tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371970782011-09-10T13:51:05.887-04:00Follow the journey of this seasoned life explorerEllennoreply@blogger.comBlogger621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-33787739539538971822011-09-10T12:36:00.002-04:002011-09-10T12:40:37.347-04:00

I lived in New York during the attacks of September 11th, 2001. At that time, I was still in the broadcasting business and living in a cool beach town out on Long Island. I was single and living the New York lifestyle. As with many New Yorkers and folks around the country - my life changed dramatically after the attacks. Below are the e-mails I shared with friends and family - recounting my

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-56080282008235306522011-08-06T17:12:00.000-04:002011-08-06T17:12:10.108-04:00

 A cheeshead at heart! August 2011 The Gent & I traveled to Milwaukee, the last week of July. We made the trip, to my hometown to celebrate my 20 year college reunion!!! 20 years? Crap, I'm old! The Gent is a fantastic travel partner. While walking down memory lane with me...he got to meet some of my college pals, hear the stories and see the building on campus where my broadcasting

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-90648794673984259702011-03-12T08:46:00.016-05:002011-03-12T10:19:37.485-05:00

March, 2011 My Southern Gentleman & I have a couple of milestones quickly approaching. In May we'll be celebrating our third year of wedded bliss in conjunction with our First anniversary in our lovely home. We continue to call our house; Our Sanctuary! Gosh, each day this house lends itself to new experiences, adventures and memories-in-the-making. Recently, the Gent called me (while I was on

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-53747483530832382010-08-07T09:48:00.010-04:002011-03-12T10:23:02.432-05:00

Aug, 2010The Southern Gent & I are getting settled into our Sanctuary!Okay, so it's only 2 acres of wooded land in South Carolina. But, it's ours and we love it!!!

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-85542048654759660682010-05-08T11:05:00.016-04:002011-03-12T10:23:55.247-05:00

May, 2010After a long road with many turns....The Southern Gentleman & I have found our home.We are thrilled!!!

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-65310422495585887232009-10-31T12:18:00.007-04:002009-11-01T14:20:06.089-05:00

October, 2009I turned 40 over a year ago. The year I turned 40, I got married. Shortly after the marriage began, I landed an awesome job that required me to travel Monday thru Thursday/Friday nearly every week. LOTS of changes in a short amount of time, for sure.However, in my head, I was still the former Division One collegiate athlete with 22 years of competitive triathlon experience. I'd been

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-59025661465589587212009-06-20T17:42:00.005-04:002009-06-21T11:38:57.449-04:00

June, 2009My life is filled with travel size things. Travel size shampoo, lotion and perfume bottles. Everything is small-sized. I've learned how to roll my clothes to avoid wrinkles while I tuck them into my increasingly worn red roller bag. I'm nearly on a first name basis with TSA agents and flight crews around the country.My road family is ever expanding. I witness thousands of small acts of

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-13741124868895730162009-04-26T10:55:00.005-04:002009-05-03T10:23:19.505-04:00

May, 2009 Recently, the Southern Gentleman and I took a trip to my home state of Wisconsin. This was to be his third visit to the Dairy State...and I was going back to the place where....it ALL began. Dating all the way back to high school, I remember feeling like there was 'something else out there'. I felt constrained by the borders of Wisconsin. I'm not quite sure if I even knew what I was

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-23411101599242066942009-03-21T10:15:00.006-04:002009-03-21T11:35:09.674-04:00

March, 2009 I've been on the new job 6 weeks. I hit the ground running....or should I say, FLYING. In what felt like a 'nano-second'...I went from punching a clock and working 40 hours a week... to flying out on a Monday and returning home LATE on a Thursday (when I'm lucky) or Friday. The new job is fantastic. Surreal actually. I typically pinch myself as I drive to the airport. I'm still in awe

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-44040947356354516632009-03-06T09:22:00.008-05:002009-03-06T10:33:35.327-05:00

