Today, we returned to work after the Christmas break to find our pipes frozen. We truly didn't think about it when we left on Thursday evening. We need to leave a trickle of water going in the taps over the weekends. This cold weather and this old building don't mix too well.
At home, it's been so cold that I don't want to do much, save wrap up in a quilt and sleep. I have projects to do, chores I could do, and so on, but I just want to sit by the space heater, wrap up in a quilt and sleep! I'm sure part of it is my sinus infection and being sick, and that takes energy, but the rest I'm not so sure...
I can't seem to stay warm after dark in my house. I have 2 space heaters - one in the living room, and one in my bedroom. My furnace is going all the time, and I just changed the filters. I do that every month, anyway, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to do it again. My cats want to be on top of me. When I'm up and about, they want to be next to the heater, but the rest of the time, they want to be on top of me, where it's warm.
It's so cold in my office, that my feet are freezing, even in heavy wool socks and shoes. I don't want to go into the kitchen or bathrooms where there is no carpet, because the cold comes right up with the damp through the concrete foundation and flooring.
In summer, the place stays kind of cool, but I have to screen out the sun. In winter, I don't know what else to do. I want the sun coming in, but after dark, it's like the cold just seeps in from every crevice.
I have triple-layered drapes in my bedroom. One layer is thermal, and they wrap around to the sides (all 3 layers). That room is either the coldest or hottest in the house at night. If the door is open, it's the hottest room - about 5 degrees above the thermostat setting. If the door is closed, it's about 5 degrees below the thermostat setting. Before you ask, yes, the vents are open for the heating ducts - for the bathroom and the bedroom, which are a suite.
Last winter, I noticed that the bedroom was cooler, which I generally like for sleeping, but this freezing weather has made it very unpleasant. I'm currently running the space heater for about 30 minutes before bedtime to warm up the room. I have to wear sleeping socks to bed or my feet freeze during the night. I've added another blanket to the bed, and had to make a fold in the sheets and blankets for my feet so I don't feel confined.
The cats? They sleep in the living room next to the heater or on top of me. They are cold, too, and they have long hair!
It will be nice when the weather warms up a bit. This weekend the weather service is predicting 60 degree days, but you never know.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Illness that Doesn't Floor You....
A week ago, I went to the doc's office and got antibiotics for a sinus infection. I knew it was a sinus infection for a week, as it was only on one side, and never moved.
Well, that's changed. After a week on antibiotics, it's moved to the ear on the opposite side. My tongue is involved, and my throat hurts to swallow - not like the burning I'd experienced earlier, but the swelling hurts in my ear when I swallow.
And this switch happened almost overnight.
Of course, the doc's office is closed today, so it means that the same antibiotic I was taking and just finished, cannot be re-prescribed - the bug will have immunity to it.
Antibiotics are held more closely than any other drug, save Class II narcotics. While I agree that they are often over-prescribed, when a body is using them already, there should be a kind of openness about them for refills. Bugs get immune to them because folks run out of the meds before the bugs are dead. Particularly staph infections, of which this is one.
I'll follow up with MMS and see if that helps, but this particular bug is going around my circle and laying folks low for months on end. Stop playing with our lives!!!
Well, that's changed. After a week on antibiotics, it's moved to the ear on the opposite side. My tongue is involved, and my throat hurts to swallow - not like the burning I'd experienced earlier, but the swelling hurts in my ear when I swallow.
And this switch happened almost overnight.
Of course, the doc's office is closed today, so it means that the same antibiotic I was taking and just finished, cannot be re-prescribed - the bug will have immunity to it.
Antibiotics are held more closely than any other drug, save Class II narcotics. While I agree that they are often over-prescribed, when a body is using them already, there should be a kind of openness about them for refills. Bugs get immune to them because folks run out of the meds before the bugs are dead. Particularly staph infections, of which this is one.
I'll follow up with MMS and see if that helps, but this particular bug is going around my circle and laying folks low for months on end. Stop playing with our lives!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The FDA - Food and Drug Administration...
The FDA does not have authority, and I do not wish it to have authority, over my health care decisions, supplement use, or health standards of care.
If the FDA wants to regulate the supplement and alternative medicine industries, I suggest they start with what they are worst at, and try to improve - quality control.
Assure the public that drugs coming from the pharmaceutical companies are safe! Ensure that regulations, trial periods, and testing is thorough.
For supplements, assure us that the products are pure, and that the label states the accurate strength of the supplement. Tell us about any other components in the packaging or product that may affect our health. Some people have allergies to the simplest things, and this kind of disclosure would be helpful.
This kind of regulation is all to the good. But being the gatekeeper for supplements, telling practitioners how to use them, and otherwise keeping them from the public, is not part of their job.
If over-zealous regulation ever becomes part of the FDAs job, big-pharma will usurp control, and do away with all vitamins and supplements unless the odd person can somehow grow the source and extract the elements in their garage. This leads to further contamination and the strength of the supplement cannot be assured.
And only big-pharma will produce vitamins for mass distribution - using unclean and mercury- or arsenic-conataminated sources. Big-pharma does not care about our health. Big-pharma cares about making a profit.
I am only discussing this small issue today. The FDA is broken and misguided. But this segment can be repaired easily.
If the FDA wants to regulate the supplement and alternative medicine industries, I suggest they start with what they are worst at, and try to improve - quality control.
Assure the public that drugs coming from the pharmaceutical companies are safe! Ensure that regulations, trial periods, and testing is thorough.
For supplements, assure us that the products are pure, and that the label states the accurate strength of the supplement. Tell us about any other components in the packaging or product that may affect our health. Some people have allergies to the simplest things, and this kind of disclosure would be helpful.
This kind of regulation is all to the good. But being the gatekeeper for supplements, telling practitioners how to use them, and otherwise keeping them from the public, is not part of their job.
If over-zealous regulation ever becomes part of the FDAs job, big-pharma will usurp control, and do away with all vitamins and supplements unless the odd person can somehow grow the source and extract the elements in their garage. This leads to further contamination and the strength of the supplement cannot be assured.
And only big-pharma will produce vitamins for mass distribution - using unclean and mercury- or arsenic-conataminated sources. Big-pharma does not care about our health. Big-pharma cares about making a profit.
I am only discussing this small issue today. The FDA is broken and misguided. But this segment can be repaired easily.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Physical Symptoms of Emotional Issues....
I feel like I'm getting another cold. I had the fever last night, but I don't really have that today. I took a lot of Zinc and Vitamin C, and some MMS last night. I still have the congestion in my face, so I'll use the Neti Pot to get that cleared out before I go to work today.
It's all a symptom of my emotions, you know. I'm mourning. I'll feel better, but I have to go through this stage of loss so that I can clean the house and remove all traces of my former roommate.
I began in the bathroom last night. I have to dump trash, but I got the toilet and sink. I used some of the shelves I'd put in the room in my room, and made my life a little better as a result. I'm still trying to get the blanket dry that I washed last night, and there are 2 more to go.
It will all come around and be wonderful in a few days. I just have to pick at bits of it every day. Flylady says to do things in 15-minute increments. I can do that - even with my emotional state showing up in physical symptoms.
Start where you are....
It's all a symptom of my emotions, you know. I'm mourning. I'll feel better, but I have to go through this stage of loss so that I can clean the house and remove all traces of my former roommate.
I began in the bathroom last night. I have to dump trash, but I got the toilet and sink. I used some of the shelves I'd put in the room in my room, and made my life a little better as a result. I'm still trying to get the blanket dry that I washed last night, and there are 2 more to go.
It will all come around and be wonderful in a few days. I just have to pick at bits of it every day. Flylady says to do things in 15-minute increments. I can do that - even with my emotional state showing up in physical symptoms.
Start where you are....
Monday, December 6, 2010
Respect!
I am a Christian. However, I'm also a Sabbath-Keeper. In many ways, I identify with the Adventist church, but in others, I do not. Of all the sabbath-keeping churches, the Adventists are the only ones I found that contain and spread the Grace of Jesus Christ.
So, I was invited and went to a Women's Tea at a local Christian church that a friend attends regularly. She invited me last year, but I got sick and could not attend. At our table, there was a woman, M, who asked a lot of invasive questions about how I met my friend, that I did not wish to answer. My friend answered them, and this bothered me. The woman had no business asking such personal questions.
She then went on to ask about my beliefs, which I shared, and my business, which I shared. She wanted to argue with me about the Sabbath, and tried to quote me chapter and verse, which I turned against her. The Bible is very clear on this for me, and I won't be swayed.
So, she turned to the other topic, my business. She wanted to know how much I charge, and I told her that the information was on the website, and gave her my card.
Mind you, this was ON the Sabbath, so money is not a topic I cared to discuss. I don't shop, answer e-mail, or practice any business on the Sabbath. I will worship, rest and honor my God in the best way I can, including going to a church I don't normally attend with a friend for breakfast and worship.
M pressed me again about my pricing later, and I said it was Saturday, and I again referred her to the website. She said "Oh, I get the JOKE" and totally pissed me off. She did apologize later, but this kind of closed-minded thinking and dissonance in the Christian system is rampant. Nobody can agree on anything, and everyone is convinced they are right. Even me.
If she should contact me to build a website for her, I will price the work very high, to encourage her to find someone else. A person who does not respect my privacy or beliefs, is not the kind of person I want to have as a client.
So, I was invited and went to a Women's Tea at a local Christian church that a friend attends regularly. She invited me last year, but I got sick and could not attend. At our table, there was a woman, M, who asked a lot of invasive questions about how I met my friend, that I did not wish to answer. My friend answered them, and this bothered me. The woman had no business asking such personal questions.
She then went on to ask about my beliefs, which I shared, and my business, which I shared. She wanted to argue with me about the Sabbath, and tried to quote me chapter and verse, which I turned against her. The Bible is very clear on this for me, and I won't be swayed.
So, she turned to the other topic, my business. She wanted to know how much I charge, and I told her that the information was on the website, and gave her my card.
Mind you, this was ON the Sabbath, so money is not a topic I cared to discuss. I don't shop, answer e-mail, or practice any business on the Sabbath. I will worship, rest and honor my God in the best way I can, including going to a church I don't normally attend with a friend for breakfast and worship.
M pressed me again about my pricing later, and I said it was Saturday, and I again referred her to the website. She said "Oh, I get the JOKE" and totally pissed me off. She did apologize later, but this kind of closed-minded thinking and dissonance in the Christian system is rampant. Nobody can agree on anything, and everyone is convinced they are right. Even me.
If she should contact me to build a website for her, I will price the work very high, to encourage her to find someone else. A person who does not respect my privacy or beliefs, is not the kind of person I want to have as a client.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving is Here...
We've made plans to go to friends tonight for Thanksgiving. Yes, a day early. They had something to do, and we have plans for the 4-day holiday. It made sense.
I'm doing a "stone soup" kind of thing - we're bringing the food, cooking at their house and eating with them, then coming home again. My friends are contributing dessert and sides. We are doing the main course and bread.
I need to get the place winterized. Put hoses away, clear up planting debris, and move the grape plants. I also want to vacuum and clean floors this weekend. My roomie will do one more pass on the lawn, and continue sorting for his cross-country move.
I had an interview with a potential roomie for January, but he spent nearly all of 2 hours talking about his woman troubles. I don't think that would be a good match. I didn't hear one word about God or spirit. He has other options, of course, so I will pray that one comes through for him.
Don't eat too much, my friends. It only hurts you, and you may think it's OK, but your body pays a price....
I'm doing a "stone soup" kind of thing - we're bringing the food, cooking at their house and eating with them, then coming home again. My friends are contributing dessert and sides. We are doing the main course and bread.
I need to get the place winterized. Put hoses away, clear up planting debris, and move the grape plants. I also want to vacuum and clean floors this weekend. My roomie will do one more pass on the lawn, and continue sorting for his cross-country move.
I had an interview with a potential roomie for January, but he spent nearly all of 2 hours talking about his woman troubles. I don't think that would be a good match. I didn't hear one word about God or spirit. He has other options, of course, so I will pray that one comes through for him.
Don't eat too much, my friends. It only hurts you, and you may think it's OK, but your body pays a price....
Friday, November 19, 2010
Oh Boy! Another Tech Toy!
I've set up a Twitter account. Yikes! Now I will be in touch all the time. Isn't there an end to this someplace?
And yet, part of me is excited about it all.
I'm SUCH a geek!
And yet, part of me is excited about it all.
I'm SUCH a geek!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
I hate getting sick!
Wow! I hate getting sick. I got some bug and went to bed Saturday about 9pm, and just got up this morning. I still feel a little dizzy, and my ribs hurt from coughing and sneezing. Yesterday, I took a shower and almost lost balance a couple times. Nothing to hold on to, and only a shower curtain. I guess that's one for shower doors.
I've had juice, water and TV. I've slept until I'm stiff and sore. I went through two sets of PJs with sweat. I need to change sheets before I sleep in that bed again.
Otherwise, I guess I'm OK. The roof didn't cave in, I don't think I lost my job, but we'll see. I didn't get to participate in an online tournament I was playing, but there are worse things. My cats got fed, I got fed, and everything hummed along.
Amazing when you think about it. I just "STOP" when I get sick like that. I can't go forward. I can't function at all.
Thank God that I have that option. I'm not being chased by tigers or something...
I've had juice, water and TV. I've slept until I'm stiff and sore. I went through two sets of PJs with sweat. I need to change sheets before I sleep in that bed again.
Otherwise, I guess I'm OK. The roof didn't cave in, I don't think I lost my job, but we'll see. I didn't get to participate in an online tournament I was playing, but there are worse things. My cats got fed, I got fed, and everything hummed along.
Amazing when you think about it. I just "STOP" when I get sick like that. I can't go forward. I can't function at all.
Thank God that I have that option. I'm not being chased by tigers or something...
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Go've Got to be Kidding!!!
I started putting the information together on the websites I found and targeted. I can't believe it! The websites are not being found at all. These folks have spent over $2000 on their websites, and the only people visiting the sites are coming from the web developer!
What a waste of money! These folks need me SO much! My little bit of input will help them to actually make their websites work for them.
Research is king!
What a waste of money! These folks need me SO much! My little bit of input will help them to actually make their websites work for them.
Research is king!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Worked on the Website
I worked on the website last night, and I think I got it where I want it. Now, I can begin to send folks to it and know that the information is correct. It's taken a while!
I've been learning Word Press in the process. I hope you will comment here and let me know your thoughts. Anything I missed?
http://www.site-boosting-wizard.com
I've been learning Word Press in the process. I hope you will comment here and let me know your thoughts. Anything I missed?
http://www.site-boosting-wizard.com
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Anger is a Tool
I'm angry. I'm spending time and not getting paid for it, or I'm spending money and not getting value. These things make me angry. I'm angry because I feel powerless.
I have a history of turning anger inward. I eat at it. I fester it in my girth and my heart. My blood pressure goes up. I snap at the cats. I eat more because I'm feeling guilty for my behaviors. It's an unhealthy spiral.
However, anger is not a negative emotion. It is a form of energy. So, I'm re-directing this energy.
I heard a great saying tonight...
"If you keep doing what you always did, you'll keep getting what you always got."
I've heard that several times before. But tonight, it hit me - I've been doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.
I let other people be my sales force - with the result that my product doesn't get sold very often or very well.
So - I'm changing that! I'm stepping up to the plate, and I've built a database of possible clients. Next, I'll research their websites to see if they meet my criteria. The ones that meet my criteria are going to get "blitzed" with my sales materials. Both e-mail and snail mail.
In the end, they are going to buy my product. At least 30% will buy, anyway. The other 70% would not be happy regardless of what I offer or at what price. So, it's better they don't buy my product anyway, in the end.
Today's post is about turning anger and powerlessness into something positive. What have you turned your anger into?
I have a history of turning anger inward. I eat at it. I fester it in my girth and my heart. My blood pressure goes up. I snap at the cats. I eat more because I'm feeling guilty for my behaviors. It's an unhealthy spiral.
However, anger is not a negative emotion. It is a form of energy. So, I'm re-directing this energy.
I heard a great saying tonight...
"If you keep doing what you always did, you'll keep getting what you always got."
I've heard that several times before. But tonight, it hit me - I've been doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.
I let other people be my sales force - with the result that my product doesn't get sold very often or very well.
So - I'm changing that! I'm stepping up to the plate, and I've built a database of possible clients. Next, I'll research their websites to see if they meet my criteria. The ones that meet my criteria are going to get "blitzed" with my sales materials. Both e-mail and snail mail.
In the end, they are going to buy my product. At least 30% will buy, anyway. The other 70% would not be happy regardless of what I offer or at what price. So, it's better they don't buy my product anyway, in the end.
Today's post is about turning anger and powerlessness into something positive. What have you turned your anger into?
Monday, November 1, 2010
BUSY Week!
Whew! I've got a very busy week coming up!
Monday - work and meeting
Tuesday - work and Cash Flow with KEW
Wednesday - work and WUOT
Thursday - work and KEW
Friday - work and meeting
Saturday - WUOT
Sunday - meeting
I did Story Corp yesterday. It felt disjointed and incomplete. Mom's story didn't completely get told, and neither did mine. I guess focusing on one or the other would have been better.
