You know that I’ve always been open and honest on my blog and share just about everything with you. Have you noticed that I’ve been running a few errands during the day this past week and that my wardrobe of sorts has been incredibly casual?
This is basically how I felt this week!
I lost my job last week. It wasn’t the case of job performance but rather the case where business has been very slow. This makes the last one on board the first one to leave. That would be me!
This just about sums up how a person of my age feels when it comes to the job search! Get my helmet ready but don’t mess up my hair!!!
I am legally changing the lyrics to Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” with “Another Job Bites the Dust”!
I’m changing the lyrics Freddie. Look down upon me from where you are and give me a sign that it’s ok to do so!
Luckily, I’ve got great references so I’m off to a good start. And naturally, everyone will be following my trials and tribulations as I embark upon a job search at the ripe age of 62! This is gonna be fun!
Next week I start a class in web design because as I’m searching for a way to help pay the mortgage, I’ll be trying to improve on the blog and continue to write on my book. The key is to keep busy!
But—the best part is that I have my husband for support. My daughter, Oona is also very supportive but I haven’t told my sons yet. I can’t do that yet because I’m afraid I’ll start bawling.
So—I won’t tell them until I’m ready.
Now that that’s out of the way, I went back to Sephora yesterday to return the Tartelette palette. I had the receipt. The crew at Sephora is always helpful and pleasant and I ended up exchanging the palette for the Fenty Foundation in Number 170 and another Gloss Bomb. The total came to six dollars that I owed. There is still plenty of Fenty in the sample foundations I was given but I wanted to ensure that I had the full-size foundation in my stash!
The full-size foundation and another Gloss Bomb. Both will make me look great for my upcoming job interviews! Hey Rihanna–can you hire me as the older woman inclusion?
I honestly cannot say enough about this foundation. It really hides the broken capillaries and redness…
BTW, all the hype about the Morphe brushes? I’m really annoyed with this fan brush. I took it out of the little plastic protective cover and look. Stray bristles. I still used it to ever-so-lightly apply the Trophy Wife highlighter to my cheeks. Those strays need to be cut! I’ll get around to it one of these years!
Let’s talk about DIY—or in my case, DYT, Don’t You Try!
I’m sure many of you have been hearing about the “Do It Yourself” dermabrasion popularity. I’ve watched many YouTubers praise this treatment and that one fantastic way of doing this is to “shave” your face.
Shaving your face is supposed to be a wonderful way to smooth your skin– and, it multitasks for getting rid of lady whiskers!
Ever the timid one because I’m afraid of infection, I went to the store to get new razors. Since I’m now unemployed, I purchased the cheap razors.
And last night, as I finished my nightly skin care ritual, I spread a bit of moisturizer upon my red, wrinkled face, adorned with the fuzzies and started to shave.
Am I the quintessence of pulchritude or what?
Ouch! I thought I nicked my cheek but kept going in the downward direction. Ouch. I thought I nicked my chin.
As I looked up at my less-than-gorgeous reflection in the mirror I saw a slow and slender stream of the most sanguine liquid traveling down my cheek. It was blood. A rather nice shade of red, but nevertheless—it was blood. My blood.
These photos were taken after I cleaned up a bit. The photo on the far right is the “welt” I had when I woke up this morning!
I also noticed a bit of the blood on my chin.
WTF did I do?
I ran out of the bathroom that I use and into our bedroom to ask Bonaparte if I looked like I needed to go to the emergency room for stitches.
His eyes popped out of his head like two little escargot shells! In a horrified voice, he started speaking in French. I understood what “merde” meant. I also understood “fou”. Especially as he started repeating the word over and over, he put his forefinger to his temple and made circles in the air.
After Bonaparte recovered, I had to get him a couple of Tylenol to get rid of the severe headache I gifted him with!
This isn’t the first headache I’ve gifted my Frenchman with!
I began to wonder if this he was beginning to regret marrying me!
And then Bonaparte brought up another little DIY project I hit upon two weeks ago.
After reading how bad commercial deodorant is, I had a serious bout of hypochondria and anxiety. I threw my deodorant in the trash and ran to the store to buy a new box of baking soda. I didn’t have all the ingredients required to make homemade deodorant, so I just poured a ton of baking soda in my hand, made a heavy paste with a bit of water and slathered the paste, as though it was spackle, on my pits.
