This year is off to a bad start already.

Well. I'm not sure how this happened. We had an ice storm here and a branch was laying behind my car (you can see it in my previous post) but I never saw it laying on my car. Also, all the snow/ice was melted away yesterday, and I was in and out of my car all day, and this wasn't there. I know I would have seen it. Now the question is, how did it happen and who would do this to me?

Ice storms suck.

We had an ice storm come through monday, I just now got my power back on (and hoping it stays on!) I took some pictures outside of my house.

Day one
Day one again

Day two, my car almost knocked out by a branch

My front yard

Kerosene heater we used last night while the power was still out.

I'm hoping the power stays on this time! It has been nuts around here. A lot of people still don't have power yet, I'm so glad I do!

Sad & confused..

So, I work in a factory that makes automotive sealing. I was laid off temporarily for a month, and today was supposed to be my first day back. We had a meeting as soon as we got there, and basically, they are going to let go of 100 more people. That's 1/5 of the factory, and there are going to be more layoffs if the economy doesn't pick up ( and it's looking pretty bleak.)

Well, there are several different platforms at work. Once the meeting was over - Ford, Honda & 180L all went back to work. I work in 500N, and we were told to stay after because 'we had to talk a little bit.'

They then told us that while we were laid off, the number of product they needed from us got even lower. They said they didn't have any work for us, and we would be laid off for the rest of this week.

This layoff starts with people that were hired March of 07 & after. I was hired February 27th, 2007. Barely missing the layoff. (which tells me I'll get hit next time) The severance pay this time is $1000 less than it was in november, when they let go of 56 employees. Also, if we stay, we are not guaranteed 40 hours a week. As a matter of fact, the 1st shift has only been working about 3 days a week. Meaning, I'd make more drawing unemployment than I would working.

Also, if i choose the layoff, I will get school paid for for 2 years. I will also get unemployment while I'm a fulltime student, and I'm currently a fulltime student now.

I'm afraid that if I stay, they will try to move me to 1st shift, as they have done this with people already. I cannot work 1st shift because I have classes, that I can't get my money back for, and I won't drop out of school for a factory. I'm also afraid that if I stay, I'll indefinently be hit by the next layoff, and may not recieve any severance pay. Or be fired when I refuse to go to 1st shift.

My question is, what would YOU do? I've got to make a decision on this by noon on wednesday, and I know I'll be taking a chance either way.

Leaving - I get $500, a week's worth of pay & draw unemployment ($722 every 2 weeks)

Staying - I might get laid off soon anyway, and won't be working my 40 hours.

Peaceful..

This first picture is one my boyfriend took of me when we went on vacation in December. This was at Cumberland Falls, in Corbin, Kentucky. One of my favorite places by far. :)

I searched for waterfalls on Google a few weeks ago, and found some beautiful ones. I figured this could bring some peace & relaxation into everyone's day today. :)

I hope you enjoy these and have a relaxing Sunday!
-Holly

One of my newest Items..

This is one of the newest items in my shop, and I love it! I've been running out of ideas with my 'mature' items, but I'm glad this one came to mind!

What do ya think?

I got tagged!!

Okay, I was tagged by my friend, you can find her here:

http://beautifullychaotic-mikki.blogspot.com/

I'm supposed to list 8 random things about myself, so I'll try to make this interesting!

1. I drive a yellow 2000 VW beetle. =)

2. I'm going to school to be a psychologist.

3. I'm dating someone who is 26 years my senior (but I love him to pieces!!)

4. My biggest passion is probably my poetry.

5. I walked to wal-mart when I was 10, and the cops picked me up. Lol!

6. The first poem I ever wrote (I was 10) was published.

7. I have a 4 year old chihuahua named Bitty. He's like my son, he's sitting beside me right now.

8. I handmake 'mature' items, the kind you'd give as a gag gift or see at a bachelor/bachelorette party. http://www.hollymarkafterdark.etsy.com/

Hope that wasn't too boring!