Last night, it was Boo at the Zoo with WUOT on an unofficial volunteering opportunity. I took my roomie, so he didn't have to sit home with no candy to hand out. He had a ball, and I did too! My group handed out donuts at the tail end of the route, and I did some hawking. My patter came naturally. I think I even came up with a seasonal slogan for Krispy Kreme donuts! That would be really cool! I'll contact them and see what they say.
I applied for 2 jobs this morning. One sounds really great! The other is so-so, but certainly better than my part-time position. I still hope to hear from the advertising agency I applied to last week. That position is right up my alley!
I learned a lesson Saturday, about gossip and privacy. I learned about boundaries. I learned and made amends. It hurt me to see my roomie hurt by something I said. It means that some topics of conversation are off-limits with another group of friends, but it's to keep the peace, and that's important.
Well, off to start the week!
Monday - work and meeting
Tuesday - work and Cash Flow with KEW
Wednesday - work and WUOT
Thursday - work and KEW
Friday - work and meeting
Saturday - WUOT
Sunday - meeting
I did Story Corp yesterday. It felt disjointed and incomplete. Mom's story didn't completely get told, and neither did mine. I guess focusing on one or the other would have been better.
Last night, it was Boo at the Zoo with WUOT on an unofficial volunteering opportunity. I took my roomie, so he didn't have to sit home with no candy to hand out. He had a ball, and I did too! My group handed out donuts at the tail end of the route, and I did some hawking. My patter came naturally. I think I even came up with a seasonal slogan for Krispy Kreme donuts! That would be really cool! I'll contact them and see what they say.
I applied for 2 jobs this morning. One sounds really great! The other is so-so, but certainly better than my part-time position. I still hope to hear from the advertising agency I applied to last week. That position is right up my alley!
I learned a lesson Saturday, about gossip and privacy. I learned about boundaries. I learned and made amends. It hurt me to see my roomie hurt by something I said. It means that some topics of conversation are off-limits with another group of friends, but it's to keep the peace, and that's important.
Well, off to start the week!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Car's Ready - I'm Not...
My car has been fixed and waiting for me for 2 days. I'm waiting on $$ to arrive, so I can go get it and be driving again. There's a full tank of gas waiting to be driven up.
My back went out 3 days ago, now. I twisted instead of turning my feet, and I'm paying for it. Ibprophen and Aleve. Not at the same time, but when the Ibus weren't working, I went to Aleve. I get about an hour of relief in every 12.
I feel like a vulture, checking the bank accounts twice and three times a day.
I bought 3 lottery tickets yesterday. I thought the drawing was last night (by date it should have been) but he lottery website said tonight. The tickets are dated for last night's drawing... The third ticket is for Saturday. It's a different drawing, different jackpot. The entire experience of purchase was a let-down. You used to be able to pick your numbers. Now, it's all randomized. I feel removed from it. Not like gambling used to be for me, at all!
If I win, it would be great!
My back went out 3 days ago, now. I twisted instead of turning my feet, and I'm paying for it. Ibprophen and Aleve. Not at the same time, but when the Ibus weren't working, I went to Aleve. I get about an hour of relief in every 12.
I feel like a vulture, checking the bank accounts twice and three times a day.
I bought 3 lottery tickets yesterday. I thought the drawing was last night (by date it should have been) but he lottery website said tonight. The tickets are dated for last night's drawing... The third ticket is for Saturday. It's a different drawing, different jackpot. The entire experience of purchase was a let-down. You used to be able to pick your numbers. Now, it's all randomized. I feel removed from it. Not like gambling used to be for me, at all!
If I win, it would be great!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Yikes! Car Troubles...
If there is one thing that gets me going faster than car troubles, I can only think it's money. Car troubles have got to be the worst, next to bouncing a check!
Getting stranded, strange sounds or fluids coming from places they shouldn't be coming from. All this is more than I can handle.
My car has been getting harder and harder to start. The "check engine" (idiot light) has been on since I bought the car, and all the mechanics said it was the oxygen sensor, and no big deal. So, now, when the car is doing things it shouldn't be doing, nobody is helpful.
I want a car without problems. Yeah, Right! If it's got a motor, penis or a checkbook, it's gonna cause trouble...
Getting stranded, strange sounds or fluids coming from places they shouldn't be coming from. All this is more than I can handle.
My car has been getting harder and harder to start. The "check engine" (idiot light) has been on since I bought the car, and all the mechanics said it was the oxygen sensor, and no big deal. So, now, when the car is doing things it shouldn't be doing, nobody is helpful.
I want a car without problems. Yeah, Right! If it's got a motor, penis or a checkbook, it's gonna cause trouble...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
KEW - Again!
Rachel blew me away again tonight, with her incredible insights into marketing. You really need to join this group ($10mo) and get access to the videos. Only women, though. Rachel won't let any men join. When you see the videos, you will understand.
Anyway, Another great meeting!
Other marketing and advertising guys will give me silver or bronze, but Rachel will give me gold!
Oh! And we get to play "Cash Flow - The Game" starting next month! If you're in town, come play with us....
Anyway, Another great meeting!
Other marketing and advertising guys will give me silver or bronze, but Rachel will give me gold!
Oh! And we get to play "Cash Flow - The Game" starting next month! If you're in town, come play with us....
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Woo Hoo! New Brakes!
I got to get new brakes on the front of the car last night. It feels much better!
I don't see the parking brake flopping on and off with every curve in the road on the way to work...
Yep! I stopped in yesterday to make the appointment for next week, and he said he could do it in an hour - and I asked if he could do it right then. He could. He's a good guy. The price was just what he quoted, and the car is running right.
Don's Tire on Western...
Thanks, Randy - (that's the owner)...
I don't see the parking brake flopping on and off with every curve in the road on the way to work...
Yep! I stopped in yesterday to make the appointment for next week, and he said he could do it in an hour - and I asked if he could do it right then. He could. He's a good guy. The price was just what he quoted, and the car is running right.
Don's Tire on Western...
Thanks, Randy - (that's the owner)...
Monday, October 11, 2010
Bills getting paid...
I got paid for some work that I did and was able to pay two bills, and schedule much-needed work on the car.
I need brakes! If I can't stop, better not go...
SO...
Brakes on the car. I have 2 more big bills this month, and all the little ones. All I can do is keep at it.
I'm continuing to apply at jobs full-time, and hope to land one that pays enough to take it.
I'm grateful for the little job I have, for sure. I resent it a lot, too, because it takes over the most-productive time of my day, and I feel so tied down.
A friend says I'm scattered. Maybe so. I'm looking at that. I have the cats, the SEO, the job, the body work... Then there's the stuff at the house...
Maybe I am scattered, and don't have enough attention or intention on any single part of my life.
The universe will only get behind me and push if all my energy (or the majority of it, anyway) is concentrated into one section of my life. Is that going to be the cats? The SEO? My health?
Or is that going to be: seeking a job that keeps food on the table but curtails all my creativity?
What a choice! Security or creativity. My creativity is so important to me. Without it, I become depressed and morose. Morbid, even!
Am I content to be a second- or third-class webmaster on a cat site? I can't give it up.... Can I???
I need brakes! If I can't stop, better not go...
SO...
Brakes on the car. I have 2 more big bills this month, and all the little ones. All I can do is keep at it.
I'm continuing to apply at jobs full-time, and hope to land one that pays enough to take it.
I'm grateful for the little job I have, for sure. I resent it a lot, too, because it takes over the most-productive time of my day, and I feel so tied down.
A friend says I'm scattered. Maybe so. I'm looking at that. I have the cats, the SEO, the job, the body work... Then there's the stuff at the house...
Maybe I am scattered, and don't have enough attention or intention on any single part of my life.
The universe will only get behind me and push if all my energy (or the majority of it, anyway) is concentrated into one section of my life. Is that going to be the cats? The SEO? My health?
Or is that going to be: seeking a job that keeps food on the table but curtails all my creativity?
What a choice! Security or creativity. My creativity is so important to me. Without it, I become depressed and morose. Morbid, even!
Am I content to be a second- or third-class webmaster on a cat site? I can't give it up.... Can I???
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Triggers...
I've been helping a friend get certified in a new body working technique called myokinesthetics. It is intense trigger-point work as taught by a chiropractor. She's a licensed massage therapist, and this is her continuing education work.
I jumped at the chance because I always want a massage! However, making $36/day, I can't afford them. So, I'm happy to help - it's a win-win situation.
The by-products are some other stuff coming up. I'm really paying attention to my food and what goes in. I'm really in touch with my diet right now. I'm also getting right with myself about my emotions. Things are getting triggered by these trigger points, for sure!
My mom has been in my head lately. I'm hearing her voice, and hearing her words. I'm hearing her singing. I miss her music, and her intelligence. I'm angry because there were no notices anywhere when she passed - not in Los Angeles, Carson City, or Sacramento. She had friends, colleagues, co-workers and fans. And nobody knows she is gone.
And I signed up to do Story Corps. http://www.storycorps.org
I want to tell her story, but there's no one who knew her in my circle - except my sister who is in California.
So, this is my life today. Money is extremely tight. I'm getting later and later on my bills. I hate the feeling, but at least I'm not giving up yet.
I jumped at the chance because I always want a massage! However, making $36/day, I can't afford them. So, I'm happy to help - it's a win-win situation.
The by-products are some other stuff coming up. I'm really paying attention to my food and what goes in. I'm really in touch with my diet right now. I'm also getting right with myself about my emotions. Things are getting triggered by these trigger points, for sure!
My mom has been in my head lately. I'm hearing her voice, and hearing her words. I'm hearing her singing. I miss her music, and her intelligence. I'm angry because there were no notices anywhere when she passed - not in Los Angeles, Carson City, or Sacramento. She had friends, colleagues, co-workers and fans. And nobody knows she is gone.
And I signed up to do Story Corps. http://www.storycorps.org
I want to tell her story, but there's no one who knew her in my circle - except my sister who is in California.
So, this is my life today. Money is extremely tight. I'm getting later and later on my bills. I hate the feeling, but at least I'm not giving up yet.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Interview Hell!!!
I hate people who mine data sites like Monster and send shotgun interview requests to every person who ever used the site. It wastes everyone's time and energy.
They don't read the resume...
They just send a request for interview, please pick a time and show up. They don't care if you have the education, experience or desire to work in their line of work or the job that they are offering. And the kicker is that the prospective employee will jump at it, thinking his resume landed him and interview. The letter or e-mail never lists exactly what the job is, either... Another SCAM!!!!
In half the offers, there is an expectation that the employee will actually put up money to take the job!
This practice, like similar data mining, should be outlawed!
For instance, I received a call for someone I used to know, and haven't spoken to for over 20 years. How the company even made the connection, I have no idea. It was my ex-husband's first wife! Come On!!!! Get over yourself! Get Real!!!
Taking a first-person survey is one thing, but mining data on the internet or old and out-of-date records is another.
I used to get phone calls from collection agencies for people who lived in other apartments or even apartment buildings, because I had the only land-line phone in the area. Like I know everybody on the block! Get real....
The poor caller is not the problem, it's his company's practice and data mining techniques that need to be fixed.
They don't read the resume...
They just send a request for interview, please pick a time and show up. They don't care if you have the education, experience or desire to work in their line of work or the job that they are offering. And the kicker is that the prospective employee will jump at it, thinking his resume landed him and interview. The letter or e-mail never lists exactly what the job is, either... Another SCAM!!!!
In half the offers, there is an expectation that the employee will actually put up money to take the job!
This practice, like similar data mining, should be outlawed!
For instance, I received a call for someone I used to know, and haven't spoken to for over 20 years. How the company even made the connection, I have no idea. It was my ex-husband's first wife! Come On!!!! Get over yourself! Get Real!!!
Taking a first-person survey is one thing, but mining data on the internet or old and out-of-date records is another.
I used to get phone calls from collection agencies for people who lived in other apartments or even apartment buildings, because I had the only land-line phone in the area. Like I know everybody on the block! Get real....
The poor caller is not the problem, it's his company's practice and data mining techniques that need to be fixed.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Who's Rich?
I just read this blog post...
http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/110876/why-the-rich-dont-feel-rich
And the original blog post here...
http://delong.typepad.com/sdj/2010/09/todd-henderson-we-are-the-super-rich.html
I believe in living below my means. Sometimes, that means I go withtout. Without gas for the car, without new clothes, without "elective" medications, and so on. Perhaps I make the choices I make because I want a roof over my head. Perhaps it's becuase I have a strong desire to never work more than 30 hours a week outside the home. Whatever it is, those are my choices.
Yes, I do make the choice to not work full time. I have way too many irons in the fire to work full time outside. I have my websites, my SEO business, and some other "projects" that are promising to make a tidy sum. So, I need the time more than the money.
As long as the basic bills and the car is paid for, I'm OK. I may have to put off some work on the car until it's urgent, but that's again my choice. I also choose to hire a lawn service.
I love mowing the lawn, don't get me wrong... But it puts me flat on my back for 2-3 days afterwards. I lose all strength in my legs and my back aches too much for comfort. So, I made the decision to hire it out every 2 weeks. I would do it more often if I could. Besides, I get a full-service package this way. When I need rototilling done, I know who to call.
But this post is about being rich. Define rich... Just for yourself, define it. Does it mean money in the bank? Property? Friends? Health? Stuff? To me it's a mix of all of them. More friends and health than stuff, money or property. I used to think that money and property and stuff were what life is all about. But I've lost everything I've owned 5 times now. I lost it in a fire, when I lost my home and storage locker due to financial difficulties, when I moved to Tennessee. And, let's not forget the 2 times we lost everything when I was a kid.
So "stuff is just stuff." I learned that the important things are photographs, correspondence and cards from family and friends, and important documents that are a pain to replace, like your passport and social security card. In my case, I also have family tree and geneological documents that I would loathe to lose. I keep these things above flood stage, near the roof in my office. They are accessible, but safe. And if something happened, I would know exactly where to start grabbing and tossing out the window!
Rich - memories of friends and family. Close ties with special people all over the world. That is what I call my "rich life." I don't have a lot of cash, or property. I probably have way too much stuff, but that's because I'm a clutter junky. I'm learning to tame and reduce it. At least my floor is mostly clear - except for the cat toys and shoes everywhere...
I have enough food so that I won't starve in the next 30 days. My utilites are paid (mostly on time, too!). I have a home of my own - mine and the bank's. I have a brain, and I'm fairly healthy. (I've been doing "body work" with a masseuse, and my health feels much stronger as a result.)
So, am I rich? NO! I would love a car that didn't have a ton of work to be done on it. Maybe one that was less than 5 years old, instead of 12 years old. And I want to be fully out of debt.
That's RICH! To have no payments to creditors...
Wow! I had that for all of one week, once. I look forward to it again. That's why I drive a 12-year old car.
So, that's my definition of rich. I hope you will think of your own definition. Write it down someplace. Refer to it often. Daily, if you can... And be grateful for the stuff you already have.
We live in one of the richest (if not the richest) countries in the world. We have a life style that is among the most favored. Yeah, we like to bitch and complain about "how bad we have it" but we really don't have it that bad. Think about that for a while...
Finishing that pizza slice???
http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/110876/why-the-rich-dont-feel-rich
And the original blog post here...
http://delong.typepad.com/sdj/2010/09/todd-henderson-we-are-the-super-rich.html
I believe in living below my means. Sometimes, that means I go withtout. Without gas for the car, without new clothes, without "elective" medications, and so on. Perhaps I make the choices I make because I want a roof over my head. Perhaps it's becuase I have a strong desire to never work more than 30 hours a week outside the home. Whatever it is, those are my choices.
Yes, I do make the choice to not work full time. I have way too many irons in the fire to work full time outside. I have my websites, my SEO business, and some other "projects" that are promising to make a tidy sum. So, I need the time more than the money.
As long as the basic bills and the car is paid for, I'm OK. I may have to put off some work on the car until it's urgent, but that's again my choice. I also choose to hire a lawn service.
I love mowing the lawn, don't get me wrong... But it puts me flat on my back for 2-3 days afterwards. I lose all strength in my legs and my back aches too much for comfort. So, I made the decision to hire it out every 2 weeks. I would do it more often if I could. Besides, I get a full-service package this way. When I need rototilling done, I know who to call.
But this post is about being rich. Define rich... Just for yourself, define it. Does it mean money in the bank? Property? Friends? Health? Stuff? To me it's a mix of all of them. More friends and health than stuff, money or property. I used to think that money and property and stuff were what life is all about. But I've lost everything I've owned 5 times now. I lost it in a fire, when I lost my home and storage locker due to financial difficulties, when I moved to Tennessee. And, let's not forget the 2 times we lost everything when I was a kid.
So "stuff is just stuff." I learned that the important things are photographs, correspondence and cards from family and friends, and important documents that are a pain to replace, like your passport and social security card. In my case, I also have family tree and geneological documents that I would loathe to lose. I keep these things above flood stage, near the roof in my office. They are accessible, but safe. And if something happened, I would know exactly where to start grabbing and tossing out the window!
Rich - memories of friends and family. Close ties with special people all over the world. That is what I call my "rich life." I don't have a lot of cash, or property. I probably have way too much stuff, but that's because I'm a clutter junky. I'm learning to tame and reduce it. At least my floor is mostly clear - except for the cat toys and shoes everywhere...