Not only did my arm pits become red and irritated, but they became bumpy and rashed out. I couldn’t shave my underarms for a week.
At least the baking soda stopped my pits from smelling bad!
I am now using a crystal deodorant.
My new deodorant. I swear if the pits of my shirts turn yellow, I’ll stop wearing deodorant altogether and just walk around like a stinky little skunk!
These two incidents also brought a very sentimental stroll down memory lane for me. It was when I was in my late teens and used my body for a DIY bikini wax experiment! Click on the link below to read about this charmer!
Wax On. Wax Off. But Please Bring a Bucket Of Ice Cubes for the Thighed Burns!
Moving forward, the only DIY projects I will be doing will be in the home décor genre and NOT on me.
Let me concentrate on redecorating the sun room and..
…adding more plants to the chateau. It’s safer!
Luckily, my face is healing at a quick rate. And my friend Laura sent me a photo of a better way to take care of my face.
Shout out to my girl Laura Sullivan for showing me what I SHOULD be using. Laura used to babysit for my kids and now she is babysitting for me!!
Instead of shaving face, I need to save face!
And I was able to cover the red welt up with the Fenty foundation. Does Riri realize her foundation has medicinal value?
I’m looking rather “human” today!
Here’s a look at the casual clothing I wore this week as I spent more time writing and doing odd things to my body.
This was Tuesday’s outfit. I went to a career workshop and HAD to get dressed. I stayed in my pajamas on Monday!
Wednesday’s outfit. This was my favorite. I wore my new jeans and was able to go braless in this off-the-shoulder shirt!
Thursday was a trip to the local library for another career workshop and the same jeans. I’m going to make it a point to get dressed every day so I don’t gain weight. I worked so hard to take it off and am petrified I’ll put it back on! NO ICE CREAM IN THE HOUSE!
Technically it is still summer. And summer weather returned back with a vengeance yesterday. I wore shorts and a wrinkled tee but felt like a million bucks when I applied Trophy Wife to my eye lids.
It’s 85 degrees today and humid. I’m wearing my son Jake’s old gym tee from St. Ignatius Loyola School in NYC. The shirt is 24 years old. It’s in great shape too!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone! And if you shave your face, please be careful. And make sure your DIY’s don’t turn into DYT’s!!
How could I not post this great song today. The great Freddie Mercury and Queen.
Sorry about your job loss. 😌
Hey Julia. Thanks –the worst parts are finding another job at age 62 and getting all depressed and pity-party and gaining weight. However, my lovely husband told me he will help me in the no weight gain department!!! XXOOXOXOXO!!!
Ugh so sorry to hear the bad news! Best of luck in your job search. What do you do in those workshops?
Thanks Turner. We discuss resumes and interview strategies. I honestly don’t know if it helps but it is great to have a place to go to!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Talk about bad luck what with last in first out. Hope your next job isn’t too far around the corner.
Hi B! Yeah. I’m doing research on monetizing my blog. I think I may have better luck with my blog than with a 9 to 5!!! XOXOXXXO!!!!
Woohoo i got a shout out! And you were one of my favorite mom’s to babysit for!
Yayuh! And you were the best babysitter! Fun times–right???? XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Well, I’m glad your face is healing – wow that looks painful!
Good luck with the job hunt – my husband and I are both job-hunting, and though in theory the playing field should be level, no one seems interested in hiring people in their 60s …
Hi Bridget. OMG! Ain’t that the truth? NOBODY wants anyone over 60–and the biggest BS is that all these corporations pontificate equal opportunity hiring and they lie. They LIE! They want nothing to do with older folks. It definitely is a challenge!! XoXOXOXOxO!!!!
I’ve seen that around here as well. There is definitely age discrimination going on. Hang in there though – and keep us posted on your job situation! Good luck!
I totally freaked out after I had a mammogram that I had to have retaken and now have an area to “watch”. So my daughter and I tried all the non-aluminum deodorants and we both agreed that Native brand worked great. She got the name from her massage person. She tried it out at the gym and I, well,
I just sweated during my normal workday. And it works!
Hi Denise. Ugh. Freaking tits! I wish we had the option to have them taken off and fake ones replaced. I’m not kidding either. It’s so stressful! And the deororant!!! I’ll have to check out this native brand!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Yes to the Native deodorant. We switched to that brand about 2 months ago. Both my husband and I use it.