March, 2009I'm a non-conformist. I've always ventured onto the path less travelled. I've never been 'in the box' cuz I've spent my entire life living, working and playing - OUTSIDE the box, the lines, the rules.....whatever.In sports - I was the underdog. The girl that had to spend countless additional hours in the gym. It was sweat equity that led to my success - not always natural

Ellennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-64008509362215269302008-12-27T07:40:00.008-05:002008-12-28T09:55:37.794-05:00

December, 2008I just celebrated my first Christmas as a married woman. The Southern Gentleman was like a rambunctious little boy on Christmas Day. Woke up early with a gi-normous smile on his face and an even brighter twinkle in those blue eyes. He'd been anxiously anticipating Christmas since Halloween. By Thanksgiving, his enthusiasm for Christmas was even rubbing off on me, a little. And

Ellennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-72327065129145716222008-11-23T18:11:00.011-05:002008-11-23T21:49:53.894-05:00

November, 2008 Six months of marriage is now behind us. Each day I live and love with the Southern Gentleman brings a new revelation. Having covered the New York Jets football team as a beat reporter for three seasons, I felt well prepared as to the inner-sanctum of MEN. I had heard the off-color conversations, I had smelled the odors after a game, I had seen the nude-pin-ups in many of their

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-12731380910267634292008-09-27T13:06:00.005-04:002008-10-05T08:59:47.045-04:00

October, 2008One of the bonus points of being married - is the ability to join your finances. Well, I suppose it wouldn't be a bonus if the person you married was a near-bankrupt spend-thrift....but, fortunately for me, I married a man that had a similar view of the FINANCIAL world...earn it, save some and spend a little.And, during these troubled times - it's nice to have a partner in finance

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-20624493930853376792008-08-15T08:39:00.009-04:002008-08-30T10:00:22.126-04:00

August, 2008The Southern Gentleman and I are approaching FOUR MONTHS of wedded 'bliss'. Well, 'bliss' may be a bit of a stretch. We're still adjusting to the day-to-day' stuff' of having another human being in your space. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around - how it is possible for my sweet husband to be capable of getting the food out of its container, digesting it, getting the dishes back

Ellennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-25799492277895070152008-07-05T14:28:00.003-04:002008-07-05T15:49:06.996-04:00

July, 2008 I've been biting my lip and tongue for FAR TOO LONG. Some things just HAVE TO BE SAID out loud...(or, at least in Cyber-space) I'm an avid cyclist. And, rarely is there a ride that I don't encounter a near miss -accident courtesy of a passing vehicle coming too close for my comfort. In the last few years the Gi-normous SUV's have become my nemesis. And, it just HAS TO BE SAID - that

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-44446012166723277042008-06-14T11:07:00.005-04:002008-06-16T23:21:28.935-04:00

June, 2008 We got married one month ago today. It's actually hard to believe how fast time flies (when you're having fun). There are frequent brief moments, that I still fantasize about our wedding day. I fondly remember the details and grasp onto the memories to ensure they stay in my brain forever. I remember waking up that morning and reading the lovely greeting card the Southern Gentleman had

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-23437785751274874342008-05-31T10:48:00.009-04:002008-05-31T11:48:20.526-04:00

May, 2008There is an odd phenomenon that seems universally experienced by folks, following LARGE LIFE EVENTS.During my college years, as a women's basketball player, - we were expected to report to campus weeks before our classmates. We showed up for summer work-outs, and spent countless hours in the blazing sun, running and getting in shape for the season. Over Christmas break, while our fellow

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-85210063794785691002008-05-20T11:15:00.009-04:002008-05-28T13:26:38.578-04:00

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-41135327911315612652008-05-03T08:47:00.007-04:002008-05-03T10:13:34.065-04:00

May 2008Let me just begin by emphasizing that I have NEVER been the girl who dreamed of her wedding from childhood. Rarely, if ever, did I think about what my dress and my DAY would look like.Hell, for most of my life - I was trying to figure out how to get the guys to actually LOOK at me and pick me as a DATE rather than the First baseman or the lead-off for Kick-ball. I was a Tom-Boy tried and