I have enough food so that I won't starve in the next 30 days. My utilites are paid (mostly on time, too!). I have a home of my own - mine and the bank's. I have a brain, and I'm fairly healthy. (I've been doing "body work" with a masseuse, and my health feels much stronger as a result.)
So, am I rich? NO! I would love a car that didn't have a ton of work to be done on it. Maybe one that was less than 5 years old, instead of 12 years old. And I want to be fully out of debt.
That's RICH! To have no payments to creditors...
Wow! I had that for all of one week, once. I look forward to it again. That's why I drive a 12-year old car.
So, that's my definition of rich. I hope you will think of your own definition. Write it down someplace. Refer to it often. Daily, if you can... And be grateful for the stuff you already have.
We live in one of the richest (if not the richest) countries in the world. We have a life style that is among the most favored. Yeah, we like to bitch and complain about "how bad we have it" but we really don't have it that bad. Think about that for a while...
Finishing that pizza slice???
Friday, September 17, 2010
New SEO tools...
I was introduced to a whole new set of SEO tools last night! WOW!!! I'm gonna have a lot of fun with those.
Knoxville Entrepreneurial Women is da bomb! Thanks, Rachel!!!
Knoxville Entrepreneurial Women is da bomb! Thanks, Rachel!!!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Yikes!! More Job Searches...
It turns out that 20 hours a week doesn't cut it for the various levels of support I'm receiving. I need at least 30 hours a week with benefits. So, I have to keep looking. Even though the position I'm working is likely to move toward full-time, I can't really live on $180/wk. So, add that to the mix.
It turns out that the alarm I've been hearing in the wall since I moved into the house may actually be in the attic. My roommate is also hearing it, and there is a bathroom between our bedrooms. If so, that means that the watch or clock or whatever will be a lot easier to find and remove!!! YEA!!!!!
My sleep is so messed up at this point, that removing that alarm will only be a beginning to getting a full night's sleep. But by removing it, I should get back to normal in a month or so. I'm so exhausted at this point, I can barely function.
It turns out that the alarm I've been hearing in the wall since I moved into the house may actually be in the attic. My roommate is also hearing it, and there is a bathroom between our bedrooms. If so, that means that the watch or clock or whatever will be a lot easier to find and remove!!! YEA!!!!!
My sleep is so messed up at this point, that removing that alarm will only be a beginning to getting a full night's sleep. But by removing it, I should get back to normal in a month or so. I'm so exhausted at this point, I can barely function.
Dream I had...
Do you remember "The Thunderbirds" cartoon series? I'm not talking about the animated series, but the one made with marionettes... My dream had some of the same props... Mainly the air-ship. A square-backed thing that had foldable wings and could take off and land vertically in small areas.
My cat Beasley was also in it. It leaked over into the previous dream, helping a group find a "spiritually marked" set of triplets - two boys and a girl.
I didn't fly the craft, and there was some dysfunction (when is there not?) in the people I was helping and the pilot's attitude. I don't remember who the pilot was - I never saw his face, just had the impression of one. The pilot was involved in this quest, and was somehow acquainted with the group of leaders who were questing. He was disturbed by it, and not disinterested, but it somehow bothered him. We weren't going to get the children, just identifying them. He got upset that it took me so long to extricate myself from the group we were helping.
There was some broken china - like it had been dropped. The boxes were on the outside of the craft, and when it was fired up, they fell and broke some of the pieces. The breakage was unintentional, but caused by the pilot not thinking when he started the craft. He took off without me, vertically and loudly, then came back for me.
That, in turn, upset Beasley, and he didn't want to go aboard the craft to leave. I have to say, I even asked myself if I wanted to go aboard, and why the pilot was so upset... I turned to call Beasley. He came partway, then I had to run him down to grab him. He didn't run very fast or far, just enough to let me know he didn't want to get on the craft.
It's not like the next destination was life-or-death, but we were running late...
I wonder what this says about my psyche... I have issues with time, of course, and I wonder why I get upset sometimes. I listen to my cats about others, because they are good judges of character. And what about my identification of the triplets?
Oh well, I'm awake now. Still have sleep in my eyes. but I'm awake. I don't generally report my dreams. I have some whoppers! Maybe I should start posting them?
My cat Beasley was also in it. It leaked over into the previous dream, helping a group find a "spiritually marked" set of triplets - two boys and a girl.
I didn't fly the craft, and there was some dysfunction (when is there not?) in the people I was helping and the pilot's attitude. I don't remember who the pilot was - I never saw his face, just had the impression of one. The pilot was involved in this quest, and was somehow acquainted with the group of leaders who were questing. He was disturbed by it, and not disinterested, but it somehow bothered him. We weren't going to get the children, just identifying them. He got upset that it took me so long to extricate myself from the group we were helping.
There was some broken china - like it had been dropped. The boxes were on the outside of the craft, and when it was fired up, they fell and broke some of the pieces. The breakage was unintentional, but caused by the pilot not thinking when he started the craft. He took off without me, vertically and loudly, then came back for me.
That, in turn, upset Beasley, and he didn't want to go aboard the craft to leave. I have to say, I even asked myself if I wanted to go aboard, and why the pilot was so upset... I turned to call Beasley. He came partway, then I had to run him down to grab him. He didn't run very fast or far, just enough to let me know he didn't want to get on the craft.
It's not like the next destination was life-or-death, but we were running late...
I wonder what this says about my psyche... I have issues with time, of course, and I wonder why I get upset sometimes. I listen to my cats about others, because they are good judges of character. And what about my identification of the triplets?
Oh well, I'm awake now. Still have sleep in my eyes. but I'm awake. I don't generally report my dreams. I have some whoppers! Maybe I should start posting them?
Monday, September 13, 2010
Health and Partnership...
My Roommate turns out to have high blood pressure. He was feeling poorly, described his symptoms, and I gave him my cuff to take his readings. They were very high. I passed on some HCTZ to see if that would help, and they did after about 3 days. I told him he needs to get seen and get a full workup and a steady source of meds, since I have my own and can't really share...
So, it looks like we are going on a reduction plan of some kind. I need to get active and lose a small person. He could probably stand to lose about the same. We are couch-potatoes... We love our TV shows! And not necessarily the same ones - so we read while the other is watching a favorite show... Not good for our health.
When we've got this set up as a team sport, I'll tell you the plan. For now, it's to watch the diet, and figure out our mis-steps. Upping activity is the other part. I think a 30-minute session before supper would be a good start.
We'll see. We have different schedules, so we have to sort it all out.
That's the news from the front...
So, it looks like we are going on a reduction plan of some kind. I need to get active and lose a small person. He could probably stand to lose about the same. We are couch-potatoes... We love our TV shows! And not necessarily the same ones - so we read while the other is watching a favorite show... Not good for our health.
When we've got this set up as a team sport, I'll tell you the plan. For now, it's to watch the diet, and figure out our mis-steps. Upping activity is the other part. I think a 30-minute session before supper would be a good start.
We'll see. We have different schedules, so we have to sort it all out.
That's the news from the front...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Being a Receptionist....
So it ain't rocket science...
Just enough $$ and hours to give me a backup, and enough time to keep going on my SEO and cat stuff.
I'm in the middle of a presentation (powerpoint) right now, to explain and give some framework to the keyword research work I've been doing. This is only the first step, of course...
I'll have to go forward and do a "link program" presentation - there's a lot of work involved in that, and then I'll have to do a presentation on PPC (pay-per-click) advertising programs.
I had no idea that I knew so much! It's a struggle to explain it to other people.
That's my current task. It keeps me busy between the few phone calls and visitors at the office.
I'm grateful for the job, of course!
Just enough $$ and hours to give me a backup, and enough time to keep going on my SEO and cat stuff.
I'm in the middle of a presentation (powerpoint) right now, to explain and give some framework to the keyword research work I've been doing. This is only the first step, of course...
I'll have to go forward and do a "link program" presentation - there's a lot of work involved in that, and then I'll have to do a presentation on PPC (pay-per-click) advertising programs.
I had no idea that I knew so much! It's a struggle to explain it to other people.
That's my current task. It keeps me busy between the few phone calls and visitors at the office.
I'm grateful for the job, of course!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
New Job and Back Pain...
Finally! I got a new job. I start on Tuesday. It's part time, but that's OK. I have so many irons in the fire, so many self-employment gigs going on, that a full-time job would just stress me out.
I had to walk a bit in the last couple of days and I had a "Hen Party" at my home, and had to vacuum. So, my back was about over it. Having had a double-spinal-fusion in 1999, I'm acutely aware of any pain in that part of my body. I was able to cope, and nothing bad happened, but last night, after it was all over, I could barely move. I took a Tylenol, not having any ibuprophen in the house, and that barely took care of it. I ended up taking a prescription pain pill, and going to bed. I slept about 10 hours. That's OK, but sleeping so long can just stiffen me up again.
I'll get some ibuprophen when I shop next time.
I had to walk a bit in the last couple of days and I had a "Hen Party" at my home, and had to vacuum. So, my back was about over it. Having had a double-spinal-fusion in 1999, I'm acutely aware of any pain in that part of my body. I was able to cope, and nothing bad happened, but last night, after it was all over, I could barely move. I took a Tylenol, not having any ibuprophen in the house, and that barely took care of it. I ended up taking a prescription pain pill, and going to bed. I slept about 10 hours. That's OK, but sleeping so long can just stiffen me up again.
I'll get some ibuprophen when I shop next time.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Car is in the Shop...
I put the car in the shop tonight. They will be replacing the wheel bearing tomorrow, and I'll pick it up tomorrow night. Not too expensive, but surely inconvenient!
I paid the car note today. That felt really good!
I paid the car note today. That felt really good!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
New Month, New Possibilities...
Well, it's now September. Another month that the world has not crashed around my ears, even though my nerves are shot, and the stress is near killer-level.
Faith, that's all it is. Faith. Not mine, I'll tell you...
I think it's God's faith in me that has kept things going...
I have another interview today. It's for a part-time job. Enough $$ to keep things going, and enough time off to attend to the entrepreneurial pots my fingers are in...
Someday, before I'm old and gray, I'd like to have enough coming in that I didn't have to worry about the bills. I will be able to pay them as they come in the mail. I won't have loans, or indebtedness beyond the month's income. I'll even have savings.
Well, the only way to make that happen is to make it happen now - with what I have. Live below my means, as they say.
Faith, that's all it is. Faith. Not mine, I'll tell you...
I think it's God's faith in me that has kept things going...
I have another interview today. It's for a part-time job. Enough $$ to keep things going, and enough time off to attend to the entrepreneurial pots my fingers are in...
Someday, before I'm old and gray, I'd like to have enough coming in that I didn't have to worry about the bills. I will be able to pay them as they come in the mail. I won't have loans, or indebtedness beyond the month's income. I'll even have savings.
Well, the only way to make that happen is to make it happen now - with what I have. Live below my means, as they say.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
It's Amazing!
It's now been a little over 6 months since I had regular work. No steady income to speak of - certainly not enough to pay the bills! I was thinking about school. It's just too expensive to pursue. And I was thinking about SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), which I may still pursue. My voice keeps going out, and my joints hurt regardless of sitting or standing. And yes, some depression has creeped in, too.
My current status:
My car now needs $200 worth of work on the front end - Right Away!..
The car payments start up again this month, after re-financing the loan...
I need to make a trip to Virginia and see my family. My uncle is elderly, and I need to see him...
I have a roommate, helping with the house payment...
I have Food Stamps, so we have plenty of food...
Food Stamps wants me to apply for work (which I've been doing all along) so I now see how much effort I really put into it...
Small jobs keep coming to me, at just the right time...
Seeing how many jobs I apply for has been an eye opener. I apply to many more than that, since I also have the agencies looking for me. There are some jobs I don't write down, because of whatever reason: for Food Stamps, you have to get a name, phone number and address, and pretty much a lot of stuff that online applications don't give you. I have the option of applying online, as long as I can show the "successful application" page and print it. And those kiosks in stores? You don't have the option to print from those... So, I keep applying. I've done the required number already, and I'm not stopping.
Yep! Small jobs have been saving the day! A cat sitting weekend here, a website research project there; a Presentation update here, some office organization there; a care-taking overnight here, well you get the idea...
There isn't enough coming in to pay back the loans my family and friends gave me a couple of months ago. Only a job, or enough of the small jobs, will pull me out of this. But somehow, I've managed.
I know that God is running the show. If I ever had doubts before, I don't now. Prayer works! In the midst of all this, I've even been able to make a small donation to my church. A very small donation, to be sure, but at least I could send them something! I figured my friends and family would forgive that small delay...
The work on the car is covered by a job that I'm in the midst of right now. There may be enough to pay off the smallest of my medical bills and put some on another - and still leave me enough to drive to my family's place.
I've wanted to have the ladies over one evening since I moved into the house, so I set aside Sept 4th for that purpose. I've planned the menu, and I'll have to get some items for the Antipasto Salad, but I have everything else in the house for the planned menu. I've invited 20 women, expecting about 1/2 - 3/4 to show. There is seating for about 16. I'll pull out the Yahtzee! and some cards. So, even broke, on Food Stamps, and in restricted circumstances, we can have a nice evening.
That will take care of next weekend, pretty effectively, and keep me from driving to Virginia on a holiday weekend. So, I won't be leaving anytime soon to go visit my family. At least a 2-week delay, I figure. I'll have to get the funds from this job, take the car in, and then see where I am. I have to have the money for the car loan put aside before I go, too. At least a good portion of it. If the small Presentation jobs I've line up work out, then perhaps the following weekend?
Well, don't stop praying...
My current status:
My car now needs $200 worth of work on the front end - Right Away!..
The car payments start up again this month, after re-financing the loan...
I need to make a trip to Virginia and see my family. My uncle is elderly, and I need to see him...
I have a roommate, helping with the house payment...
I have Food Stamps, so we have plenty of food...
Food Stamps wants me to apply for work (which I've been doing all along) so I now see how much effort I really put into it...
Small jobs keep coming to me, at just the right time...
Seeing how many jobs I apply for has been an eye opener. I apply to many more than that, since I also have the agencies looking for me. There are some jobs I don't write down, because of whatever reason: for Food Stamps, you have to get a name, phone number and address, and pretty much a lot of stuff that online applications don't give you. I have the option of applying online, as long as I can show the "successful application" page and print it. And those kiosks in stores? You don't have the option to print from those... So, I keep applying. I've done the required number already, and I'm not stopping.
Yep! Small jobs have been saving the day! A cat sitting weekend here, a website research project there; a Presentation update here, some office organization there; a care-taking overnight here, well you get the idea...
There isn't enough coming in to pay back the loans my family and friends gave me a couple of months ago. Only a job, or enough of the small jobs, will pull me out of this. But somehow, I've managed.
I know that God is running the show. If I ever had doubts before, I don't now. Prayer works! In the midst of all this, I've even been able to make a small donation to my church. A very small donation, to be sure, but at least I could send them something! I figured my friends and family would forgive that small delay...
The work on the car is covered by a job that I'm in the midst of right now. There may be enough to pay off the smallest of my medical bills and put some on another - and still leave me enough to drive to my family's place.
I've wanted to have the ladies over one evening since I moved into the house, so I set aside Sept 4th for that purpose. I've planned the menu, and I'll have to get some items for the Antipasto Salad, but I have everything else in the house for the planned menu. I've invited 20 women, expecting about 1/2 - 3/4 to show. There is seating for about 16. I'll pull out the Yahtzee! and some cards. So, even broke, on Food Stamps, and in restricted circumstances, we can have a nice evening.
That will take care of next weekend, pretty effectively, and keep me from driving to Virginia on a holiday weekend. So, I won't be leaving anytime soon to go visit my family. At least a 2-week delay, I figure. I'll have to get the funds from this job, take the car in, and then see where I am. I have to have the money for the car loan put aside before I go, too. At least a good portion of it. If the small Presentation jobs I've line up work out, then perhaps the following weekend?
Well, don't stop praying...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The most impressive 3 minutes of George Carlins' Life
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=159216125164
Watch it!!! Careful, colorful language, in the nature of George Carlin.
Watch it!!! Careful, colorful language, in the nature of George Carlin.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Been thinkin' 'bout the 'conomy....
We knew this was coming 10-15 years ago. We've outsourced jobs until the only ones left are food service and health care. If we could outsource those, we would...
Companies cut costs - period!
We (American workers) cost too much money. Between all the insurances, taxes and government regulation, it's too expensive to hire people. So, we outsourced the positions. To Canada (national health care), India (cheap and well-educated labor), and Mexico (cheap labor).
So, now you need a Master's degree to flip hamburgers at McDonalds. You can't get a job in your field because all the work is done on Elance or by some other virtual service, spread all over the globe.
Get over yourself. Hang up that damn cell phone, and pay attention to where you are pointing that death trap of a machine.
Don't bitch at me that your clothes are falling apart. When they were made in North Carolina and Tennessee, clothes lasted for years. Made in China, they fall apart in one washing. You get what you pay for.
Buy American made goods. If you want a job, you need to support the job that pays for your job. If you look at where something is made, the cheaper item is likely made in the USA, and it will probably last longer.
Stop buying at Walmart. Every time you purchase something there, you perpetuate the low-wage, and cheap, crappy goods cycle they put in place.