Also, I will note, it is not an antiperspirant. I wonder if there is an antiperspirant out there that doesn’t have aluminum in it?
I completely agree about the Native deodorant. I have a subscription.
Just discovered your blog when I googled “best makeup for a 63 year old woman”! I am following you on Instagram and love your posts! I am so sorry you lost your job. I was laid off last year, also at the age of 62! I was out of work 6 months before I found a job! I must say “good things come to those who wait!” I found a job this past January, and love the company I now work for! Best wishes to you on your job hunt!
Thank you so much Sue! Your comment really gives me hope–and trust me, I’m really hoping to find something that I enjoy! I’m glad that you found work after only 6 months–that’s incredible!!!! XOXOXOXOxO!!!!
I’m so sorry to hear about your job loss. Unfortunately I know how it hurts. I hope you find employment that both pays well and is a pleasant experience.
Hi Marsha. I sure hope so. I’ve got my writing to keep me busy and to tell you the truth, I would rather find a way to make a living through writing more than anything else!!! XXOXOXO!!!!
Uuugggg, job hunting is the worst, I will have all my fingers crossed for you!
We had snow again during the week, so I am insanely jealous of your legs out! I am fake tanning like a fiend anyway, just in case it suddenly gets warm without warning.
Thanks Q. My eyes are already crossed!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I have been using facial/eyebrow razors I get at the beauty store for a couple of dollars. They have a guard. no nicks, no cuts, no worries. At our age we have to be careful with our skin.
________________________________
Hi Liz. Yup! We definitely need to be careful with our skin–something I made a major “Opps” with! I’ve learned my lesson!!! XXOXOXOXO!!!!
Sorry that you lost your job. I’m actually in the same predicament. When I saw the picture of you shaving your face, I screamed at my phone, “that’s not the kind of razor that you use!”. Anyway, you’ve got that covered through your friend. And Arm and Hammer makes a very good natural deodorant from their “Eseentials” line that smells great. The last time I bought I was at Rite Aid. I’m sure that you’ll be employed before you know it.
Hi Trudy!! I’m hoping that Arm & Hammer’s deodorant is much more user-friendly than straight Baking Soda!! LOL!! Hold on–I THOUGHT I heard you screaming into your phone! Thank you!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I actually really like the deodorant, and it has stain shield, so no yellow pit stains. And the Fenty line has gotten nothing but accolades every where. Although I’m not sure that the foundation would be a good fit for my oily skin.
So sorry you lost your job – you really seemed to like this job and your co-workers. I hope that you can make money writing and from your blog, you are so good! I love a new post from you and many many others feel the same way.I hope some reader can help you find a job in your area. Love Anne.
Thanks so much Anne. Yeah, I did like the job and my co-workers so in that respect, it’s better to leave a job you like. I’m hoping that I can make money writing. I’m thinking that perhaps this is some sort of sign that I should be hustling to write for a living rather than the 9 to 5 office existence. I’m glad my typing is fast!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Good luck to you in your job search. I lost my job 3 years ago at age 58 and was shocked that I couldn’t even get in for an interview. There is a lot more age discrimination out there than people realize!
Now I’m working as a freelance writer- stay tuned for my new blog!
Hi Maureen!! Thank you! Ugh. Interviews. I will absolutely never forget the two worst interviews I’ve ever had. One was where the interviewer from HR interviewed me looking at her computer THE WHOLE TIME. I was livid when I left. The other was being interviewed by two men at Johnson-Matthey, a British company with offices here in the States. One of the men asked me “So–who would you rather work for–me or him?”. I damn near fell out of my chair and answered that it would be a pleasure to work for either. It didn’t stop there. He kept pressuring me. WHO DOES THAT??????????? Ahhh.when I think of those two interviews, it makes me want to either win the lottery or find a publisher rather quickly. LOL!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Ohhh no no no you did it! And gave me a good laugh this morning: my cats looked at me like I was insane but really I was very noisy when I looked at your poor face. And I totally liked and agree with your husband reaction: yes you are “folle et complètement dérangée”, you are insane and entirely deranged.