I'm off to leave comments on who I'm tagging =)

What are you getting your honey for Valentine's Day?

I was wondering, what are you getting your man for valentine's day? I just finished this poetry book for my boyfriend, but I can't hold off until Valentine's Day, I think he'll have to have it tonight, lol. We're supposed to go on a little vacation that weekend!

So, what are you getting your man?

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

Collage I put together of pictures & other things from things me and my boyfriend have done

My boyfriend made this for me..

And this too!


I know I'm a nerd.. me & my 3D glasses from My Bloody Valentine

I look mad as hell but really, I'm tired. I stayed up past 9AM today.

Leave some love, Love ya!

Holly

Featured Etsy Seller: Adorkable Crochet

Adorkable Crochet: For the young (or young at heart!)


I'm very excited to bring you my first featured Etsy seller: Adorkable Crochet! You can find her shop at http://www.adorkable1.etsy.com/

I've chosen 3 of my favorite pieces from her shop to share with all of you. The picture on the left is my favorite item in her shop! I love the style & detail of the shawl, and the picture is perfect. The beach setting makes this item totally *pop* to me! This is just one of the great finds in her shop, and only $30.00

Adorkable Crochet (a.k.a Rebecca) has been crocheting since she was 8 years old. Her grandmother passed this skill onto her, and she says she's loved it ever since! But I think you can tell she enjoys her work simply by the detail and quality in each of her pieces. Rebecca loves to crochet because it's a flexible craft. She can crochet while watching tv, or while watching her little one. She creates new, unique pieces to keep herself from getting bored with it.


This newborn hat is another of my favorites in her shop. Look at that cute little baby! His little face makes me feel like I *need* to buy one of these (but I don't even have a baby, hehe.) This little hat is a great deal at only $10.00

I asked Rebecca what would be a piece of advice she'd give to all the new Etsy sellers. She says don't stress about getting that first sale, and I agree! It takes time to get your name out there and reach the people you need to reach. Great advice!



Last but not least, another of my favorite pieces in her shop. A black and light pink neckwarmer! Such a cute accessory, and great for this time of year. It's made from Merino wool, so it's very soft! A steal of a deal at $15.00


A last little tidbit that Rebecca wanted to share is that she's 26 years old, happily married, and lives in California. She's also the mother to a precious little boy who's almost a year old!

She likes to show that crocheting doesn't have to be for the 'older' crowd, young people can enjoy it too! She's even created her own skull & crossbones pattern, impressive!

Leave a comment and show her some love! And don't forget to check out her shop at: http://www.adorkable1.etsy.com/

Thanks for reading, and come back sometime! =)

-Holly

Would you like to be featured?

Hey everybody. I'm going to start featuring Etsy shops on my blog, maybe 1 or two days a week. If anyone is interested in this, Just answer the questions below in a comment!

1. What is your craft? How did you learn it?
2. What is your favorite thing about your craft?
3. How long have you done your craft?
4. What is one piece of advice you'd give to new Etsy members?
5. If there's anything else you'd like to add, do so!

Thanks! Hope I get a few takers. =)

-Holly

Calling all Bachelor & Bachelorette party planners! =)

I've been adding inventory in my shop the past 2 weeks or so, I'm up to 29 items! My poor little blog has been neglected, heh. I've also been dealing with some tough family problems lately, so I haven't been as involved or productive as I'd like to be. But! I don't go back to schoool until wednesday, so between tonight and tuesday night I plan on adding more items and staying more active with this blog! Here are some of my latest creations..

The Pecker Pack! Any 4 for $20

Pink & White Swirl Vagina magnet!

Another of my Valentine's Items..

And another =)

Pretty pink heart =)

Thanks for stopping by!

Insomnia.

I really should be sleeping right now, but oh well. For some reason I just can't, haha. Probably because I start back to school Monday morning, and the nerves are kicking in already. Yay for my first blog post!

I just added those little guys to my etsy shop tonight, they're perfect for valentines gifts!

I guess I'm going to TRY and sleep now, have a good night!