Companies cut costs - period!
We (American workers) cost too much money. Between all the insurances, taxes and government regulation, it's too expensive to hire people. So, we outsourced the positions. To Canada (national health care), India (cheap and well-educated labor), and Mexico (cheap labor).
So, now you need a Master's degree to flip hamburgers at McDonalds. You can't get a job in your field because all the work is done on Elance or by some other virtual service, spread all over the globe.
Get over yourself. Hang up that damn cell phone, and pay attention to where you are pointing that death trap of a machine.
Don't bitch at me that your clothes are falling apart. When they were made in North Carolina and Tennessee, clothes lasted for years. Made in China, they fall apart in one washing. You get what you pay for.
Buy American made goods. If you want a job, you need to support the job that pays for your job. If you look at where something is made, the cheaper item is likely made in the USA, and it will probably last longer.
Stop buying at Walmart. Every time you purchase something there, you perpetuate the low-wage, and cheap, crappy goods cycle they put in place.
God's Will?
No Job yet. The job I wanted so badly, well it just didn't work out.
I went into the ladies room before the interview, and prayed that God's will, not mine, be done. That about says it all, doesn't it??? I can say that I dressed appropriately, was on time (early!) and wore makeup and was in good spirits for the interview.
Yes, I said some things in a way that could have been said better - more or less detail, if that's the case. What I heard was my ego, how great I am, coming out: not how positive of an addition I could be to their office.
Each interview, I hear what's coming out of my mouth, and I can tell exactly when the listeners turn their ears off. When it took 10 minutes instead of 30, I realized immediately that it wasn't my job. Someone else will have that honor.
Anyway, I have to believe that God didn't want me in that position for whatever reason.
A friend took me to lunch, and we caught up with each others' lives. I then came home, a little deflated, and took a nap on the chair. Part of me wanted to cry, since I'd put so much into that interview, but I didn't.
I have some things to think about - directions I seem to be getting pushed towards, and I need to meditate on them and explore them a little bit before I discuss them in such a public place.
I went into the ladies room before the interview, and prayed that God's will, not mine, be done. That about says it all, doesn't it??? I can say that I dressed appropriately, was on time (early!) and wore makeup and was in good spirits for the interview.
Yes, I said some things in a way that could have been said better - more or less detail, if that's the case. What I heard was my ego, how great I am, coming out: not how positive of an addition I could be to their office.
Each interview, I hear what's coming out of my mouth, and I can tell exactly when the listeners turn their ears off. When it took 10 minutes instead of 30, I realized immediately that it wasn't my job. Someone else will have that honor.
Anyway, I have to believe that God didn't want me in that position for whatever reason.
A friend took me to lunch, and we caught up with each others' lives. I then came home, a little deflated, and took a nap on the chair. Part of me wanted to cry, since I'd put so much into that interview, but I didn't.
I have some things to think about - directions I seem to be getting pushed towards, and I need to meditate on them and explore them a little bit before I discuss them in such a public place.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Finally got a Roommate!
Yea! He's the one I was hoping for. He will only be here for a couple of months (unless his plans change) so the room will be available again before Christmas. But even so, that gives me breathing room. I can find out how this will work, and work on the blips.
Other news, I'm being recommended for a job that isn't even posted yet. That is a good thing. If the one I'm praying so hard for is not offered to me, maybe this one will pan out...
I picked up a pidgeon. I need that connection to the program.
Kitties are doing well, and God has been good to us so far. Keeping the faith, in any case.
Other news, I'm being recommended for a job that isn't even posted yet. That is a good thing. If the one I'm praying so hard for is not offered to me, maybe this one will pan out...
I picked up a pidgeon. I need that connection to the program.
Kitties are doing well, and God has been good to us so far. Keeping the faith, in any case.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Pray and Pray Some More...
The responses are coming in on the new resume. They are much more positive than before. I have some interviews coming up. Pray for me. I need one of them to offer the position to me. Pray hard!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Too Many Possibilities
I did a "Career Scope" assessment at the unemployment office yesterday afternoon. It showed some very interesting stuff, of course!
What really showed was that I'm running into a glass ceiling of sorts -- I need a Bachelor's degree to advance.
I'd already seen that in many of the positions I've applied to, where my experience was being counted as the last 2 years of college toward that degree - and I still had plenty of years left to count toward the experience buffer!
So, I figured out a Bachelor's degree again last night. Then, after figuring out it will take 3 years with full summer course loads, and not getting any break in that time, I figured out the costs...
That broke it! There doesn't seem to be any way to get around $80K to be lower. I just can't take on that level of debt at this time in my life. If I were younger - say 20 years or so, and felt I could pay it back, then I would.
But I've only got 10-15 years left to my work life. Period. That's too much debt. At this time in my life, I should be saving like crazy instead of paying out like crazy.
If I could do anything to shorten the time frame, that would help a lot. Nothing I've found can shorten it. I've tried interdiscipinary degrees, math, psychology, english, and general degrees. I've tried BA and BS degrees. I have an AS in math. I've done all the basics. With no minor, sticking with my original major, it's over 5 years. It's too much time, with not enough return.
So, after 60, when I don't have to pay for tuition, I'll still have books. But then, maybe... I'll pursue something I love and see where that leaves me at the end of life.
Maybe art or history. Maybe creative writing.
What really showed was that I'm running into a glass ceiling of sorts -- I need a Bachelor's degree to advance.
I'd already seen that in many of the positions I've applied to, where my experience was being counted as the last 2 years of college toward that degree - and I still had plenty of years left to count toward the experience buffer!
So, I figured out a Bachelor's degree again last night. Then, after figuring out it will take 3 years with full summer course loads, and not getting any break in that time, I figured out the costs...
That broke it! There doesn't seem to be any way to get around $80K to be lower. I just can't take on that level of debt at this time in my life. If I were younger - say 20 years or so, and felt I could pay it back, then I would.
But I've only got 10-15 years left to my work life. Period. That's too much debt. At this time in my life, I should be saving like crazy instead of paying out like crazy.
If I could do anything to shorten the time frame, that would help a lot. Nothing I've found can shorten it. I've tried interdiscipinary degrees, math, psychology, english, and general degrees. I've tried BA and BS degrees. I have an AS in math. I've done all the basics. With no minor, sticking with my original major, it's over 5 years. It's too much time, with not enough return.
So, after 60, when I don't have to pay for tuition, I'll still have books. But then, maybe... I'll pursue something I love and see where that leaves me at the end of life.
Maybe art or history. Maybe creative writing.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Updates...
The plumber hasn't been here yet. I heard from Habitat and checked in late Friday, so I'm sure I'll hear back from them on Monday, if not actually see a plumber this week...
One of my neighbors used the weed eater on the front around the culvert. That at least lets the rain and runoff have a way to get to the drain system. I'm not sure which one did it, but I'll be nice to both, and check around, just to be sure...
It was a dead end on the tape of mom's voice. That's a shame, really. When she died, my sis and I checked into finding her ASCAP holdings, and copyrights, and the search was more $$ than we could afford. I'll just have to keep my memory of her singing alive the best I can.
I've made another of those items I made and sent to my sis. I mailed the package last week, so as soon as I hear she's received it, I'll post the photos of the crocheted items and the pattern I've used.
The room is ready! I've posted photos and the ad for a tenant. I still have to get a real bed, but I can do that when it's rented, before they move in. I had 2 responses, and I'll call tonight.
Work is still elusive. I'm pursuing Title V this coming week.
I should get my Food Stamp allotment in the next couple of days, but that won't cover cat food. The Unemployment Office is supposed to give me a $25 gas voucher in the morning on my way out.
I don't know how to cover the car insurance or my med refills, but I'm sure something will present itself. If nothing else, I will go to day labor to get the money I need by doing whatever they present to me. It may take 2 days to get the amount I need, but if I can do 2 days this week, then God can help me with the physical pain in the evenings.
I'm turning my weight issue over to God. I can't do it alone. Now it's time for Step 4. "Embrace the process to learn about my motives" will have to be my mantra for the next couple of weeks, while I do all this....
One of my neighbors used the weed eater on the front around the culvert. That at least lets the rain and runoff have a way to get to the drain system. I'm not sure which one did it, but I'll be nice to both, and check around, just to be sure...
It was a dead end on the tape of mom's voice. That's a shame, really. When she died, my sis and I checked into finding her ASCAP holdings, and copyrights, and the search was more $$ than we could afford. I'll just have to keep my memory of her singing alive the best I can.
I've made another of those items I made and sent to my sis. I mailed the package last week, so as soon as I hear she's received it, I'll post the photos of the crocheted items and the pattern I've used.
The room is ready! I've posted photos and the ad for a tenant. I still have to get a real bed, but I can do that when it's rented, before they move in. I had 2 responses, and I'll call tonight.
Work is still elusive. I'm pursuing Title V this coming week.
I should get my Food Stamp allotment in the next couple of days, but that won't cover cat food. The Unemployment Office is supposed to give me a $25 gas voucher in the morning on my way out.
I don't know how to cover the car insurance or my med refills, but I'm sure something will present itself. If nothing else, I will go to day labor to get the money I need by doing whatever they present to me. It may take 2 days to get the amount I need, but if I can do 2 days this week, then God can help me with the physical pain in the evenings.
I'm turning my weight issue over to God. I can't do it alone. Now it's time for Step 4. "Embrace the process to learn about my motives" will have to be my mantra for the next couple of weeks, while I do all this....
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Coffee
I made my coffee a little different today. Instead of putting the grounds in the filter and then adding hot water (I use the Melita system), I boiled the water with half the normal amount of coffee, then put the resulting "tea" through the strainer. It's not too bad. And I get "Cowboy Coffee" without the grains! ;>D
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friends???
I have a "friend" who keeps harping on what I should be doing. She is in her own bag of shit, and yet she keeps judging me for what I'm not doing and not able to do.
I listen to her, and I hear all the stuff that's wrong. How this person or that institution wronged her, how this isn't working out, her lawn is a foot tall, her dog need more maintenance...
What I don't hear is how she was grateful to wake up this morning, that she had water to shower with, and drink, that she has a dog that loves her, that she has a house with a yard.... I don't hear any gratitude at all.
Yet, she harps on how messed up my life is, how I don't eat right, and what I shouldn't include in the room I'm renting. I'm sorry, but even renting a hotel room, you get a bed and dresser!!! You get a closet! Shit!!! What does she think a person wants - a blank, empty room???? I don't think so!!!
So, I've decided to see less of this person. She can go off and be miserable by herself. Maybe her sponsor can jump her ass. She won't listen to me, because she knows everything. I've tried to be a good friend, and to support her and confront her, as she needed me to do; but I can't do it anymore. The price is too high. My sanity and serenity are too important.
If I'm a little flaky once in a while, that's fine. I can do that. I'm more creative most days, than not. That makes me less than attentive to the details sometimes. I pay attention to my life by what needs the attention. If someone has advice or a suggestion, I'll listen - not necessarily take their advice or suggestion. I'll listen - that's the bargain.
So, that's my rant for tonight. I can't call anyone at this hour, but I can blog. Thank goodness for the internet!
I listen to her, and I hear all the stuff that's wrong. How this person or that institution wronged her, how this isn't working out, her lawn is a foot tall, her dog need more maintenance...
What I don't hear is how she was grateful to wake up this morning, that she had water to shower with, and drink, that she has a dog that loves her, that she has a house with a yard.... I don't hear any gratitude at all.
Yet, she harps on how messed up my life is, how I don't eat right, and what I shouldn't include in the room I'm renting. I'm sorry, but even renting a hotel room, you get a bed and dresser!!! You get a closet! Shit!!! What does she think a person wants - a blank, empty room???? I don't think so!!!
So, I've decided to see less of this person. She can go off and be miserable by herself. Maybe her sponsor can jump her ass. She won't listen to me, because she knows everything. I've tried to be a good friend, and to support her and confront her, as she needed me to do; but I can't do it anymore. The price is too high. My sanity and serenity are too important.
If I'm a little flaky once in a while, that's fine. I can do that. I'm more creative most days, than not. That makes me less than attentive to the details sometimes. I pay attention to my life by what needs the attention. If someone has advice or a suggestion, I'll listen - not necessarily take their advice or suggestion. I'll listen - that's the bargain.
So, that's my rant for tonight. I can't call anyone at this hour, but I can blog. Thank goodness for the internet!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Still Sore...
I got up early - early - EARLY this morning and mowed the lawn. I'm still sore. I took ibuprophen, and it messed up my tummy, but without it, I'd be a total mess!
I didn't get to the weed-eater, so that still needs to be done. Maybe, if I'm moving a little better, tomorrow I can do it.
I didn't get to the weed-eater, so that still needs to be done. Maybe, if I'm moving a little better, tomorrow I can do it.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sleep??? Work???
What sleep??? What work???
I've been doing all the same things I've done for years to promote a good night's sleep, but it ain't happenin'....
I might sleep 2 hours (last night) or 4 (the night before) or, if I'm really lucky, 6 hours (Sunday night).
I wake up in the middle of the night - either to relieve myself or just to turn over, and can never get back to sleep. Last night, it was a dream that woke me. A dream about my mom. OK, really it was a memory. I heard her singing.
My mom could SING! She really had a nice voice. There were other things she didn't have - like a famous name or a great head-shot. But she had the voice.
I e-mailed a friend of mine to see if there was any way to track down a tape of mom's voice, and it seemed to be a dead end.
But, of course, it was 5am before I got done and went back to bed. I'd spent the time sifting through the job ads, because one of my worries is that projection I have of me: homeless, jobless, and on the streets. Hey - it's happened before, so it isn't that far-fetched! And that kind of worry can keep a body awake no matter what.
Well, I went back to bed, and was nearly defeated by cold feet. Finally, I got to sleep, only to be woken by the alarm. I re-set it for another hour, and then got up. I have stuff to do today - like follow up on those job leads.
Besides, I arranged to get a word processor today. Free, of course! If it works as well as I hope, maybe I can access the files of my dad's sermons, or at least write some more of my stories down.
I picked up a typewriter about a week ago. I need to get a new ribbon for it, but that's all. It works fine. If I can find some ink for the ribbon that's on it already, that will be a "greener" solution. The unit can also use one of those red/black ribbons, if I can find one.
I've been waiting for the plumber since Monday. I have sewer gasses coming from both toilets, and Habitat referred me to a plumber last week who said he'd come by on Monday, but he hasn't shown up. I've called him to follow up, and reported the non-response and no-show to Habitat.
Well, I have to get moving so I can get to the employment office. The temp services don't have anything, so maybe one of the 5 I found there will work out.
I've been doing all the same things I've done for years to promote a good night's sleep, but it ain't happenin'....
I might sleep 2 hours (last night) or 4 (the night before) or, if I'm really lucky, 6 hours (Sunday night).
I wake up in the middle of the night - either to relieve myself or just to turn over, and can never get back to sleep. Last night, it was a dream that woke me. A dream about my mom. OK, really it was a memory. I heard her singing.
My mom could SING! She really had a nice voice. There were other things she didn't have - like a famous name or a great head-shot. But she had the voice.
I e-mailed a friend of mine to see if there was any way to track down a tape of mom's voice, and it seemed to be a dead end.
But, of course, it was 5am before I got done and went back to bed. I'd spent the time sifting through the job ads, because one of my worries is that projection I have of me: homeless, jobless, and on the streets. Hey - it's happened before, so it isn't that far-fetched! And that kind of worry can keep a body awake no matter what.
Well, I went back to bed, and was nearly defeated by cold feet. Finally, I got to sleep, only to be woken by the alarm. I re-set it for another hour, and then got up. I have stuff to do today - like follow up on those job leads.
Besides, I arranged to get a word processor today. Free, of course! If it works as well as I hope, maybe I can access the files of my dad's sermons, or at least write some more of my stories down.
I picked up a typewriter about a week ago. I need to get a new ribbon for it, but that's all. It works fine. If I can find some ink for the ribbon that's on it already, that will be a "greener" solution. The unit can also use one of those red/black ribbons, if I can find one.
I've been waiting for the plumber since Monday. I have sewer gasses coming from both toilets, and Habitat referred me to a plumber last week who said he'd come by on Monday, but he hasn't shown up. I've called him to follow up, and reported the non-response and no-show to Habitat.
Well, I have to get moving so I can get to the employment office. The temp services don't have anything, so maybe one of the 5 I found there will work out.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Crochet!
I went crazy yesterday, following a link to Lion Brand Yarns from Facebook.
I found 50 or more crochet patterns and downloaded them to my computer. I printed out another 30 or so.
I'm actually making up one of the items - but I won't be publishing a pic till after my sister's birthday - since I'm making it for her...
UPDATE: 7/17 - I finished the piece last night, but again, no photos till my sis receives it. It came out pretty good!
I found 50 or more crochet patterns and downloaded them to my computer. I printed out another 30 or so.
I'm actually making up one of the items - but I won't be publishing a pic till after my sister's birthday - since I'm making it for her...
UPDATE: 7/17 - I finished the piece last night, but again, no photos till my sis receives it. It came out pretty good!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Economy - Recession or Depression? It's 1975 Again.
I've been thinking about the economy lately.
