Going Through It

I consider myself to be quite level headed and positive. I also never really believed in the 8 Stages of Grief (which I found out to really be 5 Stages of Grief). I thought it was bull but the emotions just swell and roil. On a side note, the word "Grief" looks weirder and weirder the more I look at it.

Anyways, I was sad but fine the day I found out about the notification. I was fully aware of what happened and started to take steps so I guess I skipped the denial stage. The anger hit me on Friday. Mostly because they had told us we could take the day on Wednesday because it was emotional. I had stayed the day to work because I had some meetings I wanted to be prepared for. I asked for a half day on Wednesday and got a lot of grief about that. Seriously? You are seriously going to go there? That and my boss was in my grill for a number of ridiculous things. Be sure you do this, be sure you do that. Hello, I was at work when a lot of people who were let go had taken the rest of the week off. And I do good work. You don't have to remind me about having documents prepared for meetings because I ALWAYS DO.

And, thanks to my friends who have been so great about giving me advice, I went through a different sort of bargaining phase where I asked for some things. They were denied but at least I asked. The depression set in towards Friday evening and I had a nice long talk with M who reminded me of a number of things that have worked out. So, I'm finally at acceptance and will be moving to DC in mid-April.

Menchenko Tei and Cupcakes with W

[in progress]

Nada Sushi with V & N

[in progress]

Teodora with Camp Girls and Boy

[in progress]

Happy Birthday, J!

Notification Day

One can elude the economy for so long. We've all seen the layoffs around and it really is only a matter of days, if it hasn't happened already. I received my notification of termination today (our whole group was eliminated) and it has been a heartbreaking day because I really love my firm and my group. I've made some strong friendships with immensely talented people and it is sad that I won't get to be with them on a daily basis.

And it could've gone really badly. I could've come into work to find boxes by my desk, been asked to pack in 30 minutes and escorted out by security with nothing to fall back on. I'll actually be working for a couple of months and it will be a good opportunity to tie everything up nice and neatly. I could have left for the day but I wanted to stay, get my work done (I'm still working here afterall), talk with people and plan out my next steps.

The support and concern people have shown is overwhelming and I can't thank everyone enough. M has also been nothing but the best partner I could ask for and in a way, this is a blessing. This is an opportunity to move down to DC, start my job search and new life there. Just in time for the cherry blossoms to bloom.

Cafe Zest & My Boys

[in progress]

Caramel French Toast

SCRUMPTIOUS french toast from the B&B that we stayed at this weekend. And, they cooked their sausage in apple juice - amazing!

Alynn’s Butterfly Inn: Caramel French Toast

1 Cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
6 eggs
1 ½ c milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 T Corn Syrup
½ c sugar & 1 tsp. cinnamon mixed
10-12 slices wheat bread

Melt butter corn syrup and brown sugar on stove in saucepan. Spread on greased 9 x 11” pan. Dip bread in eggs & milk & Vanilla mixture. Layer bread on bottom of pan over brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle cinnamon & sugar mixture between layers. Add next layer bread dipped in egg mixture. Pour remaining egg mixture over top of all. Cover and refrigerate overnight.Bake 350 * 30-35 min. uncovered serves 8-10

*Mario's & M

[in progress]

I'd be swimming in Little Neck Clams in white wine butter sauce in heaven.

*Gore Mountain & M

[in progress]

Gondola and post-gondola

*Friends Lake Inn & M

[in progress]

Friends Lake Inn