Well it is New Years Eve, so it is a good time to reflect on 2008. Ironically, or in a twisted hand of fate for me last New Years Eve we were in knee deep of snow, and today it is 65' sunny and breezy down here in Hilton Head, SC which is not so bad.

What will 2009 bring? We have no idea where we will be living, or what will happen with my job hunt, the country has a new President and we must wonder what he will bring to the United States? Is the economy going to bounce back, are we going to have another terrorists attack on US Soil? Think about it, in Bush's first year in office 9/11 happened, what is next in store of us?

Personally, I want the right job in the right place, at the moment I am getting excited by one of my prospects but am superstitious and do not want to talk about it, in case it goes away. The husband is working very hard to get his business off the ground, it would be great if I could get a position that allows him to work on it and not have to get a job outside of the home.

2008 Big stories: First African American President Obama was elected in November 2008 after such a nasty election season from both sides..
Governor of Illinois tried to sell the Senate seat that Obama vacated gets caught and then does not want to resign, basically why should he right? Supposedly, Jesse Jackson Jr. was caught in this scandal did he or didn't he? Unfortunately, the public does not always want the truth and he still could be tainted by the scandal later on down the line.

I was upset by how vocal Oprah was for the candidate, due to the fact she had a built in following and voice to the public. Why was Sarah Palin never on her show? Sarah Palin may of come out of nowhere but it will be interesting to see what she does in the future... Tina Fey may have to come back to SNL again if she does run in 2012 talk about job security..

We lost Paul Newman this year, I remember watching, " The Sting" with my grandmother, she loved Paul Newman my heart goes out to his family, he was such a private man and I respected him and his charities so much.

Reality TV seemed to take over TV more so than anything else on the tube.

The Hills went off with a bang, but of course that is not the end of Spencer and Heidi haven't they had their 15 minutes of fame yet? Luckily, Whitney has her own show The City, she should watch out for the socialite, she is jealous of Whitney and wants Whitney's job and man Jay, luckily Jay realizes what she is, so the question is does Whitney?

Big Bang - Saw Penny kiss Leonard now what? How I met your mother: What will happen with Barney and Robin? *** Love Monday TV****

New Real World: Brooklyn now how long has this been on? I liked the first 3 seasons then I stopped watching,it is not real anymore now is it?

Real Housewives of Orange County: Vicki get a clue you are not the queen bee and why are you so judge mental? You came from the Midwest and made yourself over to a California girl, why Tamara and Lynn are actually from California, so why judge Lynn? I like her, she is what the show needed except for the fact she needs to own her age, if it is just a number why do you keep it a secret? Next week, we get to see Lori one of my favorites, I know why she left the show but I still liked her very much.

We saw the Real Housewives of Atlanta: These women were catty, and fun to watch, but do people really treat other people like that or was it for the cameras?

Project Runway: LOVE IT!! I do not care which channel it is on, I will watch it. I am sad to see Nina go but I will still watch it.

To be honest at the end of 2008 the best reality tv was Fox News vs. Main stream media.. Enough said...

Myself we moved to Maine, and now are stuff is in storage and we hit the road for 6 weeks, and have been in Hilton Head, SC trying to regroup and find where to next. We have nothing but what we could fit into the car, and food. I have been biking, and walking everyday and not drinking alcohol, and the husband is working or fishing it may sound boring but it is not spending any money, since we are paying our bills with what little we have coming in, but to be without anything Hilton Head is not a bad place to be, we are lucky for our families.

Both families have been very supportive, not money wise but otherwise and we appreciate them. I have learned in all this time of being without a job what is important, more than anything is friends and family. We may be many miles away but we are still in their hearts and their in ours.

2009 is another adventure, my husband and I are lucky to have found each other and willing to take the ups and downs of life together, I will always be grateful for finding my fit with him. We love adventure and the 6 weeks in the car were not easy for us, at the end we were at each others throats but deep down we knew we loved each other no matter what and we will get through anything.

So my only thing that I want for 2009 is to keep nurturing my relationship with my husband, family and friends because jobs will come and go, and life has many twists and turns it is how you handle them that determines your character. Are you a person to just wallow in self-pity are you one to pick yourself up and move forward to find what you need to make your life satisfying?

