Best of luck to you! I work in the construction industry, albeit as an engineer, and I spent way too many Christmas's out of work. I know how it sucks.
My girlies told ne we had to have cabbage for prospertiy, ham for strength and rice for health for a new years meal. Sounds like a perfect time to start a new tradition to me.
Thanks for the good wishes! I gave up a lot of things to move out here to Colorado this spring. It's been an interesting year! A lot of things have gone VERY right (I sold my house in two days, as an example - was NOT expecting that!), but the permanent job thing just hasn't fallen into place yet. I had a temp one, but the budget got cut early in December and out we went.
I *think* my latest interview went really well, but it's always hard to tell! They're making a decision next week - I'd really appreciate prayers from anyone that can spare a few. ;-)