While You Are Funemployed…

The job hunt has begun. Although finding a new career can be frightening, the transition period is all in what you make it.

Things to do while Funemployed:


Indulge in an obnoxious amount of sweets. As soon as I told Tyler on Tuesday night, he said “See you soon. I’m bringing milkshakes.” 20 minutes later, I was eating a cookie dough milkshake while black mascara ran down my face. Is that normal?

Yesterday, Boding came over with 2 Lil Chiperoo cookies from Whole Foods. He wouldn’t leave without me trying one. These things are ridiculous. Two chocolate chip cookies filled with icing, then dipped in chocolate. Go to WF and get one right now. Thank me later.
Tonight, Ashley and I are going to O-ku for sushi and champagne. Her nursing school mentor is taking us out. We’re going to celebrate our future! Even though I’ve ditched the crutches, there is a 99.9% chance that I will be wearing flats.
Work out, work out, work out some more. You can’t indulge in milkshakes and Lil Chiperoos unless you’re balancing it out with exercise. Plus, exercise is a great way to relieve stress and maintain a focus on what’s important. I typically go to Eco in the afternoon, but have always preferred morning workouts. Now I can! The only issue is less babe-watching. Mornings at Eco = hanging with the Mt. Pleasant mommies. They’re my idols though! I have lots of love for moms who still make it to the gym each day. Especially Katie! :)


Get smarter. I wasn’t sure when I’d find time to attack the pile of books I rented the other day, but now I have no excuses! Last night while watching American Idol with Lucy, I started reading How to Taste: A Guide to Enjoying Wine. Did you guys know that Riesling is pronounced as “reece-ling”?


Put yourself out there. I am by no means a chatterbox, but I will talk to anyone and everyone. I just like people a lot and have found that most people are inherently good and willing to help those in need. After blogging about the layoff and posting a funemployment status on fb, I have been contacted by several people about job opportunities. I have an interview tomorrow with a publishing company, too! :)


Thank you all for your sweet comments regarding my situation. Every bit of compassion helps me stay positive.

Stay tuned for a lot of fun blog posts in the near future. You’ll be seeing a review of The Rice Market, a giveaway, and the unveiling of a best friend’s blog! Also, if there are any topics you’d like to see more of on my blog, now is the time to let me know.

Snowpocalypse 2011: The Day We Had No Snow

Sunday evening news reports were claiming icy rain and possible snow in Charleston on Monday. We already had flurries a couple weeks ago, so I wasn't really surprised. Charleston is the new North. Except the people aren't rude. (I am originally a Masshole, I am allowed to say that.) I begrudgingly got out of bed at 7:30, got ready, and headed into work. On my way there, Victoria called me and yelled "TURN AROUND! The office is closed!" I nearly screamed into the phone like a 5-year-old, veered onto the next exit ramp, and turned around to go home. I was overjoyed! But on my way home, I spent over an HOUR on the Ravenel bridge. I saw 5 different accidents, with cars facing all different directions. Maybe one or two of these accidents were caused from black ice, but I actually think people just panic while driving under "inclement weather conditions" and end up driving worse than I do. Which is really, really bad. 

So how did I spend my random Monday off? 

As soon as I got back home, Lucy asked if I wanted to go to Target. That was a big fat yes. She, Rebecca, and I spent well over an hour in every department in Target (other than Men’s and the baby section, of course). Purchases included some rainbow-heart printed dish towels (very necessary), chocolate, mints, biore strips, and other womanly things. These are all things worth driving in the Snowpocalypse for. 

We also made a quick stop at the pet store. Now here's why Lucy might also be a bad driver. Instead of letting me get out to move this grocery cart, she said, "Don't worry about it! It's fine." And just parked. Like this. Haha.

When we got home, we did what we do best: sit on the couch with our laptops and surround ourselves with  magazines, books, and food. We usually leave the t.v. on too - any random channel will do. Every 5 minutes it seems that one of us asks the other, "Um, what are we watching?" or "Why are we watching Rachael Ray? She is soooo annoying." or "You can totally change it if you want." Yet we never really change the channel.

Lucy was itching to bake something so I suggested we make homemade granola. We again decided to brave Snowpocalypse 2011 to pick up supplies at Whole Foods. Very worth it. I was inspired by the Carrot Cake granola on Allie's blog, but I made mine a little differently.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup rice crisp cereal
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup walnut pieces
• 1 tsp apple pie spice (or 1 tsp total of cinnamon + nutmeg + all spice)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins (save for the end)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325*. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together oats, coconut, cereal, carrots, walnuts, raisins, and apple pie spice, and salt. 2. Add honey, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until dry mixture is fully coated.3. Spread mixture evenly over a baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping granola halfway through baking time.4. Once cooled, toss raisins into granola.

This granola can be enjoyed by the handful, over Greek yogurt, or atop oatmeal.

Immediately after baking, I again braved Snowpocalypse 2011 so I could go to Spin class. Today was my first class with David Cross, and he is fantastic! His high-energy level was so encouraging, and I loved how during our cool down song, he came around and high-fived everyone. But my absolute favorite thing from yesterday's class was that he played Meatloaf's "I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).” Now that is how I want to start my Mondays. With this guy:

After Spin class, I hurried to get ready to watch Auburn play in the National Championship game. At the end of the game, a 19-yard field goal by Wes Byrum at the end gave Auburn the National Championship, with a 22-19 win over the Oregon Ducks. Champagne bottles were definitely popped!(Look, I’m Asian!)

In summary, Snowpocalypse 2011 meant great things: shopping for unnecessary crap, watching mindless television, baking, exercising, and drinking champagne for football games. I decided that work is overrated and anyone willing to financially support these habits of mine should feel free to call me on my telephone. I may or may not silence your call and text you back. That's just what I do.

WAR EAGLE!