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-43057148530611693542008-04-06T06:17:00.006-04:002008-04-13T08:50:01.969-04:00

April 2008 Until a mere four months ago - I was the Founding Czar of the SISTERS-IN-SINGLEHOOD. Although I've had to relinquish my supreme position in the 'Organization' since getting engaged to the SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN.... I feel quite certain that my connectivity will remain constant. In my heart, I'll always be the strong, single woman that championed through years of LIFE while pole-vaulting

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-73369797693628897342008-02-16T08:33:00.006-05:002008-02-16T10:48:58.935-05:00

February, 2008Life has been moving at warped speed since the SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN proposed marriage to me on December 7th, 2007. STEP ONE - setting the date. The SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN & I aren't young kids. At the time of the proposal - we were BOTH nestled nicely in our 30s. However, in January - I crossed over the horizon of the 'New 30'.Along with our 'advanced' age - this is a first marriage for

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-69510685076496346412007-12-09T22:38:00.000-05:002007-12-30T11:12:12.263-05:00

December 7th, 2007 It was a Friday. After surviving another week at my job - I'd raced home to enjoy a MUCH NEEDED glass of wine. The plan for the evening was: The SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN was coming over at 7:00 and we were going to our favorite Sushi joint. I had approximately 70 mins. to pull myself together and be ready when he walked through the door - which, if history was a guide...he'd be at

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-52606124564848761242007-11-04T08:37:00.000-05:002007-11-04T12:16:40.781-05:00

November, 2007As I creep towards closing out my 30s I have to stop and ponder -HAS THE WHOLE WORLD LOST ITS MIND?????And, I'm not even talking about War, Famine, Natural Disaster, Politics and the fascination with Reality TV.I'm curious - when and where did we lose sight of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY? And, the satisfaction of a JOB-WELL-DONE?What happened to these basic principles? Seriously....when

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-66822538567492599202007-10-22T21:25:00.000-04:002007-10-22T22:13:46.049-04:00

October, 2007I witness miracles.As the rest of the world is drowning in debt, hurrying from one activity to another, whizzing through their lives in a blur of confusion and living in a bubble that surrounds their personal space.... I am a witness to daily doses of reality that slap me in the face with such force that sometimes I lose my breath.Every day, I deal with:A Lawyer who testified before

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-16942232008482693502007-10-05T18:29:00.000-04:002007-10-06T13:48:25.496-04:00

October, 2007Although I've met the SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN, I still consider myself Grand Chairwoman of the Universal Order of SISTERS in SINGLEHOOD. After finally landing back in the world-of-work, I'm feeling energized by the steady (albeit small) paycheck. I'm getting back into my work-out routine and slowly emerging from the 15 month haze of un-easiness (AKA - unemployment). I'm starting to feel

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-19494762155215112482007-09-21T22:54:00.001-04:002007-10-01T20:05:56.633-04:00

October, 2007It's been nearly a month since I re-entered the wonderful world of 'WORK'. If you question my enthusiasm for being back - try being Un-employed for 15 months! Try living with no steady income or paycheck - and, you'll see how FREAKING excited you are to work again! It feels GREAT to have somewhere to be every day. The fact that I've taken a $25 thousand dollar pay cut from my

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-7972014081788713152007-08-30T16:19:00.001-04:002007-08-31T20:55:38.800-04:00

August 2007 You often hear the saying: Job hunting is a FULL time jobI believe, the folks that make that PROCLAMATION - Have NEVER actually looked for a job. More importantly - they probably were never UN-employed while they looked for FULL time employment. Sure- looking for work is a FULL time job, if you are looking for work while working. However, when you are completely UN-employed while

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-15910390923376542612007-08-23T21:40:00.000-04:002007-08-24T00:12:21.547-04:00

