oops! I forgot to blog!

Okay, I have not blogged since April 29, 2009.  Yipes!  I didn't look at my last entry, but here's the latest: We have offically moved back to the New Orleans area as of May 30th.

I still have yet to find a job.  

I am not freaking out just yet.

I do feel that I could network more, but I need to be smart about it.  I've had one job offer from a couple I am friends with who own their own company.  I would basically be their Manager for their Sales Interns.  The catch?  It would be commission only.  I would get a percentage off my interns' sales as I would be training them.  The reason I am saying no? Well, I am unsure of working for good friends.  I would not want to jeopardize our friendship, that means more to me than a paycheck any day.

Where does that leave my search?

Well, Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com and Craigslist.org have proved to not be worth my time.  Well, unless I want a "job" making barely minimum wage.  

Indeed.com is interesting as it pulls information from those sites and other job boards on the web as well as companies in the geographical area in which you are searching and lists it out for you. I've come across a few positions that look promising, so we'll see.  It does at least give someone an idea of what the job market is like in a particular field or city.

I have considered many options.  I am looking into possibly going out on my own...I will keep the details private for now until I make a decision on that.

In the end, I am not worried, I know the right position will come along, it's just a matter of time!

Back to Blogging!

Oops! I realized I have not been blogging!

So, what has been going on?

I finished my marathon in November and somehow I still feel like I am recovering. How people can run more than one a year is beyond me.

the BIG news is that Bill and I are moving back to NOLA. Bill's company offered him a transfer/promotion and we decided it was time to move closer to family.

It's also coming up on three years since Greg died and so far, I am "ok". I do miss him terribly. We were not twins, but being that it was just the two of us, we had a very strong connection...I miss chatting with him online and getting into silly arguments over nothing. I will be forever jealous of Bill...he has three siblings. I hope they know how lucky they are to have each other in their lives...that's something I don't have anymore...miss it...terribly.

Cameron is doing well. A lot of people have asked me if I will try to get Cameron back full-time and the answer is no. trust me, I would love love love to have my son live with me full-time and I think he should. BUT, what Cameron needs from me is stability. he just needs to know that I am there for him. Starting custody dispute would only hurt my relationship with him and in the end hurt his relationship with his father as well. So, I am going to continue to be the parent who can give solace and peace to Cameron. (and of course make sure he grows up to be a well-mannered gentleman!)

I am job hunting too...haven't found the "right" fit yet, but there are a few things in the works that may turn out to be a "good thing".

Other than moving from state to state, life is good, Bill and I are doing well, Cameron continues to thrive. My step-daughter continues to get better as time goes on.


Now I just need to get by June 5th unscathed.

so I'm going to get political now...because these emails are driving me nuts

Personally, I have already voted. I voted for the candidate I felt would be the best president. And it was secret ballot, so no, I will not share that information. But, people I know who live in other parts of the country, continue to send me emails...usually targeted against the democratic candidate, Barack Obama. Personally I don't really read them, but since I ahd already voted I opened up a few in the past few days and I just cannot believe what some people will believe.

Well, here is an email I received a few hours ago and I think it says it all...and, I did my research, this person found the same stuff I did...that this interview on Meet the Press never happened.


________________________________________________
I liken myself as a truly independent thinker. I am not so much of an independent voter though. This is due to the fact that in America you really only have 3 choices in who to vote for. These choices are. Talking Mouthpiece GOP candidates, the Lesser of two evils Democratic candidates, and to not vote at all.

I recently received an e-mail from a co-worker about Obama and his stance on the national anthem.

Start of e-mail "Perhaps there are SOME out there who are beginning to get 'the picture'.

The following is a narrative taken from Sunday Morning's televised 'Meet The Press'. and the author is employed by none other than the Washington Post!! Yeah......the Washington Post of New York and Los Angeles Times fame!! Must say that I'm dually impressed..................

From Sunday's Televised 'Meet the Press' Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag.

