of all is the way he talks about people.
He's a "good old boy." Small business is the only way he'll be able to make it - he can't work for a large institution because he can't manage others well at all. Everyone was "an a-hole", a "moron" or a "brainless wonder". Other words came into play, but this is a family friendly blog - or so I try to keep it that way...suffice to say, that last Monday (March 16th) he called me "stupid".
Now, I'm not stupid, and in my house, stupid is a bad word. Like wash your mouth out with soap kind of bad word. It's not kind and it's actually rather harsh - and to me, I kind of lost my temper - I know I scared him when I got up in his face and told him in no uncertain terms that "I was not stupid" and "no one ever called me stupid" - he apologized but it was not accepted. To me, that was almost the straw that broke the camels back...later that afternoon he called me stupid to one of his clients. That was the beginning of the end. After a great deal of insight, meditation and conferring with friends, family and recent colleagues, I determined that it was best to leave his employ "effective immediately". I did that this morning. He hung up the phone on me and then promptly called my colleague, with whom I was sharing office space, and called me a "fkin' btch" and that he knew that I was going to quit. So - I did a little happy dance right out the door.
So, now reality sets in and I've got to find a new job. I've got interviews set up - I hate interviews, but it's absolutely necessary.
So onward and upward I go! I did learn a great deal from this experience though. I do have self worth, I am good at what I do, and no job is worth being that unhappy for...Money, while necessary, does not make one happy...So for now, I'm happy - and poor...
All the best,
Amy
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Oprah and My Life
One of the interesting things about staying home is the quantity of time that an individual has to think of all kinds of things. In my case, I have choices to make. I have to figure out "what I want to be when I grow up." In earlier situations where I was looking for a new job, I had one choice - administrative. However, now that I have achieved my BS in Business/Finance, I have choices. Do I want to go the business route? Do I want to stick with administrative or do I want to try something completely new?
So - I'm looking into my choices. I've never had choices before and let me tell you - I am not certain that I like it. I mean, I have no experience on the business end so I'd have to start at entry level. I'm almost 40 - do I want to be hanging out with all the young chips and chippees? Probably. They'd keep me young, and they would definitely learn humility from me - I don't deal well with the arrogance of youth. Parents these days are allowing their children to think that they are entitled to things - that the things that they want don't have to be earned. That is just wrong. My son will learn how to earn things. He's already learned how to lose things - it's called creative punishment, but that is for another time.
Then there's the something new choice. When I was in High School, I thought about teaching high school. Now that I have my degree, I am seriously considering this route. I mean, what better way to contribute to the power of the youth of today than to help them learn about life and life's lessons. I really think that I'd enjoy it. I definitely know about the challenges, my sister-in-law, Helen (Goddess bless her) is a Middle School teacher. How she manages those kids I don't know, but they are truly terrified of her in the classroom...she is also looked up to and admired. Despite the fact that she's barely 5' tall :) She is truly a wonderful picture of what I want in a satisfactory life. And teachers are necessary no matter where you live, hence marketability.
Then there's the old standard. Administrative. I like it. I'm good at it (OK, I rock at it!). But do I want to do it for the rest of my life? I'm not sure. I find that I am more attracted to the jobs in the administrative field than I am in the financial. Despite the fact that I enjoy business, and the factors that make business what it is, numbers still scare me. So - I'm confused and not sure which route I want to take.
I also just finished reading the "Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. He was able to take his life learnings and teach them - "pass it on" as it were in the 48 years that he lived. I realize he really took it to the edge, especially since he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer-but he just was able to put so much into words. His children will be blessed by his words - his legacy as it were. He was able to do this through teaching. I think that I want to learn more about education and being a part of it - not the collegiate path - that's not for me - I'm not a scientist, or a researcher. I don't believe that that is my mileau, as it were.
So - in my confusion and my desire to pass it on, I want to do something worth while. I don't know what that is yet - but I'm working to find it.
For now - I'm taking a page from Oprah's life lessons - Living our Best Life yet - she has had shows all last week about living our best lives. In other words, remembering to put ourselves first. Randy even mentions that his wife, Jai, needs to remember to put herself first. It is something that mothers everywhere forget to do. We don't care for ourselves, we care for our children and our spouses, our homes and our friends before we think about ourselves. Well, I've got plenty of time to put myself first.
