Friday, November 30, 2007

Jobbery Part III

I had an interview this afternoon with the Sales Manager at Upper James Toyota. It went ok I guess. I think I was very... lack-lustre. I just can't tell if he liked me or not. I couldn't/can't get a sense for how he felt at all. He seemed impressed with the work I've done when I I answered his questions about it. He talked and talked to me about sales men and what makes a good one, and what makes sales go well or 'poopy' as he put it. I wasn't really sure why he was telling me everything he did, but I supposed it be damn helpful if I did get the job. When he asked if I had any questions, I really didn't. I couldn't think of anything. Somehow I don't think that looked good. I just felt like.. I wasn't connecting with him. I don't know. I did my best to listen with interest, and respond on the rare occasions it was warranted. The last thing I wanted to do was interrupt, that's just way rude.

At the end of the interview I told him I had a job offer from somewhere else, but I'd really like to know how things were going to pan out with Toyota before I made my decision. I asked what he thought the timeline would be for them to know. He said Ilya, the GM was off for the next few days, moving house, and wouldn't be back until Monday. He would talk to him Monday, and they would get back to me by Monday evening with whether or not they wanted to have me in for a second or third interview.

Just the way he put it when he was answering that question.. And telling me I had to look after myself. That he would fully understand if I took the other job, etc. I dunno. It just really left me with the feeling that he didn't have any intention of having me back in or recommending me to Ilya. *sigh* It just... it seemed like he didn't think I was right for the job. :(

I did get a call from Cotton Ginny, did I mention? While I was interviewing. Doh. I'm an idiot, yes I am. I was offered the job with CG though. I asked if I could get back to her. I didn't get home in time to call her back today though. She left at 4:30pm and I didn't get in until then. So I will have to try and track her down tomorrow. She should be working at Limeridge. I am gonna take the job. I can't not. I can't risk it.

We will see what happens with Toyota. I would love to work for them, I think it would be a great challenge. I think it would be something that would actually allow me to use my brain, very exciting. I think it would pay better too, and possibly be more permanent, also good. But.. I really don't know if they are actually interested. *Sigh* So if by some chance at some point they want to see me again, and want to hire me, then I'll just have to quit CG. Not the greatest way to handle it, but I really need the work right now...

On another note, I wonder if I'll be able to stay in Toronto until Monday morning... I'd like that.. More time with my man.. Yes, I really am that much of a suck.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Whirlwind!

So yesterday I emailed my resume off to a few different employers applying for positions I'd found on the Canada Job Bank. As I mentioned below, heck it was the meat of my last entry really.

Last evening I got a call back from Upper James Toyota regarding the position I'd applied for. Within like three hours of submitting it. Wow. He told me the position had changed a little bit, and talked to me about what the position would entail, briefly. He asked me about myself and why I'd applied (I really do need to get better at answering that one!). Then he asked when I could come in to have a talk with him. He suggested tomorrow (double wow), and I suggested 1pm (I figured not too early, not too late).

I ended up being about 20 minutes early, as I wasn't sure how long it would take to get there and it's always better to be early than late. Luckily he was available to see me right away. That was good. Sitting in their waiting area for twenty minutes might have been the death of me. Waiting always makes that kinda thing worse.

I think the interview went pretty well overall. He (the general manager) told me more about what the position would entail and what kind of expectations/goals he had for it. BDC is what I think he called id - Business Development Centre. He wants to create one, and for someone to be the hub. Makes sense. Sounds like and exciting challenge to me.

I did my best to be confident, calm, friendly and professional. Game face all the way. It was easier than I thought it'd be. I sure hope I came off well. I think I did. In any case, I feel I did my best, and that's all I could expect or hope for. So yay me. lol.

Over the next few days he's going to get at least three of his managers to give me a call. He wants their impressions of me, in terms of phone presence and likely generally if they feel I'd be good for the job. They'll be calling anywhere from 9am or 10am (somehow I've forgotten which he said! doh) to 6pm Friday, Saturday and/or Monday. On my cell. So game face on.

GAH. Little worried about that. I'm not too sure what my phone presence is like. Neither is he obviously. Hopefully it's not horrid. I will just have to remember to put my game face on whenever I answer my phone. I wonder if it's a good sign he wants me to talk to them, or if it's a matter of course, or a bad sign?? I think I will endeavor to believe it's just a matter of course. However it goes, I totally need to stay cool.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Jobbery

My plan for today was to canvass local retail places and give out my resume, hoping to find something seasonal/part-time. That ended up falling through, and to be honest I'm not upset/worried about it. You see, it's pouring down rain today, has been all day in fact, and will into the night and tomorrow by the looks of it. I'm sick with a cold, so going out in that isn't something I'm looking forward to.

