Gratitude Post

The end of 2011 was tough, see lack of posts, and 2012 is challenging from the start! But nonetheless here is a few things that I am grateful for this week.

1. Seasonal Work- My temp job is still temporary but so far I have avoided being laid off. My hours went from 30 to 12-15 a week. I am grateful that during the busy holiday season I pushed myself to be a reliable worker. Offering to cover shifts for sick co-workers, pressing to learn different departments and areas of the store, and never ever being late are what kept me on payroll into 2012. I'm glad that though it's tough work at times I haven't given up hope of finding a better job soon.

2. Interviews!-My first interview for the New Year is on Monday! I am grateful that despite 2012 starting with a flood of rejection letters that I was able to search everyday to find opportunities to purse. I had one phone interview and will have a face to face one Monday. It's a seasonal position til mid May but it would allow me to get back on my feet while looking for something more permanent.

3. Bread Machine- For Christmas this year I decided to take the plunge and use my charge with Amazon to get a bread machine. I've been making small loaves of fresh bread almost daily since I opened that huge box, that I still need to put in the garage. There are so many delicious looking recipes that I am stoked to try in the coming months. Though money is tight with hours being cut at my temp job I'm still able to budget in flour, and for what I save on not buying craptastic store bought bread it's worth it.

4. Beans- I think I've posted beans on lists before but they deserve another shoot out. I love adding beans to soups and stews to make them more filling and up the yum factor. These are one of the cheapest staples I have in my kitchen, usually $1 a bag or less with coupons or sales!

5. My Car- Though the gas tank seems to be forever dangerous close to empty I am grateful that I have a vehicle to take me to my part time job and interviews when I am lucky enough to snag one. I hope that soon I'll be taking my car everyday to a new job and will treat it to a full tank :)