I wish everyone out there a Very Happy New Year, and Safe New Years Eve. We are having a nice dinner and if we can stay awake watch the ball drop in Times Square.. See you in 2009 thanks for reading...

Day 92 no job, I did have (2)phone interviews this week, one in Virginia Beach, VA and the other in Indinapolis, IN, both are good positions but they both have so many applicants, I am not sure I will be invited to participate in the next round of interviews.

The husband listened to my end of the conversations and believes I did well, but to be honest you never do know what they are looking for now do we? It is hard to come off a certain way when on the phone, so you are taking your chances and praying/hoping for the best.

It is almost a New Year, and I have no idea what 2009 will bring, due to we have no where to live, it will definately be and interesting year, full of ups/downs and surprises. I do not make New Years Resolutions way too easy to mess them up. I want to see what Obama does for the country, I may not have voted for the man, but I still want to see what he is going to do, and if my vote was right or wrong.

As I sit in Hilton Head, SC and see the weather reports from the North, I pray my family is fine and handling all the weather changes well, I know my mom wants to come down here for some sunshine again, we will wait and see.

Happy New Year...

Day 92: Yes, it has been 92 days since I had a job, and even though Hilton Head, SC is very nice, I really want/need a job. Yes, I will admit it defines who I am as a person, who contributes to society and our family.

I heard on the television news today, people talking about how many people they know who have lost their jobs and are trying to get back into the work force. I do not know the statics off the top of my head right now, but realize it is growing everyday.

I do have a phone interview today at noon for a position in Virginia Beach, VA area, and then I had someone else contact me from Indianapolis, where I have never been. I like the Virginia Beach position for many reasons, the most important being the fact it is on the East Coast. I will do both interviews and if one or both is offered then I will make my decision then. I am vrey excited that people are now calling, I always thought it would be next week, due to all the holidays will be over, so for me this is very exciting for me.

I admit, I used to say that about after the new year, but really was not so confidant. I know given a chance I can prove myself and these positions both look promising. I am not going to get my hopes up, so many people out there looking for work means more competetion for the prime positions.

The New Year is coming and I have no idea where we will be in the next year.

Merry Christmas!! It is Christmas Eve and I have been reflecting on my life and this year, more so due to being without a job it is Day 87!!

I saw and article in the New London Day today in regards to two women getting their purses stolen from their cars as they were at a restaurant. The police warning people of having their gifts visuable, it struck me as just sad but it is reality. I then remembered back in 2003 Christmas time, I was shopping at the Crystal Mall, and when I was putting the packages in the car, placed my purse on the ground and forgot it.

I went to meet my boyfriend (now husband) for dinner and it was going to be my treat, of course no purse we went back to the parking lot 10 minutes later and it was gone, I was in tears. Had dinner but can not tell you anything about it well, when I got home there was a message, from a stranger he pulled in to the spot after me with his kids and found my purse, he lived in Hope Valley, RI, I met him half way to pick it up. I will never forget how nice, understanding and sweet he was, nothing was taken and he was just being a good person.

Ever since then I try not to judge people and assume everyone is out to steal or take what is not theirs. The other day we were in Moe's Grill and the gentleman in front of me forgot his Credit Card on the counter, I picked it up and handed it back to him, he smiled and said, "thank you, I am a bit out of sorts" , I told him it happens. He was with 6 kids, and that can be overwhelming for anyone.

Just pass it on, especially at this time of year, people's minds are a million miles away and sometimes they just need a little help and kindness. I will miss my family Christmas Eve party this year, but I am very lucky, I have a strong marriage with a good man, my health ( a bit overweight) and a place to lay my head, I may have no job at the moment but my faith in everything working out is at the fore front of my mind. I have been thinking lately about faith and beliefs in what you can not see, well I believe Christmas is a time for miracles, and to remember what is important, not the gifts but being grateful for all you have.

So, I hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas!!!

Well it is 3 days until Christmas, is everyone out there ready? The Elves up in the North Pole are finishing the last touches, and it looks like the Northeast and Midwest will be getting a "White Christmas".

It is day 85 for no job and I am feeling like the biggest failure in the world. We are doing fine right now, we are in Hilton Head, where today is a chilly 30-40', and sunny, by Christmas it is suppose to be back up to 78', that will not make it seem too christmassy for myself, but I am still in good spirits.