But I admire your guts to do that for us on the blog, totally worth the laugh and the lesson. I hope now, instead of going on with this (stupid in my opinion) dermabrasion “thing”, you are enough pretty and lovely without inflicting yourself such … folly to put in mildly. In french, I would be much more honest and using much stronger words. What it is about women to use the very last fads without thinking! And yes the razor were wrong in the first place: I would never use razors, of whatever kind on my face. I am afraid of shaving my legs because, again, whatever super quality razor I use, I always have one or several cuts. So, I keep my hairs till I can go waxing. Yes I know, disgusting isn’t it!!!!
I am really sorry about the job, I know how one feels powerless and less than anything as we are so define by our job that what we really are, thank you Consumption Society. And I know also how easy one can be laid off. I may end like loosing my job too by the beginning of 2018 too, as my large and global scandinavian company wants to relocate many departments to low wage countries and change strategy, cutting a lot of resources. Thing is the CEO of said company negotiated directly with our present President (then Economy Ministry) 2 years ago to promise not to lay off more than a specific number of people and create new position, in stead of some help from french government. Lies from the CEO it appeared …
And yes for the baking soda, it is very efficient, too much even and one should not use it on ones skin raw! But in a mix.
Fortunately, I don’t use deodorant that much (no I don’t stink) even with menopause with enhance sweatiness and I have a trick a woman taught me years ago and which always worked well for me.
But please please Catherine, don’t shave your face, don’t go this stupid route (yes I am french, can you tell!!), you really don’t need this. Will this give you more confidence if you do, will this help you find a job or something else? I don’t think so. Youtubeuse are great but well they are not gourous. OK I plead guilty anyway because more than once I bought a stuff i’ve heard or read about. But not shaving my face. You blog about being a powerful 62 years woman and you’re right, you are a powerful woman but also a fragile one as we are all. Stay that way and we won’t think any less of you if you don’t shave your face or whatever else. But I agree, being always well put together and not a slob is much more elegant (except when cleaning the house , as today is my cleaning day and I look a slob ahaa). Would you like me to send you some organic deodorant without aluminium if this can help? I am no feminist, just a woman, so more and more I feel bad with some of the self pressure that some women inflict to themselves.
Ah after this post, I went on Youtube to type dermabrasion and found many videos and among them, one by a woman called Duchess of dermis. Gosh this is all I find so sorry to read about, what has she done to herself. This is evident , too much leads to ugly.
Have a look and give me honest opinion: after all I may be wrong, to each its own.
Well if you do shave your face, watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNQQdGKgjuo and use the right razor. This woman goes by the name of Popsugar Beauty on Youtube and I find her honest.
Hi MB!!! OMG. I just about cried when I read your comments. Thank you. Thank you so much for your encouragement and wisdom. Yeah. I won’t be touching razor to fact anytime soon! And my fingers are crossed that you do not lose your job. It’s such a vulnerable position to be in. But–does’t France take good care of those who lose jobs? I’m confused about this. Did you see The Measure of a Man? Vincent Lindon was fabulous in that movie about a 50+ man who loses his job. I’ve gone through working for a company that “outsourced” to another country for low wages and*( many Americans lost their jobs. The governments of our countries need to fine these companies big time. Unfortunately with the &*$#($&)#@$*$& in the White House, things will only get worse for those of us who are not in the one percent.
You are too kind. I’ve found an organic deodorant and today I am going to get dressed (after coloring my hair), put on makeup, come down to my home office aka the dining room table and work on my book without procrastination! Thank you my friend. Maybe I can find a job in France!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Hey girlfriend,
I’m drinking my coffee outside on this glorious sunny morning in the hills and forests of the
nearly autumn of the north of Scotland ,chickens around me fighting for cookie crumbs and reading your blog with my big old cat, who always tracks the movement on the screen with great interest.
Me and cat want you to know that this is going to turn out to be one of the best things that ever happened to you.
I’ve lived and worked all around the world and got to places very few people get to see, just now I’m sitting here drinking my coffee and talking to you but soon I will be starting on another Masters Degree ( International conflict and co-operation) and planning my project in Africa, where I have seven adopted kids.
Go with your instincts darling girl, go with your blog .
We are all here right behind you and I’m sure I’m not the only one with lots of ideas of where you might go with it and how other blogs fail and you succeed and delighted to share this fun stuff . You are just too good to work for anyone but your own cute self .
GO WITH IT ! I am very old and I know stuff.