Obama Explains National Anthem Stance Sun, 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04 EST, General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played. The General also stated to the Senator that according to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171... During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. At the very least, 'Stand and Face It' Senator Obama Live on Sunday states, 'As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides, Obama said.

'There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.'We should consider to reinvent our National Anthem as well as to redesign our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love.

It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we as a Nation of warring people, should conduct ourselves as the nations of Islam, whereas peace prevails. Perhaps a state or period of mutual concord between our governments. When I become President, I will seek a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation have placed upon the nations of Islam an unfair injustice. My wife disrespects the Flag for many personal reasons. Together she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past, many years ago. She has her views and I have mine'.

Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the United States and I have put aside my hatred. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path of hope. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America."


_________________________________________
Now something like this was hard for me to believe at first. I found it hard to believe that someone who was running for the President of the United States would actually state this opinion whether he believed it or not. So I spent a couple hours researching the facts of this interview. I could find no record or transcripts of this interview. But here's what I did find....If you type "Obama National Anthem" into your search engine, countless numbers of pages appear that show several different versions of this e-mail. A majority of these links debunk this myth by telling the truth.

Here's the truth: On October 27, 2007, a writer for a website named "The Arizona Conservative" wrote an article entitled "Semi News - A Satirical Look at Recent News." In this article this writer does just what is stated in the articles title....He did a Satirical look at recent news. This is all well and good. There are plenty of websites that take shots at their parties opponents. Both Democrats and Republicans are guilty of this. Usually it is done with a grain of salt.

Here is what really concerns me. There are tons of people out there believe this story to be true when they receive it.! No research into the matter, no questioning of the e-mail. These are very smart people that don't just rush to judgements on anything.

Do we really live in a society in the year 2008 that is so quick to believe a story like this? What does this say about the way that minorities are viewed in this country? Am I playing the race card? Damn right I am! If this was Bill Clinton or John Kerry, or even John McCain for what it matters, there wouldn't be all this talk about them supporting terrorists or old ladies at rallies saying they can't trust the other candidate because he is arab.

You definitely wouldn't have people referring to McCain if his middle name was Hitler or Eichmann. I am a sad, sad person today when I realized how far this country has to come. You have articles about the "Bradley Effect" on 3 major websites, and a constant mention from his opposition of them not being able to trust Obama. Most of them state that this is due to his "inexperience". This is obviously not true, because if it was, how could they support Palin on their ticket.

I really would like to believe that Obama's opponents are smart people, but the past week has shown me something else....That the GOP will not hesitate to drown the media with Racial commentary under the cover of peoples ignorance to look into the matter. I hope and pray that the people who vote for McCain do it for his stance on issues, and not because of the Racial Rhetoric that is spewed in a viral e-mail. For the people who don't believe me, below is a link to the original article. If your still not convinced, then let me talk to you about purchasing the deed to the Brooklyn Bridge that is in my possession right now! http://azconservative.org/Semmens118.htm

Incorporating Gratitude Into Your Life

My brother Greg would have been turning 40 this coming Sunday (11/2) and after reading this post from a friend's blog, it was just what I needed to read. Someone once told me that I should never complain that there are dirty dihes in the sink because it meant that there was food on the table. Greg's passing has taught me to be grateful for the life I do have...and it's what really inspired me to not only create his memorial fund, but to do something to improve myself. He was always challenging me to do more, be more, give more.
____________________________________________

“Everyday, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” - Dalai Lama
_____________________________________________

Gratitude Can Change Your Life

1. Have a morning gratitude session.
Take one minute in the morning (make it a daily ritual) to think of the people who have done something nice for you, to think of all the things in your life you’re grateful for. You won’t get to everything in one minute, but it’s enough. And it will instantly make your day better, and help you start your day off right. Can you think of a better use of one minute?