In this realm of caring - I'm working on losing weight. I even have a challenge from my dad - the challenge has no losers - because the goal is to lose 10% of our body weight by April 21st. I can do that. I've already lost 4 pounds in a week - I'm not going to say it's easy either. I have had to completely change my diet -- that means no fast food. It means, I am cooking every day - eating up leftovers, measuring my food - and yes, (gasp!) exercising daily. It is absolutely imperative that exercise occur...and of course, following the old adage - work off more than what you put in. It's necessary.
My dad, Goddess bless him, he gave me all this stuff about Type II diabetes. As I'm entering the critical years (the 40's - I'll be 40 on April 21st, and since I look younger than I am, I don't mind telling you how old I am) - it's imperative that I begin to care for myself now. It seems that it was so easy before. Well, it's not. And I'm not doing it to be sexy or look like a bombshell (with the size of my hooters, that will be a side benefit, I'm sure) I'm doing it to be healthy. It is time to put myself first.
So - that's about all for today. I've got errands to run (grocery store, etc.) and then I've got to do my household chores. I'm actually enjoying not working - and that is probably the scariest aspect to my life right now. I know it's scary for my husband :).
All in all, I've got choices to make and the menu isn't helping me. I'll figure it out in time. But until then, I'm putting myself first.
All the best,
A
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
New York City - With a Dog
So - during this holiday season when the economy is really bad, my family (including our italian greyhound, Luna) traveled to New York City to experience the sights and sounds of Christmas.
What a treat! First - all those reports about New York City being dog friendly? All TRUE!!! Luna is a 15 - 17 pound italian greyhound (think big, then reality sets in as she is toy sized) and she is a spoiled - and I do mean very spoiled - dog. She is not used to walking long distances, nor is she used to being in ice and snow. Both of these experiences completely wiped her out.
We began our stay at the 30 30 Hotel in Midtown. It is located between Park and Madison Avenue about 4 blocks from the Empire State Building (ESB). Very dog friendly. The rooms are also pleasantly updated and appointed and we had a large deluxe room. Very large. Excellent prices as well. They were great with our need for a refrigerator in our room and very quick for our request for extra towels in the room. As an aside, why don't they provide enough towels for 3 people? I mean, this happens in every hotel that I've ever stayed in. They ask how many people will be staying in the rooms and then they don't provide enough towels? What's up with that? So back to our experience. We got a fridge because Luna eats homecooked meals. They need to be kept cold. This also allowed us to purchase bottled water at a small market so that we would have it if we needed it. The hotel was also centrally located near MacArthur Park which has a small dog park located in the center of the small green space. Great dog run! Everyone was sooo friendly.
Did you know that you can take your well-behaved dog into Starbuck's? Well, we did. And no one said anything. Whether this is actually allowed or not, I'm not sure. The police officer I asked about it said that small dogs are often allowed into deli's and coffee shops because technically, they are held the entire time and never touch the floor. Because they don't touch the floor they are not technically there. Same goes for the subways and trains. If you have your dog in a purse, bag, etc. the dog can be taken literally anywhere.
So - Friday night we arrived in the ice and freezing rain into Manhattan. The drive was made more difficult by the fact that my contact lenses were acting up. Some times they get blurry - or in this case, one eyeball was slightly blurry. So not only is vision difficult due to road spray, etc. from the snow, sleet and freezing rain, but then the contact lens issue. Of course, I just thought it was road spray until I had dinner Friday night. Then I began to check out what was up. I know that those who were looking at us thought for sure that I was mentally ill - I mean when someone is sitting a table and winking out of both eyes at different times - well, that person surelly has something wrong with them, right? So Friday we walked 27 blocks from our hotel in the ice, and sleet up to Rockefeller Center. You don't cab around NYC unless you really have to. So we walked (dog on leash) and saw the Lord & Taylor window. What a superb, stupendously wonderful window. I loved this window. I wasn't nearly as impressed by Macy's, Sak's or Bloomingdale's windows. But the Lord & Taylor window just took my breath away. Then we walked down to Rockefeller Center. The tree is even more impressive in real life than on TV. It had lights that sparkled. Kind of like they were strobe lights. Very cool.