The official reason for the delay however is that I asked Neda to print off my resume for me, as she has a laser printer and I do not. She had technically difficulties and just didn't have time to resolve them before she had to leave for work today. So no resumes. I'll call her this evening; I'm sure we can work it out. I should be all ready to canvas tomorrow, despite the bad weather (and my general foreboding).

Not wanting to do nothing on the job front today I searched the Canada Job Bank for potenial employment. I've applied for ten jobs this morning - online via email. Administrative Assistant and call centre type jobs. Wrote cover letter/emails for them all too, that was the harder/more time consuming part. I did the same thing yesterday, late last night actually, on Monster.ca, only found about 8, and applied online for them. Since it was late and I was tired/lazy I didn't bother with cover letters. Perhaps that was a mistake, but most were call centre gigs and somehow I doubt if they overly care.

I feel I've made a pretty good day's effort. So now I'm going to watch Ep 4 of Bionic Woman ( just love this show!!) and knit(I'm finally working on the collar/trim of Mr. Greenjeans!). I'm also going to try to nurse my cold, of course. I wish I wasn't so sick all the time, it's really getting annoying! More importantly it's really starting to wearing me down damnit.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Cookies!

Today I tested out two cookie recipes for possible inclusion in a Christmas gift for my man's parents. His mom is borderline diabetic, so I choose recipes from Splenda that say they are diabetic friendly. I also went with a healthy margarine instead of butter in an attempt to make them more healthy.

Tada!
Orange Almond Icebox Cookies and Spicey Gingersnaps

I think I like both these cookies quite well. The Spicy Gingersnaps are my hands down favourite. They are crunchy and tasty and fab. The Orange Almond Icebox Cookies are pretty good, but they are mostly 'butter' so they are quite crumbly. I think when I do them again I will make them bite size so they won't be so messy.

With these I plan on making a dark chocolate truffle. I'm still debating whether or not to add anything to it. The recipe calls for orange zest but I personally hate orange with chocolate, I think it ruins it, so I don't want to do that. I was contemplating adding hazelnuts and/or hazelnut oil (if I could find such a thing). But personally, when I want chocolate, I just want chocolate, without any bells or whistles. So I might make them plain. Just have to find a lovely dark chocolate with no sugar added.

I'm thinking I should have at least four things in the tin so I am going to try recipes for Macadamia Snickerdoodles and Lemon Coconut Shortbreads, also from Splenda. I figure I will pick the best four.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Lovely Day for a Hike

Since it was such a lovely day today Neda and I went for a little hike. We went to the same place as we did last time since it was so nice. This time I remembered my camera!

Some parts of Ancaster really are truly lovely. I just can't get over how gorgeous everything looks with the golden yellow and red leaf bed. It's exactly the kind of place I'd want to have pictures taken for my wedding. Though admitedly getting there in a wedding dress might be a little more that challenging. ha. But I never wanted a traditional wedding dress anyway.

Enough about a wedding that's never going to happen, here are some pictures of our hike.

My favourite picture of my favourite hill. (Can you see how this would be a great place for Wedding pictures?)
My Favourite Hill

The creek that ran through the forest valley.
A River Runs Through It

Neda's favourite View.
Forest & Path

Neda herself. (Isn't that just a wonderful backdrop for wedding pictures?)
Candid-esque Neda Shot

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Funny How Things Work Out

For my 16th birthday my dad gave me two $100 Canada Savings Bonds that would mature on November 1, 2007. At the time I was pissed. My father was, and still is frankly, notorious for either not remembering me on occasions like my birthday or Christmas, or just giving really badly thought out gifts, or gifts with no thought whatsoever. At 16 I would have much rather had $200 in my hand. Hell, I would have rather had $50 in my hand so I could buy myself something I wanted, a couple cds, a pair of jeans, something. Instead I got $200 that would come to maturity 12 years hense, with a little interest. Nothing of any use to me at the time.

My mind boggled. What was I going to need with $200 when I was... 28?! I couldn't imagine needing it. I mean, sure money is always nice, but I just couldn't see myself being in a place where I would need it. Or even just appreciate it the same way as my no imcome 16 year old self could. It seemed a gift that would be of no use to me whatsoever.

Well, here is it, November of 2007, and I get a letter from the Bank of Canada telling me my bond is fully matured. Never in my life have I been happier at the prospect of $200 coming my way!! This means I might actually be able to afford some kind of Chrismas gifts for my parents!! Yay!

You see, I've been unemployed for almost a year, and living on UI. The idea has been for some time that Neda and I would go to South Korea to teach English at the end of the summer. When that was decided I thought, what kind of job would I be able to get for such a little time? Nothing that would pay as well as UI would, so I opted to take a nice long vacation.

