job hunt

i thought i would give a quick update since i've been home for almost a week already! with the exception of yesterday, which was my "i don't want to talk to anyone or be on the computer at all and just want to veg on the sofa with b all dang day," i've been on the internet searching all possible leads. there are a total of about 4 jobs out there that i'm interested in (including the 2 i've already applied for). there's just one itty-bitty problem: my printer is not cooperating at all. it will not print text. i have good cartridges and it was printing my pictures before christmas...so i've been looking at getting a new printer. the next problem? my os. i'm running os x tiger and the new printers run off os x leopard (and snow leopard is out now so i feel like i'm way behind with the times). so, i'm venturing out today to see if i can't find a temporary new printer that will run off tiger. otherwise, i feel like my only option is to back up everything i have on cd's and get my computer wiped (since my iBook is already running classic and tiger) and get snow leopard and a new printer.

does anyone else have any ideas?

so the job count is: orange county, nc (tech); statesboro, ga; knightdale, nc (tech); harker heights, tx. but i can't apply for the last two without a printer so i gotta get on this situation asap! i'll keep you posted!

hope everyone's having a good week! it's almost friday!! :)

**update: i was able to find a printer that runs on os x 10.4.11. yay! i wound up getting the one i'd been looking at for awhile: hp f4480. it's a 3-in-1 which is cool since my hp scanner died a long time ago...so, i'm gonna get my office area set up tonight (i've decided i'll have to move the futon back into the living room and move the chair in here for bella so that i'll still have room for her crate in the spare room) and be able to work on apps for the additional two jobs and hopefully get that stuff sent out saturday.**

today's the day

today is it...the last day in my office.

there's a lot to do before i turn out the light for the last time, but it's still going to be difficult. i don't want to get all mushy or sentimental, but it's an unfortunate position to be in. ....i've decided i'm going to take a week or two to get organized at my house (since my office is coming to live with me) and then go out in search of a part-time gig (or full-time)..because if i have nothing productive to do for the next two months, i'll go crazy. that, and i'd work out a lot and probably drink a lot...and sleep a lot. yikes. actually, the working out and sleeping part sounds pretty good..but i need something to get me up and at it every day.

...my sister comes this evening. we're gonna try to go to this new place, dandelion market, and have some fun because goodness knows, i need it! she'll stay with me tonight and then spend the rest of the weekend with leah. so, i'll be on my own tomorrow night. i behaved myself and stayed in last weekend, but i can't say the same for this weekend. 0:)

hope everyone has a great friday and lovely weekend.......

sealed fate

since it's official, i can elaborate on what's been going on the past few days. last wednesday, we had a staff meeting to talk about somewhat menial tasks and about the budget. my boss said, although it was still early in the process, that she didn't think we could make it through another fiscal year without some changes, aka layoffs. however, she couldn't give us any type of time line. my co-worker and i were the last ones hired (october 2007) for our department so it was natural to assume that she was talking directly to us. well, as of yesterday at 4pm, it was official. we are being laid off due to a "reduction in force".

it's an unfortunate situation at any time, but especially right now. although the economy itself is starting to pick back up (slowly but surely), the construction/development industry has not and probably will not for at least a couple years. unlike my co-worker, i am not angry. if you look at it realistically and logically, it makes sense. looking at trends, it makes sense. i'm thankful (if you can be at a time like this) that it's happening now as opposed to a year ago, when they transferred us to addressing part-time for a few months. now at least, i have 2+ years of experience under my belt as opposed to last year which would have been 1+ years. at least it will be a little bit easier finding a position with more experience than it would have been a year ago. i'm thankful for the experience in general. and, i think i'm in a better place personally/financially than i was a year ago. i've grown up a lot in my time here with the county. i'm young. it's not the end of the world. i know that i'm smart and that i'll bounce back. i'm trying to remain calm, which really isn't that hard since i started stressing about it last week. i'm just surprised it happened so quickly.