There are few jobs out there, and what there are, pay a lot less than what we used to make. However, prices aren't falling. We still have expensive gas, food and utilities. Housing costs may go down a little bit - but do you really think landlords will lower the rent? Not unless you move to a cheaper, smaller, less desirable place to live, anyway!
So, this is beginning to sound a lot more like a depression than a recession. A recession is when the economy is contracting. Our economy is beyond that. It's trying to rebound, but there are too many downward forces, and that defines a depression. That and high unemployment.
The figures you hear about are skewed - too many folks are out of the job market - no jobs, no benefits, no tracking....
People in the generations after me are likely not prepared for this. Even folks in my generation (boomers) aren't really ready for it! Our parents are children of the Great Depression, so they know how to do things, cut corners, and make a little stretch a ways...
Folks in my kid's generation and younger (just now welcoming twenty-somethings or grandkids), are not prepared for this. Some of them even had everything handed to them, in compensation for what we didn't have as kids....
Let's face it, we do that - we want our kids to never know the privations we endured - whatever they may be. There are generations that were never allowed to fail - all kids had to succeed - even if all they did was show up! Those folks don't know how to handle disappointment, failure, or privations. Those folks are the least capable of surviving what's still to come.
We are all told to prepare for retirement, because government spending is so out of control that social security (which we've paid into our whole lives) is not going to be there for us. Well, I'd like my money back, please.... I never said you could use those earmarked funds for something else, did I?
It's a mess, that's for sure. We will be living with the grand ideas of the 80's, 90's and 00's for a long time. I truly believe we will be going back to the days of the oil embargo - at least financially. I remember that, and the recession that followed it. I was just out of college and couldn't find a job. There weren't any. And that's happening again! So, yeah - it's 1975 again.
There are few jobs out there, and what there are, pay a lot less than what we used to make. However, prices aren't falling. We still have expensive gas, food and utilities. Housing costs may go down a little bit - but do you really think landlords will lower the rent? Not unless you move to a cheaper, smaller, less desirable place to live, anyway!
So, this is beginning to sound a lot more like a depression than a recession. A recession is when the economy is contracting. Our economy is beyond that. It's trying to rebound, but there are too many downward forces, and that defines a depression. That and high unemployment.
The figures you hear about are skewed - too many folks are out of the job market - no jobs, no benefits, no tracking....
People in the generations after me are likely not prepared for this. Even folks in my generation (boomers) aren't really ready for it! Our parents are children of the Great Depression, so they know how to do things, cut corners, and make a little stretch a ways...
Folks in my kid's generation and younger (just now welcoming twenty-somethings or grandkids), are not prepared for this. Some of them even had everything handed to them, in compensation for what we didn't have as kids....
Let's face it, we do that - we want our kids to never know the privations we endured - whatever they may be. There are generations that were never allowed to fail - all kids had to succeed - even if all they did was show up! Those folks don't know how to handle disappointment, failure, or privations. Those folks are the least capable of surviving what's still to come.
We are all told to prepare for retirement, because government spending is so out of control that social security (which we've paid into our whole lives) is not going to be there for us. Well, I'd like my money back, please.... I never said you could use those earmarked funds for something else, did I?
It's a mess, that's for sure. We will be living with the grand ideas of the 80's, 90's and 00's for a long time. I truly believe we will be going back to the days of the oil embargo - at least financially. I remember that, and the recession that followed it. I was just out of college and couldn't find a job. There weren't any. And that's happening again! So, yeah - it's 1975 again.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Traditional Crochet Dishcloth
Here is a more traditionally shaped dishcloth. I had a lot of yarn left over, so I made this up. It took about 90 minutes.
The Pattern:
ch4, sl st together into a ring
ch3, 2dc, ch 3, *3dc, ch3* 3 more times, connecting ring with sl st.
3dc ch3, 3dc in each ch3 space around.
As the square becomes larger, 3dc in opening between 3dc of previous row, and 3dc, ch3, 3dc in each corner.
The edging:
Row 1: ch 5, sk 2, sc; then sl st 3 to get to the center of the first ch5 and ch5,
Row 2: sc in center of each ch5 around.
Finish off.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Dreams & Crochet
I had a dream using the format of NCIS, with Ziva, DeNozo, Tim and Gibbs. That crazy attorney lady was in it, as was Ducky. The other characters weren't in it.
I was on the team, protecting a woman - she was killed by a sniper. I had an uncomfortable moment figuring out what to call Gibbs.
My girlfriend was also on the team, pursuing a man. She was being followed by the crazy attorney lady.
The man she was following was "of interest" but not wanted, and was somehow related to the lady I'd been protecting.
That's it. My brain thinks weird ways sometimes. I can come up with all kinds of plot twists that aren't there.
It makes me a good writer, but so far things haven't been published.
++++++
The crocheting I did wasn't as pretty as I'd wanted, but here's a photo of it.
No, it's not a hat. It's a dishcloth. It's trianular with a round hanging ring at the top.
The yarn is really bad! It kept splitting and coming apart. That greenish color is really a gray, but there are large bits of it in the skein.
I used single and double crochet, chains, and some fans/shells, and I did a couple of rows of back post stitches.
I was on the team, protecting a woman - she was killed by a sniper. I had an uncomfortable moment figuring out what to call Gibbs.
My girlfriend was also on the team, pursuing a man. She was being followed by the crazy attorney lady.
The man she was following was "of interest" but not wanted, and was somehow related to the lady I'd been protecting.
That's it. My brain thinks weird ways sometimes. I can come up with all kinds of plot twists that aren't there.
It makes me a good writer, but so far things haven't been published.
++++++
The crocheting I did wasn't as pretty as I'd wanted, but here's a photo of it. No, it's not a hat. It's a dishcloth. It's trianular with a round hanging ring at the top.
The yarn is really bad! It kept splitting and coming apart. That greenish color is really a gray, but there are large bits of it in the skein.
I used single and double crochet, chains, and some fans/shells, and I did a couple of rows of back post stitches.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Crochet
I went to Big Lots and spent way too much. What started it was yarn. Yeah, like I need any more of the stuff...
Well, there was a real nice acrylic yarn in grays and black, perfect for socks or a dishcloth. Only one skein, so it'll be a dishcloth. I'll post the final result when it's finished - probably tomorrow.
Well, there was a real nice acrylic yarn in grays and black, perfect for socks or a dishcloth. Only one skein, so it'll be a dishcloth. I'll post the final result when it's finished - probably tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Wanted -
I'm looking for someone (or a team of someones) who are interested in renewable energy and know a LOT about cars and trucks.
I have an idea how to convert current road-worthy vehicles to renewable energy, and I need the experts on vehicles and clean energy to make it happen.
No, I won't discuss my idea on my blog. I know better.
So, if you know about these things, contact me.
I have an idea how to convert current road-worthy vehicles to renewable energy, and I need the experts on vehicles and clean energy to make it happen.
No, I won't discuss my idea on my blog. I know better.
So, if you know about these things, contact me.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Reaction to Energy Drink....
I had my interviews yesterday, and there was "no joy" after either of them. That was actually OK, since I'm not the right person for the positions, and the jobs weren't right for me. It was mutual in both cases.
However, at the second interview, one of the people gave me a sample of the products, an energy and mood-enhancing drink, in both sugar-based and sugar-free versions.
I don't drink sodas, and I don't use energy drinks. The latter just seem wrong to me for some reason. I try instead, to eat and sleep in a way that supports my body and emotions. It just seems to work better for me. Sodas just cause me gastric distress, so I avoid them.
So, I had a sample of both versions of the product. I probably drank about 1/3 of the sugar-based version. The aftertaste was still in my mouth 6 hours later, and my mood crashed!!!
I had a complete pity-party last night! NOT GOOD!!!! And when you consider that the events of the day were also "negative," I thought that I was having a valid reaction....
Not so! MAN!
Now I know why I don't use these things. It's like a drug! You want to drink more to cover or eliminate the aftertaste, and to mitigate the effects of the mood-enhancing elements expiring or decreasing. The marketing materials said the product improves or imitates both serotonin and dopamine. Who needs that???
The aftertaste wasn't totally unpleasant, but I don't do well with aspartame - there are elements of it that cause my body to have unpleasant reactions. I had those reactions, and YES, there were those elements in the sugar-based drink. There was a notice on the label, and the phenyl-based element was listed.
To avoid legal situations, I won't name the product, but I know I won't be buying it, either.
So, the upshot is that I didn't get either job, but it's really OK. The reaction to the energy drink is what I'm actually talking about today. I don't recommend them.
I know my sister used them when I saw her a couple of years ago. She doesn't sleep well, and hasn't for several years, despite medication to help. I can understand her need to use them, based on what was going on (mom passing, emptying her apartment and moving the contents to storage, my presence, etc)... But I hope she isn't using them on a regular basis.
The effects are like using a drug. Recreational, since there is no prescription available. I truly don't recommend their use. Sleep, eat well, maybe drink a cup of coffee - but don't use these drinks. Please!
However, at the second interview, one of the people gave me a sample of the products, an energy and mood-enhancing drink, in both sugar-based and sugar-free versions.
I don't drink sodas, and I don't use energy drinks. The latter just seem wrong to me for some reason. I try instead, to eat and sleep in a way that supports my body and emotions. It just seems to work better for me. Sodas just cause me gastric distress, so I avoid them.
So, I had a sample of both versions of the product. I probably drank about 1/3 of the sugar-based version. The aftertaste was still in my mouth 6 hours later, and my mood crashed!!!
I had a complete pity-party last night! NOT GOOD!!!! And when you consider that the events of the day were also "negative," I thought that I was having a valid reaction....
Not so! MAN!
Now I know why I don't use these things. It's like a drug! You want to drink more to cover or eliminate the aftertaste, and to mitigate the effects of the mood-enhancing elements expiring or decreasing. The marketing materials said the product improves or imitates both serotonin and dopamine. Who needs that???
The aftertaste wasn't totally unpleasant, but I don't do well with aspartame - there are elements of it that cause my body to have unpleasant reactions. I had those reactions, and YES, there were those elements in the sugar-based drink. There was a notice on the label, and the phenyl-based element was listed.
To avoid legal situations, I won't name the product, but I know I won't be buying it, either.
So, the upshot is that I didn't get either job, but it's really OK. The reaction to the energy drink is what I'm actually talking about today. I don't recommend them.
I know my sister used them when I saw her a couple of years ago. She doesn't sleep well, and hasn't for several years, despite medication to help. I can understand her need to use them, based on what was going on (mom passing, emptying her apartment and moving the contents to storage, my presence, etc)... But I hope she isn't using them on a regular basis.
The effects are like using a drug. Recreational, since there is no prescription available. I truly don't recommend their use. Sleep, eat well, maybe drink a cup of coffee - but don't use these drinks. Please!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Interviews...
YEA!!! I'm getting interviews!!! This is such a blessing!!! To get this far in the process in this job market...
When every position has 100+ applications and resumes submitted, to get asked for an interview is really great. It gives me the chance to get in front of the employer and show them how I can be an asset; how I can contribute to their organization.
Do I always want to be part of something else - some one else's dream? Yes and no.
I love being out on my own, running the show! I really do. I love the freedom to schedule myself, drive myself and only work as hard as I want to - or drive myself to distraction when a great project pops up! But the money isn't steady. I like the combination of my own stuff and a steady paycheck.
So, a part-time entrepreneurial drive seems to be more my style. That means that I won't ever make it "big time" and become a millionaire by those efforts - most likely, unless I get a great idea and design the next MAC computer system or something...
But for working in my "dungeon," helping in the community and spreading my efforts around, I think this is probably the best way for me right now.
Besides, I just "volunteered" to run a community garden! Who has time to spread themselves so thin??? And I still teach FPU, so that takes time...
When every position has 100+ applications and resumes submitted, to get asked for an interview is really great. It gives me the chance to get in front of the employer and show them how I can be an asset; how I can contribute to their organization.
Do I always want to be part of something else - some one else's dream? Yes and no.
I love being out on my own, running the show! I really do. I love the freedom to schedule myself, drive myself and only work as hard as I want to - or drive myself to distraction when a great project pops up! But the money isn't steady. I like the combination of my own stuff and a steady paycheck.
So, a part-time entrepreneurial drive seems to be more my style. That means that I won't ever make it "big time" and become a millionaire by those efforts - most likely, unless I get a great idea and design the next MAC computer system or something...
But for working in my "dungeon," helping in the community and spreading my efforts around, I think this is probably the best way for me right now.
Besides, I just "volunteered" to run a community garden! Who has time to spread themselves so thin??? And I still teach FPU, so that takes time...
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Applications...
Ok, my friend said I should apply at University of Tennessee, and get into their "temp pool." I downloaded the application, filled it out and attached my resume and transcripts. For a university, the transcripts are always needed.
So, I'm getting ready to take it over and drop it off, and I see that I didn't add any position announcement numbers. These are a way for the university to track an opening and get it filled. I had all of them on the screen, so I started skimming....
Boy. Oh. Boy! I found 6. And one wanted event planning experience - which I'd already listed!!! Man! Maybe this will work out, after all.
In the middle of all this paperwork, I got a call from another agency where I'd put in my resume. They called to ask if they can put in my resume for a job they have.
Like YEAH!
So, I have an appointment in the morning to be "tested" again. Yeah, I'll blow them away on Windows, Word, Excel, Math, Spelling, and typing speed. I always do.
Parking downtown was a complete bust. The lot I used to use for free parking is now only accessible by a long ramp. The elevator has been co-opted and the museum that used to be there is no longer. Too hot for that. I only stayed downtown for a few minutes, so it worked out.
If I have to spend a day downtown, I'm not sure where I'll park. Most of the lots seem to be $7 for a whole day, so that might be my only option. Still, not as expensive as some other places, I guess.
I got my other chores done, too. A good day all around....
Prayers DO work! They really do!
So, I'm getting ready to take it over and drop it off, and I see that I didn't add any position announcement numbers. These are a way for the university to track an opening and get it filled. I had all of them on the screen, so I started skimming....
Boy. Oh. Boy! I found 6. And one wanted event planning experience - which I'd already listed!!! Man! Maybe this will work out, after all.
In the middle of all this paperwork, I got a call from another agency where I'd put in my resume. They called to ask if they can put in my resume for a job they have.
Like YEAH!
So, I have an appointment in the morning to be "tested" again. Yeah, I'll blow them away on Windows, Word, Excel, Math, Spelling, and typing speed. I always do.
Parking downtown was a complete bust. The lot I used to use for free parking is now only accessible by a long ramp. The elevator has been co-opted and the museum that used to be there is no longer. Too hot for that. I only stayed downtown for a few minutes, so it worked out.
If I have to spend a day downtown, I'm not sure where I'll park. Most of the lots seem to be $7 for a whole day, so that might be my only option. Still, not as expensive as some other places, I guess.
I got my other chores done, too. A good day all around....
Prayers DO work! They really do!
Work -
It's been a complete bust, looking for work. There is nothing out there. I'm now signed up with another agency, where I'd submitted my resume, and they called. That's good, right?
I have a large task today - go downtown for a few hours.
I need to get my meds - so that is an important stop...
My books are due at the library, and not all of them were read, so some have to be renewed...
I'm applying at the UT HR dept, for their temp pool...
I should be downtown for about 3-4 hours. I need to find parking that is close to a shuttle stop, and won't take all my cash. I need to carry all my stuff (books, work-search file, purse) and not be bogged down by too much stuff. I need to wear good shoes, so I can walk comfortably.
I can get my meds on the way back home. The biggest issue is to remember my checkbook, for those. So, take that out now and get it into my purse...
So, off I go! Wish me luck... I need it right now.
I have a large task today - go downtown for a few hours.
I need to get my meds - so that is an important stop...
My books are due at the library, and not all of them were read, so some have to be renewed...
I'm applying at the UT HR dept, for their temp pool...
I should be downtown for about 3-4 hours. I need to find parking that is close to a shuttle stop, and won't take all my cash. I need to carry all my stuff (books, work-search file, purse) and not be bogged down by too much stuff. I need to wear good shoes, so I can walk comfortably.
I can get my meds on the way back home. The biggest issue is to remember my checkbook, for those. So, take that out now and get it into my purse...
So, off I go! Wish me luck... I need it right now.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Networking Women, Early Morning Alarm
I went to my networking meeting last night...
http://www.meetup.com/Women-Creating-Wealth/
We learned how to become celebrities in our town! It was a lot of fun. I heartily suggest any entrepreneurial woman find a network and use it. Of course, I use LinkedIn, as well. But this group was personally recommended to me, and I'm finding all kinds of information in it. It's like a pressure-cooker environment, creating successful women entrepreneurs. Our leader, Rachel Young, is really great!
Then, this morning, I got up early and mowed the yard.
Have I told you this story? I've been woken up since I moved into my house - in October - at 4AM every weekday.
I thought it was the neighbor's alarm, set too close to the window. Then, I thought it might be a truck's backup alarm, at the yard down the street.
It turns out that when the house was built, someone left their watch, alarm set for 4AM on weekdays only (not Monday! The crews were off on Mondays) somewhere in the wall of my bedroom before the drywall was put up. It got sealed in the wall. There is no way to find it that will be successful, and not leave a mess.
