Christmas Past

Yesterday was Christmas. It was one of the most perfect days in my life. There was no onslaught of gifts and yet, no traditions were broken. I am all about the traditions. That's the thing about Christmas. You don't have to sacrifice the traditions when you lighten up the Holiday.

My daughter and I went for our Christmas ride. It was a beautiful cool day and a couple of our cowboy friends joined us. The company was welcome and shared well.

We napped. I had stayed up late wrapping and preparing for the next day. A parental duty steeped in tradition. The Christmas nap was normally brought on by early-morning work no longer scheduled.

Then food was heated. My daughter and friends arrived and good company was enjoyed. We ate, we opened gifts. The stockings were full of fun and useful things with the orange snuggled in the toe. The same old bag was passed on as a gift. The treasure hunt for the last gift was embarked upon: inside . Outside. Inside. Outside again.

I fell light. I never felt the "burden" that sometimes weighs us down at this time of year. This was a truly lovely Christmas.

Back from DC

I just got back from Washington, DC. It rained. We celebrated our Veterans. But no one would even talk to me about a job..... or even just direct me somewhere. I just want to at least be talking to people. Professional to professional.

The rain was wonderful after not seeing any for months.... or at least since my trip to Boston and New York. Rain in Washington, DC brings out the hearty and may dampen the streets, but not the static atmosphere of a city charged with the nation's business. It really was fabulous to be there.

The countryside, where I stayed, smelled of Autumn leaves and damp grass. I hiked the Manassas Battlefield and got another stamp for my National Parks Passport. It never fails to amaze me that I can stand in a beautiful sweet-smelling field, basking in the sun, and know that hundreds of my fellow countrymen fell there, fighting for their ideals and their land and their families. The cannons are the only indication of the violence that shook the ground where I was walking.

OK. So back to my own battle with employment. I am working part time at Einstein Bros. Bagels,which fills a gap in my week that to me is fun. To the younger employees, it is drudgery. They want only to enjoy immediate gratification and money without working. I just enjoy interaction with people. Even the grumpy - and there are many who present a challenge, and it is always a reward to elicit a smile. Maybe I'm just weird.

Enjoy your day and rock on people!

Network Network Network

Still pushing for contacts in Washington, DC. Going out in November. Want to meet with SOMEONE!

Even just for info. I am beginning to feel as though I don't exist. 8 months of rejection does that to a person..... Actually, I've been pumping out resumes for 3years. Wow. And my mind is still intact.... according to me.

Went for a ride on one of my favorite horses today and even she was trying to get rid of me. I'm too stubborn and determined for that though. I am going to ride everything out!

Back to work on getting work

Another possibility in a job career has been recommended to me.... Band road manager. Since I have been in a band, and I have helped to organize and manage many live TV shows on-the-road, it really is a realistic niche I can fill. My next move is to create a resume that highlights my on-the-road skills. Piece of cake. Tomorrow's goal.

I have just finished unpacking from my trip and am now considering a Washington, DC excursion to knock on doors and exhibit extreme interest - which is genuine - in a DC environment. Many emails to send......

The house - still nothing. My neighborhood is extra special, but people are buying for less in the surrounding neighborhoods that are not as nice. So frustrating. But I am hanging in for the long haul, which it really has already been. Positive thinking....

Back from wedding

Autumn leaves are turning and falling in New England, and it is wonderful to observe this change again. I have missed it.

My sister and I drove to Skaneateles, NY to find my grandparents' old farm. Very exciting to see the old farmhouse still stands along with the barn. Sad to see that development has crept up and obliterated beautiful fields and roads cut through where there was nothing but fields of exploration joy before.

The current residents arrived home at the same time we pulled over and we were tempted to ask to come in.... but we chickened out. It was raining and they probably wanted to get their dinner going.

 We drove around to the back side on a road that was not there before and took pics of the barn. Then we drove into town by the lake and realized how beautiful it was, and realized as children we never went to the lake. We stayed at the house. And it surprised us that we had never spent any time at the water a mile away!

My friend Linda's wedding was fabulous. It was the most fun wedding I have attended.

So, none of this is getting me a job anywhere. And it's not selling my house, so I am resolved to get back on it. I think I just needed a break from the drudgery of futile actions. Back to Einstein's Saturday and then I just know things will start to happen... I can feel it!