Changing Careers?

I read an article today that mentioned...."Switch Fields In As Little As Two Years".  Two years!?!?!  Are you kidding me? 

After I graduated from college, it took some time to get my footing on what I wanted to do, what I liked, what I didn't.  My first job I had lined up before I graudated college was working in the hospitality industry.  It took me less than three months.....more like three days to know I didn't want to work in that area.  I stayed at it for 3 months and then gave my notice.  It took me two weeks, not two years, to find my next job........er, career.

Granted, if you need a new degree or certifications, that may take some time....and two years may be the timeline, if not longer.  I mean, if you're going from janitor to lawyer or doctor...that will take a few years.  But, let's face it.....that's a pretty drastic career change.  Most people can explore new markets, industries, etc., and use their experience, network and desire to get into a new field of choice.

Realizing unemployment is at its peak and with the economy still in states of chaos, the lines could be long in getting into the new career door.  If you're looking to move to a new career....I'm rooting for ya and hope it doesn't take too long.  But, I'm betting it won't take you two years.

XOXOXO

Fall Festival and Football

We attended the football game and the fall festival tonight at my son's middle school. 

Let's talk football......Ravens won 42-0!  YAY.  By the 4th quarter I'm yelling and clapping for the other team.  Those poor guys got the crap beat out of 'em.  And, yes I felt sorry for them.  Suddenly, I'm rooting for the underdogs...and they were  u-n-d-e-r.  Honestly, they looked like a bunch of girls playin'.   I know...not nice.  It was a fun game....at least for the Ravens, the home team.  Go Ravens...whoopit.

I have to say, the indoor fall festival was a disappointment.  There weren't a lot of booths or games or food or drinks.  Pickin' was slim.  The things there were a lot of were long lines.  Overall, it was very poorly orchestrated.  Yes, I'm complaining.... no I didn't help......yes, I should have volunteered, but I didn't.  It's the perfect writing for a blog, though.  Complain, be a critic and post it.

Ladies of the PTA......you sucked.  You need help and I hope your other events are planned better.  Next time consider a professional..........someone like my BFF, Jennifer....who knows how to plan an event, make it the talk of the town, make it fun and organize to perfection.......for around $10,000 or more.  Yup, she's not in my budget either. 

Tonight was still a good night. Spending time with my family.....no matter the event, is a blessing.  I'm still smiling about it.

XOXOXO

When Life Throws a Curve Ball

When life throws a curve ball...........knock the sh't out of it!  It's a good motto. 
    

Some times we need to stand up and say "enough is enough".  Today, I'm not taking it anymore.  Tomorrow, give it your best shot, try 'n knock me down.  But, today it ain't gonna happen. 

Having said that.....I'm feeling a little better.  It's been a rough week.  Too many people to please, with too many agendas.  The rest of today, is by my rules.  Sorry hon, kids, but I'm tired and.........

    We're eating out for dinner........
    I'm not helping with homework........
    No we're not watching The X-Factor........
    Don't ask, 'cause the answer is No........
    Okay, Yes, you can go to youth-group, but after that you're grounded........
    One more glass of wine won't hurt......... :)

 
XOXOXO

Fall for Sweaters

We're well into the Fall season and cooler weather.  It's time to pull out your light jackets, sweaters and scarves!  I love this time of the year.  It's a refresh from the hot summer, time to cool off and enjoy a glass of wine, hot cider and hot chocolate. Yum.

If you've packed away your fall/winter clothes, now is the time to pull them out and make room in the closets.  I have two favorite cardigans that I wear around the pad.....but have about 10 altogether.  Mix of colors, textures and styles for the fashonistas in our house.  And,  best of all...........we can share our clothes, our styles and our warmth.

Let's enjoy the fall, the sweaters and the cooler weather!

XOXOXO

Downside for Being A Celeb

Yes, there are some disadvantages for being a celebrity.  I had to dig deep and wide to find them, but here are a few:

• No privacy (ah, an obvious one)
• One little slip (err or faux pas), no matter how trivial gets national/global attention
• Everyone's a critic
• Bad or good days, sick or in good health, you must be in top form....because the media will be happy to print thousands of pictures showing your worse
• Potential eye problems, with so many cameras/lights blinding you.  It must be trying on your retina.

But, here's my #1 grief and downside for the celebs........you can't wear an outfit more than once!  No matter how good it looks on you, the shelf life is one time (1x).  No matter how much it costs...1x.  No matter how much rave and fanfare....1x.  No matter....1x. 

Frankly, it's a crazy rule, but it's a rule that is adamantly adhered in the celeb world.  The rest of us (non-celebs) can commit social blunder and wear our favorite outfits 3 or 4 times a week if we want.  It won't make headline news and we won't be in the OMG! photo galleries as the biggest fashion faux pas of the week.

A small reminder, there are some nice perks for not being famous.  Hope you're wearing your favorite outfit today.  I am! 

XOXOXO

3-Day Weekend - YAY!

                                                
I love my weekends and the only thing better is getting a 3-day weekend!  Columbus Day is this Monday and the Federal Reserve is closed.  Most banks are closed and I'm officially off the clock.  If you work outside the financial industry or the government, then you may not be celebrating the long holiday weekend.  My apologies for rubbing it in, but WHOOP!  I'm excited and already thinking about my "extra" day off.

                    

Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.

XOXOXO

Thrift Shopping with my Friends

Guest post written by Shelley Fawcett

My friends and I are pretty stylish in my opinion, but it's not like we're buying clothes straight out of Vogue or anything. We're all functioning on pretty low budgets since we're barely out of college and have all kinds of student loans, too. But one thing that we do to get a bunch of our clothes is by going thrifting. If you know what you're doing and have some friends to tell you their opinions on things you're trying on, you really can find some really great things at the thrift store.

