This morning I read a sad article in the Los Angeles Times about people selling anything they can on Craigslist just to make ends meet. It was “Craigslist as a mirror” of our times, reflecting the alarming and depressing economic downturn. My heart breaks for all of the people who are getting laid off from their jobs after working their whole lives and are suddenly faced with the prospect of being unable to support their families.
My family was aldready blessed to have steady income. Stewart and I both work hard to maintain the lifestyle to which we have become accustomed, stained furniture, cheese sticks, and all. But we are all too familiar with the hardships that more and more people and families will be facing as the financial landslide we’re all riding on gets steeper and steeper.
In that spirit I recently accepted a temporary full time job in post-production on a reality show. The production company is only a few minutes from our house, the job seems fun, and the money is attractive, it will give me an updated credit, etc. Couldn’t say no. I start in two weeks. I will sorely miss the luxurious part time schedule I created for myself with the generous help of my friend/boss/babysitter, but if everything works out the way I hope it will, I’ll go back to that once my stint on the show is over. I start in 2 weeks.
If I can clear it with the company, I’ll tell you what show it is. Couldn’t hurt to have my 70 readers know about it, right? But first things first: I’ve lost 12 pounds since January 6, and my post-maternity wardrobe is sorely out of style. I need to go shopping and I’m taking suggestions on styles and brands that would look good on me – post-production style is casual. But not too casual – I wouldn’t want to wear sweatpants to work, now, would I?
Congrats on the new job
Bob works for the Hartford Courant (has for 30 years!) And now that Mr. Sam Zell bought Tribune (“there will be no lay offs!”) He has since filed for Bankruptcy, and jobs are questionable. This could be a blessing – Bob has had his music studio for about a year now, and has 37 students. He should be doing music full time – too bad he had to wait this many years to do it. And of course with the Real Estate market tanking – that’s not an option for me anymore – it’s an expensive PT deal. So I am attempting to market some things on Craigs List..not holding my breath though, but these are baby items, and we all know that babies will continue to be born even in a bad economy! So here’s to Sam Zell and all his billions – Thanks!!
Congratulations – both on the temp gig and the weight loss!
I went through that clothes-buying thing last year and it was fun but confusing. Unfortunately, I am the last person in the world to offer style tips, so I’ll have to see what others tell you.
Let me know when you’re up for drinks/dinner again…
Congrats and good luck on the job! Personally, I’m always glad to have an excuse to go shopping, but I’d hesitate to advise you, since you are significantly taller (and thinner!) than I am. Having said that – if it’s casual, it’s hard to go wrong with dark jeans, twill pants, and cotton sweaters.
I’ve not really been too concerned about the economy hitting us personally, but when reading the NY Times this morning, my eyes have been opened to the domino effect of contracted consumer buying around the world. Although Japan recovered somewhat in the last economic disaster, “wealthier” folks are still using bath water to do laundry to save on energy. I feel humbled to have a “secure” job and will try not to whine about my pension – Will it still be there?
Congrats on your job and weight loss. I’m losing my job in a month, and I love hearing when people get decent jobs (they are out there!). Anyway, I am always at a loss for clothes. Being in my later 30’s, it’s hard to find clothes that aren’t for teens, but not too old. I say start somewhere like Macys on a sale day (any weekend). From there you can get more adventurous. Nordstroms Rack is fun when you are in the mood. Try H&M, too.
Congrats on the weight loss and job! You KNEW I was going to comment about shopping, right?
I’d say try H&M first. Some stuff will be uber trendy for the college girls and you’ll feel old when you realize you can’t pull it off anymore. (Happens to me everytime I walk in there) BUT walk past those racks and dig a little deeper. They have some super cute stuff for CHEAP and it’s worth the hunt.
Banana and Gap have some cute stuff out right now and they’re practically begging people to buy anything from their store so that’s always a good stop for staples…casual but still fun.
Good luck!