The End Of A Year

For those of you interested, I am skipping Wordless Wednesday today. I’ll make a come back next week.

I was going to give you an in depth analysis of my year gone by. I was going to give you my new resolutions. I was going to fill you with the promise of hope for a new year. Instead, I am going to give you a bit of a rant first.

I began my day in a happy little mood. In just a matter of days, I will be off to work. 2009 is almost here and all it can bring is happiness. I was expecting a check in the mail today and I planned to go to the bank this afternoon, drop off the rent check, and buy a few snacks for our celebration. I cleaned the house, read some more of my book, watched some TV and added more to my iPod. I joined the Modern Mom Challenge, I listened to the President-Elect’s Podcast, and I baked my Grandpa some Snowball Cookies.

Anyways, my mail brought me to the bank. I went to the window to deposit the goods. I then wanted to get a bank check for $995. Please note, I just deposited around $1300. I don’t see a problem with that. Part of that money came from a government funded check, but the bulk of it came from the check my ex-husband sent. He sends the same check, for the same amount at the same time every month. I have never had a problem. Today, problem city.

I bank with Wamu. Well, I used to, now I bank with J.P. Morgan Chase. I didn’t think it was a big deal. Everything pretty much works the same. Apparently, they experienced quite a few losses though recently. And much like the Chrysler people, they decided to take it out on it’s customers. They informed me that there would be a 7 day hold on the personal check. I said that was ridiculous. I have been getting that same check for over 2 years with no problem. They told me it was the new Chase system that was being more strict. There was nothing I could do. I spoke with several people. They were all just as helpful. Carolynn was with me and getting impatient. Whatever. Perhaps I need a new bank. I have been thinking about switching to Bank of America.

Usually, this is just an inconvenience. Right now, it is a problem. Without this extra money, I am just about $200 short of the rent. I had some in there already that I was holding for bills. Of course, there was no hold on my other deposit. Nevertheless, the rent is due by Monday at 4 PM. The check will be released on Tuesday evening.

The old, 2008 me, would have cried and lamented. That me would have fallen apart. The new me, henceforth known as Officer Jennifer, spoke calmly to everyone I could. I came home and called several people at the bank. I got nowhere. However, I am still calm. I will figure something out. I am a survivor. I am an officer of the law. I am tough.

That is the point of this story. 2009 brings a new and improved me. This new me comes complete with a new career and a new outlook. The new me promises to be more positive. The new me plans to be healthier, happier, and hopefully thinner. The new me has a plan.

I have made a chore chart that so far has shown some improvement. Catherine will still need to be pushed. She keeps losing her stuff. As in, I keep taking her stuff. Tonight she will be going to bed at 9:30. I made a budget and I plan to stick to it. (As soon as they start paying me) I joined several weight loss and exercise groups on-line and am hoping they will help me to eat better. I am sure my new career path will help me get the exercise.

As I start on my journey, I have friends and family supporting me as they did through the tough times. It is nice to have them.

As we say goodnight to 2008, I would like you to think of the promises of tomorrow, not the nightmares of the previous year. Tomorrow I will bring you a video of highlights of 2008. Tonight we look ahead. I know I am looking ahead at a bright future. Enjoy your evening and do not drink and drive. Finally, I leave you with this video, because, when all is said and done, all we really need is more cowbell.



More Cowbell - video powered by Metacafe

Just Chillin’

Okay, that is not all. I had some errands to run this morning. I took David to the new Red Robin because it said in the paper that they would be doing interviews there today. The paper was wrong and it will be tomorrow. I did a little house keeping. The chart is working, but I do not think they realize the rewards. Maybe when the week ends and they find out, next week they will be more willing. I do not think they believe I can give rewards because we have been poor so long.

I went by Chris, Sherri and Taylor’s this afternoon to drop off a bag of Chex Mix. I took a bag over the other day, but it was original flavor and Chris is allergic to garlic, which is an ingredient. I made a special one for her that was brown sugar and cinnamon. It is really good. They were having a nice relaxing day too. Taylor is on Christmas break.

I have spent most of the evening reading a book. It is called Cat Deck The Halls and it is the Readers Anonymous pick for December. It is about a cat that solves crimes. I was not sure I would enjoy something that sounded so silly, but it is actually good. I really enjoy reading again. Just no more Love In The Time Of Cholera. I still want to see that movie.

Carolynn is reading Tuck Everlasting. She will need tissues.

We tried our new popcorn maker tonight. The popcorn came out good. Just like the movies. It went well with my book reading.

Books To Read

As some of you may have already read, Carolynn finished her 2008 TBR Challenge. She ready 15 books from her list this year, as well as a few others. I, however, failed. I read one book and I barely managed to finish it today. In all fairness, I was very stressed for most of the year and I cannot relax when I am stressed. Reading is a relaxing activity in my world. It feels good to read again. The one book I read though, was in fact, torture.

I read Love In The Time Of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It is the longest book in the history of books. First, there are no chapters. I need chapters. I need a stopping point, especially in a book this complex. Second, it was so detailed. There were times when the author would go on for pages about someone’s clothes or a building. The story was so wonderful and romantic; I just wanted to get one with it already. It really was a great story. I am very excited to see the movie now. I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars. I loved the story, I hated reading it.

I have decided to try and take on this challenge again in 2009. I think I will do better this year. My new list contains quite a few from the old list, plus some newer ones. Carolynn is not going to do the challenge this year, but Catherine has decided to give it a go. Check out her list on her blog.

