92 Sunsets

It’s been three months to the day since I left Company X, so to mark this special occasion here is a look back at my job history and accomplishments during that time (and it’s a long enough entry, I think, to make up for my recent absence). Get a cup of coffee and enjoy.

Work Experience

August 2008 – November 2008

• CFO/Controller – By far, this has been my most pressing and time intensive job. I have done cash flow analysis, created a Q4 budget (and reports on same) for our business and household. I’ve also prepared cash flow reports and set budgets for extended family, as well.

• Sous Chef – I have prepared more meals in the past three months than I have in the past 10 years. My goal is to live down the tale (more like an urban myth) my husband likes to share with anyone who will listen ….something about me not knowing how to turn on the stove a full year after it was installed….

• Nanny – Watching a five year old for ten hours at a stretch. I have not done this in 15 years. It’s like riding a bike however, and the skills come back quickly. Can you say “duck, duck, goose”? I can. And did. About 100 times.

• Electrician – for further details, see the 9/17 post

• Political Junkie – Ahhh yes….I watched more political commentary during this historic election than I care to admit, but it was a riveting, fascinating drama unfolding right before my eyes – I couldn’t help myself! Of course, I listened to commentary from both sides of the coin – in order to be fair and balanced.

• Dog Trainer – When we moved into our house, Tuffy (see profile picture) could not (or would not) go up and down the stairs. He was used to being carried. Well, due to my patience and dog whispering abilities, he is now able to go up and down the stairs with ease.

• Dog Walker – Like cooking, I could probably count on one hand how many times I’ve walked my dog in the past three years. (He’s a small dog, but still!) We go out just about every night, and I can tell he’s the better for it. I guess I am too.

• Dog Letter Outer – This occurs approximately 10 times a day and was handled by my husband. I have now taken over the bulk of this responsibility.

• Dog Feeder – The talent for getting down just the right mix of dried cuisine and shredded cheddar… is mine!

• Professional Downsizer – This skill has proven to be the timeliest – in terms of current economic need and perhaps marketability. If you know of anyone who needs assistance in taking what amounts to a garage shop full of paints, supplies, tools, and stuff – along with a basement office featuring desks, office equipment, boxes of files and files and more files; and some major sized pieces of art work and art supplies, perhaps some books, CDs, household goods, furniture, a shed full of garden and yard accoutrements…and fitting that neatly and in an organized fashion… into a dog sized house, well then I’m your gal.

• Blogger – I’ve been spotty here at best. Once you start, however, the blog monkey is always on your back letting you know it’s a commitment not to be taken lightly for fear of disappointing your faithful blog readers…. Or reader. Hi mom!

• House cleaner – See the 10/13 post. (Please note that this skill has not been applied to my own environs.)


Recent Accomplishments
• Mastery of crock-pot cooking – After initial unsuccessful attempts (like cooking a cut of meat for 12 hours, and it coming out harder and tougher than when it went in), I bolstered my courage and finally managed to make an edible meal using this complex appliance

• Power user: Quick Books and Quicken – I now enter invoices, write checks and reconcile three bank accounts in relatively record time (relative to someone who's never in their entire life used these applications before).

Hobbies
• Reconnecting – with my dog, family and friends

• Reading – four books relating to contemporary culture, political history and online marketing (not really…they were good mysteries, thrillers or fiction)

• Ohio Lottery (not a Lucky Dog, though)

• Movie watching – always a passion with me, faves include In Bruges (seriously…I was like “In what”? But you should really check it out) and Mystery of Picasso (this is best watched with the sound turned down, and your IPod turned up – amazing!)

• Travel – I’ve made several trips including Las Vegas, New Hampshire, and Chicago

Professional Organizations

• Not so much

There you have it. It’s been a busy three months, and I think I’ve spent my time well. As an FYI, I’ve also managed to find some work that actually pays a little: I've lined up my first consulting gig and am working with two different companies on building customer-centric voice into their marketing - along with some other tasks thrown in. I'm very excited about this direction in my work life - and may have to leave my Suede Boot Designer days behind me.

What an amazing difference....

one

single

day

makes.


I am so happy that I was able to experience this day, and I am so proud to be part of this country. And Ohio rocks.