Caturday Update – Cats, Company, Jobs, Galas and More!
First off, I just want to thank all of you that took the time last Caturday to give me moral support after I shared the news that I was unexpectedly let go from my day job. Your compassion and faith in me was overwhelming and I cannot begin to tell you how much it helped my emotional well-being.
After getting through the first week relatively unbruised (admittedly I think the reality of the situation truly had not sunk in – not to mention, deep down I was really enjoying the down time being at home with Dan and the kitties) I was prepared to begin week two of looking for employment with a fresh and healthy attitude. Unfortunately, fate had other plans in mind. I logged into my computer bright and early Monday morning to tackle the day, only to be greeted by a blank white screen with this annoyingly efficient message, “unable to connect to the server.”
Royally screwed is right… I actually had another phrase in mind but thought better of it in case I have some PG-rated readers…
I did what anyone would do – I cried, I threw a tantrum, and I rebooted my computer and Internet modem about a hundred times. Nothing worked – modem lights that were supposed to display in a slow, steady stream of green, were now glaring at me in an angry succession of red dots. A great game if you’re a cat, not so much if you’re an adult who is addicted to the Internet who also needs to find a job.
I steeled myself to make the dreaded call to my Internet provider and after being on hold for about 6.5 hours, I finally got to talk to a human being who thoroughly confused me with his technical lingo – is your “blah bitty blah blah” connected to the “whatchamacallit” divided by the radius of the square footage of your house times pi equals 3.14? Huh? When he finally realized he was talking to a technically challenged person, he said “your modem is dead and you need a new one.”
Oh.
He continued on, “and we can’t get a new one out to you until late tomorrow afternoon.”
Well, despite what could have been a nervous breakdown, I decided to take it in stride. Not having the Internet for almost two days was kind of liberating. I literally unplugged and enjoyed some guilt free time around the house. My mom took me to lunch. I read a book. I went outside. I snuggled on the couch with the kitties. And guess what, when I finally had the Internet again, not much had changed. I still was unemployed and the job boards were still there for me to look at.
No matter what the circumstances, sitting on the couch and having your cat cuddle with you (Kizmet is actually giving me a hug) is the best medicine ever.
And in another hilarious quirk of fate to add to an already stressful start to my week, I got a lovely pimple next to my nose. I haven’t had a pimple in probably 20 years and I was instantly reminded of my teenage days and the emotional trauma of always being picked last in gym class. That’s actually what the whole looking for a job process at my age feels like – a bit demoralizing, traumatizing, and demeaning – like I’m an old, obsolete flip style phone trying to fit into a young and hip iPhone world.
I read the job descriptions and they make me cringe. One ad read, “Do you wanna work for…” Wanna? When did “wanna” become a professional word? The ad may as well have been written by a kid sharing a tweet on Twitter. There are even quizzes to take now when you fill out an online application, which I assume is to determine whether you are deranged or not (sometimes I am, sometimes I’m not, it just really depends on what we’re talking about. Take away my cats, coffee, or chocolate… I’m deranged).
Geez… God no! We can’t hire this lady… Look at this resume! She was born in the olden days… like before Instagram was even invented… Can someone get me some milk and cookies? Is it my nap time yet?
Here’s an example for you: Working in a team environment is important to you – True or False? How does your entire chance of gaining employment depend on a True or False quiz? What if your answer is somewhere in-between? Sometimes it’s important to work with a team and sometimes it’s important to work independently. That’s the trouble with technology – all of our resumes and applications are filtered into a computer that is looking for specific key words and answers. How do you rise to the top of the qualified pile if you can’t answer in tones of grey? Not all of life is black and white or true and false.
I can’t say that technology isn’t wonderful, but I do miss the days when life was grey – like when you had to look for a job in a newspaper. You actually had to mail your resume and then you were called in to meet your perspective employer face to face – you know, like you were a real human being…
But hey, there is a cat related silver lining to it all. Last Friday I had some AMAZING company drop by the house! One of my favorite cat people ever, Toni Nicholson, of RCTees was in Florida on vacation with her husband, Mark. I had never met her before and she and Mark were able to drop by for dinner. Christine Michaels of Riverfront Cats also came by and we had a blast getting to know one another better!