2. When you’re having a hard day … make a gratitude list.
We all have those bad days sometimes. We are stressed out from work. We get yelled at by someone. We lose a loved one. We hurt a loved one. We lose a contract or do poorly on a project. One of the things that can make a bad day much better is making a list of all the things you’re thankful for. There are always things to be thankful for — loved ones, health, having a job, having a roof over your head and clothes on your back, life itself.

3. Instead of getting mad at someone, show gratitude.
That’s a major switching of attitudes — actually a complete flip. And so this isn’t always easy to do. But I can promise you that it’s a great thing to do. If you get mad at your co-worker, for example, because of something he or she did … bite your tongue and don’t react in anger. Instead, take some deep breaths, calm down, and try to think of reasons you’re grateful for that person. Has that person done anything nice for you? Has that person ever done a good job? Find something, anything, even if it’s difficult. Focus on those things that make you grateful. It will slowly change your mood. And if you get in a good enough mood, show your gratitude to that person. It will improve your mood, your relationship, and help make things better. After showing gratitude, you can ask for a favor — can he please refrain from shredding your important documents in the future? And in the context of your gratitude, such a favor isn’t such a hard thing for the co-worker to grant.

4. Instead of criticising your significant other, show gratitude.
This is basically the same as the above tactic, but I wanted to point out how gratitude can transform a marriage or relationship. If you constantly criticize your spouse, your marriage will slowly deteriorate — I promise you. It’s important to be able to talk out problems, but no one likes to be criticized all the time. Instead, when you find yourself feeling the urge to criticize, stop and take a deep breath. Calm down, and think about all the reasons you’re grateful for your spouse. Then share that gratitude, as soon as possible. Your relationship will become stronger. Your spouse will learn from your example — especially if you do this all the time. Your love will grow, and all will be right in the world.

5. Instead of complaining about your kids, be grateful for them.
Many parents (myself included) get frustrated with their children. They are too slow to do things, they have a bad attitude, they can’t clean up after themselves, and they pick their nose too much. Unfortunately, sometimes parents will communicate that frustration to their children too often, and the kids will begin to feel bad about themselves. Many parents have done this, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a part of parenthood. But there’s a better way: follow the method above of calming down when you’re frustrated, and thinking of reasons you’re grateful to your child. Share these reasons with your child. And then take the opportunity to teach them, instead of criticizing them.

6. When you face a major challenge, be grateful for it.
Many people will see something difficult as a bad thing. If something goes wrong, it’s a reason to complain, it’s a time of self-pity. That won’t get you anywhere. Instead, learn to be grateful for the challenge — it’s an opportunity to grow, to learn, to get better at something. This will transform you from a complainer into a positive person who only continues to improve. People will like you better and you’ll improve your career. Not too shabby.

7. When you suffer a tragedy, be grateful for the life you still have.
Tragedies can be crippling if you let them overcome you. And while I’m not saying you shouldn’t grieve — of course you should — you can also take away something even greater from these tragedies: gratitude for the life you still have. Appreciation for the fleeting beauty of life itself. Love for the people who are still in your life. Take this opportunity to show appreciation to these people, and to enjoy life while you can.

8. Instead of looking at what you don’t have, look at what you do have.
Have you ever looked around you and bemoaned how little you have? How the place you live isn’t your dream house, or the car you drive isn’t as nice as you’d like, or your peers have cooler gadgets or better jobs? If so, that’s an opportunity to be grateful for what you already have. It’s easy to forget that there are billions of people worse off than you — who don’t have much in the way of shelter or clothes, who don’t own a car and never will, who don’t own a gadget or even know what one is, who don’t have a job at all or only have very menial, miserable jobs in sweatshop conditions. Compare your life to these people’s lives, and be grateful for the life you have. And realize that it’s already more than enough, that happiness is not a destination — it’s already here.

101 things in 1001 days update

So a little over a year ago, I was reading various blogs and came across several people participating in something called 101 things in 1001 days. At the time I was training for my first triathlon and decided that this might be something fun for me as well.