We finished our shopping back in October and have sent all the gifts out to the family. I have been riding the bike down here, it clears my head and makes me feel as if I am achieving something, what have no idea but it is making me feel better so that is good.

The Husband is working hard with his business, we are at the libary because the internet connection at the house is very slow... and this way I can use one at the same time and apply for work.

I hope everyone is ready for the holiday season....

Day 82; No job!! I feel so worthless without a job, and the fact other people are losing their jobs does not make me feel any better. I realize this is and awful time to be looking for work, but since I have been looking since September makes me feel more and more like a failure.

We are in Hilton Head,SC and today is 70' sunny and beautiful, the husband is on the phone with a client and then we are going for a walk, and then to do some errands, we really need to get rid of our garbage and bottles. Christmas is 6 days away and there is nothing in this house to make me feel like Christmas, the husband promised we could get a few decorations, I am thinking a palm tree with lights, due to there is no possibility of having a White Christmas here. My family up in New England and his in the Midwest are all having a white Christmas with ice thrown in for good measure.

We had finished all our shopping before I was laid off, so that is all taken care of and my mom will distribute them, the only one left is each other and my dad, we are thinking since we are down here, we will get a gift card to one of their restaurants they like down here, and for letting us stay at the house. I am worried if nothing breaks where will we go next? Personally if we are going to be homeless, we mine as well stay in the warm weather, maybe Florida.

We have decided to go to Savannah for New Years Eve, for a bit of fun. It is not that far from here, so we just have to be careful with driving and such. I have looked it up, there does not seem to be anything big planned down there, but for us it will be fine. We may change our minds if something good is happening here on the Island.

We are now going to walk and work out, the husband is determined to lose the 25lbs he gained while on our drive around the country, and I don't want to set myself up for failure but am going to work out too and whatever happens, happens.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas and New Years.

Day 76 no job: Today, I received an email from my Hyatt account that I should I apply for this position in Chicago, I have already applied for this position 2x and can not get anyone on the phone to actually help me. It is all down on computers and through email, it stinks, I would be perfect, and all I want is and interview, now that we know we want to center on Chicago or Milwaukee you think it would be easier to find a position, now that we have narrowed it down. NOPE!! Everyday on the news you hear about how bad it is and how the unemployment rate is the highest for 15 years and how many people have gotten laid off in the last month.

We are coming up on Christmas and the end of the year, so I of course am reflecting on the past year, and I still have unresolved issues around being laid off from Sebasco. Believe me, I know it had to be done and I was not the only one, it just hurts. I am having nightmares about the place, and what I should of done or could of done to make it better. I loved that property, and wanted to stay for awhile. I liked the fact we seemed to be a family/team and then I was let go out of the life raft.

My husband wants me to be more positive and not get down on myself, my self-confidence has taken a beating and now I have to get myself back up and find the right position for me, and go after it with all I have and not look back. It is easier said then done, but he is right. I have to stop beating myself up over something I can not change and move ahead.

I am going after this Hyatt position, if I don't get it at least I will know I have done everything I could, instead of sitting on the side lines waiting for them to notice me... Stayed Tune...

OH, we are in Hilton Head and the husband is sick, so he is laying down and I am working on the computer...

Let me just say, I love staying in Marriott hotels and mostly the Courtyards.
When we came across we stayed at the one in Cleveland Westlake, it was a basic Courtyard and everyone was so nice and helpful, it was snowing so bad and it was great to finally get into the room.

Then we stayed at the Residence Inn in Madison, the people were nice but the hotel needed a bit updating. Then the big one we staying downtown Chicago Courtyard, loved it!!!

They must of the top of the line beds, you could just melt into it, and the pillows, the lobby had a Starbucks, and a lounge area, it was a big city hotel. We felt like rock stars especially out our window overlooking Chicago. We did get right next to the Elevator, we realize it is because we are Friends/Family rates, and it really has been fine.

Last night, we stayed in the Courtyard in St. Louis, MO the lobby is wonderful, it has a lounge area with big comfy couches, the restaurant area has red chairs and the big round tables with your own personal tv. I was very impressed and thought great they will most likely have the same nice beds that Chicago had, NOPE!! The same as Cleveland Marriott, which believe me are nice, but once you have the top of the line it is hard to go back.