Jilly xxx
Hi Jilly! I wish I was next to you in your setting drinking that coffee and talking to you! Thank you! Thank you so much for your encouragement. This blog started with my “big layoff” and kept my sanity. Now with the second “big layoff” I am more encouraged to continue working on the book. My problem is that I have no connections. It’s funny because I”ve been attending a “career” workshop and the gentleman who leads it reminds us to network, network, network because getting a job is about connections.
And when I look around the room I see people who want to stay in a business environment. With me, I NEED to be in a business environment because it pays the mortgage–but I WANT to be in a creative environment and just write. I’m hoping I can find some sort of writers support groups or networks. I’ll have to work on that!!
Your sincere well-wishes are what push me. Thank you, thank you thank you!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Look babes, to hell with the ‘career workshop’ , the career workshop will not tell you anything that you haven’t learned for yourself in a hundred hard ways before . You can RUN a career workshop. Why would you go to classes to become a Plumber when you want to become a writer ? All you will meet will be other would be Plumbers.
Leave your man to look after Skippy for a week or two and get on a Greyhound, just go to the bus depot and follow any god-damn- zig-zag mess of destinations that turn up on the departure boards, talk to everyone, talk to women, old, young, happy,worried , gorgeous, not so gorgeous; talk ,talk, talk ; listen, listed, listen and write write write everything they tell you .
Get coffee at the stops for the old ladies or women with babies, hold the babies while the women go to the bathroom, compliment women next to you on how they look and don’t tell anyone about your book. When you tell folks that you are writing a book it is like when you hold a camera up to them, they become what they think you want them to be and not what they are. Tell women that you have just been ‘ let go’ and listen to the stories come…….
Contacts ? So what are we all out here ? Chopped liver ?
WE are all your contacts and if we can’t do stuff then we will know someone who knows someone who can.
Ge to it girl, I’m off for a walk in the woods, back soon 😉
Jilly xx
Oh Catherine I am sorry about your job but with your guts and determination I know you.will find another one. On the other hand I know you would rather be writing so go with this if you can. BUT you must get dressed every day and GO to work, even if it is in the next room. As a happily retired old woman I know how the pounds pile on when you wear pj’s or joggers all day. Keep up the good work, after all you have been through this past year it would be a shame to let it go to waste. Go girl!
Thanks Jenny!!! During dinner last night I mentioned to Bonaparte that I’m petrified of gaining weight back. Ever the Frenchman, he said that I won’t because he will be there to stop me if I start “le snack” or those horrific in-between meals. Emotional eating. Ugh!!!
I’ll be getting dressed and writing in a bit and looking forward to perhaps another makeup look! XXOXOXOXO!!!!
Catherine, sorry to hear about your job. Hey even in the mid to late 40s there is ageism. Love your enthusiasm in keeping busy, you are a go getter!!!. Ain’t nothing holding you back. Go get them!!
As for the shaving of the face, whooooaaa. That one is a doozy!!!
Hi Diane. So true, isn’t it? Since when is the late-to-mid 40’s “Old”? Ageism runs rampant and most of the ageists won’t realize it until they get older–although I have to say many ageists ARE older. It’s old vs. old and is absolutely sad! But yeah, I”m gonna be pro-active–especially with the writing!!!!!
LOL. The things I do for beauty!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Sorry to hear about your job, Catherine, it seemed to me you really liked it? But at least you got really good references and that will be good for the future! As a part-time writer myself I know it is really hard to make a living, so most writers do have a day job in reality. But that doesn´t mean you can´t follow your dream, right? And a few extra dollars from short-stories and articles will boost your confidence. Myself, I look forward to retiring by 62 and still work (but NOT at my current daytime) – and to survive another two years (with new boss and massive workload) I´ve signed up for a “Self-Leading”-course, that is going to be interesting 🙂
It seems to me youre being very active, and you will probably soon have another job, but don´t forget to follow that dream, you´re a great writer!
Hi Angelin!!!!! Thank you so much for your encouragement. I’m really lucky to have great friends that I’ve made through this blog! Yeah, I liked the job but this shit happens. I’ll just have to find a job to get me through this period. Luckily I do have a bit of unemployment for the next six months–so we’ll see!!!!! Thank you again!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Catherine, it is a shame about your job, but remember that things happen for a reason. Something even better will come of it. Meanwhile, thank you again for sharing your beauty “mishaps” and lessons learned. What would we do without you? You give us the gift of tears, laughter and reality. All the best to you!