Realizing my completion date is 2/16/2010, has me thinking I need to take a look and see where I stand with "The List"

101 things in 1001 days
101. Celebrate day 1001...and make a new list!!! (obviously this won't happen until 2/2010)
100. Take basic 101 language course in language other than French--not yet
99. Take French 101--not yet
98. Interview my mother about the Wehrly family and work with Megan to start writing family history--hopefully starting this one 12/2008
97. Interview my father about the Blake side of the family and begin writing family history- again, hopefully starting this as well 12/2008
96. Convert my handwritten journals into Word-not yet, maybe in 2009
95. Cook a turkey (I know this may sound strange, but I am terrified I would screw up such a large piece of meat!)--maybe thanksgiving this year (2008)
94. Visit one new restaurant every month in the Austin area (1/32)- Bill and I have been trying several new places, but I have actually lost count!
93. Complete a 100 bike ride-hopefully in 2010
92. Complete a 75 mile bike ride-definitely spring/summer 2009
91. Complete a 50 mile bike ride-definitely spring 2009
90. Bend over and touch my hands totally flat on the floor! (I can barely reach my toes these days!)-not yet-still super stiff!
89. Visit 5 places in Texas I haven't visited yet (2/5)-got to see the Alamo and have fallen in love with Barton Springs.
88. Visit 5 new states (1/5)-Washington State
87. Forgive (the details are kinda private--so I cannot go into details)-I struggle with this one every day.
86. Re-kindle a friendship--Done! 5/24/2007
85. Do something with my postcard collection--meaning, get rid of it, put it into albums/frames, or whatever--just keep it from sitting in a box where no one will see it!--in process 6/1/2007
84. Be able to do 50 crunches everyday for a week-I can get in about 10 per day for a week, but will hopefully increase that soon!
83. Donate $5 to the PF Foundation for each task I am not able to complete-obviously this will not be completed until 2/16/2010
82. Go to 20th High School Reunion--June 2009!
81. Go back to Marietta for Homecoming once-I just don't know about this one--it's a busy time at work for me so flying back to MC is not looking like an option.
80. Drive to CT once for a vacation--I was thinking summer 2010, but that would be after the 1001 days so not sure
79. ride bike to work for two weeks-I just need to get my bike tuned up!
78. Learn to identify 10 native plants in Texas-I can identify a bluebonnet and that's about it, looks like I have some studying to do!
77. Inspire another person to come up with 101 things-no has said anything, so I'm guessing it's not finished
76. Watch "Twin Peaks" season one and two-not yet, that first episode still creeps me out
75. Partcipate in 26 things 3 times-going to start the first one 9/2008
74. Watch at least 10 BAFTA winning films (0/10)-in process
73. Keep TV turned off for two weeks-wish I could...maybe in the spring!
72.Watch at least 20 of Ebert's "102 movies you must see" (3/20)-inprocess
71. Finish watching the 100 top grossing movies of all time (2/12) - in process
70. Start and Finish the Danskin Triathlon at least once--DONE 6/10/2007
69. Watch at least 20 "Best Director" Oscar winners for the past 50 years (1/20)- in process
68. Go a full 24 hours without saying a word -going to try this when bill goes on his retreat in 9/2008
67. Buy a lock for my bike-Done! 10/2007
66. Write at least 10 snail mail letters--to different people (0/10) -in process
65. Ride my bike to work for one week -going to start 9/2008
64. Read at least 10 banned books (0/10) - in process
63. walk 100 miles total in 90 days (4/100) - need to restart
62. Go camping and really rough it - maybe summer 2009
61. Do 100 push ups in a row - ugh, I can barely get in 5!
60. Learn to make my own jam - done! Summer 2008
