It has been awhile again.  I am not very good at this posting business, but I thought I should try and keep it up to date.

I took the job I talked about at United Health Care - and it was horrible.  Without going into a lot of detail, the training lasted 12 weeks and was very inadequate.  When we actually went on the job, I felt so poorly prepared to deal with the customers.  The pay was decent, and that is the reason I took the job over the other job offers I had.

Another job offer I received was from a promotional supply company.  The HR person said if I ever needed a job to call them.  So, after 4 months of hell at UHC, I called her and asked if anything was available and she said YES!  To make a long story short, I have been there for three weeks, and I like it very much so far.  My non-compete contract with Harrah's expired, but I decided that I do not want to go back into the casino industry until and if something fabulous comes up at one of the local casinos.

I have regained about 10-12 lbs., so I joined WW online to try to get ahold of things.  I had four really good days last week and 3 not so good days, but I lost 3 lbs.  I will plug along, because my clothes are too tight and I DO NOT want to regain this weight.  I can see how it could happen.  If I can maintain at around 155-160 I will be delighted.  Right now I am 173.  I will keep this updated.

Terry's brother did succumb to the cancer in January of 2007, on his birthday.  It was very, very sad.  The family had done very well, I think, and I think Terry has handled it better than I could have expected.  

Rosie is groovy.  We had a family reunion in February, celebrating Fred's 45th wedding anniversary, Nancy's 40th wedding anniversary, and Marilyn's 70th birthday.  It was a wonderful event.  If I can get some photos uploaded I will post a couple.

I can't complain.  I want to get the weight off, but I think I can do it.  I like the new job so far, and the IRS hasn't come to get me for the taxes I owe for this year (hey-at least I filed, and the amount isn't as much as the rebate I am supposed to get!  LOL)

It has been a long time since I was here.  I just read the last post, where my job allowed me to meet a musician I have always admired.  I was fired from that job on December 14, right before Christmas.  I had an altercation with a co-worker, and I was the low man on the totem pole, so she just got a documented coaching and I got termed.  It has been a huge blow for me because I really loved my job, and I was very good at it.  I had been with the company for 10 years, but only in that department/job for 10 months.

So the last month has been a blur of online applications and interviews.  I got a position I am not really excited about, but decided a bird in the hand...I don't start that job until 1/21, however, so if one of the other jobs that I think I have a good chance for comes through, I will take that instead.

Financially, I will be OK, but not great.  My job was fun, hard work, exciting, and paid well.  I also signed a non-compete contract when I took the job, so I can't work in the industry for 6 months.  I don't know if I will even want to go back when that time comes.

I miss my job, my friends, a structured life.  I know that so many people have it worse than I do, so I try to not whine too much.  But, just when the rest of my life seemed to be going well, the bottom drops out.

I will try to update more frequently.  Hopefully next time I will have a good job...

Last night my company sponsored a Kenny Loggins concert.  I have always loved him - first saw him in 1986 in the pouring rain at an outdoor theater here in St. Louis.  I had to work the Meet and Greet tent after the concert, where VIPS got to meet him and have their photo taken with him.  Usually we stay in the background and let the VIPS at the artist.  I was standing by the door when he entered, I was the first one to say welcome to him, and he kissed my hand and gave me the look I have just started to learn to accept - you know - the one of appreciation that men give nice-looking women.  I think about how it might have been had I been my former self - I don't know - but I felt beautiful and wonderful.

Anyway, a little later, my boss told me to get in line and get my picture taken with him and I was delighted!  When it was my turn, I told him I have been a fan for 20 years and reminded him of that concert at the Muny, in the rain, 20 years ago.  He was so gracious, and now I will have a picture to remember that by.

I am not really a "star gazer". but this guy brought back many memories of my youth, and it was a night to remember.

Goodnight everybody!

...and  Happy New Year!

Well, things are looking up a bit.  I started taking Effexor twice a day for my depression in place of the Cymbalta two weeks ago.  I think I am doing better, but will talk to the doc about upping it to 3X a day.  It has changed my outlook a bit, but there are still some issues I muddle with daily.  Overall, though, I am encouraged.

Only a couple of weeks left on grave shift and I am very relieved.  I want to get back to a real life...

Posted some more photos, including my 10-month photo.  I am starting to get used to the new me, finally.  Margaret came to visit and she said she couldn't get used to my voice coming out of this body.  Funny.

Have hit 160, but am NOT making good food choices.  Am waiting for the holiday madness to recede to get back on track.  Starting exercise as well.  It's all good.

It's been a wonderful year...and a mess.  Overall I can't complain.

Love, Me.