Networking for a Job in the Market

Our former apartment with one of my favorite vinyl wording decals

I so want to share my belief on how important networking is in job searching. I've been a big fan of networking even before the Big Crash. The career experts state that the online job sites should be used as a fraction of one's job search. You have to include networking. But what does that mean to a novice?

Volunteer work, social organizations, attending church, friends, neighbors, let them know you're looking for a job and what type of work. It doesn't hurt to have a few resumes or cards with your online resume address printed so you can pass them on when asked.

Also, participate in volunteering around your area and help out at a church event. It gives you exposure to large groups of people while you're helping your community.

I have numerous stories of people finding a job through their efforts include myself and our teen.

In my case, I've been networking with Workplace Like Home, a virtual water cooler for work at home people for years. Someone emailed me that Century Link was looking for work at home tech support in my city. I applied on a Friday and got a call on a Monday. After another phone interview and drug test I received a formal offer for a full time work at home tech support job with full benefits.

Marcus had been volunteering at a local recreation center for the last 2 years. They had hinted to him they would like to hire him when he turned 18. They followed through on February 2010! He's a counselor for the younger kids, works part time but during school breaks and summer he works full time.

He just started his retirement fund!

So, there you have it! I wish everyone great luck in their job search!

ps my husband doesn't network and is going on a year of underemployment.

Charles Had Another Job Interview - Assistant Manager at Self Storage Facility

A year ago, at the New Orleans Casino and Hotel Bowling Alley

I have gotten to the point where I suggested that he apply for a few Self Storage Assistant Manager positions and Charles agreed to do so.

This is a sore area for us because for two years we managed, stressed, argued and lost sleep over this type of work. Then in August 2009, we lost our jobs.

It was a relief and we truly believed that Charles and I would only be unemployed for a short time.

Las Vegas unemployment numbers are looking like 14%, the pickings are drying up so you go for what you know you have experience in and might have a chance of getting hired.

In the meantime, he's still sending in multiple resumes via the various websites. I will continue to pray for him and our family...as we try to keep our heads above the continuing rising waters of unemployment in Las Vegas!

Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner- Organizational Tips

My favorite organizing tip is our Pottery Barn dry erasable monthly calendars. The monthly calendars are part of the Daily System. The ones in the photo are the Espresso stain.

These calendars keep 3 busy people aware of appointments, school, work schedules and events. I've always found a home for them in our living area. That way everyone has access.

I also like that their erasable and go well with our furniture. Yes, they did cost a bit but they are worth every penny!

The 7 Biggest Wedding Complaints from Guests - Courtesy Yahoo!

The 3 of us at our renewal ceremony, October 2008

Yahoo had The 7 Biggest Wedding Complaints today! So, what are your comments on the following 7? Do you have some that you would like to add?

Cash Bar
I'm not a fan of cash bars. I have been to a few receptions that have had them. We stay with the punch and soda.

Destination weddings
We've never been invited to one and with our current financial situation the RSVP would be a definite no.

All Fried Food
I did attend a reception that was catered by KFC. Actually it was a welcome surprise. I get tired of the usual Chicken Cordon Bleu.

No Veggie Option
According to an April 2008 poll, 3.2 percent of Americans claim to be vegetarians, and 10 percent claim to follow a "vegetarian-inclined" diet. So, don't forget your no meat guests.

Never-Ending Waits for Food Service
Best wedding we've attended had a cocktail hour while the bride and groom were off taking photos. It was over 10 years ago and I still remember those tasty meatballs!

Running Out of The Big Ticket EntreeAsk Marcus about one of the worst weddings we went to and he'll tell you about the spaghetti that older family members made in the kitchen. And yes, they actually ran out!

The Wedding Cake Face Smash
To me this is a personal choice. My husband and I didn't partake in it at our wedding nor the renewal ceremony.

Big Announcement For Law & Order Fans!

Here's some sad news for our Law & Order fans. S. Epatha Merkerson, aka Lt. Van Buren, is leaving the tv show after the end of this season.

She's spent the last 16 years on this show and will be greatly missed. At this time it's not sure if the writers will be having her character die from her cancer that she's be fighting.

The Young and the Restless

Lauren Fenmore and Michael Baldwin

The Young and the Restless

Are you a Y&R fan?

The Good Wife - What Happens Now that Alicia and Will Have Kissed?

The Good Wife

You ladies heard her, she's not afraid for Peter. I think she's concerned for her kids and her reputation in the law firm. She likes Will and respects him. Right now, she's not that crazy about Peter. Remember, he did betray her in the worst way.

I'll be watching next week. How about you?