another positive: that it did happen so fast. because there are two jobs closing at the end of the week that i am going to apply for. one is in nc, near chapel hill, and the other is in southern georgia, about an hour from savannah. i'm fortunate that it happened now..because i'm young and single (except for bella) and have the ability to pick up and go just about anywhere (as long as the job and pay are decent) without having drag along a spouse and/or kids (like my co-worker). so, i'm sending my stuff out for these two jobs today on my lunch hour (and, i'm going to fax them too, in case mail is slow) and will keep my eyes/ears open for any leads. the county has offered us 60 days paid with benefits (as opposed to the standard 30), so that will help for sure...it'll cover me almost until my lease runs out. (the other positive, that i didn't give the new apartment any significant amount of money and if i have to walk away, i'm only out $25.) i'll try and get a part-time gig somewhere to help with income while i get back on my feet......my last official day, if i take the 60, will be march 18th. the day before my mother's birthday. please keep me in your thought and prayers if you would. and, if you know of any planning leads, let me know. ;)

meeting at 4pm. doesn't look good. keep me in your thoughts. when i know, you will know.

weekend preview

it's amazing how much one's emotions can change from one day to the next. tuesday, i was super stoked about getting approved for the new apartment and on the highest of highs that nothing could ruin my day..to wednesday, ending the day feeling so low and defeated. it really made me stop and think about what my life is really all about and how much i want to get out of it. i wish i could be more specific, but at this point it needs to remain a mystery. but, i've done a lot of thinking, and have even prayed..i'm sure God is wondering who i am. i'm just wondering what He really has in store for my life, especially when i know this year will be so much better than the last...how how what He wants relates to my plans. and if they're different, that's okay...i just wish i knew what was going to happen.

for some good news: it's a long weekend! yay! i'm going home and cleaning my apartment (especially the kitchen) because my mother is coming tomorrow! we're going to go look at my apartment, go to IKEA (she's never been), go to target (so i can get some cute new shoes), go to the bead lady in concord...and whatever else we can fit into her visit. church on sunday, of course. then, she'll go back sunday. monday, i'm going to work on the window sills that bella has so kindly gnawed on (the spare bedroom's is WAY worse)...brent repaired it for me in the old place, but i'll have to do it on my own this time. monday, i might go get a massage and then do some sorting/purging and iron some clothes...basically lay low. then, next weekend, my sister comes. fun times!

apartment hunt: DONE

:D WOO HOO! I'M APPROVED!! :D

i was going to complete this series, talk about arwen and talk about phillips in an unbiased way..but, i can't. after going back to arwen on sunday and determining that a one bedroom there really was just too small (for its lack of storage/closet space) and just outside the area i wanted to be in (for now...), i nixed that off my list. but if you want to look at it: arwen vista.

now, let me babble about the one i've chosen: phillips at university center. i have chosen a one bedroom/one bathroom floorplan, 3rd floor unit. although it has less than 800 sf (793 sf which is even smaller than the arwen unit!), it feels larger and has two extra closets for storage. it is essentially laid out like an efficiency except it does have a seperate dining area (which i am going to use as my office space/place for bella's crate). the community features a fabulous pool, fitness room, media room, etc. when the landscaping is complete, they are going to put in a dog run. :) my unit features european style flooring (dark wood laminate), granite countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom, energy-efficient stainless steel appliances (heck yeah!), a garden tub, storage off the deck as well as a large closet off the entry (1/2 for storage and 1/2 for coats in the winter).

it doesn't quite fit into my original quest for cheaper rent. the special is $705 which is $20/mo. less than i pay now. however, they charge a $30 premium for a 3rd floor unit, which brings it up to $735 ($10 more). but, if it's only $10 more for a brand-new, upgraded apartment i'll take it. now, i just need to see if i can find room in my budget for a garage. i wish i could but i think it would be smarter financially to put that money towards something else, like my debt.

it feels more like a condo than an apartment. i am really, really excited. i do have to lose my futon (but my parents are going to let me store it at their house, so i won't have to completely get rid of it) and some other pieces of furniture, but i don't mind. after the beginning of february (when i go home for my dad's birthday), i'm going to begin the first round of purging/organizing...to see what's out, what can go to my parents' temporarily, and what stays with me.

let the organizing/purging/packing process begin!! :D

pins & needles

i put in an application and gave $25 for an apartment last night. now, i'm pretty much worrying myself sick. i really, really, really hope i'm approved. it seems silly because it's not like i won't have a place to live because i could just renew at addison (depending on what they want to offer), but this place is so fabulously awesome that i think i'd almost be heartbroken if it didn't work out. i have such big plans for this year, and i feel like this piece would complete the 2010 forecast. cross your fingers, pray, or whatever else you do for good luck wishes for me please! i'll know my fate by lunchtime.