Thank you so much Elizabeth. I sit here with my notes and at the ready to write. And it is a rather emotional roller-coaster. One minute I’m up and ready to take charge and an hour later, I look around my home and start to cry. I’ve lost one home during my divorce and don’t want to lose what I’ve worked so hard for. People say money isn’t everything–and it isn’t–but it pays the mortgage and that’s what I need to concentrate on.
But–above all humor is key and I can do this with a smile and a chuckle!! Thank you so much for encouraging me. Hugs!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
💕💕💕
Oh Cathe so sorry to hear about your job, that stinks. I lost my job aged 49 and was terrified that no one would employ me. Luckily I found work and with your positive attitude and determination I’m sure it won’t be long until you find something, any organisation would be lucky to have you.
I’m with Bonaparte and think you are crazy to shave your face. ( I can just see him making that gesture) I use a crocheted string dishcloth for exfoliation on my mush, that’s about as invasive as it gets. Jeez I looked at that woman Eve mentioned, she is not a good advertisement for dermabrasion (or anything else) Forget the crazy trends, you look great just the way you are. Oh and often I don’t wear deodorant either, if I’m having a day at home or just going grocery shopping I give the pits a day off.
Xxx
Hi Fiona! Your news is encouraging! I’m taking a writing break for a few minutes and was happy to see your comment!! Yeah–the shaving was definitely an “Oops” moment and that welt has now turned into a full-scale piece of skin that I ripped out. Never again. This is not my idea of plastic surgery!!!! XOXOxOXO!!!!
So sorry to hear about your job loss! It sucks no matter what the reason. You write so welll, I’m sure something will come your way soon. Bon courage!
Sandra
Thank you Sandra!!! I sure hope something does come up sooner than later!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Catherine–
So sorry about your job! You will find another soon–you should be a product report for a cosmetics line since you know so much about foundations and other stuff. I follow your blog recommendations faithfully. That said, I won’t shave my face: do what I do for dermabrasion–use cheap nubby washcloths that area little rough with cetaphil to wash your face once a day. Does wonders and no blood!
Good luck,
Nancy B.
Thanks Nancy. OMG. I would LOVE that kind of job. I would love going to work every moment of the day!!! Yes. Do NOT shave your face. Sometimes my recommendations do fail and this was an epic fail!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
So sorry to hear that you lost your job Catherine. I like your positive attitude and I think you have here a good opportunity to research on monetizing your blog. Best of luck! P.S. I want to try this Fenty Foundation. Seems like a great product. -Dominique
Hi Dominique. I’m definitely looking into how to monetize the blog without losing the integrity. I love me a good sponsored blog when it is done right–but shudder when I read blogs that are nothing but ads. It’s a challenge that I completely look forward to! Oh. The Fenty foundation is incredible. It is now day 4 and I just today used the last of one of the samples. A little goes a very long way!!! XXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Good attitude! I will look at this product. Take care dear friend.
OMG, MADAME BONAPARTE!!!!!!!! WHAT A WEEK YOU ARE HAVING!!!!
I am SO VERY, VERY Sorry to learn that your job is gone!!!! That is one of THE HARDEST things to cope with pour une Madame d’une certaine age!!!! I, too, experienced that last year when my Lyme flare-up would just NOT back off. Then, the added stress of “You’re Dismissed” in MY case, left me even SICKER…I actually had lost le joie de vivre…partly contributed to me shutting down my Instagram account ( I used to be Madame Libodza)…anyway…We Strong Women can Bounce Back!! Having a supportive husband, children…is of MAJOR help, too!
I have NO DOUBT in my mind that YOU WILL find employment in A SNAP!! YOU are Vibrant…Witty…Multilingual,,,Beautiful……Well travelled….Mature….Writer….Fashion and Make up Wizard…..am sure you have TONS of other Skills, too!! Try finding a 20 something yr. old WITH ALL THAT?!!! Plus, you can cook like NOBODY’S BUSINESS!!!!
LOVE YOU MY BEAUTIFUL MADAME BONAPARTE…PLEASE DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED!!!!