August 23, 2007After more than 14 months of unemployment and under-employment - I've finally been offered a JOB!!!What an amazing, exhausting and wild journey this has been. This BLOG has served as an outlet for my frustrations as I navigated through the job hunting process. Nasty hiring managers, unprofessional recruiters and crazy interviews were some of the high points. I remember the day, I

Ellennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-11384222748930041422007-08-10T08:42:00.000-04:002007-08-14T10:11:56.096-04:00

August, 2007 I miss shopping. I miss mini-excursions to my favorite spots. I long for the colors, smells and sounds of Retail Therapy! I yearn for the feeling that a super-shopper (like, my former self) gets when they land on a sale - and stumble on big bargains. As my Under-employment 'stint' DRAGS on.....I've had to make many, many, many lifestyle adjustments in an effort to NOT be homeless. (

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-51638471773209332652007-08-08T15:56:00.000-04:002007-08-08T21:17:33.868-04:00

August, 2007As my prolonged state of Under-employment continues to DRAG on and on and on.....I've begun to notice an interesting phenomenon.The job hunting process is one Gi-normous game of HURRY UP & WAIT.The rules of the game are simple.The folks doing the hiring have all the power and the people searching for a job have none.The folks doing the hiring expect full compliance with quick

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-51166236333211140272007-08-03T18:09:00.000-04:002007-08-04T14:44:53.687-04:00

August, 2007I am a communicator.I speak (sometimes excessively) and I write. I'm a voracious reader and therefore have an extensive vocabulary which I exercise regularly. I have been a 'talker' for as long as my memory goes back.In third grade, on the third day of the new school year - my grouchy old teacher kept me after school because I had been talking too much that afternoon. In fact, she

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-37300576809682113062007-07-31T08:36:00.000-04:002007-07-31T10:17:10.356-04:00

July, 2007 Unexplainable Occurrences, that I've observed....... Sally Struthers claims we can feed the poor children in foreign countries for "pennies a day" - YET - the multi-millionaire 'princesses' in Hollywood are rail-thin anorexics. (clearly they aren't using their money for food - why don't they send it to the poor kids overseas?Hospitals are investing billions of dollars building

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-10556412584942869042007-07-13T21:12:00.000-04:002007-07-14T13:37:52.274-04:00

July, 2007My week began with a phone interview on Monday afternoon. The position was a PR Specialist. I'd applied back in April and I got the call for the phone interview in July.Hmmm, 2 1/2 month turn-around....I considered THAT a minor victory, considering the 3-5 month average response rate I'd had from the majority of previous opportunities. (good gracious, it's not BRAIN SURGERY folks)Back

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-78517251984722285232007-07-07T20:01:00.001-04:002007-07-08T07:49:54.879-04:00

July, 2007 I met the SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN on Friday March 16th 2007.That was the day I wondered into a local drinking establishment at 3:30 in the afternoon. Earlier that day, I'd received my THIRD REJECTION notice of the week. I'd been in Charlotte nearly three months, at that time, and I was still no closer to finding a job. It was gloomy and rainy on Friday March 16th, 2007. Which matched my

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-676520598108177572007-05-28T16:46:00.000-04:002007-07-05T10:51:12.459-04:00

June, 2007This month marked a couple of significant anniversaries in my life. June 1 was the official ONE YEAR anniversary of my unemployment 'stint'. And, I use the word 'stint' extremely lightly. It was still a 'stint' after three months, however since I reached the six, ten and twelve month marks...I actually crossed over into a new category.I'm now living an - Unemployment 'Lifestyle' And,

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-9124527241052684362007-04-27T10:01:00.000-04:002007-05-11T00:19:51.792-04:00

May, 2007Although the search for a full time, good paying, professional job continues......I was voted in as President of the Charlotte Chapter of the American Marketing Association. In a mere four months of landing here - a group of my marketing peers voted me to lead their association - yet, a full time, PAYING job eludes me. Curious...and maddening!I'd like to believe they elected me because

Ellennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-65031874893340193032007-04-10T12:44:00.000-04:002007-05-09T17:04:27.892-04:00

May, 2007As the self-proclaimed President of the Sisters-in-Singlehood world-wide sorority.....I have spent the bulk of my adult years successfully eluding healthy relationships with men. Oh sure, I've dabbled in the dating scene.....but, with no gold-medal-winning outcomes.I even had a five-year stint with a certain 'mr. wonderful' who turned out to be ANYTHING but wonderful. I closed out my 20s

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-33026924147299187192007-04-05T09:50:00.000-04:002007-04-05T10:56:57.330-04:00

April, 2007 Did I miss the memo?When did small children become the CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE?What happened to the days of children being SEEN and NOT HEARD?As a member of Generation 'X' - I was reared by hardworking parents that ruled with strait-shooting, honest and sometimes.....tough - love. I got grounded, I got scolded, I got put-in-my-place......yet, I never questioned the unconditional love

Ellennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-26379433798690546132007-04-01T09:50:00.000-04:002007-04-01T13:17:04.297-04:00

April 1, 2007It's fitting that today is April Fools day - because I just came to the realization...... that I'M THE FOOL!!!After a boat-load of self reflection....I have decided that it is IMPOSSIBLE to please me.And, I'm quite aware - that this character flaw is: NOT A GOOD THING. I know I need to conquer this 'thing' that has a death-grip on me. I'm wondering if there is a support group for

Ellennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-61754966080572239262007-03-27T17:16:00.000-04:002007-03-28T13:09:13.489-04:00

March 27, 2007365 days ago - my life changed forever.March 27, 2006 - The alarm clock went off at 3:45 am. I rolled out of bed after a restless night with little sleep. My parents had spent the night - and we moved around my condo quietly as we got ready to leave. We drove to the Hospital in silence. As we turned onto Townhall road and the Hospital loomed in front of us....I spoke for the first

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-67999753999462681832007-03-13T21:32:00.000-04:002007-05-16T12:34:32.510-04:00

March 2007What's the old saying? - 'That which doesn't KILL us only makes us stronger'Well, then I should be approaching Herculean status. Unfortunately, the bad luck that has plagued me for years followed me to Charlotte. Friends who have known me a long time are even shaking their heads that this stint of unemployment continues to drag on and on and on. One fortunate thing - people have stopped

Ellennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-68661080371808009292007-03-09T08:49:00.000-05:002007-03-09T16:45:25.064-05:00

March, 2007As a writer, I'm used to getting creative inspiration at any time and in any place. My mind is always processing 'life's-little-details' and I mentally begin to write a story as those details unfold. However, sometimes I don't need a visual stimulation to get my creative juices flowing......periodically, story ideas evolve during the most mundane moments of my daily routine......It was

Ellennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-28428742616252287072007-02-26T10:19:00.000-05:002007-02-27T23:18:29.497-05:00

February, 2007Why is it that........?Magazines that boast stories about 'Decorate Your House on a Budget' are barely 100 pages long and 3/4 advertisements yet cost $6. If I could afford to pay $6 for a mere 12 pages of useful info. - I wouldn't be worried about decorating on a budget!Men seem to be drawn to the woman in the group that holds a full-set of personal baggage? She may be; divorced,

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-7994216329228434772007-02-16T22:58:00.000-05:002007-02-17T13:57:53.715-05:00

February 2007If you're still single in your 30s, I don't care if you're a man or woman....you've got WAR STORIES. As a terminally single gal, nearing the end of my 30s, I've got stories from the FRONT LINE of the Relationship War. Quite frankly, I should get the Purple- Heart -of- Valor...for some of my battle scars. Historically, women seem to get the 'crap end of the stick' when it comes to

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-32101100332854126742007-02-05T12:47:00.000-05:002007-02-18T00:23:57.417-05:00