Neda and I have been our usual procrastinating selves - we are still here, and only slightly closer to going to Korea. I thought I had UI until the end of next January, so there was no rush. That is what the documents they sent me appeared to say. That was a terrible misconception. Today they sent me a letter telling me my benefits were exhausted as of November 3rd. It actually took me a few minutes to comprehend what it was saying. When I did...Oh my fucking gods! I haven't been so shocked since my bosses sat me down and fired me! But then, I knew this was coming eventually, so it wasn't half so bad. I certainly didn't expect to get that NOW however! GAH.

Thank the gods I have some little money saved up!! Hopefully enough to get me through the next couple of months. I'm really not sure though, and that's making me crazy. I hate not having money. I hate worrying about money - it tears me up inside - I literally get sick with worry.

Neda said they are looking for someone at the bra store. I would have to either work shift with Neda or take the bus, which I have a feeling would be one long ass ride. It could work though. And I do think they would hire me, if only because Neda and Angie love me, and, well, I'm smart and friendly, what more could they want? Though the fact that I'm leaving when Neda is would be a downside that's for sure. It's still an option.... one I just might need... gah.

I just can't get over how wrong I was! I didn't know at 16 where I would be at 28, but somehow I expected myself to be in a very different place in life. I thought I would be working, living on my own in some little apparment somewhere. Oh well, what can you do? Things could be worse. Things could be much much worse. I never though I'd be loved. I never though I'd find a man that could love me, at least not one whose love I could return, and I have that. All the riches in the world are nothing to that.

But I sure as fuck am glad my dad got me these 'dumbass' savings bonds way back when!! It's funny how things work out.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Knit Obsessed.

Why is it so hard to find something when you know just what you want?! Doh. I guess that's the trouble, I know exactly what I want... Makes it near impossible to find.... I need a DK weight yarn, with a tension of 22 sts/4 inches on 3.75mm needles, that knits to 24 sts/4 inches, in a rich olive green, preferably in a superwash merino.

You see, I knit one of my favourite little ladies this hoodie awhile back. She's teeny tiny so I actally had to totally rework a pattern - it was the hardest thing I've ever done knitting-wise. I used Mariah from knitty.com, only I converted it to a v-neck hoodie. It took me over a year to finish it. I actually had it 80% done at one point and realised I'd made it far far too big, and had to redo 50% of it. That was crushing, but in the end it worked out beautifully, if I do say so myself. I've never been prouder of anything I've ever knit.

Neda Modelling Colleen's Sweater

What does one have to do with the other you ask? Well... I knit it in an alpaca blend... Hand wash only with a wool detergent.... The day she ran out of the detergent I'd given her, she used a woolite knockoff, and it felted... She was devasated - she really loved it.

Tonight her husband, also my friend, has asked me to knit her another - it kills him to see her sad. Truthfully, when I first learned she destroyed the sweater, I thought of knitting her another, but I can no longer find the yarn I used in that colour. Also, once a felter always a felter. I know that's harsh, but.... I put SO much of myself into my knitting, I couldn't bare to see another sweater felted! So this is why I'm looking for a superwash merino. At that weight it will be nice and soft. But I can't seem to find anything appropriate! Damnit!

In other knitty news, I've been thinking of knitting hats for my Chris' family for Christmas. I've been thinking a lot about what to do for Christmas presents for everyone lately, in fact. I don't really know his partents all that well, normally I would get them a box of chocolates or sweets, but I know they've been passing off sweet things in their house to Chris, so I figure that wouldn't be too appreciated. I've been knitting myself a hat - a tam! - the past two days (lets not talk about my progress or lackthereof), and there is another hat in the pattern book that, when I looked at it again, made me think of Chirs' dad. So I thought hats!

I figure just about everyone will wear a hat. The one for his dad is a fairle isle in brown tones. I'm not too sure brown will look good on his dad, it would probably look better in blues. For his mom, there is this seed stich hat in the same book. It's a roll rim, flat top hat. The one in the book is pink and has flowers pinned to one side. His mom would not like a pink hat, I know that much. But I have this really pretty blue heather yarn that I think would work very very nicely, for both her and the hat. I hope for her anyway. Trouble is, if I make them both blue hats, isn't that a little too matchy-poo?

Then I thought, if I knit them hats.. what if they open them on Christmas morning and Chris and his brother Robert are there, seeing as they both live in Toronto. I wouldn't want Robert to be left out! I could knit a hat for Robert, I know just what would work. Chocoloate brown, superwash merino, so there was no way he could felt it, done in the Utopia Hat pattern from smariek knits.

Then it occurred to me, if I knit Robert a hat, I must knit something for Chris' brother David, his wife Alice and their new son Callum - only fair. For David, I knew just what would work. The same hat I've knit for other blue eyed, pale men:

James' hat modelled by my bear

Only trouble is I don't have enough left of that yarn to make a hat. I'd have to buy more, assuming I could find it, and it's uber expensive, but you do get a lot, I just don't know if I'd ever use it. I might be able to find a similar slubby yarn that was sold in smaller skiens though. It's definately worth looking for.

