The Unexpected Perks of Unemployment

We all know the disadvantages of being unemployed:  Reduced income for the household, searching for new employment, and looking for things to fill your time.  Also the Geico commercial with the camel doesn't have quite the same meaning - although it is still my favorite commercial and I crack up every time I see it.

There are, however, some unexpected perks of unemployment:

• You can go to the store at the times they are the least busy - and not only have the store to yourself, but a great parking spot.
• You can stay up as late as you want, and get up at whatever time you choose.
• You can do household chores at 2AM or 2PM, whenever the mood strikes.
• You don't have to worry about what you are going to wear to work the next day.
• You can be lax in the personal hygiene department (although I would not recommend it).
• Spend more time with family (especially nice if they live in Las Vegas and have a private pool).
• Most importantly, it gives you time to figure out and follow your dreams.

You are never too old, and it is never too late, to reinvent this great adventure called life.

Wow! How Life Changes...

I didn't realize how long it's been since I've posted on my blog.  Here are the highlights since I last posted:

January 2011 - I got a new job.

April 2011 - Our dog, Gracie, passed away.

July 2011 - Mike and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary.

November 2011 - My wonderful grandmother, Evelyn MacDougall, passed away.

September 2012 - Adopted a wonderful dog named Callie.

June 2013 - Mike and I both got new rides (Mike a Volvo X30 and me a Honda CR-V)

July 2013 - My newest nephew, Maverick River Allen, was born.

September 2013 - I was laid off from my job.

In addition to all this, my weight has not exactly been kept in check.  I definitely need to get back on track in maintaining my weight.

I feel a new chapter of my life beginning.  It's scary.  It's hard.  It's exciting.

Finding Myself

Mike (also known as Hubby) suggested I take some time to try different things and find out what I LIKE to do.  Very good advice, but honestly I’ve had a hard time doing it.  To help move myself forward in a positive direction, I’ve decided to randomly list things that make me happy:

• Being skinny :-)
• Watching television (sad, I know)
• Showing people how to do things or show them something new
• Feeling useful
• Making someone happy
• Helping someone
• A clean, organized house
• Figuring something out (especially technology)
• Seeing my family and friends happy and healthy
• Crawling into a warm, clean bed
• A glass of Diet Pepsi with the perfect liquid:ice ratio
• Walking outside on a bright, cool, clear, day
• Cheeseburger from In-N-Out (which, sadly, does not go with being skinny)
• Coconut Bread Pudding from Joe’s Crabshack (again, does not go with being skinny)
• Roadtrips to anywhere
• Traveling
• Shopping (looking more then buying – but buying is fun!)
• Eating out – but healthy!
• My dog and cats
• Hanging by the pool at my sister’s house

I know I could list more things, but I hope that this small step will help me get to know myself a little better and find out what truly makes me happy.

I also need to remember that the most important thing is to keep God in this whole journey.