I decided to make lemonade out of lemons - use that 4AM alarm for when I need to do the yard and it's scorching hot or high humidity or both (like right now!) and get out of bed early. Why not?
So - Never think that just because you have an obstacle, you can't find something positive about it!
I'm a complete night-owl! I like late-night TV. I don't sleep worth beans. I like to sleep late in the morning. So what! My sleep has been messed up for so long, it doesn't hurt me to get my butt out of bed in the early morning and do something instead of laying around until noon.
Besides, I take a nap most evenings anyway. They might as well serve a purpose besides after-dinner boredom!
http://www.meetup.com/Women-Creating-Wealth/
We learned how to become celebrities in our town! It was a lot of fun. I heartily suggest any entrepreneurial woman find a network and use it. Of course, I use LinkedIn, as well. But this group was personally recommended to me, and I'm finding all kinds of information in it. It's like a pressure-cooker environment, creating successful women entrepreneurs. Our leader, Rachel Young, is really great!
Then, this morning, I got up early and mowed the yard.
Have I told you this story? I've been woken up since I moved into my house - in October - at 4AM every weekday.
I thought it was the neighbor's alarm, set too close to the window. Then, I thought it might be a truck's backup alarm, at the yard down the street.
It turns out that when the house was built, someone left their watch, alarm set for 4AM on weekdays only (not Monday! The crews were off on Mondays) somewhere in the wall of my bedroom before the drywall was put up. It got sealed in the wall. There is no way to find it that will be successful, and not leave a mess.
I decided to make lemonade out of lemons - use that 4AM alarm for when I need to do the yard and it's scorching hot or high humidity or both (like right now!) and get out of bed early. Why not?
So - Never think that just because you have an obstacle, you can't find something positive about it!
I'm a complete night-owl! I like late-night TV. I don't sleep worth beans. I like to sleep late in the morning. So what! My sleep has been messed up for so long, it doesn't hurt me to get my butt out of bed in the early morning and do something instead of laying around until noon.
Besides, I take a nap most evenings anyway. They might as well serve a purpose besides after-dinner boredom!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Been sick again...
A whopping 5 days in bed! High fevers, delerium, unable to eat or drink, got dehydrated of course, and even had thoughts of waking on the other side...
I've been drinking electrolyte drinks for the last several days, and eating PBJ, as that seems to be the only thing I can handle. Chicken soup was too much for me.
I was up for several hours yesterday after the fever broke, but I was so exhausted, that I slept another 13 hours. I'm finally up and about, and reasonably functional.
Did anyone get the number on that truck???
I closed the door on the phone so it would quit waking me up, and I didn't check e-mail during my illness. I had over 130 e-mails in one account, and several in each of the others...
Sorry, but I had to check out for a few days....
I've been drinking electrolyte drinks for the last several days, and eating PBJ, as that seems to be the only thing I can handle. Chicken soup was too much for me.
I was up for several hours yesterday after the fever broke, but I was so exhausted, that I slept another 13 hours. I'm finally up and about, and reasonably functional.
Did anyone get the number on that truck???
I closed the door on the phone so it would quit waking me up, and I didn't check e-mail during my illness. I had over 130 e-mails in one account, and several in each of the others...
Sorry, but I had to check out for a few days....
Friday, June 11, 2010
Sore Throat Followed by Laryngitis...
This happened to me last year, too. I wonder how many years I'll put up with this before I change something? It lasted about 2 weeks last year. It started Wednesday afternoon. I'd used the weed-eater on the yard that day.
Yep, a grass allergy! Who knew???
I lived for 22 years in Los Angeles. There are numerous lawns there that are cut weekly, and I never had a problem except with some flowers (Allysum, I think).
I moved to Nevada, and mold became a problem during the winter, and sage blossoms in the summer, but otherwise I was fine.
I move to Tennessee, and suddenly I'm allergic to all kinds of stuff! Grass, mold, Corn (it's endemic in our food today!) and a whole lot of trees and stuff...
Don't get me started on Corn! It isn't fit for consumption, human or animal. It's now degenerated into a fuel producing plant, and it isn't good for anything else. And 20% or more of global agriculture is dedicated to it.
Yes, you can grow corn in your backyard, but it's open-pollinated. That means that any corn grown in a 20 mile radius might pollinate your corn and you end up with useless corn. And how do you know the seed-corn is any good to begin with?
Agribusiness has ruined one of the great grain crops of the earth in the name of profit. What a waste! And they put corn products into just about every prepared food in the supermarket. Even cat food!
Cats don't eat corn - or wheat. It causes digestive upsets, as it does in people. The upsets may take a different form, but there is a problem with it in their system.
Read the labels on your food. Anything that ends in -ose or -ethyl is a sugar additive to your food. Anything that begins with chlor- is likely a salt. If you can't pronounce it, it came from a test tube. Shop on the edges of your store. Stay away from prepared foods. If you can bake your own bread, do so.
See, I've gotten off on corn, and I meant to stay on my sore throat and laryngitis... That's what happens when I get onto our food supply....
Yep, a grass allergy! Who knew???
I lived for 22 years in Los Angeles. There are numerous lawns there that are cut weekly, and I never had a problem except with some flowers (Allysum, I think).
I moved to Nevada, and mold became a problem during the winter, and sage blossoms in the summer, but otherwise I was fine.
I move to Tennessee, and suddenly I'm allergic to all kinds of stuff! Grass, mold, Corn (it's endemic in our food today!) and a whole lot of trees and stuff...
Don't get me started on Corn! It isn't fit for consumption, human or animal. It's now degenerated into a fuel producing plant, and it isn't good for anything else. And 20% or more of global agriculture is dedicated to it.
Yes, you can grow corn in your backyard, but it's open-pollinated. That means that any corn grown in a 20 mile radius might pollinate your corn and you end up with useless corn. And how do you know the seed-corn is any good to begin with?
Agribusiness has ruined one of the great grain crops of the earth in the name of profit. What a waste! And they put corn products into just about every prepared food in the supermarket. Even cat food!
Cats don't eat corn - or wheat. It causes digestive upsets, as it does in people. The upsets may take a different form, but there is a problem with it in their system.
Read the labels on your food. Anything that ends in -ose or -ethyl is a sugar additive to your food. Anything that begins with chlor- is likely a salt. If you can't pronounce it, it came from a test tube. Shop on the edges of your store. Stay away from prepared foods. If you can bake your own bread, do so.
See, I've gotten off on corn, and I meant to stay on my sore throat and laryngitis... That's what happens when I get onto our food supply....
Monday, June 7, 2010
Beds and Sleep
Have you ever gotten a new bed and been unable to sleep? That's what's happened to me.
I got a new bed right about the same time I came home from the hospital. I haven't been sleeping well ever since. At first, I thought it was because of the surgery, but I realized it's the bed, and I'm reluctant to deal with it... They are very expensive!
However, every time the cats jump on the bed, it shakes and jiggles, and I wake up. It isn't their fault, but I kick them off the bed anyway. And then I can't get back to sleep, no matter what I do!
I spent the greater part of last night saying over and over again "My needs are met and I'm in good health" as a mantra of gratitude. It didn't help. You see, when I wake in the middle of the night, I'm crabby. I want to sleep, naturally. I start thinking about all the stuff that's "wrong" with my life, and then I get worked up, and can't sleep no matter how hard I try. So, the mantra usually helps. Not last night. I've been awake since 4:30AM again....
On the old bed, my hips would wake me from pressure points, but when the cats jumped on the bed, I didn't notice. There was no shake or jiggle. If one of the cats decided to take a bath, I only noticed if they were touching me. Now, every little movement shakes the whole thing!
I wanted a new bed, don't get me wrong, but I'm not the universal dumping ground. Just because someone wanted to gift it to me, doesn't mean it's the right thing for me. I guess I need to learn to say no to gifts...
This bed needs to go to the trash, or the thrift store! I need a hard bed that doesn't move and jiggle every time a cat jumps up on it. And I really don't like pillow top mattresses! Whoever thought up that great idea was nuts! I have a memory foam topper I use, and it works perfectly. I just want a hard box spring and a firm mattress that isn't more than 8" tall. My sheets barely fit over this thing!
So, out with the almost new, and in with the new!
Maybe I'll finally get some sleep!
The cats will be happier, too. They will get to sleep with me again....
I got a new bed right about the same time I came home from the hospital. I haven't been sleeping well ever since. At first, I thought it was because of the surgery, but I realized it's the bed, and I'm reluctant to deal with it... They are very expensive!
However, every time the cats jump on the bed, it shakes and jiggles, and I wake up. It isn't their fault, but I kick them off the bed anyway. And then I can't get back to sleep, no matter what I do!
I spent the greater part of last night saying over and over again "My needs are met and I'm in good health" as a mantra of gratitude. It didn't help. You see, when I wake in the middle of the night, I'm crabby. I want to sleep, naturally. I start thinking about all the stuff that's "wrong" with my life, and then I get worked up, and can't sleep no matter how hard I try. So, the mantra usually helps. Not last night. I've been awake since 4:30AM again....
On the old bed, my hips would wake me from pressure points, but when the cats jumped on the bed, I didn't notice. There was no shake or jiggle. If one of the cats decided to take a bath, I only noticed if they were touching me. Now, every little movement shakes the whole thing!
I wanted a new bed, don't get me wrong, but I'm not the universal dumping ground. Just because someone wanted to gift it to me, doesn't mean it's the right thing for me. I guess I need to learn to say no to gifts...
This bed needs to go to the trash, or the thrift store! I need a hard bed that doesn't move and jiggle every time a cat jumps up on it. And I really don't like pillow top mattresses! Whoever thought up that great idea was nuts! I have a memory foam topper I use, and it works perfectly. I just want a hard box spring and a firm mattress that isn't more than 8" tall. My sheets barely fit over this thing!
So, out with the almost new, and in with the new!
Maybe I'll finally get some sleep!
The cats will be happier, too. They will get to sleep with me again....
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Strawberry Preserve Workshop...
June 1, 6-8pm, at Emery 5&10 on Chapman Hwy...
Yummm!!!!
From the Knox Permaculture Guild
Yummm!!!!
From the Knox Permaculture Guild
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Neighbors
Ok, yeah, I know - it's all in my reaction...
My neighbor is driving me up a tree!
I appreciate her help during the last 6 weeks, when I was unable to do anything, and her changing my dressing - That was something I just couldn't do myself...
But I'm wearing really thin! She's my neighbor, not my friend. There's a difference...
I've been unable to mow the lawn. It got really tall, so I asked her son to mow it and we agreed on a price. He had other things to do for 2 days, my lawn kept getting taller. I'd already found another person to do it - but he finally got it done - with his mom's help.
I'd offered to the kid as a way to teach pride of work. He's got a special-ed HS diploma, now, but still can't get this concept.
Why did mom step in? Can you spell co-dependency??? Now I can see why her marriage broke up. Putting the kids before the marriage relationship breaks up a marriage faster than money troubles or adultery!!!
On top of this little episode, the kid sets his alarm for 4AM and puts it right next to the window. It wakes me up. We have 20 feet between the houses, but his alarm wakes me up. EVERY DAMN MORNING!!! I've said something before, but if he doesn't move it, I'll break it. I'm tired and I need my sleep.
On top of all this, the woman keeps coming over every day. I need my space. It's my house, and I'm tired, unemployed looking for work, and my house looks like a tornado hit it. I'm fighting fleas and just generally don't want company.
So, it all boils down to me. I need to set boundaries again. I didn't feel comfortable while building this house - I felt like she was sitting like a spider, waiting to ambush me every time I came over to work. She is a total time-waster. I got the point across then, and I can do it again.
My neighbor is driving me up a tree!
I appreciate her help during the last 6 weeks, when I was unable to do anything, and her changing my dressing - That was something I just couldn't do myself...
But I'm wearing really thin! She's my neighbor, not my friend. There's a difference...
I've been unable to mow the lawn. It got really tall, so I asked her son to mow it and we agreed on a price. He had other things to do for 2 days, my lawn kept getting taller. I'd already found another person to do it - but he finally got it done - with his mom's help.
I'd offered to the kid as a way to teach pride of work. He's got a special-ed HS diploma, now, but still can't get this concept.
Why did mom step in? Can you spell co-dependency??? Now I can see why her marriage broke up. Putting the kids before the marriage relationship breaks up a marriage faster than money troubles or adultery!!!
On top of this little episode, the kid sets his alarm for 4AM and puts it right next to the window. It wakes me up. We have 20 feet between the houses, but his alarm wakes me up. EVERY DAMN MORNING!!! I've said something before, but if he doesn't move it, I'll break it. I'm tired and I need my sleep.
On top of all this, the woman keeps coming over every day. I need my space. It's my house, and I'm tired, unemployed looking for work, and my house looks like a tornado hit it. I'm fighting fleas and just generally don't want company.
So, it all boils down to me. I need to set boundaries again. I didn't feel comfortable while building this house - I felt like she was sitting like a spider, waiting to ambush me every time I came over to work. She is a total time-waster. I got the point across then, and I can do it again.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Life is Calming Down - Maybe Too Much???
Life is calming down. My health is returning to "normal" which means I need a good workout schedule. My finances are tight, but steady (that's the maybe too much calm). My love-life is non-existant (as far as I can tell) but I like that part of my life calm, so it works for me.
The house is a mess again, since I haven't been able to clean much. I'll get back on schedule with it, and get things picked up.
Meetings are coming back to normal. I still have trouble with the 2 meetings back-to-back on Sunday, but I've always had trouble with that. The meetings are in different parts of town, and I usually have just enough time to grab fast-food in between. If I want to sit down and eat, I have a nice Chinese buffet I can go to. I just hate spending that much $$ and eating alone. If I had company, it would be a lot nicer. The food is good, too!!
There's a recovery campout coming up over Memorial Day weekend. I want to grab a couple of friends and go out for Saturday; make the meal and meeting, spend some time with friends in recovery that I don't get to see very often. I got a Travel-Scrabble game, and with my Yahtzee!, there's enough to play with. I can even pack the inflatable mattress and my sleeping bag! I just don't think I'm up to an overnight right now. I don't have full camping gear, again, yet.
I'd like more work. I don't know about going to work part time at a fast-food joint or something. I don't think I could do the work! Ah well..... I'm grateful that the bills are paid (for now) and there's gas in the car. There's food to eat, friends to talk to, and the sun is shining today.
Yeah, life is OK right now....
The house is a mess again, since I haven't been able to clean much. I'll get back on schedule with it, and get things picked up.
Meetings are coming back to normal. I still have trouble with the 2 meetings back-to-back on Sunday, but I've always had trouble with that. The meetings are in different parts of town, and I usually have just enough time to grab fast-food in between. If I want to sit down and eat, I have a nice Chinese buffet I can go to. I just hate spending that much $$ and eating alone. If I had company, it would be a lot nicer. The food is good, too!!
There's a recovery campout coming up over Memorial Day weekend. I want to grab a couple of friends and go out for Saturday; make the meal and meeting, spend some time with friends in recovery that I don't get to see very often. I got a Travel-Scrabble game, and with my Yahtzee!, there's enough to play with. I can even pack the inflatable mattress and my sleeping bag! I just don't think I'm up to an overnight right now. I don't have full camping gear, again, yet.
I'd like more work. I don't know about going to work part time at a fast-food joint or something. I don't think I could do the work! Ah well..... I'm grateful that the bills are paid (for now) and there's gas in the car. There's food to eat, friends to talk to, and the sun is shining today.
Yeah, life is OK right now....
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Finally getting better & kitchen fire
I'm finally getting better, I guess. I don't like the new pain med. It doesn't seem to work at all, and it was a bit expensive. I've gone back to Ibuprophen, and movement. That seems the best combination right now.
I'm feeling better also because I'm getting my house cleared up a little bit. I had a little fire in the kitchen last night. I thought I'd turned off the stove top and instead I'd turned it to high. The knobs don't have a definite click when you hit the off position, and what off position there is, is very narrow. So, anyway, I had a little grease fire, that only ruined a pan and made a mess. Nothing else burned.
However - the pan was a teflon pan, and the fumes are deadly!!! Man! I'm getting rid of all my teflon after this. We had a storm overnight, so I couldn't open windows to air the place out. I've got them open now, though. And I turned on the fan on the A/C unit (not the cooler), and my one ceiling fan, both going high speed.
I've asked a friend to recommend someone to smudge the house. This is the third or fourth "accident" in this house since I moved in - 8 months ago. It's a brand new house - nobody has ever lived in it before. I have issues with it, and those are being addressed. However, it's like the place is cursed or something. Maybe the land underneath??? I used to know of a neighborhood built on top of an indian graveyard - all kinds of weird stuff happened there. Maybe something similar is happening here...
On another subject - "Money!"
I've had to temporarily stop working with the Census because of my health issues. It's nice to have that paycheck, but it was just too hard for me to do. Maybe as I get better, I'll do it some more.
Neither of the 2 quotes I sent out came back positive (yet) but other stuff is happening. It's a challenge, but I know that I'm being cared for by the universe.
I'm feeling better also because I'm getting my house cleared up a little bit. I had a little fire in the kitchen last night. I thought I'd turned off the stove top and instead I'd turned it to high. The knobs don't have a definite click when you hit the off position, and what off position there is, is very narrow. So, anyway, I had a little grease fire, that only ruined a pan and made a mess. Nothing else burned.