I was online looking up some info on some new thrift stores in the area just as another place for us to go and look and while I was doing that, I ran across some info on mobile broadband internet providers in my area. After I looked through it a little bit, I decided to switch over to one of them.

I think that I found some really great things this time around that I went thrift shopping! I found this adorable printed wrap dress that looks like it could be DVF even though it's some no-name label.

Protect Yourself and Who You Are

In today’s world of emerging technology and cyberspace mischief we have to protect ourselves from identify theft as much, if not more than someone breaking and entering your home, business or car.  How often do we think about identify theft protection?  Most people have insurance for their personal property, but what coverage do you have for your identity?

A few years ago, someone was able to take some of our personal bills, credit card statements and eventually my husband’s social security number.  This was back in the early 2000s before identity theft was so prevalent.  Even then, we didn’t realize the full extent of having this personal info in the hands of thieves.  The people that took his personal information began using variations of his name and applying for services within the same city, new cities and different states. 

They moved around a lot, never staying in the same place too long, but long enough to run up a series of past due bills.   Believe it or not, it took almost two years before we were aware of their theft and the mounting bills and collection attempts.  We finally found out through a credit check when applying for a car loan.

Needless to say, it was a nightmare.  His credit was ruined and it took almost two more years of locking his credit, police reports, endless phone calls, mailing certified statements and constant hassles with companies to resolve.  Two years of tireless daily follow ups and gray hairs.

I’ll be first to vouch for identity protection.  There are many companies that specialize in consumer safeguard for property and our most precious asset, self-identity.  IdentityHawk is one of several companies to consider.  We’re living in the digital-age where anything is possible.  Safeguard yourself and stay safe always!

October Shopping

Did you know the month of October has a couple of widely known celebrations and several hundred not-so-known observances?  The two most of us knows are: Columbus Day-Oct 10, 2011 is coming up; And, of course, the infamous Halloween.....Boo!  October also has many, many, many other observances.  To name a few.....

• Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
• Bat Appreciation Month
• Bullying Prevention
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month

All, worthy observances and one to meet the most discerning consumer.  But, what about shopping? 

October's color is purple.  You could consider a purple tablecloth.  Orange and black, aren't the only colors for October.  I love purple!  For the college grad, or those to-be aspiring grads, check out the seventeen bedding collections.  Makes me want to wrap myself up for the night.  And, accessorizing, in addition to your bedroom, size up your arm candy with some relic purses.   All in celebration of October.

Shop 'til you drop and always enjoy!

XOXO

A La Carte Banking Fees!!

If you have a debit card with one of the BIG financial institutions with minimum level deposits,  you're probably one of million consumers that will be paying a monthly fee when using your debit card. 

Below is one of my publications in the Yahoo! Business section.  For your reading enjoyment!


Yahoo Business Contributor - Who's to Blame for Debit Card Fees?!?

My profile page is also included:

JP Cov's Profile Page

Happy spending,

XOXOXO

Monday, Mondays......I Need My Coffee

In corp America, the start of the week is Monday.  We excise ourselves from the two-day layover and by market hours we're in gear and ready to rock-n-roll.  Coffee, coffee and more coffee is a must!  Cream too (for me).  You can look at every street corner, w/in most buildings and you'll see the brown oil brewing and available.  Follow your nose to the comfort smell of brew and carbs.  Perk your ears, and you'll hear the sound of ka-chink and musical $$s floating around.  It's a serious business.

And, I'm serious when I tell you....I need my coffee.....every morning, especially Mondays.  You can take one look at me and know if I've had my brew or not.  On the rare occasions when I've been thrown off track and no brew in hand.....well, let's just say, don't get too close.  The growl and scowl should be enough to scare you.

Mondays come with a love-hate relationship.  Hate 'em, initially.  The weekend is too short, went by too quickly and I'm usually not ready to say good-bye to them yet.  But, when Monday comes, I jump in. Once I get started and I'm in my groove (yikes! did I just say groove?), I see endless possibilities and adventures ahead.  All of sudden, Mondays aren't so bad. 

For this Monday, the weather is cool, the sun is rising, coffee's in the pot, the kids are at their bus stops and people are awake and starting their day.  It's actually a nice day and I'm ready to make things happen.  

Hope this Monday is good for you too.  Happy Monday!

Shopping Gorillas

October is finally here and so is fall.  The leaves are slowly dropping from the trees and a crisp coolness is in the air.  Pumkin patches are sprouting up everywhere.  I love this time of year.  Halloween, Fall Festivals, Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays are just around the corner.  YAY!  I love all of the holidays, the festivities and shopping for all of them.

As summer is now a distant past, you can find some great deals throughout the world webs and stores.  What's a summer without beaches and waves.  Beach paraphernalias and decor are on sale and ready for the pre-seasonal shoppers.  That's me.  I'm really digging the Beach clock and anything to keep me on track.

Water fountains at Lowes are never out of style or season.  Summer, spring, fall or winter........the sound of water cascading through a Tuscan style fountain, whether on the patio or indoors.  It brings coolness and a sense of serenity.  Every home should have one! 
With the cooler weather, we'll be bringing it back inside.  The kitchen updates for autumn includes a new flatware caddy and some fun utensils to make sure everything is in its place to be cooked and prodded as needed.  Just what the recipe orders.  

I love all four seasons.  I love to shop.  And, I love to find great deals.  Here's to all the shopping gorillas out there.  Hope you enjoy too.