XOXO
Thanks Shakey! I can always count on you to make me smile from ear to ear!! I had no idea that you suffer from Lymes. I do hope that your flare ups are few and very far between!! And I love your desserts and cooking. Thank you. Thank you for the encouragement!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi there! Hope you are having a great Sunday. I am sorry about the stinking job….all I know to say is that it just plain sucks…….Also, take care with your beauty “projects”. Glad the Fenty make up works…I read where someone else thought it oxidized on them. Just wondering if you had noticed that. I have a lot of red/pink in my skin tone and orange ain’t too pretty on me–just saying. Take care and keep on keeping on….
Hi Karen!! Thanks so much for your kind words about the job. It does suck to lose a job. And that’s the fact. But the Fenty foundation didn’t oxidize on me because……I was told that if you shake the foundation, you will be blending the ingredients and it will stay put. Thus far–it worked!!! Orange ain’t pretty on me either. Bellieve me, I’ve had my fair share and this honesty doesn’t turn color on me!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I read this the other day. I suppose that it was put in front of me so that I could share it with you today.
“In November 1991, days before he died, Freddie Mercury met his manager to discuss how best to reveal to the world that he had Aids. Once they had agreed the wording of an announcement, the 45-year-old singer began to wonder how he would be remembered. “You can do what you want with my music,” he said, “but don’t make me boring.”
See? He wouldn’t have minded at all!
Pen
OMG. Penelope. Thank you so much for that!!! I LOVED Freddie Mercury and he was just such a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you so much! XOXOXOXO
Hi Catherine, I’m so very sorry to hear about your job. I am thinking not again…you’ve just landed on this job and things were going great for you in that regard. The last hire first fire policy sucks. How many companies lose great employees to that crazy policy. Good luck with the job search! Looks like you have some great ideas on enhancing your marketability and with a great resume, I’m sure this break from employment won’t be long. Hope you’ll land a job with all the bells and whistles/or majority of what you’re looking for. Ouch! ouch! ouch! on those razor wounds. Glad you’ve found something else to sub for the razors. Less chance of a trip to the emergency room and no merde(s) and fou(s) from Mr. B. LOL. Enjoy your decorating DIY. Love the look of the sunroom. XX
Hi Amelia! For now, I’m going to concentrate on writing. I’m thinking that maybe a higher power is giving me a sign!!! And oh..no more razors to face!!! LOL. I”m glad you like my sunroom. It’s my favorite room in the house!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Two thumbs up concentrating on your writing! You have the talent for it. No better time to start than now. Good Luck!!! XO
Catherine, you’re such an inspiration! I believe you can do anything you set your mind to. EVEN find the perfect job because your more than cute, you’re well-qualified and SO self-confident. Good luck with the search. Go get ’em, girlfriend! 😀
Thanks Lady Calen!!! I’m actually spending this morning researching areas where I can pitch articles to try my hand at free-lance writing. I gotta start somewhere!!! Thanks so much for your encouragement!!!! XOXOXOXOXXO!!!!
So very sorry about the job 🙁
I have found a ton of information on AskAManager. She covers resumes, cover letters, interviews, etc. Also search the archives for ideas about opportunities in writing, where to look, and sometimes advice from others already in your field. Hope this helps! You can do it- you have talent, experience, great sense of humor, and a strong work ethic!
I’m with you in the job search…and more time for writing…that’s a great thing…wish we lived closer…a job venture with you would be fabulous…can you tell I’ve had enough of the law business? I’m routing for you Catherine, with whatever you land and/or do. 🙂
Thanks Jeanne. Ahhh. Two Long Island girls share their creativity. I like that. It’s funny because I’m always reading about people (very monetarily successful) who say shit like do what you are passionate about–yeah. I would love to do that but it doesn’t pay the mortgage! LOL!! We’ll see what transpires!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Last in, first out – the way of things, it seems, but disheartening. However, I don’t doubt that you will find/create a position that gives you what you want and need – that joie de vivre that animates this blog will get you through to the other, better side!
Hiya Marsha!!! Isn’t that the way these days? We Human “Beens” are so disposable these days. I’m working and working on trying to find a new career in freelance writing. At least I won’t have to leave the house to be rejected—LOL!!!!! Thank you for your encouraging words though–every word of encouragement is helping me and making me realize that a great bunch of women are supporting me!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Hi Catherine – I’m so sorry to read about your lost job, you seemed really settled there, so here’s hoping you find well paid work soon, as you say, that roof has to be paid for. Obviously something along creative lines would be great for you, but you’re good at retail and have office experience, you’re an author, a blogger, an authority on French cooking and fashion, a cosmetic go-to guru, and that’s not counting your college degrees and excellent CV’s, you’re comical, utterly honest, smart – blimey, what else could they want?