2007,I've just relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina.2006 was a long journey for me both personally and professionally and when I finally arrived in Charlotte, I felt bruised and battered. However, in no time at all, I began to decompress, relax and investigate my new surroundings. I realized very quickly, that I'd made the right decision to relocate. North Carolina is rich with culture, history

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-14410132922646042162007-02-02T13:36:00.000-05:002007-02-02T15:05:20.760-05:00

February, 2007 Ah, the glorious feeling of a New Year.Historically, I've never put much stock in New Year 'lore'. I don't make resolutions, I don't give up anything or make any GRAND changes just because the calendar hits January 1st. I'm of the school-of-thought, that we should live each day and each year to the fullest. No regrets. Do your best at all times, so that you don't have to fall to

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-55452983375501161162007-01-16T14:09:00.000-05:002007-01-16T15:45:53.226-05:00

December, 2006Nearly all of my memories regarding momentous occasions in my life have included my mother. Signing the 'letter of intent' to play Division One basketball,was captured on film by my mother. Getting my first radio job, included a joyous call to my mom. Break-ups, surgeries, loss of jobs, moves, Broadway musicals, high-profile interviews with legendary sports figures......the list

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-68725738255813889122007-01-08T16:13:00.000-05:002007-01-08T17:19:44.354-05:00

December, 2006As November came to a close and December began, my life was an absolute whirlwind of activity. Once I'd accepted the offer on my condo and we'd agreed on a closing date, everything seemed to shift into HIGH gear. I had to decide on a Moving company, find a place to live in Charlotte, pack up all my belongings.....oh yea, and continue the job hunt (long distance). In addition, I had

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-72788714249307424162006-12-02T17:54:00.000-05:002006-12-02T19:39:25.634-05:00

November, 2006 On November 1st, I was a guest lecturer at Marquette University. I was 'holding court' with a group of bright eyed, bushy tailed communications students - who had all assembled to hear me speak about Broadcast Journalism and Marketing. Two industries I'd worked in successfully. Initially, I felt like such a fraud. Here I was, giving them advice and tips on how to 'MAKE IT in the

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-55960526295865502542006-11-26T17:23:00.000-05:002006-11-26T18:48:08.543-05:00

November, 2006 Lately, I've become painstakingly aware of how many people LOVE giving advice. Whether I've asked for their opinion or not, I'm constantly bombarded with comments and suggestions from knowledgeable 'do-gooders'. Before I lost my job, I suffered through mind-numbing remarks about how I could successfully find a BOYFRIEND. "Ellen, you're soooooo funny, how can YOU not have a

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-43992875477966588842006-11-26T16:08:00.000-05:002006-11-26T17:18:43.466-05:00

November, 2006 The longer I searched for a job, I became increasingly more aware of the similarities that existed between job hunting and relationship hunting.The interview process seemed like an endless string of bad 'blind dates'. Waiting by the phone hoping the perspective employer PICKED me, felt exactly like all the times I'd waited for the CUTE guy to call back. Posting my resume on-line,

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-8013720179283155152006-11-19T14:28:00.000-05:002006-11-19T16:29:34.262-05:00

October, 2006I began the fifth month of unemployment in a zombie-like state of mind. The ad agency interview at the end of September, had left me in a tail spin. Actually, tail spin is putting it kindly - I had a total melt-down.I called my parents as I drove away from the 'debacle' that resembled a job interview. And, before I could actually give them the latest update from the 'unemployment

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-57306768048428615712006-11-13T18:44:00.000-05:002006-11-14T18:02:55.377-05:00

November, 2006Your stomach has butterflies and you're feeling a bit queasy as you decide what to wear. Men select the perfect 'power tie' while women frantically search for the most flattering outfit.All of this anticipation is followed by endless discussions of your past. You explain your experiences and banter about your most desirable qualities. You maintain eye contact while you attempt to

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-48514703885827612972006-11-11T14:56:00.000-05:002006-11-14T17:51:40.372-05:00

September, 2006 As all the employed people returned to work after the Labor Day holiday, I reflected on the thought of beginning my fourth month of unemployment. It was nearly impossible to wrap my mind around the idea. Although unemployment wasn't exactly foreign territory for me, for some reason this stint was getting harder and harder to navigate through. I kept relying on previous experience.