However - the pan was a teflon pan, and the fumes are deadly!!! Man! I'm getting rid of all my teflon after this. We had a storm overnight, so I couldn't open windows to air the place out. I've got them open now, though. And I turned on the fan on the A/C unit (not the cooler), and my one ceiling fan, both going high speed.
I've asked a friend to recommend someone to smudge the house. This is the third or fourth "accident" in this house since I moved in - 8 months ago. It's a brand new house - nobody has ever lived in it before. I have issues with it, and those are being addressed. However, it's like the place is cursed or something. Maybe the land underneath??? I used to know of a neighborhood built on top of an indian graveyard - all kinds of weird stuff happened there. Maybe something similar is happening here...
On another subject - "Money!"
I've had to temporarily stop working with the Census because of my health issues. It's nice to have that paycheck, but it was just too hard for me to do. Maybe as I get better, I'll do it some more.
Neither of the 2 quotes I sent out came back positive (yet) but other stuff is happening. It's a challenge, but I know that I'm being cared for by the universe.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
OK - No Infection....
No infection! Cool....
Just the muscles complaining about things. THAT! I can deal with!!! I'm so scared of health issues, anymore. I've had so many surgeries, that it's just a matter of averages before something goes seriously wrong. Like riding on a bus, motorcycle or in a plane. Something will go wrong after so many occurrences....
Other than that, the pain med got changed and I'm not sure how it's working yet. I'll keep trying it, and get back to you on that. I don't want to become an expert in pain meds, but the other stuff was making me too agitated to sleep, so it wasn't really helping.
I miss my meetings terribly! I don't feel comfortable going out in public much. I've got today, taking care of a kitty, and then I'm pretty much done till tomorrow. I was supposed to go to this thing tonight, but I think I'll pass. I'm too sore and I don't want to stand around for 2 hours - no matter how good it would be for my business - and pay the price later.
Just the muscles complaining about things. THAT! I can deal with!!! I'm so scared of health issues, anymore. I've had so many surgeries, that it's just a matter of averages before something goes seriously wrong. Like riding on a bus, motorcycle or in a plane. Something will go wrong after so many occurrences....
Other than that, the pain med got changed and I'm not sure how it's working yet. I'll keep trying it, and get back to you on that. I don't want to become an expert in pain meds, but the other stuff was making me too agitated to sleep, so it wasn't really helping.
I miss my meetings terribly! I don't feel comfortable going out in public much. I've got today, taking care of a kitty, and then I'm pretty much done till tomorrow. I was supposed to go to this thing tonight, but I think I'll pass. I'm too sore and I don't want to stand around for 2 hours - no matter how good it would be for my business - and pay the price later.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Surgical Complications....
We never think it will happen to us...
I seem to have picked up an infection while in the hospital. It isn't responding to antibiotics - and it is at the same time. It's spread from only one side to both sides. It's internal, not just external. I'm concerned. Note - I'm not worried...
I see the doc again on Weds, and I'll have more information then...
I seem to have picked up an infection while in the hospital. It isn't responding to antibiotics - and it is at the same time. It's spread from only one side to both sides. It's internal, not just external. I'm concerned. Note - I'm not worried...
I see the doc again on Weds, and I'll have more information then...
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Money!
Goodness! Things got away from me, and I'm in a bit of trouble in my accounts. I'm working through it, but this is the first time I've had any such trouble in years!
It's scary! And I've worked so hard to have perfect credit, too. I've paid my bills.
I contacted all the folks who tried to dun me, only to find out that they weren't trying to reach me, just someone who lived down the street. I was the only land-line on the block for a while, there...
Then there was St. Mary's Hospital! What a joke! They were trying to reach me - but they had never sent a bill, and the service was less than 45 days prior. I reported them to the Better Business Bureau for their practices, paid them off, and I'll never go back there again.
Bur right now, it's really scary! I don't know if I can pay both the utility bills I have. Never mind getting food for the cats! And my mortgage payment is due on the first, when the billing cycle starts all over again. At least my loans are both pre-paid till June.
Oh well....
I've been extremely lucky (BLESSED) and cared for, and I know that at least one of the quotes I've given will pan out, and I'll have work coming in. I also start my job with the Census Bureau on Tuesday, so there's an end to this in sight. It's just getting through the next few weeks. We'll make it, I'm sure. I guess I just needed to say how scary it is, to not have work coming in. To not have money coming in.
I've been living pretty high for the last couple of years. To be faced with this - AGAIN! - is not fun. I'll have to really pay down all my debt, so that it's just the little things - the mortgage, utilities, food and gas - the living expenses - that come every month.
I really need to start saving, too! Davy Ramsey is right! We need a $1000 cushion for emergencies, and 6 months of expenses in the bank, saved. Then, we can begin to save for other things - cars, vacations, appliances, hot water heaters, furnaces, roofs, and so on.
It's so hard for me to save - I've spent to my last dime for so long, being so broke (poor), that it's hard to have anything in the bank, just sitting there.
A change of mindset is required. Not just a change of behaviors. I need to see abundance, not scarcity. I thought I was doing well, but I see it was not well enough. I need a full paradigm shift....
It's scary! And I've worked so hard to have perfect credit, too. I've paid my bills.
I contacted all the folks who tried to dun me, only to find out that they weren't trying to reach me, just someone who lived down the street. I was the only land-line on the block for a while, there...
Then there was St. Mary's Hospital! What a joke! They were trying to reach me - but they had never sent a bill, and the service was less than 45 days prior. I reported them to the Better Business Bureau for their practices, paid them off, and I'll never go back there again.
Bur right now, it's really scary! I don't know if I can pay both the utility bills I have. Never mind getting food for the cats! And my mortgage payment is due on the first, when the billing cycle starts all over again. At least my loans are both pre-paid till June.
Oh well....
I've been extremely lucky (BLESSED) and cared for, and I know that at least one of the quotes I've given will pan out, and I'll have work coming in. I also start my job with the Census Bureau on Tuesday, so there's an end to this in sight. It's just getting through the next few weeks. We'll make it, I'm sure. I guess I just needed to say how scary it is, to not have work coming in. To not have money coming in.
I've been living pretty high for the last couple of years. To be faced with this - AGAIN! - is not fun. I'll have to really pay down all my debt, so that it's just the little things - the mortgage, utilities, food and gas - the living expenses - that come every month.
I really need to start saving, too! Davy Ramsey is right! We need a $1000 cushion for emergencies, and 6 months of expenses in the bank, saved. Then, we can begin to save for other things - cars, vacations, appliances, hot water heaters, furnaces, roofs, and so on.
It's so hard for me to save - I've spent to my last dime for so long, being so broke (poor), that it's hard to have anything in the bank, just sitting there.
A change of mindset is required. Not just a change of behaviors. I need to see abundance, not scarcity. I thought I was doing well, but I see it was not well enough. I need a full paradigm shift....
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Driving!
Well, so far only to the end of the alley. Tonight, however, I'm going to a meeting!
Yep! All is OK. As long as I remember to wear the compression belt, I'm not scared to drive. The twisting and turning, that doesn't feel good. The pull of centripedal force, gravity, inertia, and so on - that hurts. Otherwise, all is good.
Feeling pretty good about everything, really! Driving, work, life, love, health, the cats...
If my friend agrees, Missy Bugs finally has a home of her own. I'll miss the little bit, but she really needs to be loved and coddled and my friend will do that for her.
Not much else today. Looks nice outside. I'll walk around the property later today.
Found a cool resource...
http://www.sharedearth.com/
Check it out!
Yep! All is OK. As long as I remember to wear the compression belt, I'm not scared to drive. The twisting and turning, that doesn't feel good. The pull of centripedal force, gravity, inertia, and so on - that hurts. Otherwise, all is good.
Feeling pretty good about everything, really! Driving, work, life, love, health, the cats...
If my friend agrees, Missy Bugs finally has a home of her own. I'll miss the little bit, but she really needs to be loved and coddled and my friend will do that for her.
Not much else today. Looks nice outside. I'll walk around the property later today.
Found a cool resource...
http://www.sharedearth.com/
Check it out!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Well, I feel OK.
God gifted me with a full-size bed, including the box spring and frame. It's not brand new, and smells a little of tobacco smoke, but Febreeze and SCOE-10x will get rid of that. I slept in the new bed for the first time last night. I'm not used to feeling the cats get up and down. The bed is MUCH taller than the old one, but overall very comfortable.
God is good, isn't s/he??? A new bed. How cool! I priced beds a couple of weeks ago - about $1200 for a full size bed, and no more than a 2 yr. guarantee. This new one is 1 1/2 yrs old, and is in pretty good shape.
I kept the memory foam pad, and that may be a little too much softness. However, I was able to sleep on my sides for the first time since I got home (my favorite position) and my back was much happier this morning. My right hip is still a bit sore, but not as bad as it was yesterday.
The foam mattress will get covered and go into the hide-a-bed in the living room, that needs a mattress. That was the plan from the beginning. The wood of the frame will make good shelving in the shed. It will discintigrate over the next couple of years anyway, if kept on edge; but I can use it out there with enough supports and flat. It should do well.
The tape is bugging me a lot! It's time to remove the bandages for good, I guess. I'll carefully do that before I shower this morning. The post-op instructions say to wash the incision gently with soap and warm water, so I guess I'll actually do that today. It's been getting wiped clean when the bandages are changed, but that's only after I've already showered, and they are wet.
I also plan to drive for the first time, today. I want to see if I can, and go to a meeting. I miss my meetings and my peeps...
It's been a week since surgery, so at 8 days - not doing too bad overall. Business seems like it will pick up a bit over the next week or so, and the Census training class begins on Monday.
It's amazing to me how things work out. God always meets me right where I need him. He's never early or late.
God gifted me with a full-size bed, including the box spring and frame. It's not brand new, and smells a little of tobacco smoke, but Febreeze and SCOE-10x will get rid of that. I slept in the new bed for the first time last night. I'm not used to feeling the cats get up and down. The bed is MUCH taller than the old one, but overall very comfortable.
God is good, isn't s/he??? A new bed. How cool! I priced beds a couple of weeks ago - about $1200 for a full size bed, and no more than a 2 yr. guarantee. This new one is 1 1/2 yrs old, and is in pretty good shape.
I kept the memory foam pad, and that may be a little too much softness. However, I was able to sleep on my sides for the first time since I got home (my favorite position) and my back was much happier this morning. My right hip is still a bit sore, but not as bad as it was yesterday.
The foam mattress will get covered and go into the hide-a-bed in the living room, that needs a mattress. That was the plan from the beginning. The wood of the frame will make good shelving in the shed. It will discintigrate over the next couple of years anyway, if kept on edge; but I can use it out there with enough supports and flat. It should do well.
The tape is bugging me a lot! It's time to remove the bandages for good, I guess. I'll carefully do that before I shower this morning. The post-op instructions say to wash the incision gently with soap and warm water, so I guess I'll actually do that today. It's been getting wiped clean when the bandages are changed, but that's only after I've already showered, and they are wet.
I also plan to drive for the first time, today. I want to see if I can, and go to a meeting. I miss my meetings and my peeps...
It's been a week since surgery, so at 8 days - not doing too bad overall. Business seems like it will pick up a bit over the next week or so, and the Census training class begins on Monday.
It's amazing to me how things work out. God always meets me right where I need him. He's never early or late.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Garden Photos on Facebook...
I posted the garden photos on Facebook...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=159795&id=793282769&l=f5787a9784
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=159795&id=793282769&l=f5787a9784
Saturday, April 17, 2010
HUG Planting Day!
The clock keeps moving forward, regardless of how we feel, physically....
Today is my "Habitat Urban Gardens" planting day. David Craig, the Master Gardener who started the program, was here yesterday to review the plans, plants and choices. He gave me specific instructions to help with the digging today. He'll even plant my grapes for me!
My yard and garden are planned as an exhibition garden, to show the community how to incorporate edible plants in the landscape. I have 5 fruiting trees, along with Blueberries and Asparagus, as permanent plantings. Today, we are putting in the perrenial ornamentals, and the last of the perrennial edibles for this year. There are still more berry plants to come. I hope that in 5 years, the 4-H Club and the local schools will bring groups by and visit my garden, with the intent to practice the same concepts in other gardens around Knox County.
I have a somewhat smallish lot, but it's plenty big enough to do what I've planned for it. The fruiting trees are semi-dwarf, and won't get taller than 12-15 feet, except for the Turkey Fig, which will get about 25' tall. That one is shading my A/C unit, so it doesn't work so hard in the summer. Good planning goes a long way! I'll post photos later today, to show the finished plantings, although the full impact won't be seen for several years to come.
I figure I have a 25 year mortgage, and a 20 year landscape plan. The last 5 years, I can just sit back, pay my mortgage, and enjoy my home; renewing my annuals, tomatoes and cucumbers as the seasons pass.
Today is my "Habitat Urban Gardens" planting day. David Craig, the Master Gardener who started the program, was here yesterday to review the plans, plants and choices. He gave me specific instructions to help with the digging today. He'll even plant my grapes for me!
My yard and garden are planned as an exhibition garden, to show the community how to incorporate edible plants in the landscape. I have 5 fruiting trees, along with Blueberries and Asparagus, as permanent plantings. Today, we are putting in the perrenial ornamentals, and the last of the perrennial edibles for this year. There are still more berry plants to come. I hope that in 5 years, the 4-H Club and the local schools will bring groups by and visit my garden, with the intent to practice the same concepts in other gardens around Knox County.
I have a somewhat smallish lot, but it's plenty big enough to do what I've planned for it. The fruiting trees are semi-dwarf, and won't get taller than 12-15 feet, except for the Turkey Fig, which will get about 25' tall. That one is shading my A/C unit, so it doesn't work so hard in the summer. Good planning goes a long way! I'll post photos later today, to show the finished plantings, although the full impact won't be seen for several years to come.
I figure I have a 25 year mortgage, and a 20 year landscape plan. The last 5 years, I can just sit back, pay my mortgage, and enjoy my home; renewing my annuals, tomatoes and cucumbers as the seasons pass.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Medical Pre-Testing
I went for my medical pre-testing today at the hospital. I go in on Tuesday morning for my operation. I expect to be out of commission for at least 2 weeks.
The testing was fine. We even got a chest x-ray to round things out. They are very thorough at Parkwest.
The testing was fine. We even got a chest x-ray to round things out. They are very thorough at Parkwest.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Garden Progress
I prepared the buckets for the tomatoes. I checked the trees, and they all have buds, except the crape myrtle. Those aren't going yet. I even have two flower buds on the dogwood! YEA!!!
I repotted a house plant, and potted up some Italian Oregano, and the Basil. I'm ready for greens and squash/cucumbers. I re-planted some of the beans, after the wind pulled over the support and pulled up several of the plants. I moved that planter to where it has more shelter from the wind.
I'm deciding where to put the grapes when they arrive. If the posts are in before my surgery, then I can easily have the plants put in the ground where they need to go. If the posts are not in the ground, who knows if they will even get planted!
Oh well, buckets are about $5 each.
I wrote up a list of stuff that needs to be done before I go into the hospital, and assigned tasks to each day. As long as I follow my schedule, no single day is overwhelming, and everything will get done.
I have this great organizing gene inside me, but it only gets to tell me what to do. It can't enforce things. My follow-through isn't as good as I'd like it to be. Well, I hope to post each day before surgery, and set out my accomplishments and cross stuff off my schedule! So, stay tuned...
I repotted a house plant, and potted up some Italian Oregano, and the Basil. I'm ready for greens and squash/cucumbers. I re-planted some of the beans, after the wind pulled over the support and pulled up several of the plants. I moved that planter to where it has more shelter from the wind.
I'm deciding where to put the grapes when they arrive. If the posts are in before my surgery, then I can easily have the plants put in the ground where they need to go. If the posts are not in the ground, who knows if they will even get planted!
Oh well, buckets are about $5 each.
I wrote up a list of stuff that needs to be done before I go into the hospital, and assigned tasks to each day. As long as I follow my schedule, no single day is overwhelming, and everything will get done.
I have this great organizing gene inside me, but it only gets to tell me what to do. It can't enforce things. My follow-through isn't as good as I'd like it to be. Well, I hope to post each day before surgery, and set out my accomplishments and cross stuff off my schedule! So, stay tuned...
Friday, April 2, 2010
Garden!
I found an alternative solution for the garden for this year - containers! Not my ideal, but it will work.
I built my first ever rain barrel yesterday. (You are looking at the overflow side.) It ended up costing about $40 or so, and that works out to less than 1/4 of the commercial jobs. I have a source for the white plastic barrels, too. They look better than a brown trash can. Both can be painted, for sure!
The beans aren't doing well in the planter. I may have to start over. The tomatoes will be going into 5 gallon buckets. Lots of drilling holes, and several cubic feet of potting soil. The strawberries are seeded, as is the stevia. I was able to rescue one artichoke and one brussels sprout. I'll need a flat planter for the greens, so I'll just make it up and leave it outside.
Planting outside here in Zone 6/7 isn't generally done till at least April 15-25. With my surgery happening on April 13 (confirmed), all the planting needs to be done before then. I'll have help around to carry the planters outside, but I want the stuff ready so there is produce this year.