59. Write a will - in process
58. Write a living will - in process
57. Get my book published - summer 2009
56. Finish my book - spring 2009
55. Finish growing my hair out and donate 12 inches to "Locks of Love" - in process, my hair is very long!
54. Send Cameron postcards from where-ever I travel-haven't travelled to much with out him
53. Send Jesse postcards from where-ever I travel - I usually travel to see jesse or cameron so this hasn't worked like I expected
52. Paint dinette set or get rid of it and get something that matches our decor-nothing yet
51. Learn how to fix a flat tire on my bike -done! Summer 2007
50. Take the GRE and determine if getting in Grad School is even an option- nothing planned yet
49. Send a secret to http://postsecret.blogspot.com- not yet
48. Take at least one picture a day for one month - 9/2008
47. Get a stamp in my passport - hopefully by december 2009
46. Sort through art and craft supplies-Throw out anything I haven't used and sell it-then put the money towards paying off the cars--12/2007
45. Go to the Blanton Museum - 12/2007
44. Go to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
43. Visit the LBJ Library
42. Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
41. Go to Perdenales Falls
40. Go to the Bastrop State Park
39. Visit the Alamo - 6/2008
38. Go to San Antonio - 12/2007
37. Give up TV for a week
36. Finish learning how to knit (specifically-how to start and end a project as I know how to do the middle part!)
35. Finish my incomplete cross-stitch projects
34. Save $1 a day for 1001 days (101/1001)--we're way ahead of the game, maybe I should have come up with something more challenging?
33. Send a "just because" care package to a friend or family member
32. Pay off both cars
31. Use the public library at least 15 times (0/15)
30. Send at least 20 christmas cards and write a personal note in each
29. Write something every day...make time to write
28. Write about 5 women who have deeply affected my life (0/5)
27. Take pictures of the 5 women who have deeply affected my life (0/5)
26. Leave someone a 100% tip on a bill of at least $15
25. Get with Mom and Dad and make final burial plans for Greg's ashes
24. Help Mom and Dad finish going through Greg's things and make decisions about what to do with everything--It worked out that we were all on the same page with this and we now have a plan!
23. Take a photo and submit it into a contest - done summer 2007
22. Finish putting my photos into photo albums
21. Read 10 of the books on our bookshelf that I haven't read (1/10)
20. Make homemade ice cream
19. Start and finish the Austin Marathon
18. Learn to mix a great martini
17. Do 50 pushups straight (2/50)
16. Climb a rock wall
15. Make a household inventory-including pictures-for insurance purposes
14. Utilize Freecycle and craigslist on a monthly basis to help control household clutter - doing it!
13. Find a church where both of us feel comfortable attending
12. Get involved in the church we decide we are comfortable
11. Write down at least 5 of my favorite or not so favorite family memories before I forget any more of them--I've completed two!
10. Do the same for Bill's parents
9. Do something unexpected (regardless of price) for my parents
8. Read at least two president's biographies (0/2)
7. Thoroughly declutter our apartment--i think this is really an on going project
6. Have a family picture taken (me, bill, jesse and cameron)
5. Give up ice cream and chocolate for Lent without cheating once
4. Learn how to Kayak-preferably with Bill
3. Have a date at least once a month with Bill--even if we just go out for coffee :)--So far, so good!
2. Successfully bake sourdough bread (I have failed at this before, so I am determined to try again!)
1. Join US Masters Swimming and complete one of the swimming challenges