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-1163051114646023872006-11-08T23:41:00.000-05:002006-11-09T02:34:20.323-05:00

August, 2006August 1st represented the beginning of my third month of unemployment. Or, as I affectionately call it, "The Hiatus." Although, three months wasn't exactly accurate.I had officially stopped working on March 27, 2006. That was the day I was admitted into the hospital for a hysterectomy. And for those of you with a 'medical terminology deficit', that meant - they were taking out my

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-1163038146223884782006-11-08T20:12:00.000-05:002006-11-09T02:34:20.063-05:00

October, 2001Greetings Everyone!Well, I made it to Milwaukee and I wanted to touch base. Thought many of you would be interested in the details of the move home. For those of you who've know me for awhile and have heard my other stories...you'll file this one under: 'The MACK -DADDY of all Ellen stories'.However, unfortunately...with my reputation for drawing disaster, I'm sure you won't be

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-1163034176187976302006-11-08T19:46:00.000-05:002006-11-09T02:34:19.971-05:00

October, 2001Hey Janet -Well, had to run out and get some more packing tape today. I got in a conversation with two women about trying to get back to a normal life. It seems everywhere you go here, people are attempting to be normal....but, there are still a lot of long faces.Mayor Giuliani continues to beg New Yorkers to get out and spend money, and move about freely....People really seem to be

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-1163032908582068622006-11-08T18:56:00.000-05:002006-11-09T02:34:19.834-05:00

January, 2000 Hey Janet - Thanks for the B-day cards! They brightened up my day! The day got off to a lousy start. My car got stuck in the snow as I was heading to my doctor appointment. So, I was late getting there and although the procedure wasn't really painful, it was just really uncomfortable. Yea, having a 'probe' injected into my private girly area, is not my idea of a great way to begin

Ellennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-1162855492840218142006-11-06T17:41:00.000-05:002006-11-09T02:34:19.741-05:00

August, 2006 -Although losing your job stinks, in every way possible, I pride myself in trying to find the 'good' in most situations. And, considering I live in frigid Wisconsin, where it's chilly 8 months of the year, losing my job in June wasn't the worst thing.I have a great condo with a pool, so by mid-June I was already operating with a full-blown-summer-tan. I never looked so healthy! Oh

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-1162792732281786562006-11-06T00:49:00.000-05:002006-11-09T02:34:19.617-05:00

Thursday, April 19, 2001New York, NYGreetings to All –Just thought you may want to know what’s been going on with me lately. You’ll want to file this story in the ‘another-day-in-the-life-of-Ellen’ category. Sit back and enjoy the ride.As some of you already know, I had to take an unexpected trip home to Milwaukee. My dad had quintuple heart bypass surgery on April 2nd. My four older siblings

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-1162783066078018212006-11-05T21:54:00.000-05:002006-11-09T02:34:19.506-05:00

September 11, 2003 Two years ago today, at this very moment, I was standing outside my apartment on Long Island in New York and seeing the billowing ball of white smoke that was feverishly taking over the crystal blue skyline of Manhattan. I'd been awoken that morning by a phone call from my mother. From her kitchen in Wisconsin, she was actually the first to alert me of the drama that was

Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37197078.post-1162779459098393002006-11-05T21:12:00.000-05:002007-07-14T16:15:45.563-04:00

July, 2006Milwaukee, WIRecently my employer informed me that my services were “no longer needed”. Unfortunately, this news was delivered to me while I was four weeks into a six week medical leave of absence. My lawyer sheepishly explained that I lived in an “employment- at- will state” which meant I had no legal recourse for the ill-timed termination.It was with this painful discovery that I

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