Happy Birthday Barbie (she is 50)

Okay, admit it...this is kind of funny - she went from being anatomically incorrect to this? Nah...but thank you Nancy :0)~

Sukuu keeping his distance (cookie yes, mom no)

For those of you who know my relationship with Sukuu, this is really not normal!

What's new? Still 'dislocated' but...

I have been diligently trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. To date, I can tell you this...I am not going to grow up! Okay, seriously...I am working through the process of a career exploration course. You might think why is she doing that at her age (careful...). This  course is a requirement for the WIA Dislocated Worker Program and I am still pursuing that possibility. My challenge is that I have a recent degree in a employable field. Additionally, I have skills that I can take to many possible jobs.  

What is the most challenging is being open while considering what I enjoy doing for work and the recency of my work experiences. The entire process is somewhat uncomfortable. For example, I had to list all personal achievements. What have I achieved? My mind went blank and I have ten blanks to fill. #1 - Graduated from college (with honors) #2 - lost weight and to date, kept it off (if you know me well, you will understand this one) #3 - Completed a marathon (walking) for three years in a row. So, if you are reading this and know me, please feel free to toss me a few ideas...

In addition to that course, I have been Tweeting (Twitter) and networking with some awesome people! There is this wonderful organization out there called JobAngels (www.JobAngels.org) that help people find jobs. There are so many of us that, because of the economy, are unemployed. Ah, yes, another chapter in my book of life!

We were without the Internet for FOUR days...

Hubby (Mike) on the roof securing the newly extended pole for the signal for the Internet (and oops, lost the signal). 

Thanks to my sister in law...

This is GREAT for when you crave chocolate cake!!  Dangerous!!   But sometimes we JUST NEED Chocolate Cake!!        A RECIPE EVERY GAL SHOULD KNOW   The most dangerous cake recipe 5  MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE   4 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) a small splash of vanilla extract 1 large coffee mug   Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!   Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).   And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?    Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night! You are going to print this out straight away, aren't you ?

Job Search Update

As you can imagine, searching for a job right now is a challenge in the Wausau area but there are jobs out there and there is some business growth (sadly another local company announced layoffs!). However, if one has the right attitude, knowledge, skills, and abilities (not to overlook the wonderful professional contacts) one might be presently surprised at what one might find. I am also pursuing the dislocated worker assistance offered in our area (nine counties make up this region). More on that in a later posting.

I have a second interview next week. This position in Plover (right outside of Stevens Point) and is with an organization that is privately owned and growing. I believe that this is a great opportunity and it would be one that would be very challenging. 

In addition, I had a phone interview yesterday for a position that I sent my resumé to the end of last week. The telephone interview was for a position in Appleton (technically Grand Chute). A slight drive (okay, a long drive) but a non-manufacturing business. Sorry so vague, just don't want too much information out there.

Both of the aforementioned positions are Human Resources Manager roles which are target positions for my next career step. I am also interested in possibly education with data/information systems management (HRIS). I am more excited about the second interview but they are both excellent opportunities to 'stretch my wings'. No guts - no glory!

On Tuesday, I went to interview/meet with Jenn and her supervisor. Who is Jenn, you might ask? She is an AFLAC District Sales Coordinator and her boss is the Regional Sales Coordinator. I met Jenn when I was working at SNE/The Schield Family Companies. Jenn presented herself well and truly appeared to enjoy her job. I reconnected with her recently on LinkedIn (professional social network). I thought that the benefit component (AFLAC) fit well with the HR background I presently have. Plus, who doesn't love the duck? What I didn't realize was that I would be an independent (aka self-employed) sales representative of their products. Anyone who really knows me knows how hard I work and how determined I am, but (I know, there is never anything good after 'but') since Mike is self-employed, I don't feel comfortable if we are both self-employed. I have the need for a stable income. Although the income potential and growth opportunities are endless with AFLAC, I don't have the strong urge to do that right now. (Key words, 'right now'.)

Oh, let me step back. On my birthday (March 14 for those of you who want to send belated gifts :0) I took a 'test' for a Human Resources Assistant position with the State of Wisconsin. What they are looking to do is fill a pool of applicants in certain roles. I think I did well on that test - I'll know in about six weeks.

Lastly, I am also applying for part-time work in some retail and clerical positions. I miss contact with people at work and there are some financial advantages to bringing in extra income while looking for the next career position. Plus, sometimes those positions that are stepping stones can turn into something wonderful. If you are curious about that, go to Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and read about Unemployment Insurance (UI). 

Stay tuned for more information. 

Brad and I went out for dinner yesterday - this is the cake (Charcoal Grill in Plover, WI). It was good but not chocolate.

Happy Birthday to me!

Okay, I did it - made it to 47 without incident or crime! However, Sukuu did have to have a bath due to the beautiful weather. So, here is one of Sukuu enjoying his (and my) bath (NOT). 

Just checking in...

It has been just over a month since my position at Donaldson Company was eliminated (darn economy!). I am still on the hunt for the next challenge - time will tell what and where that will be. I have many wonderful people in  my network of friends (I hope that they know that!).

Anyway, I can be found on many venues these days...Twitter (lisalotzer), Facebook (see side of blog), LinkedIn, and other professional organizations sites. 

If you are wondering what I am doing, just check me out! Thanks for all the wonderful support and encouragement!

Cyber hugs to all!

Trying new things...

I went to an awesome professional meeting (CWSHRM) and there was a dynamic speaker - Nora Burns. She spoke on succession planning (funny, I was in a succession plan and then my position was eliminated...). Anyway, as a result of many of the items we discussed, I met some wonderful HR professionals and new contacts. 

Additionally, I now 'twitter' (okay, I'll try). You can find me on a link and I will be inviting my family and friends to join. It is a quick, non-email way, to keep in touch.

We'll see who is willing to give it a try! Hope to catch you there!

Officially unemployed...

On Monday, February 3, 2009, my employer...errr...ex-employer, had to act on some difficult decisions regarding staffing. My position was 'one of the decisions' and eliminated. I am not on a lay off - it doesn't sound as if the position will ever be reinstated. I am now looking for employment - meaningful employment - not just a job! 

I can't begin to tell you how terrible I feel about this. Although the decision was not personal, it feels very personal. The company I worked for is an excellent company and I had truly wanted to remain there for a long time. The people are top-notch and some of the best co-workers a person could ask for!

I will truly miss all of them.

Oh, if you know anyone who is looking for someone in human resources...let me know! I love the field and I look forward to helping some organization meet their objectives!