I Was Downsized!

Well, the bad news is I was downsized by the company I worked for a couple of days ago. I had been there almost 6 years. The company is going through some rough times, and I was one of many who were let go. The good news is that I get to stay home and spend time with my beautiful boys and make lots of cards! I'm fortunate, because with my partner (of 22 years) I'm in a position where I don't have to worry about finding a job any time soon. I will be able to spend the time looking after him too. He has MS, and I'll be able to make his life a lot easier by being here to do the every day things he needs help with. And when I need to work, I'll find something part time. I'm not going back into the corporate world again. This was the third time I've been downsized. The first time I had been with the company 13 years, the second time 8 years, and now this time, 6 years. Third time is a charm, because I'm tired of working hard for a company only to be let go when the need suits them. That's the world we live in now, there is no loyalty between company or employee. Gone are the days where people retire from a company after 30+ years of service. That is now the rarity, not the norm. My heart goes out to the people that were also let go the same day as me. I know a couple of them well, and they are single women who only have themselves to rely on. I'm sure there are many others in the same boat as they are, and I only wish them the best and keep them in my thoughts and prayers. Anyway, what's done is done, and I have always believed that whatever happens, happens for a reason. So, make more cards!!! Here are some of my latest ones:

3 Days of Vacation

I've taken a few days of impromptu vacation time! Just needed to get away from the stress of the job. Going to spend some quality "park" time with the boys, and do a couple of other things I LOVE to do. That would be photography, and making greeting cards. As I mentioned in my profile, I love to create greeting cards. Here are a few I just created these past couple of days. . . . .

I have two Giant Schnauzers, and the first card I used a stamp that resembles a Giant. I used fun flock on it so that it is fuzzy. I'm learning all kinds of new techniques, and my favorite so far is using embossing powders. The sympathy card looks great with the flowers done in silver embossing powder. I'll keep posting cards here for others to get ideas, and to give me pointers as well. I have just really begun making cards, and it is fast becoming an obsession! I have already spent a couple thousand dollars (seriously) on supplies, so I better start making use of it!

It has been great being off these few days. Every morning I take the boys out to a park to run. We usually go get breakfast at Micky D's. Gunther loves scrambled eggs and Shotsy loves bacon. After we get back, I head upstairs to my craft room and start making cards. Today, I got some really great Spring shots of flowers and flowering trees. I also integrate my photos into my cards as well. Below is one sample:




Well, headed upstairs for more card making! I have a couple of ideas floating in my head that I need to make. More later. . .

Introducing My Boys

I'd like to introduce you to the true joys in my life. Please meet my two Giant Schnauzers Shotsy and Gunther! Each weigh about 100 pounds. Shotsy will turn 7 this June, and Gunther will turn 4 at the end of this month. They are an amazing breed with super high intelligence. For people who really aren't into dogs, you wouldn't understand the bond that I feel towards them. They honestly bring more to my life than most people. They are certainly more loyal, and they have never let me down. They give unconditional, genuine love and can always make me smile when I need it most. I don't know what I would do without them.

Each are similar in many ways, but both have distinctive personalities. Shotsy is more laid back and Gunther is a little "rebel". They are both great swimmers and love to be in the water. They even try to push each other out of the way to be the first to get a bath! Gunther is "cute" where Shotsy is "handsome". Shotsy's ears are cropped (which were already done when we got him - I am against this because I feel it is not necessary) and Gunther's ears are floppy. Shotsy plays things more cautiously where Gunther throws caution to the wind.

I'll be talking alot about them in this blog, along with other things that interest me in this life of mine.