Tonight, we are staying in a Springhill in Nashville, TN. I worked for Marriott and so did my husband and hopefully I will get a position with a Marriott again, I love the way they treat their employees and give training because every stop, the people have made anything not going right seem better. Willing to go the extra mile for a client no matter what, quite impressed.

St. Louis is such a nice city, we are going site seeing this morning and then getting back in the car and heading out to Nashville, we are on each others nerves right now, so I am in the lobby working and he is upstairs on the computer, 24/7 very hard.

Stayed tune....

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Decide if you are in the right spot geographically. There is something to be said about moving closer to work. 3 stars

This is my horoscope today, since today is Day 72 without a job, this cracks me up. Obviously, I need a job. We are trying to stay in the Midwest, either Milwaukee or Chicago, we believe it is time to live in a city and in a Loft. We are hitting the road again today, we are going to St. Louis, and then Nashville and then on to Hilton Head, SC, gosh it has to be warmer than where we have been don't you think? We will most likely see snow there because we are, so we are bringing it East with us.

I seriously thought something would break by now, but no, I am still looking for work, I realize after watching the news the economy stinks, and 6.7% unemployment rate is the highest in 15 years, but that does not make me feel any better. My husband and I are at each others throats, 24/7 for 6 weeks is awful, I would not recommend it to any relationship. I have to believe we will be fine, but it is so tough, luckily when we get to SC I can go outside for walks and down to the water to do my own thing while he does his work on the computer. I am really hoping that since Hilton Head is a big tourist area I can get work at one of the hotels down there. Even if it is just for a year until we can get to the Midwest, but we really want Chicago, Milwaukee and I know everyone keeps telling me make sure it is the right move, and the right position not to just take a job but the longer it is, the more nervous and scared I become. I do not even share that with the husband anymore, he is the most optimistic person I know when it comes to our lives working out.

Tune in to see what happens next.

OK, today I wanted to talk alittle about dating. When you do not get married until you are 40 years old for the first time, you have racked up more than a few dates in your life, and I admit I had rules for my dating life. This may sound funny, but for me,it just made sense.

I have had some bad dates in my life. One guy, proceeded to make me drive 2 hours, because supposedly his car was in the shop, come to find out nope he had too many DUI, that would of been a red flag. Then after driving those 2 hours, to a place I did not know he left me at the bar, but before that he had me use my cc to start a tab and racked up and $100.00 TAB.. He called me back a few days later and wanted to make it up to me, we went to dinner at the Griswold Inn, in Essex CT , where he worked so he did not pay for anything, then we went to play pool at the Monkey Bar, and he proceeded to tell me why I am still single. I almost hit him with my car leaving the parking lot.

Another date, showed up 30 minutes late, and tells me it was hard for him to get away from his wife..EXCUSE ME!! Your wife? That dated lasted only 40 minutes because he was 30 minutes late...

So, after these disastrous dates, I made myself some rules to follow. When my sister was divorced she did ask my advise on dating since she had been out of it so long...

RULES:

1. DO NOT DATE ANY MAN THAT IS MARRIED, EVEN IF HE SAYS HE IS SEPARATED, Find out if its true, if he lives in the same house, I do not care of the excuse big red flag NO..

2. Do not date any man that has been divorced for less than 2 years, do not believe since he was married once he is ready and able to commit, usually it means he wants to have some fun before making another commitment. ***I will break this rule, if it is an outstanding reason, but not likely ****

3. Check out the man's manners: Does he open doors for you, or get in the car first and say, oh its unlocked get in, does he pull out the chair for you, or not? This gives you and indication of what type of man.

4. Kids? This is really a judgement call, personally I did not date men but when you reach a certain age it is inevitable. Now, and ex-wife is one thing but with kids involved the ex-wife is still in the picture.

5. NEVER SLEEP WITH A MAN ON THE FIRST DATE!! This is basic common sense Ladies!!

6. NEVER GET DRUNK ON A DATE... It is tacky, and besides do you seriously want your potential mate to think you are a lush?

7. Do not talk about your past relationships for as long as possible. DO not say what an a**, Jerk or any other pejorative you can think of. Because that makes you sound "Crazy", and men do talk believe me.