Realizing how great I have it...

What is "it"? My life, maybe?

I took a long weekend and went to spend some quality time with my son in Louisiana where he lives with his dad for the school year.

The first day, we had a parent-teacher conference as Cameron has been having trouble copying from the board. Apparantly, he's got a visual discrimination problem. Ned is taking him back to the eye doctor next week as there is a test to officially determine that he does or does not have this.

The funny part about the meeting was that I was taking notes, asking questions...all related to Cameron and how to help him. His dad talked about himself the entire time and tried to monopolize the conversation. I almost couldn't believe it. but then again, this is Ned...he really does believe the world should give him all the attention.

Cameron then had a baseball game, which they lost, but Cameron got a run so he was pleased. The team had practice Friday night...in the pouring rain. Needless to say, i put Cameron in the bathtub the second we got back to the house. The rain cleared in time for his game on Saturday. And , oh lucky me, I got to sit with Ned's wife and her two daughters. Mind you, Denise is mostly polite and her girls have always been friendly to me. I have also learned to just let her talk and she'll pretty much spill anything.

So, we're sitting there and she is going on and on about how Ned is always worried about money. I remember him being like this. He is always worried the sky is falling. And yet, the bills are paid, there is money in savings, food on the table and a comfortable house. Well, he gets aftr her about getting her hair done and buying makeup and was so upset one night that he said to her, "You are just like my ex wife!". Um, I don't care who you are, that is a horrible thing to say. the funny part, is I never spent what she spends on hair and makeup. I'm pretty frugal actually..even when I was married to Ned. But seriously, I can't believe he would say something like that. Wait...I can believe it.

What that conversation showed me was that in 7 years...he has not changed for the better like he claims. He is still the abusive control freak he has always been. Not that I had ever doubted my decision to leave him, but had sometimes wondered "what if?"...especially when living on my tiny Tulane salary left me hungry most months. After listening to Denise, I will never have that thought again.

My birthday was Sunday and it was also the day for Cameron's birthday party. Ned and Denise did one party for all three kids, since their birthdays are relatively close to one another. I watched...along with everyone else at the party...as Ned snapped at Denise left and right. I caught a glimpse of what my life would have been like if I had stayed with him. It was freaky. I saw what I probably looked like when he and I were together.

I felt more and more blessed to be where I am in life. I have a son who adores me, even if he only sees me once a month, occaisional holidays and 8 weeks in the summer. Cameron knows he is loved and that I would drop everything to be with him if he asked. I had the joy of meeting Jesse and getting to kow her before she got sick. And, I have the kind of career that will let me leave to be with my step-daughter, son, husband, parents, etc if they are sick and/or need my help. I have a husband who loves and respects me. And I love and respect him. We are honest with each other and don't need to insult each other.


My best birthday present ever...realizing that I have a pretty great life...



...I hope I never take it for granted.

Finished!

All I have to say is WOW. What a rush. I had no idea I would love running that far that much. I finished in less than 3 hours, 2:56 to be exact! My overall time was 13:30/mile, which is my fastest so far. Yes, I realize this is not as fast as some others out tehre, but with the hills we had to conquer, I'm pretty pleased with my results.

Bill and I parked my car downtown the night before which worked out perfectly after the race. Sunday morning, he dropped me off at the race start at 5:45 am. I wandered around and just took in the sights of volunteers and race officials prepping the race start and finish areas.

The start was incredible. By far the largest race I've ever done (13,000 people!). As we headed down South Congress I could see the mass of people in front of me. I then turned around and saw the mass of people behind me and it was just inspiriing. All these people. About half were running the same distance I was going for. People on the side of the road, cheering for everyone. There were bands about every 1.5 miles, which was great, better than wearing an ipod anyday!

I made great time until mile 7 when I just had to walk and catch my breath because I knew the hills were coming. And they came. Bill, his dad and nephew were at mile 11 to cheer me on and take a few pictures. that was right where I needed them to be as I was feeling tired and needed a boost.

The hills were not too steep until the end of mile 11 when i just about starting signing the Rocky theme out loud. Even mile 13 had a few small hills that just never seemed to end! The final .25 miles was all downhill and I got a burst of energy when I looked at my watch and realized I was going to finish in less than 3 hours. I basically sprinted to the end, passing people who were stopping for pictures.

I was handed a medal the second I crossed the finish line, then to the picture line, then the line for finishers t-shirts...and then the food!

I picked up my extra clothes at the clothing drop off tent and walked very slowly back to my car. I called Bill, then my mom, then Cameron (who wanted to know if my medal was gold silver or bronze!).

I cannot wait to conquer a marathon, but maybe one more half marathon fist.