apartment hunt: ashford

ashford green
this community is located on hwy 29/n. tryon between wt harris & mallard creek church rd., just beyond the shops at university. it's an older complex that does feature golf course views (and discounts) and a tennis court, beyond the typical amenities; as well as its biggest perk: it's within walking distance to stooly's. my friend, patrick, had lived there a couple years and just moved in the fall of last year. my "friend", nick, lives there now. both gave good reviews and didn't have really anything negative to say. and, the complex is about 13 miles from my office. so, i checked it out in person last weekend.

they offer the preferred employer program, which the county falls under. so i either get a discount on rent, or discount on app fees. they are large dog friendly. the fee is $400, but currently it's on special for $200. a dish is okay, so long as the building gets reception. garages are $85/month. and they feature two color schemes: tan or grey (it's like pirates cove all over again). the pinehurst is the 1/1+den floorplan. it is 910 sf. market rate is $697-$745. a first floor unit with golf course views, gas fireplace coming available in march is on special for $665. the same unit, in a different building, coming available in april, is on special for $650. which is great because i'd be saving $60-$75/month on rent; however, those units are on the first floor, which is absolutely not gonna happen according to mama g. ho-hum. and, nick lives in the wild dunes, a 2/2 1053 sf first floor unit. he just renewed for $730. that's only $5 more/month than my current lease rate...something to think about. but, other than the two 1st floor units, nothing was available for the end of march. i will check back at the beginning of february just to see if anything else has come available.

apartment hunt: bexley

bexley at concord mills
this community is one that i looked at when i first knew i was moving to charlotte a couple years ago. it's located next to the mills mall, right off i-85, about 15 minutes from my office (basically, the stoplight at concord mills blvd & odell school rd. is the halfway point of my evening commute).

it is a gated, two-entry complex which boasts a tennis court (among the "typical" amenities). in october, i looked at the large 2/2 model. it was nice but fairly similar to my current situation (except i hated the master bathroom). last weekend, i looked at the "cozy" 2/2. it was perfect..except for the living room. it was teeny, with barely enough space for my sofa. no bueno. i forgot to ask how much they were leasing for. in october, the large 2/2 was under $800. it's an older community. dog friendly (instead of a flat rate, they also do pet rent).

the daytona, which is the 1/1+den, is 864 sf with a market rate of $675-$985. the concord, "cozy 2/2", is 963 sf with a range of $715-$1025. and, the large 2/2, the bristol, is 1069 sf and $770-$1110.

the location is something of a concern. although it is right by the mills mall and close to 85, there's no grocery store in the immediate vicinity (i don't count the new walmart); i don't go to the mall that often & if i do, i go to northlake or southpark; it's not exactly close to the other fun things i like to do; and, i'm farther away from where many of my friends and acquaintances live. ho-hum.

it stays on the list, mostly because it's one of the few that allows large dogs.

...and i continue with my search.

apartment hunt: addison

addison park
yes, i realize that this is the same community that i've lived in since october 2007, but it's still a contender. i like the management, the handy men are handy (& even come on their day off--like when i had no power), there's two pools (not that i've ever dipped a toe in) and they are super dog-friendly. oh, and they only rent to 21 yrs. and up (a huge perk!).

ap has a one with den option (a6). it's 995 sf, market rate $675-$845/month. in october, an a6 was renting at $610/month. now, they're leasing for $630-670, or there's one on notice for $705. potentially, i could save $55-$95/mo.

thoughts?!

apartment hunt: part one

my lease expires march 31. i have enjoyed living at addison park (especially having lowes foods around the corner!) but i think it's time to move on. since moving to charlotte & thinking about moving every time my lease comes up for renewal, i've kept a list of apartments. my needs & desires have changed..ideally, i'd rather be down in plaza-midwood or noda and away from the uncc kids, but my commute would be hellacious! plus, i need a community that will accept my "large" dog.

current situation: i live in a 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 1155 sf, 3rd floor unit with a wood-burning fireplace, wooded view, attached exterior storage & garden tub in mstr bath, with an added security system w/ motion. market rate: $890. my lease rate: $725. pet fee: $250 non-refundable, $250 refundable. no weight limit with some breed restrictions. i'm almost 20 miles from my office which equates to a 30-45 minute commute, one way (yuck!).

follow me, as i meander through my top choices, finally choosing the community that bella and i will enjoy, without breaking the bank! :)