8. If a man asks for your number and you do not want to give it to him, do not be rude, do not give him a wrong number just say, "No". If you give him a fake number and you see him again it could get nasty. Best to be upfront in the beginning.

9. Never pay on your first date, if he asks you it is implied he is to pay, on the other hand have the money on hand if the date takes a bad turn.

10. On blind dates, always have a back up plan. If possible make it a lunch date those don't last as long, or even just drinks ( Think Sleepless in Seattle)..

I did not have this list on my refrigerator, I just lived them to basically self perverse myself.

Last night, my friend Dacia and her new man came for dinner, she was so happy and he was wonderful, he has only been divorced alittle while, but I told him I would bend the rule for him, because she is so happy. I know it is against (2) of my rules, he has a 14 years old son, but these are only my rules they do not apply to everyone.

I met my husband, and was so excited neither of us has ever been married and no kids, we both had long term relationships in our past, but never marriage, we were engaged 5 months after we met. He did ask me on the first date to marry him, he we are about to celebrate our 4 year anniversary, so maybe the rules don't always work, but they did for me... Good luck ladies...

Yesterday, we spent the day in Milwaukee,WI what a wonderful city. I am going to look there for work, the husband would have a friend in Phil and myself in his girlfriend Ellen, two of the nicest people you ever want to meet. They also love their hometown, and know the history so it was so much fun to get a guided tour, instead of us just driving around trying to figure out what to look at.

I do still have Chicago, as my ideal place to land, and up until today there really was no positions, then this morning I saw a Director of Catering position at the Elysian hotel. It is a beautiful, luxury hotel/spa in downtown Chicago. Actually they have shops, salons and residences inside this hotel/spa. I love the smaller luxury hotels for myself, they always seem to me more personal. I love working hard and in these types of hotels you are not just a number you count. I admit, I am still upset about being laid off in Maine, but I am not the only one,I have heard even my Director of Sales was laid off. I have to keep telling myself it was nothing personal, just business was down.

I have applied and am trying to get a face to face interview before we leave the area on Monday, if we have to postpone for 1 day I would do that too. Chicago, would be wonderful for us, then my husband would be closer to his contacts in the Blogger world, and some of his clients. His family lives outside of Rockford, IL so we would be close to them too. I would miss my family terribly but this is my career and I truly believe I am ready for the challenge of a Director position, if anyone would just give me a chance.

Please see us on www.uttelri.com/stephenpics and leave a comment to let us know what you think of our travel log. We will be in Chicago on Saturday, and we did have a guest hosts of Phil and Ellen in Milwaukee, in front of Kopp's which was the model for Arnold's from Happy Days...

See where we are after Saturday.

I am sitting in the Cafe at Barnes and Noble in Milkwaukee, WI. I always love to just sit and observe what is going on, and here is so much fun.

First there was the two ladies sitting down and one the pretty perky one is the Life Coach to the short, somewhat squat woman who wants a man to "complete her", and the the LC says, why? Then she asks, well then why are you getting married? I could not hear the answer but do not think she was buying it, because her response was again, see you have found him...

The older couple learning Italian because they are going to Italy in a few months and want to be prepared, the father with his two daughters all dressed in pink, in my head I am calling them the pink family. Even the cookie he bought has pink sprinkles. The guy on his headset doing his work, instead of in his office.

Then we have the 40 year old + woman who is on the phone telling about her bad dates, awful men having affairs and such is her life to never find her own man. Even one man who expected her after 1 date to buy him tires for his car since he paid for dinner. The young couple on their first date, not going well, since she is applying lipstick and ignoring him.. Poor guy, does he realize he is not her soul mate?

My husband was working in the ride up here on the computer and then he needed another few hours so he came in here, and I sit and observe people, it is fun, to try to figure out what makes people tick, and what their lives encompass. There are only a few people in the cafe who are actually drinking coffee, the rest are socializing, I myself read my People magazine without buying it, and now we are off to meet his friends and have bought nothing. We have spent enough in this store to last us a lifetime.

We will do site seeing in the morning...

