Saturday, March 13, 2010

And she's back...

Whoa, it's been forever!!! Sorry, folks.

So, here's a brief rundown of what's been going on.

At the end of July, I found out that I was losing my job at the end of August...you know, the one I had just been promoted to last December, & after 9 years with the same employer.   Talk about a blow.  And it had nothing to do with anything I did or didn't do - instead, it was some hotshot that thought he was bulletproof.  Other than to say that the U.S. Congress didn't agree, that's all I'm going to say about that.

Some of you may be asking why you didn't know my situation.  Well, that's because I didn't want you to know.  Don't take it personally, I just didn't want more of the questions from people that already knew - like "Oh my god!  What are you going to do?", & "Have you thought about starting your own dogwalking/sitting business?".  I could go on, but I won't.  People, while they may mean well, can be really, really stupid.  (In other words, think before you say anything to friends that have lost their job.)

So, 5 months of unemployment... I can't tell you how many times I've thought that would be close to Heaven.  Boy, was I wrong.  Day after day, hanging out in the house.  I mean, all of my friends worked, & although we were ok financially, I couldn't exactly justify going to lunch with them several times a week.  Oh, I had grand plans for my time off - I was going to get in shape, volunteer, organize this mess of a house I live in, etc.  Well, it turns out that it would take at least 2 people to get even a start on the organizing, the weather turned really crappy, & Truvy was a terrible brat that needed to be worn out so that Doug could get to sleep at night.  Staying home was just easier, but the nasty funk that settled in was pretty tough to deal with.  I did the best I could to keep my chin up, but I know it seeped out from time to time.  Yuck.  So not my style.

Then, Mattie's cancer returned, in her back leg again.  Ugh.  Obviously, at 15 & 1/2, she's just too old to aggressively battle it, so we turned to medicine.  It worked, for the most part, but the Prednisone made her very, very sick, & I really thought we were going to lose her if we didn't get her off of it pronto.  So, we did, & after a while, she got better.  It took a lot of TLC & McDonald's cheeseburgers to get her strength back, but I'm happy to report that the tumor has not grown & Mattie is doing well. 

Ok, let's get to the good stuff.

We all know that the economy is in the toilet, & unemployment is the new epidemic in this country.  I applied all over the place, & didn't get a single call from anyone.  I might as well have taken my resume', folded it into a paper airplane, & flown it into the Grand Canyon... my chances of getting called would've been the same.  So, I saw this part-time job on Craigslist with next to no information other than the hours & general location & figured why not?  A few weeks went by, & I had a voicemail.  I got an interview, walked in, & got the job the very next day.

Yeah, yeah, that's great.  But here's the kicker....

Ladies & gentlemen, I am now working as the office manager for ....

Wait for it.....

A WINE DISTRIBUTOR!!!!!!!!!

The ONLY call I got in 5 months, & it was this!  I know, crazy, right?  Me, working in the wine business.  And my job rocks.  So much.  I couldn't have ordered nicer people to work for & with, & of course, the part-time hours &, oh yeah, the 20% off of wholesale discount of all the wine & liquor we carry doesn't hurt, either!   Oh, & did I mention that Mattie can come to work with me?  She can!  I can bring my dog to work!  I can bring any of them, but I know my time is running short with my girl.  I want to spend as much time as I can with her, & she loves being at the office.  The warehouse seems to be her favorite place (she takes after me, she wants to be around a lot of wine). 

So, there you have it.  My life is a great thing again, & here's hoping that yours is, too!

12 comments:

Jennelle said...

Wow, that's awesome! Congrats on the new job, and I'm glad to hear Mattie is doing okay! :)

Thom said...

I completely understand not wanting to talk about things... seen a blog from me lately? I am so happy that you found what sounds like a dream job! Good for you - you deserve it!

Em said...

I've always found that things always work themselves out for the best and it sounds like that's how it goes for you as well - which rocks. What an awesomely perfect job for you. And Mattie just keeps on keeping on bless her big furry heart.

Anonymous said...

Well, if this isn't the perfect example of everything working out for the best, I don't know what is. CONGRATS!!

Angie said...

That is soooo fate. What an amazing thing to happen! Congrats to you finding an amazing job.

KCKyle said...

Congrats! Which one are you working for?

stacy s. said...

Lucky girl to have a job that lets you indulge your passion for good wine and hang out with your girl, Mattie! Cheers!

Rhonda said...

Welcome back, Claire-bear!

LucyinStLou said...

So glad to see you back!

Danny said...

Hey Claire,

What a turn of events. I am sure you enjoy your new job. Best....

Lucille29 said...

Maybe your first job is not really for you that's why you found a new job.congrats on your new job..
Log Cabin Homes
Alaska Salmon Fishing

Wine in Thyme said...

Great story with a happy ending. I spent 4 months unemployed last year, and your description of the daily drag paralleled my experience. never want to do it again. Hope you return to your blog soon. If not, won't you come on over to mine?