Cathe, I’m old enough to remember the days of polite Personnel staff who took a real interest in their applicants – sadly long gone, and evidently replaced by rude , arrogant, uncaring ******* Insert appropriate word! You are clearly a very accomplished woman with many talents to offer, so their loss is your next employers gain.
Now. About shaving. Your babysitter Laura’s gadget does work, I’ve used one occasionally. But another effective and simple method to remove facial hair apart from tweezers which live in my pocket, was one I picked up from a TV programme years ago.
I just happened to be flipping through the channels one evening as you do, and stopped at one of those reality progs. where a number of personalities all live together locked in a house, until voted out by the public?
Well, this beautiful woman came into shot smearing cream over the bottom half of her face which I understood to be hair removing cream. Brilliant idea I thought, blitzing that face fuzz in one fell swoop, so I got me a carton of Nair for upper lip with moisturiser included, and did the same. I didn’t leave it on too long (sensitive skin) and when I wiped it off it had worked beautifully and lasted quite a time. It was only later that friends addicted to the prog. told me the woman wasn’t hair removing, she was creaming off her makeup . Well, it worked for me 😉
Reading about your brave experiment with the bikini wax when you were a girl. Ouch! and agonising for you and your poor Mum.
And btw, I noticed you didn’t mention work or work outfits after your marriage, I thought maybe you were having some time off together relaxing. Sorry that wasn’t the reason. XXXX
Hi Carolann! Wow. You added so much to my resume that I never even thought of!! LOL!! So we are around the same age because I remember very well the old days of “Personnel” and Bonaparte and I often have conversations about this very topic. It seems that when personnel evolved into Human Resources things changed. It was no longer about the employee but more about the employer. There is no employer loyalty anymore and politicians have ruined that. I don’t want to venture into a political rant now so I’ll stop there.
But the thing with “creative” is that sometimes you have to “look” creative. i.e. different. And I don’t look different. I like being comfortable in my classic, basic clothing. I know that sounds weird. But do you get what I mean?
I’m researching and researching and looking and looking to see how to pitch an idea for a magazine article because we have to start somewhere.
But this evening I’m going to just sit back and relax because I’ve been at this laptop all day and my eyes are getting a bit fuzzy!
Carolann–I think the show you are talking about is “Big Brother” –right? AND. I did purchase a Nair cream for the face over the weekend. I am not taking any more chances!!!! Thanks Carolann–thank you for your words of encouragement. The support I’m receiving is very moving to me!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I am so sorry about the job loss – that is totally sucky and there are no other words for it. Can I just say you and Bonaparte sound like the best double act ever, I can actually imagine shaving my wee fluffy face and Trevor might almost roll his eyes if I nicked myself, or then again he might not – he is used to me. You had my snorting my cup of tea in a very undignified manner
Hugs, friend, biggest hugs
Hi Juliet! Tee Hee! Bonaparte and I are a rather entertaining duo act!!! We also have a lot of laughs together which is very good!!! Hahahahaha–shaving my face wasn’t too dignified either and worth the snorting!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Catherine I can’t begin to express how much I love the wig post! They have been intriguing me for a while now. Thank you, much enjoy! On the other hand I’m sorry to hear about your job loss. We are always looking for great people at my company. Obviously of which you are one. Contact me if interested and I’ll send you the website to peruse. We’re located in the Harleysville area.
Xoxo
Karen
Oooooh I am so sorry about the job situation. I was devastated when I lost mine in 2016. Just completely heartbroken. I’m so sorry that happened but glad you are getting good references out of it as that will help so much with the job search. I hope you find another place you enjoy to work as much as you did this one.
Hi Cynthia! It was due to eliminating my position. But you know what was the worst part? I attended my boss’s daughter’s baby shower two weeks prior to losing my job. I never even received a thank you note. THAT was worse. And it speaks volumes!! XXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Ouch! Yeah, that stings. And honestly, I hate baby and wedding showers so I’d also be pissed I lost those hours of my weekend on top of it!