Christine, myself, and Toni. Christine and I are wearing the newest T-shirt from RCTees, “Like a Boss.”
And if that’s not enough, later on tonight I will be heading to Coral Gables with Dan to attend a fundraising gala the Cat Network of Miami is hosting. Jackson Galaxy of My Cat From Hell will be the featured guest speaker and I can’t wait to see him again! I first met him in 2012 at a book signing for the Cat Writers’ Association in Los Angeles. He has gone on to become a huge celebrity, and me, well, I’m at least famous in my own little cat world! He probably won’t even remember me, but that’s okay! It’s still going to be a blast.
Jackson and I back in 2012. Sigh… a lifetime ago!
I get to play dress up (I found an old gown of mine and “leopardized” it by adding a bunch of beads and sequins – who says just because your unemployed you can’t be uniquely stylish?) and I will also be meeting up with Christine again, as she lives in that area. Dan will also be going and it will be wonderful to have him with me, as he rarely gets to go to cat related events with me.
So, all in all, it’s not so bad… Have a great Caturday all and thanks for letting me share my update with you!
Thank you to everyone who has so generously donated to the Riverfront Cats Fundraiser and Giveaway. As Christine has found more cats in need of help, we have extended the event until 11:00 p.m, PST, Wednesday, October 28. The winner of the giveaway drawing will be announced on Caturday, October 31.
Hi Deb,
Sending you positive thoughts and greetings from Australia!
Something great is just around the corner !…and until it appears, look after yourself and enjoy the extra gift of time to be with those you love … the people and the purring variety:)
Hope your computer is soon up and running with a new modem …
You are a strong, creative and resourceful lady …. so ‘hold your nerve’ and things will sort themselves out!
Bye for now, and purrs from Bonnie, Bella and Dorrie,
Lesley
Thank you Lesley – It really is amazing to have love and support from around the world!! I appreciate your kindness and all my love back to you and your darling furbabies!
Oh Deb
Stick with me or call me and I’ll save you from unnecessary stress. Just remember things happen for a reason and you ALWAYS bounce back. So glad you had downtime. You need it, you deserve it!
Looking forward to the Cat Network gala to dress up and celebrate cats!!
Can’t wait to see you either, Christine! As far as those stressful times – maybe next time it happens, I’ll hop on the Trirail and come visit you and your beautiful Riverfront Cats.
Deb, here you are showing that amazing bounce and resilience that is your unique mark! When life gives you lemons….you show the rest of us that life can be filled with delights no matter what. While paying the bills is very important for our mental health, so is the opportunity to appreciate those experiences that make you our special Deb Barnes. Frankly, I wish there was a way to make a living just being at home with Dan, your little fur bundles of love and the creative, heart warming writing you share with us. I look forward to every blog, your photos and the wonderful people you share with us.
May you be blessed with the job you are seeking…soon. Thank you for sharing these ups and downs that make us feel like family. Hugs, Honey. We’re all cheering for you.
Deborah – You are such a refreshing breath of fresh air to wake up to. Thank you so much for your kind and supportive words. It would be wonderful if I could figure out a way to support myself at home and I am trying to do just that! Paws crossed, but in the meantime, it’s the drudgery of the job boards! Thank you for being my cheerleader and thank you for appreciating my blog and my efforts! xoxox
As always, you are showing such grace and courage in dealing with the curveballs life throws at you (well, after having a meltdown over the modem, anyway ;-). I know you will find an even better job.
I’m so thrilled that you got to meet Toni – how I would have loved to have been there! Have fun at the gala tonight!
MOL Ingrid – I’ve had lots of practice over the years, so I’ve found it’s better to be graceful than bitter, because regardless, the bottom line is the same. I believe our attitudes do guide us in life and I am trying my best to remain positive – the meltdowns are a healthy outlet to let off steam!
As far as Toni – we were all actually talking about you – we wished you could have been with us, it would have make the evening all the more perfect!
Yes Ingrid, we did talk about how even more purrrfect it would have been had you been able to join us!
Were your cat ears burning? 😉
Deb, I can just picture you logging in to get the white screen of death. It’s so frustrating.