For Alice.. I was thinking hunters green and some kind of ear flap hat. I thought it would be fun. She'd like fun. I'd also make sure it was very warm, since they live in Monteral, warm is very important. I don't have a pattern though, and I can't quite see in my mind what I want. So I thought I'd use left over yarn from the hoodie I mentioned above, double knit, in a staghorn and rib pattern, with a folded over brim for added warmth.

For little Callum, I knit him a hat and sweater before he got here, I didn't know if another hat would be....useful. Not that what I thought of is useful, but I thought it might be sweet. I have this teddy bear I bought, oh ages ago, meant to give it as a gift, with a handknit scarf, never did. I thought if I knit a scarf in left over yarn from his swater, in the same cable that's on his sweater, that would be a nice gift.

I've put a lot of thought into all this this evening, as you can tell. I still don't know if it's a good idea. I mean, would it be weird for me to knit for them all? And if I don't, what the heck should I get for his parents?!

Update:
Shot down! I should have known, should have seen it coming really. Doh. *sigh* I suppose it's a good thing, saves me a lot of work. I'm still no where closer to figuring out what to get his parents. I guess I just thought if I knit something, it would be you know, more personal and thoughtful. Obviously not. *sigh* I give up. *pout*

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Happy Halloween!

Ok, Ok, so Halloween was a couple days ago. I'm a little slow on the posting, what can I say? But I was rather busy prepping for the Halloween party last week. Not like I didn't have free time, it's just I was just way too tired to be posting.

It wasn't my party, what the heck did I have to prepare, you ask? Well, I made dark chocolate fudge, and attempted white fudge. The white fudge didn't set for reasons unbeknown st to me, so I ended up using it as a sauce on top of the dark fudge. Worked out, they tasted amazing together. The walnuts really made them, kept them from being too sweet. I think they ended up looking pretty good too.

>Fudge

I also made some pumpkin cookies, which everyone seems to love. They really are delicious, and the easiest thing to make. Can you tell they are a personal favourite? They are pumpkiny, cinnamony, moist and just yummy. Since there it so much pumpkin in one can, I also made some pumpkin tarts - a first for me! Mom helped me with the cooking times, bless her, as I really wasn't sure how to tell when they were done. They both turned out well. Everyone seemed to enjoy them, though not as much as the can of whipped cream I brought to go with the tarts. Ha. But it was all harmless, most enjoyable, fun.

But I've strayed entirely from what I wanted to post about - the pumpkins! Neda and I made jack-o-lanterns for the party. They really made things look more in the spirit I think.  We ended up doing three. We each did one of our own, and then did the third as a team effort. I was really super happy with mine, he turned out just how I wanted him to!

The Pumpkin Carving Process:

Step ONE: Carving Out the Lid

The Pumpkin bleeds for Our Pleasure
He bleeds for our pleasure. Muah ha ha ha!


Step TWO: Removing the Guts

Me spooning out the guts
Gruesome, n'est pas?


Step THREE: Carving the Face

Neda carving the nose:
Neda carving the nose

Me carving the eyes:
Me carving the eyes


Step FOUR: Enjoy the Final Product

The Trio:
Finished pumpkins


Miscellaneous Cool Pumpkin Shots

Team Pumpkin - Money shot
Thank goodness both Neda and I are perfectionists, otherwise this shot never would have happened. It took a joint effort to get just right. I think it was worth it. I mean, check out the eyebrows!
Team pumpkin - money shot

Through the Pumpkin Shot
This is one of my favourites. Neda took it through her pumpkin. As you can see I was not yet down carving mine at the time.
Me carving - looking through Neda's pumpkin

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Grandpa's Lighthouse

I was meaning to do a pumpkiny entry, and perhaps I will yet.  I did take all the pictures for it afterall.  But I got distracted by the pictures my mom was showing me today.  They included pictures of the lighthouse my Grandpa built.  82 years old and he's making lighthouses from scratch with no instructions, just a memory of what he thinks they should look like.  My goodness is that man handy!

So without futher ado, here is the lighthouse he built.

Grandpa's Lighthouse

I realise on it's own, it doesn't look as impressive as I felt it did when I first saw it.  This is because there is no sense of scale to that image. So there is one with my Aunt Barb and Uncle Doug.  Pa made it for her. They were just packing it into their van when mom snaped the shot, this would be why the light isn't on the top of the lighthouse.

Lighthouse with Family for Scale

As you can see, it's taller than Aunt Barb!  And she's five foot two!  It's huge!  

I'm just so impressed with him.  He made that.  By hand. It looks SO good!  So realistic!  He's crafty my Pa.  Don't mind me while I beam with pride.