As far as the rest of it, I want my house in decent order before then, too. So, I guess I'd better get off my duff, off the computer, and get to it!
See ya!!!!
I built my first ever rain barrel yesterday. (You are looking at the overflow side.) It ended up costing about $40 or so, and that works out to less than 1/4 of the commercial jobs. I have a source for the white plastic barrels, too. They look better than a brown trash can. Both can be painted, for sure!The beans aren't doing well in the planter. I may have to start over. The tomatoes will be going into 5 gallon buckets. Lots of drilling holes, and several cubic feet of potting soil. The strawberries are seeded, as is the stevia. I was able to rescue one artichoke and one brussels sprout. I'll need a flat planter for the greens, so I'll just make it up and leave it outside.
Planting outside here in Zone 6/7 isn't generally done till at least April 15-25. With my surgery happening on April 13 (confirmed), all the planting needs to be done before then. I'll have help around to carry the planters outside, but I want the stuff ready so there is produce this year.
As far as the rest of it, I want my house in decent order before then, too. So, I guess I'd better get off my duff, off the computer, and get to it!
See ya!!!!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Planting!
I planted up the Asparagus yesterday. I didn't do it quite "by the book" as I need large bins, and used short ones. Oh well...
I also set up some planters for strawberries and stevia. That was all I had in me to do yesterday. I have more planting mix, humus and planters, along with a lot more seeds. I got some 5-gallon buckets for the tomatoes, but they all have gunk in them. Maybe I'll toss them and get some pristine ones from the Home Depot later today. I need at least 6, with tomato cages to go in them and a bag of soil each. That's for the 6 tomato plants for this year.
There's no way I can get everything into the ground this year. Just no way I can do it, with the soil conditions, my health, the surgery, and everything. So, this is a viable alternative.
I also set up some planters for strawberries and stevia. That was all I had in me to do yesterday. I have more planting mix, humus and planters, along with a lot more seeds. I got some 5-gallon buckets for the tomatoes, but they all have gunk in them. Maybe I'll toss them and get some pristine ones from the Home Depot later today. I need at least 6, with tomato cages to go in them and a bag of soil each. That's for the 6 tomato plants for this year.
There's no way I can get everything into the ground this year. Just no way I can do it, with the soil conditions, my health, the surgery, and everything. So, this is a viable alternative.
Work on the Horizon & Surgery
Work is on the horizon. I've been hired by the US Census Bureau as an Enumerator. I don't start training till the end of April.
That leaves April to have the Surgery. Right now, we are talking about April 13, but if not, it won't be till May.
I'm about half-done with an e-book that I'll be selling on Clickbank about building a website. I hope that leads to workshops, seminars, and more consulting.
That leaves April to have the Surgery. Right now, we are talking about April 13, but if not, it won't be till May.
I'm about half-done with an e-book that I'll be selling on Clickbank about building a website. I hope that leads to workshops, seminars, and more consulting.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Trees Planted, General Updates
I have my 5 trees planted, now. I got the first 4 in, but they were too deep, so I had to dig them up and raise them. They arrived bare-root, so had to go in the ground right away. I got the 5th tree in a pot, but it was basically bare-root as well. However, it took me a couple of days to get it into the ground.
So, the trees are in, and the asparagus crowns arrived yesterday. I have no place prepared for them. I need to build the beds for the vegetables. The beans I started are taking over the kitchen. The other starts are all showing distress and need to be re-potted into flats with better drainage. I'm not prepared. It may be that this year's garden is a bust. I would like to get the strawberries going this year, though. And I'm really looking forward to some home-grown tomatoes. They taste so good!
I'll do what I can, but I think I bit off more than I could handle for this year. Just getting the perennials and trees in the ground is a great start this year, I guess.
On a completely different subject, work is looking a little better. I don't have a steady job, but my efforts are paying off for internet marketing, cat whispering, and coding sites for better SEO and SEM. If you don't understand the terms, don't worry about it. Just know that my efforts are showing fruit.
I've had to crash-learn several things lately, too. Moodle, Word Press, HostGator, PHP, Javascript, and others. It's fine, really. I needed to learn but didn't have any way to apply it, so didn't push it. Now, I have places for all of that to be applied, so it's sinking in better. It can be overwhelming, and my brain feels like mush after 6 solid hours, but TV is a good diversion, and the biggest problem is that I forget to eat.
I finally passed the Census test with a 100%, so when they begin hiring, I may have a job. I've also applied several other places for full- or part-time employment. I just need something I can count on, so that the bills get paid. The extras can be cut, removed, or ignored.
Money is dwindling, and I have expenses coming up, as usual. I can't really go out and purchase lumber or blocks to build the beds - not even for the asparagus!
I've canceled cable TV. Not a bad thing in the long run. I generally don't have time for it during the warmer weather, anyway. Running around, yard work, and so on. I'm in a 3-year contract on the internet/phone, so the only way to reduce expenses with Comcast is to cancel the TV.
I need to put brakes on the car, and it needs a full tune-up, to keep it running right. I'll do that, if and when the government finally sends the money on the first-time homebuyer's credit rebate. That, and pay my taxes. If there's anything left, I'll schedule the surgery.
On the surgery, I've been having symptoms, yes. It's like having a period, but I'm too old for them. The pain in my lower back is increasing, too. I'm pretty sure there is a growth around my colon/large intestine. The tests show something in that area, but they aren't specific enough to know exactly what. When it all comes out, I bet I'll feel like a million bucks!
I'm grateful, though. I have a breather - time to shift focus. I have enough food, the lights are on, the bills are not late (some are ahead!) and my debt load is very small. The house is new, so anything that's wrong is still under the warrantee.
I'm thinking about renting out my sewing room, too. The rent I receive will help with the house payment and electricity. Since I have the contract on the internet, I can offer wi-fi as a regular benefit. I just need to set-up the room. I'm working on it. That's the room that is a total mess right now. I still haven't unpacked all the boxes, you know.
Well, that's quite an update from an unemployed, but positive person....
So, the trees are in, and the asparagus crowns arrived yesterday. I have no place prepared for them. I need to build the beds for the vegetables. The beans I started are taking over the kitchen. The other starts are all showing distress and need to be re-potted into flats with better drainage. I'm not prepared. It may be that this year's garden is a bust. I would like to get the strawberries going this year, though. And I'm really looking forward to some home-grown tomatoes. They taste so good!
I'll do what I can, but I think I bit off more than I could handle for this year. Just getting the perennials and trees in the ground is a great start this year, I guess.
On a completely different subject, work is looking a little better. I don't have a steady job, but my efforts are paying off for internet marketing, cat whispering, and coding sites for better SEO and SEM. If you don't understand the terms, don't worry about it. Just know that my efforts are showing fruit.
I've had to crash-learn several things lately, too. Moodle, Word Press, HostGator, PHP, Javascript, and others. It's fine, really. I needed to learn but didn't have any way to apply it, so didn't push it. Now, I have places for all of that to be applied, so it's sinking in better. It can be overwhelming, and my brain feels like mush after 6 solid hours, but TV is a good diversion, and the biggest problem is that I forget to eat.
I finally passed the Census test with a 100%, so when they begin hiring, I may have a job. I've also applied several other places for full- or part-time employment. I just need something I can count on, so that the bills get paid. The extras can be cut, removed, or ignored.
Money is dwindling, and I have expenses coming up, as usual. I can't really go out and purchase lumber or blocks to build the beds - not even for the asparagus!
I've canceled cable TV. Not a bad thing in the long run. I generally don't have time for it during the warmer weather, anyway. Running around, yard work, and so on. I'm in a 3-year contract on the internet/phone, so the only way to reduce expenses with Comcast is to cancel the TV.
I need to put brakes on the car, and it needs a full tune-up, to keep it running right. I'll do that, if and when the government finally sends the money on the first-time homebuyer's credit rebate. That, and pay my taxes. If there's anything left, I'll schedule the surgery.
On the surgery, I've been having symptoms, yes. It's like having a period, but I'm too old for them. The pain in my lower back is increasing, too. I'm pretty sure there is a growth around my colon/large intestine. The tests show something in that area, but they aren't specific enough to know exactly what. When it all comes out, I bet I'll feel like a million bucks!
I'm grateful, though. I have a breather - time to shift focus. I have enough food, the lights are on, the bills are not late (some are ahead!) and my debt load is very small. The house is new, so anything that's wrong is still under the warrantee.
I'm thinking about renting out my sewing room, too. The rent I receive will help with the house payment and electricity. Since I have the contract on the internet, I can offer wi-fi as a regular benefit. I just need to set-up the room. I'm working on it. That's the room that is a total mess right now. I still haven't unpacked all the boxes, you know.
Well, that's quite an update from an unemployed, but positive person....
Friday, March 19, 2010
Frustration - and Success!
I'm frustrated. With the IRS, my accountant, the system. I was supposed to be getting that first-time homebuyers credit, and things have delayed the funds so far out, that I can't count on them at all. Not a good thing, since they are spent - over half of it on the taxes for 2009! So, what to do??? Nothing.
Can't change city hall after all. Not unless I run for office, anyway.
Success - I've been taking the Census tests to be an enumerator at $12.75/hr. I need a job, and this is a perfect time, since I have no job and no unemployment....
Well, I kept getting the same score. Figuring it was the same section, I have been messing with the answers in that section and not really getting a better score. I took another test yesterday, and finally got the insight I needed. I'm taking it again today, and I'm confident that the 5th time will be the charm. I'll post back later, when I have the results.
The panic in my heart is about my surgery. I know I need it, but now it has to be delayed until the funds come in. I can't pay the Dr. if I don't have money. I called the office, and they are very understanding. If things get unbearable, I'll find a way to pay for the surgery. Six to eight weeks should not kill me - even if it's ovarian cancer.
On another topic completely....
How do I get from where I am, to where I want to be?
I had an interview this week with one of the call-center type places. I knew I didn't want to be there, but also know that without interviewing, I won't get a job. Period.
It was so painfully obvious to both the lady (Brenda) and myself, that I didn't belong there. It was a waste of her time, but it wasn't for me. I needed to see how far I've changed.
So, how do I get from here to there? I'm supposed to be helping folks, consulting, making websites better, improving online commerce. My coding skills are nominal, but improving. It's just the Javascript that I'm on now. I already have the HTML and CSS down. I also looked into the database stuff, for SQL, so I can incorporate the data tables on the pages. I've about got forms and stuff down. While I don't code new flash stuff, I can incorporate it. But all this is self-taught.
Thank you w3schools.org....
I'm intimidated by the folks who have the degrees in computers. I know that my experience counts for a lot, and my self-learning has put me in a position to blow them all out of the water - but I'm still intimidated by college-earned degrees.
Maybe it's a hold-over from mom...
Well, called a fellow about an interview on Monday. Maybe something will come of that...
Can't change city hall after all. Not unless I run for office, anyway.
Success - I've been taking the Census tests to be an enumerator at $12.75/hr. I need a job, and this is a perfect time, since I have no job and no unemployment....
Well, I kept getting the same score. Figuring it was the same section, I have been messing with the answers in that section and not really getting a better score. I took another test yesterday, and finally got the insight I needed. I'm taking it again today, and I'm confident that the 5th time will be the charm. I'll post back later, when I have the results.
The panic in my heart is about my surgery. I know I need it, but now it has to be delayed until the funds come in. I can't pay the Dr. if I don't have money. I called the office, and they are very understanding. If things get unbearable, I'll find a way to pay for the surgery. Six to eight weeks should not kill me - even if it's ovarian cancer.
On another topic completely....
How do I get from where I am, to where I want to be?
I had an interview this week with one of the call-center type places. I knew I didn't want to be there, but also know that without interviewing, I won't get a job. Period.
It was so painfully obvious to both the lady (Brenda) and myself, that I didn't belong there. It was a waste of her time, but it wasn't for me. I needed to see how far I've changed.
So, how do I get from here to there? I'm supposed to be helping folks, consulting, making websites better, improving online commerce. My coding skills are nominal, but improving. It's just the Javascript that I'm on now. I already have the HTML and CSS down. I also looked into the database stuff, for SQL, so I can incorporate the data tables on the pages. I've about got forms and stuff down. While I don't code new flash stuff, I can incorporate it. But all this is self-taught.
Thank you w3schools.org....
I'm intimidated by the folks who have the degrees in computers. I know that my experience counts for a lot, and my self-learning has put me in a position to blow them all out of the water - but I'm still intimidated by college-earned degrees.
Maybe it's a hold-over from mom...
Well, called a fellow about an interview on Monday. Maybe something will come of that...
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
More Cold~
I'm tired of cold weather! We have 3 springs here - dogwood, blackberry and real spring.
We are heading to the real spring, but the dogwoods aren't blooming yet.
I'm just tired of being cold.
We are heading to the real spring, but the dogwoods aren't blooming yet.
I'm just tired of being cold.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Sick Again - Planting and Landscape, Home Improvements
Yep, again! I'm so tired of this. At least the fever broke overnight.
And the pain on my ovary is really bad right now. I can't wait to have surgery to remove it....
I wonder if the issues I've had are all related to my girl-parts?? The skin issues, the sicknesses and lack of immunity, the fatigue...
I've stopped taking all vitamins and supplements - except the lo-dose aspirin and my prescription meds. I want to see if the fatigue gets worse, in case my Epstein-Barr is flaring up. That, so far, does not seem to be the case. I'm sleeping fine, and everything seems to be OK - except I'm sick again.
I have no appetite at all. I get hungry, but it's more like a habit than a feeling of needing food. This was true even before I got sick again. At least the pre-natal vitamins made me hungry, but that isn't a good reason to eat. I was pissing away all the B vitamins down the toilet.
I haven't napped like I used to - mostly no time, but I have the desire.
Am I depressed? I think probably so - and have been for a while - since I moved just about. I'm overwhelmed with the house. Too much space and responsibility. Too much to do to make it my own.
I got some knobs for the doors and drawers on the cabinets. That will help a lot. I've had a lot of trouble opening the doors. There's no handle or cut-out to make it easy to open them. The arthritis in my hands is getting worse, so this will make it easier as I age.
I need to pull the carpets, too. Clean and hone the concrete, maybe stain it a pretty color. I'll have to use rugs. I can't afford flooring right now. Can't afford the landscape plants I bought, or the planting beds I need, either.
I started a whole tray of plants! Tomatoes, beans, herbs, and such. Anything that took over 75 days to maturity. Anyway, those have to go into the ground pretty soon, too.
Four of my trees arrived Wednesday - bare root. I had to get them into the ground right away. I hired my neighbor's kid to dig the holes (I was sick, remember?) and we (together, yes) got them into the ground. Probably not well, probably too deep, and the soil is all clay chunks (tried to break them up). I watered them in so we'll see what happens. I hope they don't die. I had to prune a couple of them. The other 2 were fine.
My asparagus crowns are due pretty soon - either today or Monday. Those need to go in the ground right away, too. I have pots I can use for them, at least. And my lemon tree and grape vines will also be here Monday.
Well, that's my rambling for today. Happy Birthday to me! Yep, 55 tonight around midnight!
And the pain on my ovary is really bad right now. I can't wait to have surgery to remove it....
I wonder if the issues I've had are all related to my girl-parts?? The skin issues, the sicknesses and lack of immunity, the fatigue...
I've stopped taking all vitamins and supplements - except the lo-dose aspirin and my prescription meds. I want to see if the fatigue gets worse, in case my Epstein-Barr is flaring up. That, so far, does not seem to be the case. I'm sleeping fine, and everything seems to be OK - except I'm sick again.
I have no appetite at all. I get hungry, but it's more like a habit than a feeling of needing food. This was true even before I got sick again. At least the pre-natal vitamins made me hungry, but that isn't a good reason to eat. I was pissing away all the B vitamins down the toilet.
I haven't napped like I used to - mostly no time, but I have the desire.
Am I depressed? I think probably so - and have been for a while - since I moved just about. I'm overwhelmed with the house. Too much space and responsibility. Too much to do to make it my own.
I got some knobs for the doors and drawers on the cabinets. That will help a lot. I've had a lot of trouble opening the doors. There's no handle or cut-out to make it easy to open them. The arthritis in my hands is getting worse, so this will make it easier as I age.
I need to pull the carpets, too. Clean and hone the concrete, maybe stain it a pretty color. I'll have to use rugs. I can't afford flooring right now. Can't afford the landscape plants I bought, or the planting beds I need, either.
I started a whole tray of plants! Tomatoes, beans, herbs, and such. Anything that took over 75 days to maturity. Anyway, those have to go into the ground pretty soon, too.
Four of my trees arrived Wednesday - bare root. I had to get them into the ground right away. I hired my neighbor's kid to dig the holes (I was sick, remember?) and we (together, yes) got them into the ground. Probably not well, probably too deep, and the soil is all clay chunks (tried to break them up). I watered them in so we'll see what happens. I hope they don't die. I had to prune a couple of them. The other 2 were fine.
My asparagus crowns are due pretty soon - either today or Monday. Those need to go in the ground right away, too. I have pots I can use for them, at least. And my lemon tree and grape vines will also be here Monday.
Well, that's my rambling for today. Happy Birthday to me! Yep, 55 tonight around midnight!
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