As you know I have had my own issues landing contracts this year. As I reflect at the enormous amount of stress this has caused, it has simultaneously pushed me into working harder to move toward making opportunities out of every encounter. I’m not gonna lie (can we use gonna in a job posting too? It’s so professional…)–time with the cats has made this tolerable. It was good to read that you too surrendered to the universe’s message to take a breath and reboot! New modem, new options….
Can’t wait to see pictures of your attendance at the event! Darn right–glam up that dress, girl!
Laura – yes… the white screen of death. The only thing worse is the black screen of death, then you know you’re really up a creek without a paddle!
Much as it is painful and frustrating, I do have to agree with you that in many ways, this situation has been the push I needed to send me toward a new path in life. It will work out. It always does. And having the love and support of Dan. my family, and the kitties has really helped me tremendously. That and all the love and support from all of my dear Zee/Zoey friends. You have all been such an amazing support group, and I know you all have your own crosses to bear, so that makes it even more special.
I do hope things will turn your way. As we said to one another in a private email, we’ll get through this together!!
That dreaded can’t connect to the internet. I know the words you probably said or thought since I heard them in my house. It may have been a blessing in disguise that it made you unplug for a couple of days.
That event sounds like a fun thing to attend and I am so jealous you get to meet the cat daddy again. Actually I know ma has a leopard dress she said she was wanting to send you. She bought it shortly after we got molly mew and she had hoped to wear it to a blogpaws or barkworld conference with cat ears because since she had a cat, she was hoping to be accepted into the the cat ladies club. 😉 Unfortunately, shortly after buying the dress , her hips decided it was time to expand. While the hips did their expansion, the rest of her body followed suit. She went from trim to fat-tabulous.
I know things will work out for you. I can feel it. Who knows, maybe that opportunity is awaiting you at the cat fest. Sending good karma to you.
Have a beautiful day!!
Carma – I’m sure you know EXACTLY the words I wanted to use!! But yeah, it probably was a blessing in disguise. Unplugging should be mandatory for all of us now and again.
Ugggg…. those darn hips of ours with a mind of their own! It is very sweet that your ma thought of me – one of the perks of being known as the leopard lady! Thank you for your support and the good karma!
Those techy things drive my Dad nuts too, but at least it’s a short trip. Hey, my Dad interviewed for a job years ago and they asked him what his biggest weakness was, he said chocolate. He got the job. Hang in there, good things will come your way. Tell Christine we send her a howdy.
MOL!!! Thank you for the laugh, Brian!! I needed that! I will give Christine the howdy from your Dad!
Being cut off form the internet when you feel you should be job hunting can be stressful, especially when everything from unemployment to job listings are all done online. I continue to admire your ability to handle curveballs! For what it’s worth, I’ve found that you can sometimes swap out a modem at a local office the same day, if you need connectivity for something urgent. Though that’s even more stressful than going without connectivity, probably….
When did “wanna” become a professional word? When employers decided they need to tie themselves into pretzels for millennials, who don’t realize how much effort is being made to change the employment game to court them. You’re ahead of the game by not needing that, but boy is the fluff and nonsense annoying.
Tonight’s Cat Network event sounds wonderful, and I’m sure we will all look forward to hearing about it in your next update!
Sometimes Cats Herd You – Yeah, it’s weird. I don’t want to be all sour grapes about it, as many of my family members and friends that I love dearly are the actual millennials I am up against, but it truly is astonishing how much the employment climate has changed. But then again, that’s life. I remember many, many years ago when my Great-Great Grandma saw TV for the first time. She was absolutely appalled at the direction the world was going in. I can only imagine what she would think of the world today.
The only constant in our life is change…
Anyhow, thanks for the great comment and I can’t wait to share some updates about the gala!
Mom has learned when internet issues happen that are pretty much out of our control, that is God’s way of saying…”UNPLUG DAMMIT!!!!” MOL MOL MOL!
Oh and Mom can TOTALLY relate to the ad jargon…………………….the jobs are all geared to the milleniums!!! (however you spell it! Mom is tired!)
Love, Cody
Deb I can relate to what you are saying about finding employment in this new ever changing environment. I retired early from a job I held for 30 years (yes early retirement after 30 years) and I am a dinosaur. If I had to look for work I am sure I would be very challenged by the new way(s) that applying for a job is done. I wish you good luck and I know you will find something that is good for you and your skills.
