It’s Been An Interesting Few Weeks
You know that saying about lemons and lemonade? I’m thinking about buying stock in lemons and sugar. The University of Wyoming laid off 43 people 2 weeks ago, and all of the development officers (the people who raise money for programs and scholarships - like me) were laid off in what we are all calling Black Thursday. Upper administration didn’t tell the deans what they were doing or give the individual colleges an opportunity to cut other places to save what most people see as essential jobs in the colleges. I am lucky to have worked for such a wonderful dean and to have worked with so many truly outstanding people. The bad news for me is that the job I had was the perfect job. I loved it. And now I have to find another one. The lemonade part of all of this is that there are a few job opportunities in Laramie, and we’re also looking at this as an opportunity to look around a bit and see what else is out there. If you have any ideas or suggestions for someone looking for a development position, please let me know.
A colleague of mine said that rather than thinking that we’re unemployed, we should instead think of it as “funemployed” - it’s summer and we have some time to enjoy ourselves while we figure out what’s next. I’m spending some time working around the house, getting all of those things done that you never seem to have time for. I’ve been riding the horses, working in the yard, and going to a lot of yoga. I think I’ll get some knitting done - there’s an EZ sweater I’ve had mulling around in my mind for awhile now, and maybe I’ll even put the spinning wheel on the patio and soak up some sun (when we actually have sun) and spin. I’m also working on more boring, but necessary things like my resume and job hunting. It can’t be all play all the time!
In really fun news, my brother and sister-in-law had a reception to celebrate their marriage. They eloped in January and had a party for everyone last weekend in their home town. I got to see a lot of my family, and some of my mom’s family even came up from California and Texas. The interesting and scary part of the whole deal was that they couldn’t find anyone to make them a cake, so I volunteered (in a moment of insanity!) to make a 3-tiered wedding cake for them. All I can say is talk about stressful! It’s also a good thing I didn’t have to work because doing that cake took a whole lot of time. I read up on Deb’s efforts and ordered the cookbook she used (which is fabulous!). I ordered supplies, made sample cakes, and finally figured out the high-altitude adjustments so I had moist cakes that didn’t fall! Of everything, I am most excited that I figured out the high-altitude business - it’s been the bane of my existence for years now.
The party was 4 hours away, so I made the cakes (9 in all) on Thursday and froze them. I transported them in a cooler with ice so they’d stay frozen, which made everything a lot easier when it came to assembling. It took me most of the day Saturday to get everything assembled and decorated, but it was worth it. The cakes were really good - very moist - and everyone raved about them, so I’m happy. The decorations were very simple, which made it easier for me. I made brands (my dad and brother’s brands) out of tinted and rolled fondant and used those for the main decoration and used the couple’s initials on the top. Who knows, if I can’t find a job, maybe I can make cakes for a living!
Category: Dessert, Life | Tags: Wedding Cake
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:07 am
Steph, I am so sorry to hear about your lay-off. That just sucks. But it sounds like you are keeping your chin up and trying to make the best of your situation, so kudos to you! I hope you find something good. Are you still working at the yarn store?
The cake looks *amazing*, and you are a very generous sister for making the cakes!
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:10 am
The cake looks professionally made! Good luck on the job front. You’re positive attitude will help you more than anything else.
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:27 am
I’m sorry that you lost your job - I know you really loved it. I hope this turns into a wonderful opportunity for you to do something you love even more.
The cake is fabulous!
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
My DIL, who was in MARKETING for a major publisher in this area also got laid off a month or so ago (like Development…..huh? Isn’t that shooting yourself in the foot?) but she’s enjoying the time off, too. Repainted half the house, is spending more time with the boys, etc. Looking, but enjoying the break. You’ll find something!
The cake is fabulous! I got into cake decorating for a while (I did a small, two tiered wedding cake for a friend using a design from Martha’s wedding book) but decided I cannot be around that much shortening and sugar! If I HAD to, I could, but I’d rather make cupcakes!
Glad to see you back online!
June 23rd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Steph, I’m sorry you were laid off so unceremoniously! Your attitude is very inspiring, though, and I think you’ll be able to make the best of this transition. Good luck, and I’m sending you good wishes!
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Wow—that cake is impressive. I’m with Marcia, though—cupcakes are my speed. But do share the high-altitude adjustments that make for moist cakes. Keeping anything moist here is a challenge even if the heavens insist that we need multiple doses of hail and thunderstorms.
Did the sunflowers transplant? The remaining ones sulked for a few days about having their roots disturbed but are looking fine now. The combination of lots of staking and several doses of hail did it.
June 25th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
layoffs!?! YIPES! Well yes, funcation is all we ever really want, right? But then the damm bills show up in the mail!
June 26th, 2009 at 10:49 am
That is a super-impressive cake! Go you!
June 26th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
i am beyond sorry to hear about the job situation. i hope that you try to keep your glass half full attitude, it will help a lot i am sure! i have no hints of development jobs, but ideas like- starting your own business (ie a yarn store/bakery?), going back to school? looking for an internship that may turn into a job one day?
stay positive!
July 8th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Sorry to hear about your job.
The cake looks amazing! How did you get the tops flat? I was inspired by your previous post about the cake pops to start baking more, but my tops always end up really domed and brown.
July 15th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
That cake is WOW.
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Stephanie, The cake is beautiful. The picture from your phone did not do it justice. Let your wine drinkin friends know what happens on the job front. Talk to you soon!