From the New London Day, my hometown has another fire of a beautiful old building. Luckily, no one died in this blaze. Another great job by the Norwich Fire Departments. It is so upsetting to me, to see another fire destroy a building I used to love, my hometown has such history, yes even though Benedict Arnold is from Norwich, CT I do love it..

My heart goes out to those people who are out of their homes and wish everyone well...


Norwich Fire Forces 30 From Their Homes
Central Avenue blaze injures one woman
By Katie Warchut Published on 12/1/2008

Norwich—A fire that tore apart a century-old Central Avenue building early Sunday morning forced more than 30 people from their homes, seriously injured one resident and briefly cut off power to approximately 5,000 city residents.

It also left Norwich Fire Chief Kenneth Scandariato to reflect on recent destructive fires in the city.

“There's too many damn close calls,” he said, in front of the charred, smoldering building Sunday morning in the sleet and rain.

One of those close calls took place in April when an early morning fire destroyed the 120-unit Peachtree apartments but all the tenants escaped.

Sunday's blaze at 231 Central Ave. started around 2:30 a.m. in the Kelly building that housed the Sunshine Farms convenience store on the first floor.

A woman who lived in the building behind Sunshine Farms, Laverne Davis, said neighbors banging on doors woke her up. She thought her own building was on fire, until she saw flames pouring out of the building next door, which is almost close enough to touch. Davis was working at a nearby Laundromat Sunday morning, still in her pajamas.

Most residents had gotten out of the building on their own, Scandariato said, but firefighters still had to go into each room to ensure no one was inside.

Meanwhile, the fire was gathering steam, creating zero visibility inside.

One firefighter working on rescue efforts had gone into the third floor by a ladder, and fell as he was coming down, suffering minor injuries.

“The worst place to be is above a fire," Scandariato said.

Another firefighter inside ran out of air and suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. Both were sent to The William W. Backus Hospital where they were treated and released.

A second-floor resident was pulled from her bedroom to the kitchen area by her daughter, but had already suffered burns, Scandariato said. The elderly woman, who was brought to Backus and then flown by Life Star helicopter to Bridgeport Hospital, was critically injured, according to police, who did not release her name Sunday.

Around 55 firefighters fought the fast-moving blaze for around seven hours, Scandariato said.

Scandariato said he remembers seeing the Kelly building when he first came to Norwich and thinking “that's one hell of a building to fight a fire in.” He proved himself right.

A combination of factors created many challenges: the size of the brick building, its age and renovations, and having to use a water supply further down the street, he said. They even lost communications with their dispatchers when the power lines burned.

“It was just too big for us,” he said.

The fire that caught on the power lines tripped a breaker, leaving thousands without power, said Christopher LaRose, operations manager at Norwich Public Utilities. Because of phone line failure, power could not be restored remotely. A worker completed physical repairs, bringing power back within an hour.

The police station also lost power, but switched to generators.

The power failure also set off burglar and fire alarms and prompted some customers to call 911 to report their power was out. This came at a time when police were trying to dispatch officers, firefighters and ambulances to the scene.

Police reminded residents to only call 911 to report an actual emergency. For routine calls, they should call 886- 5561, Ext. 6. Police caution that improper use of the 911 system can delay a response to an actual emergency.

Fire officials planned to use a crane to “peel apart” the top of the building and stabilize the walls there are in danger of collapsing and making it unsafe for investigators to go into. Investigators were expected to conduct more resident interviews and were likely to return to the building today, once it is stabilized, to continue to search for a cause, fire officials said. Investigators said were not able to make a determination as of Sunday night.

They are targeting the front of the second floor in their investigation into a point of origin.

The American Red Cross worked with more than 30 people left homeless – 21 people in the building, plus others from the three apartment buildings behind it, said Sue Rochester- Bolen, manager of emergency services for the Red Cross' Charter Oak Chapter.

The residents of the surrounding buildings will likely be out of their homes for a couple days, but the tenants of the fire-ravaged building will never go back, she said. Most are staying with family and friends, but a few are staying at a local hotel temporarily. After setting up a service center in the nearby Greenville fire station, the Red Cross also helped residents get everything from winter coats and shoes to prescription refills and glasses.

Anyone looking to help the families can try calling Norwich Human Services, Rochester- Bolen said, adding that finding permanent housing for families will be the biggest challenge.