Happiness Is

Accepting the fact that wishing for small appliances makes you old and then rejoicing when you get said appliances for Christmas. I love my Santa Baby!

When Did I Get So Old?

As the big 3-0 gets nearer, I can't help but wonder when did I get so old? I mean, look at my Christmas wish list - who wants and asks for these things at my age?Seriously, couldn't I have asked for certificates from Victoria Secrets or winter running gear? Nope, apparently all I want for Christmas is a Kitchen-Aid Mixer, a coffee maker, a blender and a food processor. I hope Santa reads my blog.

I Do Run Run, aka the New Year's Resolution

I resolve every year to be more healthy and work out more and inevitably I don't keep the resolution. This year though I want to try something new: I am resolving to run a marathon. I haven't picked a marathon that I want to run, but it is my goal to make it happen sometime in 2009.

I will track my progress here and I want you, dear readers, to hold me to this goal. I welcome any tips about marathon running including the best shoes, eating habits, training timeline, etc.

Wish me luck and see you in 2009!

Hey Big Spender

As a recent victim of a company-wide layoff, I spent 6 weeks dreaming of what I would buy when I had income again (in between interviewing with probably every PR agency in Boston and every hiring corporate company too.) Well, I'm pleased report that I landed a position and in honor of that, here is what I decided to purchase myself a gift:


My very own Michael Kors handbag. A very "professional" handbag that seemingly complements my move into the very professional corporate world.

I know that I'm lucky to have found a job not only so quickly after being laid off, but in this struggling economy, soI just want to say thanks to all my friends who have been so supportive through everything, and especially my awesome boyfriend, who showed once again the true meaning of partnership.

Let It Snow

Hooray! The first snowfall of Boston has hit. I don't know what it is about the blanketing of a city in white to make you feel good, but I love watching the snow fall outside my window while I lay bundled up on the couch.

Frustration

It's been a few very frustrating weeks. Not because of the job situation, although that's been frustrating, but it's the other part of not having a job. Unemployment.

For 5 weeks I have been patiently (see, it can be done!) waiting for my first unemployment check to arrive. I received a notice showing that I can only make XX amount every week not to affect my unemployment and I have been abiding by those rules with my part-time job. So this past Monday I called to find out why I haven't received a check yet.

Turns out there's a "problem" with my claim and only my claim representative - who up until I heard those words I didn't even know I had - can tell me WHAT the problem is and HOW to fix it. No one else is allowed to touch my case.

So now I have my claim rep's name and number, so I call and leave a message. Then another one. Then another one. Two days go by and nothing. Not a peep. So I call a friend who advises me to call my State Representative. So I do. They are looking into it. I'm keeping a log of every call I've made to my rep. I call and leave a message for my rep's boss to let them know my situation. 5 days later and still nothing.

I should hear back from my State Rep's office on Monday, but I'm down to my last few dollars. Rent hasn't been paid for Dec. and "the landlord" is being really nice about it, but it's dragging him down too. We're trying hard not to panic, but what do you do?

The system was put in place for people like me who are hit during a hard time. I don't abuse the system and I wouldn't use it if I didn't need it, but I actually do need it. I'm following all the rules about looking for a job, interviewing, claiming my weekly income from the part-time gig, so why is it so hard for someone like me to get a break from the State?

I know they're overburdened right now and every morning I read the paper and it's just getting worse. I'm sure my story isn't unique. But how hard is it for my claims rep to call me and fix this one problem so I can get a check and pay my rent? And if (and maybe when) I get that first check, it still won't be enough. I will have to postpone my other bills to pay my rent so that I have a roof over my head.

You can see how daunting it can be. I'm trying to keep my head up, but it's hard in a time like this. I just hope that something changes soon.