A Dose of Inspiration: The Doors of Opportunity Knocking

Let me begin by saying: DON'T PANIC!

A few months ago, one of my massage school classmates told me we alumni can get a free massage each month at the student clinic. Where had this knowledge been for the 5+ years I'd been out of school?? Thinking back, it seems I may have known that, but due to the extreme complication of scheduling involved in years past, it just wouldn't have been worth all the trouble to actually get there to have that free massage. The school I went to is in Beaverton, and my family used to live in Gresham. Juggling one young child at that time, two opposing work schedules, and one car just didn't make driving a good 45 minutes both ways to get a free massage.

We're a little closer being in Oregon City now. Still juggling two opposing work schedules, one car, and now two, albeit older, kids, but I became determined to make use of this opportunity right in the palm of my hand (or should I say, a student's hand?). I've been getting my monthly massage there since November, unfortunately missing December due to holiday break and the busy-ness that always accompanies that month. 

After leaving a message to schedule my massage this month, the clinic supervisor called me back. She informed me of an opportunity to work at the school, and if I was interested, to submit my resume. My interest was piqued and I've put some thought into it. All the details are not ideal, I admit, and expressed so when I came in for my massage on Tuesday this week. As an alumni of the school, she wanted to give me that opportunity. Others have been informed as well. 

Back to that resume...guess how often you need one when you're self-employed? ;) I have yet to find my latest resume. I have one place yet to look, and I hope it's there. I'm sure I would have to completely revamp the whole thing at this point, but at least it would provide a template and not have to go entirely from scratch. 

My thoughts about this opportunity are no cause for concern. The job available sounds like it's pretty much all evenings, M-F, full time. Late evenings. Beaverton. Commuting. One car. Opposite schedules. And the light at the end of the tunnel is how far away?

Why I haven't brushed the thought away? I'm interested in learning more about the possibilities in my life. Teaching could be fun. I'm interested to see what their process for hiring into daytime positions might be. And I don't honestly think I would have gotten a cold call out of the blue to be informed of this, had I not just recently become a regular visitor to the school again. It is exciting to be even remotely considered for this position, even if I am not even remotely interested in it right now.

It's been a week since this was presented to me, and my eyes have not taken in a glimpse of my resume yet. Interviewing for a job. Yeah....not sure that's ME. Hearing that knock of opportunity is exhilarating, nonetheless.

Product & Service Spotlight: Warm Linen Wrap Deluxe & Hot Snapz Reusable Handwarmers

Last month, I shined the spotlight on Aloe & Herb Bodywraps--click here to view that post--so I'm spinning off of that to tell you more about the Warm Linen Wrap Deluxe. When you schedule this treatment, you'll not only get the same bodywrap, but you'll also enjoy neck, face, scalp, hand and foot massage while you relax in the wrap. The Warm Linen Wrap Deluxe is $95 of pure pampering pleasure.

Carrying on the heat element, I have some of my career-saving handwarmers available for purchase. Hot Snapz is the brand I have on hand now, and they are holding up very well. What are they, you may be wondering? Small, hand-size pouches filled with sodium acetate, with a small metal disc inside. When you need to activate them, they will be in liquid state. To get them warming, simply click/snap the metal disc inside. The liquid inside will begin to crystallize as it warms up. It helps to squish it around during this rapid process to keep the pouch pliable. As the warming elements fades away, it will become more solid. 

To make the handwarmers ready to be reactivated, they need to be boiled in a pot of water, with a washcloth underneath to keep them from coming in direct contact with the hot pot. I set my used handwarmers on top of a folded washcloth, cover them with water and the lid, turn the stove to medium, and set a timer for 20 minutes (too many times I've forgotten I'm boiling them and get reminded by water boiling over in the pot!). Use tongs to lift them out. Be sure they appear to be clear throughout. If there are any bits of crystallized material remaining, they will often reactivate spontaneously. I then leave any that have crystals still in them in the pot, covered, with the heat turned off until I come back to them later. Allow them to cool completely before intentionally reactivating. Each hand-size handwarmer is available to purchase for $10 or 3/$25.

Recipe of the Month: Hearty Lentil Spaghetti

This. Is. So. Good!!! I made this recently when hubby was out for the night. The kids are pretty easy to please, as long as the supply doesn't run out, so I opted to make a meatless dish for us. I don't think I'll ever go back to "traditional" spaghetti after this. 

Hearty Lentil Spaghetti

Ingredients

3/4 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-1/2 cups dried lentils, rinsed

4 cups vegetable broth

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil

1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

12 ounces uncooked spaghetti--I used the wagon wheel pasta, which worked really well to scoop

      the sauce

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the lentils, broth, pepper and cayenne. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
2. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, basil and oregano. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes.
3. Cook spaghetti/pasta according to package directions; drain. Serve with lentil sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.

Upcoming Events: Valentine's Day

Can you believe the first month of the year is already behind us? Maybe it's because I took my vacation in January, but that month sure flew by.

In less than two weeks, Cupid will be making his appearance. I won't be available for appointments on Valentine's Day--the Blazers are playing and hubby got quarter season tickets, so that's where I'll be! I will, however, be more than happy to be a part of making your sweetie's day fantastic. You can purchase a gift certificate online through my website (www.rslmt.com), over the phone (503-318-9626), or set up a time to pick one up in person (707 Madison Street, Oregon City--call first)--whichever is easiest for you. I'd say that would be a wonderful gift to get on Valentine's Day! 

My schedule seems to be booking up more quickly lately. If you've normally booked your appointments one week at a time (car accident insurance clients...this is you!), or called looking for a same-day appointment, you'll find it's going to be much harder for me to get you in. Please try to have a few days/times in mind a week or two in advance that you think would work for you--I don't want to leave you hanging and not getting the care you need. I guess that's one negative side-effect of reaching a new level of success in my business!