Thank you Annabelle – it is a challenge and I do appreciate your good wishes and luck!
M here: My heart goes out to you. Both Mr. D and I have been there. It’s the pits. But on the bright side, this might be a blessing in disguise. Sometimes that happens, and we’ll hope it happens to you. You have a lot of skills upon which to draw and you are bright with a lot of working years ahead of you yet. We hope this turns into the lemonade phase of your life (when given lemons, make lemonade out of it – or something like that). Mario sends his famous kitty kisses!
Mario – Thank you so much for your kind and supportive comment,along with your famous kisses!! Very much appreciated!
Oh Deb….If you can’t find a job writing…then whoever it is doing the hiring is…well they’re just a big ol dummy!
When you write, I feel like I’m right there with you….and I’m talking about all the stuff going on besides when I was actually, right there with you (what a lovely surprise). I’m so glad the computer issue was the modem…it could have been so much worse, and I know you know that. (you do know that?)
Even though your unplugging wasn’t planned, I think the timing of it was…purrrfect. Sometimes we may not know what it is we need, but then something will happen that lets us know…”kismet” perhaps? How wonderful that it was Kizmet giving you the comfort that you needed. Priceless! They do know just what we need. I saw first hand what an absolutely precious gang you have. I have to admit, I think because of the “Bengal”, I thought they would be a bit wild and perhaps unapproachable to people they had never met…boy was I surprised. And the way Zoey approached Mark just goes to show that he is truly a Catman. Christine was so mad…lol
So glad the fundraiser has gone so well for Christine AND I’m thrilled that you and Dan will be attending the event tonight. EnJOY your evening out…you deserve it! (I expect a full report) Big hugs…and much love!!
Thank you for the compliment, Toni! I do try to write as if my readers are right there with me and I’m glad to know you feel that! And well, yes… they are big ol dummies! So there!!
I can only imagine what you expected since we have so much Bengal blood in our house! Zoey has calmed down significantly, but even so, as small as she is, she has moments where you don’t want to cross her! I am very blessed with my gang – as the years have gone by, they have become so accustomed to people (and dogs) dropping by, that they barley raise an eye! Mark was great with all the cats and I love seeing what a wonderful Catman he is!
Sowry yous havin’ twoubles, but weez pawful glad yous have furiends to help you. And dat sounds like a wunnerful event. Have fun.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
Thanks Dezi and Lexi – having furfriends is the best!
We can’t even imagine what job hunting must be like today. Thank cod we’re cats and don’t have to work. Have fun at the gala tonight…we can’t wait to hear more about it.
Thank cod you’re cats indeed, Island Cats! It’s a brutal, brutal world now!
Before I started blogging I could go weeks without even turning on the computer. I accomplished so many things, and I do miss that a bit. Try being ten years older than you are. I feel like a complete dinosaur. I am so jealous that you will meet Jackson Galaxy for the second time, especially after meeting him over the telephone recently. Please write about the fundraiser in a upcoming post. Best of luck as you continue your job search. Hugs and purrs, Janet and Kitties Blue
I will be writing about the fundraiser, Kitties Blue! I’m glad you got to interview Jackson on the phone – I’m sure that was fun for you!
I am glad you have some good things happening 🙂
Me too, Ellen! Thanks!
Even though it was unplanned, we’re glad you had some well-deserved and much needed down time, Deb. It sounds like it was restorative, and a blessing in disguise. Hang in there. Good things come to good people, and YOU are good people!
Hugs!
Thank you meowmeowmans!! I do appreciate your positive message and faith in me!
Deb, I know the uncertainty and frustration of where you are. I so admire your positivity and optimism. It’s something my dad taught me but I often forget. You are a wonderful reminder of how special the journey is.
hugs to you,
GG
Thank you for that very sweet and heartfelt comment, GG.
That goes with the old saying, when it rains, it pours. Things should start getting better for you now. That job is out there somewhere, you just have to find it. Have a great Sunday.
That’s true Marg… I hope you are right!
I would have a meltdown over a modem too! I so admire how positive you are and wish you nothing but the best.
Thank you Melissa… some days are much more positive than others! 🙂