The one thing about NYC that I just can't quite compute is that women - even in ice and snow - wear spike heeled shoes. I'm talking Jimmy Choos and Manolos here - how in the world they don't break their necks walking as fast as they do on the ice - I'm in awe here. Stylish, sporty, furred high heels, and they don't fall down. Not to mention the number of smokers. It was like being back in Europe. Everyone smokes. Zac was just appalled. He's 9 and everyone has taught him that smoking is soooo not cool and that it is terribly bad for you and then everyone he sees in NYC is smoking.
So - in my ducks (I don't do heels in snow and ice - and they're insulated and waterproof) we walked. By the time we got back to the hotel, we were starving so we hit - yes, California Pizza Kitchen. All the restaurants in NYC and we eat at a chain. But, it was right around the corner from our hotel and I didn't want to be too far away from our poor puppy who was just soooo cold.
Saturday, we went to MacArthur Park first. Ted and Zac stopped at a deli for coffee, breakfast sandwiches and hot chocolate for the Zman (he managed to spill every cup of hot chocolate ever made for him on himself that weekend - boys!). Luna did her thing then we walked back to the hotel. Luna burrowed under the covers refusing to come out. We determined then, after calling to make sure that the observation deck was open at the Empire State Building, that we'd do that first. Luna determined to stay in the room...so that's what she did. All day - no regrets, not a whine or a bark out of her.
After the Empire State Building (Zac was impressed with the speed of the elevators and really obsessed about his ears popping prior to going up - not as bad as he originally thought) where I experienced vertigo for the very first time looking straight down at traffic (ugh! I've determined to only go up at night here on out, or at least not look straight down ever again) and we all froze our butts off, we headed up 5th Avenue to see more of the sights. We managed to stop at Saks (potty break) and Ted and I bought winter gear while Zac pouted - he didn't want to buy anything, but he felt left out. However, the objective was to hit FAO Schwartz. It was a long walk, and it was cold, but it was great fun! When we got to FAO we had to wait in a long que. It moved quickly. Once inside, it was nirvana - until we hit the fill your own bag of candy bar. So, you pay by the pound. I am a candy freak -I went a wee bit nutso - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. $70 (!!!!) later, we had 6 pounds (!) of candy. My husband is still miffed by this - with good reason.
We stopped by Hamburger Heaven on the way back to the hotel and ate heavenly burgers. Yummmy. Then once we got back to the hotel, the hubby and I took restful naps (not really sleeping, but resting). Z watched football. Then T & Z went to Bryant Park to go ice skating. Z is still upset at not getting his carriage ride through Central Park, but we promised we'd go back in the Spring or summer and he could do it then. Maybe, he'd even be able to go up to the ESB at night - which is something he really, really wants to do. I slept. The dog? She slept too. I think she was/is traumatized by the 50 block walk on Friday night in the cold and sleet/rain.
We left early on Sunday morning to avoid getting snowed in by the blizzard that was moving in as we were departing. The only bad thing to happen was on the way home. Turnpike food apparently doesn't agree with my stomach, so I had serious stomach issues by the time we got home. I'm better now, but our weekend in New York rocked.
For all those dog lovers out there bring your dog. They'll love it and you will too. Restaurants may be a problem, but you can eat from sidewalk vendors. Hotdogs and kebabs are yummy! And there aren't any preservatives in the kebabs since they are grilled right there.
The lights were great - the shopping was awesome and the walking was tiring, but all together it was a GREAT vacation.
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
What A Week!
Whew! So - last week was coming to terms with being unemployed. This week was mayhem! On Monday we had new ceramic tile installed in our Bathrooms (the final thing needed to fully update without spending a bundle) and on Tuesday new Carpet throughout the carpeted areas of the home. Our house is still not back to normal and we're headed to the Big Apple tomorrow.
We're going up to see the sights before Christmas. Rockefeller Center, the Windows on 5th Avenue, and Central Park with a carriage ride. Our son also wants to go to the top of the Empire State Building - he's totally into King Kong. So - we go! We're also bringing our beloved dog, Luna. I'll let you know how that went. Our last trip to Florida this time last year (on a plane) with Luna was NOT a good thing. She was great until 45 minutes into a 2 hour flight - then she got diarrhea. If you think that a screaming child is bad - imagine recirculated air with the stench of smelly dog poop - and well, that was our trip down. The trip back was a marked improvement with the aid of Dramamine and she sat in my lap the entire flight back. We're staying at the Thirty Thirty Hotel (30 E 30th Street) so, I'll let you know how that goes.
