Why does shit, even good ones, happen at the same time?

So, the days of unemployment are coming to an end. And everyone's right, I should've done all the crap I wanted to do before working. Now I have 2 weeks to do as much as possible.

I was offered a sales job by a direct mail company. Went for my 2nd interview today and was given the offer at the end of it.

But the downpour came over the weekend when I was asked to apply for an inside sales position at Mark's paper. The thing is, I KNOW I will have this job if I want it. So I have an interview tomorrow after sending in my resume today. And I was to give an answer to the first company on Wednesday noon! Aargghhhhh......

Decision, decision. Help......
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Bob: Work with your hubby.

Happy monetary news

Another one bites the dust. One more payment and I'm done with the bill for my laser eye surgery.

Another credit card bill to go and we're debt free! Woohoo.

Internet creeps

I thought I'd make a little extra by offering piano lessons at my place. So I posted on Craigslist. And this is what I got back:

Hello.....

Am Mrs Howard Rose. I am from U.K my son is coming
for an holiday in your area, He's name is Daniel is 14
years old and so i don't want her to be less busy in
the time of the day. i have decide to let he attending
your lesson , so he will be coming 1 hour in a day
(10am to 11am) in the morning or time that you will be
chance. so i want you to calculate the cost of 1 hour
per day for Monday, Wednesday & Friday for the whole 1
Month and send me the total cost , i will be paying
you with cashier check ,so get back to me with your
cost for the August to September. I have someone that
will always drive him down to your house.

Kindly get back to me with......

1.YOUR CHARGE FOR AN HOUR....

2.TOTAL CHARGES FOR 1 MONTH THAT HE WILL BE TAUGHT 3
TIMES PER WEEK..

3.FULL NAME AND ADDRESS WITH ZIP CODE....

4.YOUR PHONE NUMBER...

Don't hesitate to e-mail with your total charges.

Thanks and looking to hearing from you soon.

With Best Regards

Mrs Howard Rose

Sounds all normal, right, although that needs serious editing. Really, English people (that is, if you're really English or a mom or ....), what's up?

But the creepy part is this: her e-mail address "slavegirl22@notableserver.com"

Suffice to say, I returned the e-mail saying I'm pulling my service and promptly took down the posting from craigslist.

I don't think I'm being presumptuous in thinking there's something fishy about a mom with an e-mail id like slavegirl22. But I like to think when we pick our ids in this e-world, our choice reflects our personality. I could jokingly create mailorderbride12, but what's the first impression it's gonna get?

So, there we have it, phishing, scammers.

And this incident causes another pause. Growing up, practically everyone takes music lessons from a neighbor, or friend of a friend etc. These days, it's a scary idea to be hosting anything, anything, in your own home for fear of undesirables.

This is what our world is coming to.
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A shoutout to my mommy

My mom has been pretty much a housewife to my brother, me and my cousin. She held a part-time job at a buddhist school when I was really young, but she gave it up when dad did pretty well, well enough to afford a house in Singapore, to take care of us kids.

I remember about 10 years ago, she was telling me that being a housewife is no fun. No social life and constantly thinking about what the next meal is going to be to satisfy so many tastebuds. My extended family of uncles and aunts would frequently come over every night (except for some weekends) to eat as they all work full time.

Now, I'm home again, without any kids to care for except my dog and cat, that I know what my mom went through. And I'm only cooking for the husband and me. But it's tough. I need to take into consideration what we had the night before, or two nights before, and what he had for lunch recently, so as not to repeat the dishes. And in spite of all the damn cooking shows I watch for ideas and all the darn cookbooks available, I constantly draw a blank. It's frustrating.

So, kudos to my mom, and all the other moms who struggle daily to make sure we never go hungry and disgruntled.
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Bob: Reasons why fast food and restaurants are booming....there are many housewives who buy "home cook food"...LOL.

Melissa: Your mom (and all stay-at-home moms!) definitely deserves kudos!!! My sister is currently a stay-at-home mom too -- at least until she finishes her college degree. And like you just said, it's tough!!! She and her husband have a 3-year-old and you're so right about worrying about where the next meal is going to come from. I think any woman who makes the decision to stay at home still works full-time, as I know you're finding out, just minus that paycheck! *hug* I think you're wonderful!!!! A billion kudo to you too!!!

Will you still respect me in the morning?

Recently, I took an aptitude test at Prudential Investment, you know, The Rock. The test is a two-parter, one character and one along the lines of the GRE Math.

I got a call today to return for an interview. Apparently, I did so well in both parts that they want to talk to me about being certified as a money manager.

I am stoked at the chance of breaking into this lucrative field, and more so, that now I'm at this stage in my life that I am freaking out about retirement, I am actually interested in finance. I even renewed my subscription to Money magazine a few months ago.

Hence, the question. Will I still have your awe and admiration if I switched gears? Don't worry, I won't come after you to buy life insurance, Roth, funds unless you truly want me to.
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Jeremy: Of course you will :) And you have my total respect. ANd I'm sure I'll be trying to get free advice from you :) Changing careers is not easy but it will be worth it if you truly would like to get into the field.

Patrick: Were I the type of person to hold a grudge against someone who is leaving an industry that is collapsing, then yes.

Dan: t's hilarious, one of my friends here and I were discussing money last night. As in, I don't have any right now.

It's funny how journalists talk of money in alternately dreamy and disdainful tones ... boy, having money would be great but I'm a journalist, so we won't ever get paid, etc., etc.

So go for it. At least take the interview. The worst thing that can happen is that they're not doing what you thought they were, and you're right back where you are.

Buena suerte!

Back to Augusta

... for a brief time.

Hey, folks, I'll be in town on Sunday June 18 and leaving for Savannah on Tuesday June 20. Hope y'all can make it to dinner with me Sunday and/or Monday night. I'm thinking Bonefish Grill.... mmmmmm.

Columbia folks, if you can make it, that'll be great.

Details to follow! Can't wait!

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New Addiction

I have since succumbed to yet another type of blog -- that of restaurant reviews.
Honestly, I have nothing exciting on the job search front, and I'd rather be positive than negative, so I haven't posted anything on myspace in a while.

But check out this fun site where I get to perform a public service to all mankind. I think it's more productive and also helps me stay connected in some social aspect.

For those of you in bigger cities, it's worth checking out your area of town. For those who remain in relatively smaller ones, start your own. And let's kick the useful albeit subscription-based Angie's list to the curb.
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Patrick: That's terrific. We have a very active Yelp scene in NYC too. I haven't gone out to many restaurants or bars here in Connecticut (being broke will do that), but I intend to get more involved with it when I move back to the city.