Affordable Child Care - Find Quality Low Cost Care for Your Kids

Marcus, Our Little One

Affordable Child Care - Find Quality Low Cost Care for Your Kids

When Marcus was younger my husband and I worked alternative work hours so that there was someone home with him. There were times when we did use day care but only part time. We also utilized our employer's dependent care flexible care accounts. After my work related injury I was working from home so when he wasn't feeling well mom was there.

Many of the steps, in the article helped us save very expensive child care dollars as well give Marcus on parent at home.

Clink on the above link to read the full article.

Re-Do for the Living Area - Wordless Wednesday and What Works for Me

I decided it was time to redo our living area. We'll be bringing home wall shelving, photos, books and knick knacks as we close out our storage unit.

The lost of our jobs last August, losing our apartment, Toby and our car have been overwhelming at times. But we cannot put our lives on hold while we're digging ourselves out of this huge hole.

It's time to make our small apartment our home. And this is why this works for me!

This and More Work At Home Opportunities at Rat Race Rebellion

Telecommute Appointment Setters - TeleReach; not hiring in the following states: AK, CA, CT,FL, HI, IL, MD, MI, MA, MT, ND, NH, NV, PA, WA

Customer Service PDA Smart Phone II - Alpine Access; You must reside in the United States in one of the following states to apply: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NE, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY

Joe's Red Devil Chicken Recipe - Martha Stewart.com

Red Devil Chicken recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart.com
We use an cast iron skillet. It can handle grill temps or high stove temps!Also, we like grilled asparagus along with the red potatoes

Serves 4
1 four-pound chicken, rinsed and patted dry
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/3 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, crushed in a garlic press
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons crushed hot red-pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
Vegetable oil, for grate

Directions
1.Using a cleaver or heavy knife, cut chicken along each side of the backbone to remove it. Place chicken skin side up on a work surface. With the heal of your hand, press down on the breastbone to flatten the chicken.
2.In a resealable plastic bag, combine wine, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, red-pepper flakes, and salt. Add chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours.

3.Meanwhile, build a charcoal fire in one side of a grill and let it burn until the coals are covered with white ash. Place a large disposable aluminum pan on the empty side of the grill, and fill it halfway with water. If you are using a gas grill, preheat on high. Turn one burner off, and keep the other burner on high. Place the foil pan on the off burner, and fill halfway with water.

4.Remove the chicken from the marinade. Lightly oil the cooking grate with vegetable oil. Place chicken skin side down on the grate, over the pan of water. Weight the chicken with a heavy cast iron skillet or an aluminum foil-wrapped brick. Cover grill, and cook for 25 minutes. Remove the skillet and turn the chicken. Cover, and continue to cook until the chicken shows no sign of pink when pierced at the thighbone, about 25 minutes more.

5.Cut the chicken into quarters, and serve hot, accompanied by grilled new potatoes.

Menu Plan Monday - March 29, 2010

I'm finally out of Phase 2 of repair training and back on the phones. By Thursday, I will be returning to my work schedule of 5am to 2pm. It's a bit rough to get up that early but it's great for making appointments and running errands.

Marcus is on spring break this week. And what does that mean? He's working full time hours at the recreation center.

My husband is getting prepared for his entry test by studying up on his math, reading and grammar skills.

Well, that's enough about us. Now onto this week's menu! Thanks to Allrecipes.com for the Pork Loin Roast and the Rib recipes

Oven Fried Tilipia, French Fries

Spaghetti Sauce with Whole Wheat Noodles

Roasted Pork Loin Roast, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans

Roasted Red Deviled Chicken, Roasted Potatoes

Pork Ribs, Rice A Roni, Green Beans

The Walls Are Crashing Down All Around You - Find Your Contentment in a Crisis

Coming to the realization can be very difficult for many of us. In our case it's been a continuing process of letting things go to perserve our existence.

During this time, many have chosen to be miserable, to not notice the happiness, the gifts and good times.

Please feel free to stop by Nesting Place to read a Guest Post about Contentment.

Buy Your Monthly Bus Passes at Your Local Albertsons

A 30 day Transit Bus Pass is the way to go when you use RTC for your primary transporation. For $65 you can make multiple bus rides during the month. In our house, we share a pass to save money.

Click here to view the Albertson's locations and other businesses that sell monthly transit passes.

ps don't forget to check the new bus schedule today. There's been many changes made that may impact you.

Pleasant View Schoolhouse - Amazing Seamstress

When I just want to enjoy some window gazing and visit bloggers who are truly talented Pleasant View Schoolhouse is at the top of the list!

She takes vintage dress and clothing patterns, fabric and creates beautiful wearable pieces for her and her family.

I'm so glad that she graciously shares them with us. Please enjoy them along with me.