Job possibilities

What a week! I started back to work on Tuesday and frankly, I was concerned whether the hurt thumb would be a hindrance. Other than aching a bit the first couple of days, fortunately the thumb wasn't much of a problem. I have to avoid using the thumb when lifting, for example, lifting the vacuum cleaner. But it doesn't slow me down too much, so I really can't complain.

With my house-cleaning business keeping me busy and going so well (I've even had to turn away customers there's so much business), I haven't been looking for other job opportunities. But sometimes opportunities present themselves, often when you least expect them. A friend of mine from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools alerted me to a job opening that she thought might be of interest. On Friday, between customers, I chatted briefly with the hiring manager, and actually the job sounds quite interesting.

Right now, I aim to stay "open" and see what happens next. Having my own business has been very enjoyable, and it feels like I'm living the American dream. Financially, short-term, I'm making enough to pay the bills; long-term, the rewards could be really great. I like being able to set my own hours, and I thrive on the customer interaction. But of course I have a lot to learn about running a business, and at this point I'm "flying by the seat of my pants" more often than not.

Much as I'm enjoying being in business for myself, I don't want to close myself off to other job possibilities. I believe everything happens for a reason; even "bad" things like cutting my thumb. I think the Life Lesson to be learned from cutting my thumb was "slow down", pay attention, don't be in such a hurry. So yes, I want to find out more about the job at CMS. If the job turns out to be a good fit, wonderful, but if not, well, I'll just keep pursuing that old American dream!

Menu Plan Monday

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday for the first time. What is Menu Plan Monday? Once a week, the Organizing Junkie hosts dozens of bloggers who share their meal plans for the coming week. The participants cover a wide range of dietary needs and choices, including vegetarian meals, low carb, and even cooking for two! So far Menu Plan Monday has helped me find a couple of recipes that I plan to try soon. Click here! to go to the Organizing Junkie's blog, then scroll down to "Menu Plan Monday" to see her menus for this week, as well as what some of the other ladies will be dishing up.

This week I am starting back to work after being out of work the last two weeks after gashing my left thumb with a chef's knife (the knife slipped). Last Thursday the stitches came out. The thumb is healing nicely, but it was a deep cut, which the doctor says will take another month to finish healing. So I'll keep wearing a splint to protect it, and be careful not to do any heavy lifting with my left hand, but otherwise I'm looking forward to getting back into my routine.

The best part about coming home from a hard day's work is knowing that dinner is ready (or nearly so). On Sundays, my sister and I prepare most of the dishes for the week ahead, so weeknights we don't spend much time in the kitchen, other than warming up meals, tossing a fresh salad, cooking rice and other quick side dishes. Here's what's on the menu this week:

Monday: Blackeye peas with sausage and tomatoes ; cooked cabbage
Tuesday: Smoked turkey sausage; cooked cabbage; scalloped potatoes
Wednesday: Sub on a spud; tossed salad
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Take-out or eat out
Saturday: Turkey Picadillo tacos; Spanish rice
Sunday: Easter at my nephew's house. Will be taking a dish.

Looks like I've got some 'splainin' to do

One of the most memorable quotes from "I Love Lucy" is Ricky Ricardo's line: "Lucy, you've got some 'splainin' to do." Since I haven't written in months, it looks like I've got some 'splainin' to do, too.

The last weeks of 2006 and the first few of 2007 were an uneasy time for me personally. I wasn't depressed, but I wasn't happy, either.

• First I was worn out from laboring on the Kernersville house, getting it ready to go on the market. At the beginning of December, Jerry and I signed the paperwork to list the house. It's still on the market, but has had lots of showings. Yes, I'm anxious about selling the house, but feeling hopeful since spring is here, and March through June are when the greatest number of prospective homebuyers are in the market.
• Second I suffered a big disappointment: I didn't receive the job offer I was expecting from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Frankly, it wasn't my ideal job, so it's probably all for the best, but all the same, it was disappointing at the time.
• Suddenly I needed to start a new job search, and the timing stunk. For one thing, my mother had just come for a two-week visit, and I didn't want to shortchange our time together. She stayed until after Thanksgiving. After she left, I knew from personal experience the challenges I faced, looking for a job during the holidays. I felt pessimistic about my chances. So I set a goal for myself to submit 2-3 job applications every day, Monday through Friday. Doing this kept me focused and gave me a sense of accomplishment every day. I only applied for jobs that really interested me, but there were no lack of interesting positions available.
• As the end of January approached, I was getting low on funds and had to tap an IRA. I hadn't gotten a single interview resulting from the job applications I had submitted. Although I had gotten a couple of calls from contract firms, none of those jobs appealed. And I needed a job right then.

That's when I decided to start my own business, cleaning houses. Starting a house cleaning business doesn't take much money up front. My only real concern when I got started was that I have never really enjoyed housework; it always seemed like drudgery. Right away, though, I discovered that cleaning is not drudgery when you are being paid well to do it. Also, cleaning is a form of therapy, and leaving behind neat, clean rooms is very satisfying. Best of all, I am my own boss. I set my own hours and I get at least one check every day. As for job security, there seem to be no limits on the opportunities out there, and one thing's for SURE: they can't outsource housecleaning jobs overseas!

I've been in business for about 6 weeks, and I am enjoying the work. Surprisingly (to me), most of my clients are home when I'm there. Since I'm a people person, that's a definite PLUS for me. I like getting "face time" with my clients. It's my chance to build and strengthen relationships, and at heart, that's what business is all about.

The only "negative" so far is that I'm learning as I go; that is, I did some minimal research before getting started, but not to the nth degree as I usually do. So in addition to building a new business, I'm having to research legal and tax requirements a little here, a little there, as time permits. It's been keeping me busy nights and weekends, but I'm not overwhelmed, never fear. Overall, I feel happy and fulfilled... and so expect to hear more from me, very soon!