We're driving up.
So - the last few days has been about home improvements. I've made quite a few purchases - and we're considering this our Christmas gift to ourselves - but I did purchase a few choice things for my husband...and he believes I am truly weird. I want new Kitchen appliances. A new fridge (french doors with the freezer on the bottom) and a new dishwasher and stove - all in matte black. Sigh...we'll see.
Today was truly funny - I had to take my car in for service - not normal service, no way. It was because my door locks on my passenger front seat don't always work correctly. The funny thing is they wouldn't unlock. See, most of the time, the doors worked just fine. THEN, my husband would ride in the passenger side and get locked in. The doors wouldn't open, unlock, not at all. He'd have to crawl over the center and then get out on the driver's side (he's not a short person, so this made his endeavor a wee bit trying). So, it only happened to him - not to the 8 other people whom I have driven around this past month, my husband only. So - there was something wrong with my CR-V, the actuator was bad, but it took a large man riding in the passenger seat for them to figure out what was wrong. The had to get the height and weight nearly the same and then drive for 30 minutes and then stop and attempt to unlock the car doors. BINGO! So - they got the car back to the shop, ran a computer check on the situation and that's how they figured it out.
Meanwhile, I met several very nice people. When you're not working, there's no need to rush around, so I had some very nice conversations with some very nice people and learned about some new technology. I also learned that I still want a Honda S-2000 convertible for my 40th Birthday - I know it will never happen, but it sounds fun. Plus, I'd look absolutely awesome - and hey - it's not how you feel, "it's how you look!"
Well - I've got to go pack, and prepare for tomorrow's outing to NYC for the weekend. I'll let everyone know how it goes and how "dog-friendly" it really is.
We're going up to see the sights before Christmas. Rockefeller Center, the Windows on 5th Avenue, and Central Park with a carriage ride. Our son also wants to go to the top of the Empire State Building - he's totally into King Kong. So - we go! We're also bringing our beloved dog, Luna. I'll let you know how that went. Our last trip to Florida this time last year (on a plane) with Luna was NOT a good thing. She was great until 45 minutes into a 2 hour flight - then she got diarrhea. If you think that a screaming child is bad - imagine recirculated air with the stench of smelly dog poop - and well, that was our trip down. The trip back was a marked improvement with the aid of Dramamine and she sat in my lap the entire flight back. We're staying at the Thirty Thirty Hotel (30 E 30th Street) so, I'll let you know how that goes.
We're driving up.
So - the last few days has been about home improvements. I've made quite a few purchases - and we're considering this our Christmas gift to ourselves - but I did purchase a few choice things for my husband...and he believes I am truly weird. I want new Kitchen appliances. A new fridge (french doors with the freezer on the bottom) and a new dishwasher and stove - all in matte black. Sigh...we'll see.
Today was truly funny - I had to take my car in for service - not normal service, no way. It was because my door locks on my passenger front seat don't always work correctly. The funny thing is they wouldn't unlock. See, most of the time, the doors worked just fine. THEN, my husband would ride in the passenger side and get locked in. The doors wouldn't open, unlock, not at all. He'd have to crawl over the center and then get out on the driver's side (he's not a short person, so this made his endeavor a wee bit trying). So, it only happened to him - not to the 8 other people whom I have driven around this past month, my husband only. So - there was something wrong with my CR-V, the actuator was bad, but it took a large man riding in the passenger seat for them to figure out what was wrong. The had to get the height and weight nearly the same and then drive for 30 minutes and then stop and attempt to unlock the car doors. BINGO! So - they got the car back to the shop, ran a computer check on the situation and that's how they figured it out.
Meanwhile, I met several very nice people. When you're not working, there's no need to rush around, so I had some very nice conversations with some very nice people and learned about some new technology. I also learned that I still want a Honda S-2000 convertible for my 40th Birthday - I know it will never happen, but it sounds fun. Plus, I'd look absolutely awesome - and hey - it's not how you feel, "it's how you look!"
Well - I've got to go pack, and prepare for tomorrow's outing to NYC for the weekend. I'll let everyone know how it goes and how "dog-friendly" it really is.
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