1. A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
2. Against Medical Advice by James Patterson
3. Atonement by Ian McEwan
4. Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
5. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
6. Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
7. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
8. Marley and Me by John Grogan
9. Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
10. P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
11. Rhett Butler’s People by Donald McCaig
12. The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards

Alternates

1. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
2. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
3. Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
4. Then We Came To The End by Joshua Ferris
5. A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton
6. Sunday’s At Tiffany’s by James Patterson
7. The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson
8. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
9. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
10. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
11. The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry
12. Where Are You Now by Mary Higgins Clark

Always Be Prepared

In just a few short days, I will be back at work. With my new job, I will not be available to be here all the time to remind my children to clean up after themselves or to shower and brush their teeth. I must have the laziest children in town. Anyway, in the time I have before I go, I am developing a new system. We are going to start with a total house clean up. We are implementing a new point based chore system that will be easy for me to monitor and see which member of our team in sitting on the bench. Team members who play ball get allowance and other incentives. Benchwarmers get their stuff removed. I hung a sign in the girls bathroom reminding them that no one likes stinky people and showers and soap are needed. We developed a system for organizing the schedules of four people- that includes jobs, school, and activities (Carolynn’s band and track and Catherine wants to play softball). I developed a new budgeting system to make sure each bill is paid in full and on time. It also allows for savings and fun. Look, I can afford fun again. Once the new job starts things will need to be purchased in order to keep everything running smoothly. I will finally get my washer and dryer. New laundry hampers will be in order. David will be purchasing a bus pass to easily get him where he needs to go. Catherine will be reactivating her cell phone so I can even more easily access anyone I need to. All need dressers. Carolynn needs more shelves.

In a short time, my life will be again under my control. No longer will I sit sadly and look for jobs. Well, I already stopped doing that. No longer will I have to struggle to pay my bills. No longer will I be unable to afford the slightest hint of fun. I will be able to do the things I once enjoyed. Things such as eating out, shopping with the girls, reading books, filling my iPod, and more.

It only took 6 months, a move to a new city, 526 e-mails, countless applications, many interviews, a strange stint as a fish tank cleaner at a pet store (that still has not paid me), and the help and kindness of my family and friends to finally get my life back.

The Morning After

Christmas is over. In a way, I am glad. Why do the holidays always seem so stressful? Oh well, it was fun anyway. On Wednesday, we went to my brother’s house for Christmas Eve. We had a Mexican fiesta. Nicole made some very yummy tamales. That night we hung out with Allison so Joe and Nicole could run out for some last minute shopping. While they were gone, my dad called Allison as Santa. She was so excited. The look on her face was priceless. Her eyes got so huge. She was so good for the rest of the night too.

Yesterday morning, the girls got up around seven and proceeded to plow through their presents.

Carolynn and her new glass doll.

Catherine's new Wii Game

Rose from the movie Titanic

Catherine and a new book.

Catherine and her new Twister game

David got a waffle maker for Christmas (it was what he asked for) and he made everyone waffles. After the waffles and presents, we went to Chris, Sherri and Taylor’s for a Christmas visit. They got Catherine some really great cooking stuff. Real stuff, just for her to cook with. They got Carolynn some craft stuff. They got me a great popcorn maker. It will get much use.

After we left there, we went to my mom’s house. My Uncle Dan, Aunt Paveena and Alyssa came. We ate some ham. Aunt Paveena made wontons. They were soooo good. We got many nice gifts from everyone. Carolynn got the digital camera she wanted. She took over 50 pictures with it. We got plenty of movies. I got some nice sweaters. I listed it yesterday in my final installment of Thursday Thirteen. They are not having it anymore. I guess I am back to writing my own stuff on Thursday.

After we left my mom’s house, we came home and watched White Christmas. In the evening we had a nice dinner of roast beef. Then we watched The Dark Knight. That was David’s other present. It was okay. It was a bit dark for me.

It was a good day.

Today I had some work related stuff to do. I got a hair cut. It is much shorter now. I ran a few errands. I ate some leftovers. Carolynn has been playing Wii. Catherine is cleaning her room. David has to work. Now we are watching The Devil Wears Prada. Very girly.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you.
Jennifer
Carolynn
Catherine
David
Elvis
Gibby
Kitty
Cleo
and Little Dude

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Presents I Got For Christmas

1. iPod Nano from my mom
2. 2 Sweaters- One from the girls and one from Aunt Paveena and Alyssa
3. Chocolate Covered Cherries from David
4. Soaps from my sister and some from Joe and Nicole
5. Marley and Me book from David
6. Shirts from my mom and one from the girls
7. Candles from David and from the girls
8. DVD's from everyone. I got four- Friends, The Notebook, My Best Friend's Wedding, and The Holiday.
9. A picture from the girls
10. A popcorn maker from Chris, Sherri, and Taylor
11. A Mug from my sister
12. Money from Grandpa
13. A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is what I really wanted the most.

Wordless Wednesday

"What the #$@*& is this all over my yard?"
Kitty
December 2008
Apple Valley, California

Christmas Cookies

We had a fun time in Palm Springs. I lost my money, but I knew I would. We ate at the buffet there and it was fabulous. I ate so much. It was all good. I have not been eating right because I have been so stressed. Now I cannot stop eating. I played some slots. I liked one called Lucky Meercats. It was like one I played in Pahrump called Lucky Lemmings. It was fun. I tried a few other ones, but that was my favorite. We went to Monday Night Football and ate some tailgate foods. They had hot dogs and chicken wings and stuff. It was good. We only stayed until half time. Then we played some more slots. I was not winning, so my mom and me went to the bar and tried a few fancy martinis. Some were better than others were.

This one was called Palm Springs. It was my favorite.

This one was called Razzberry Tini. It tasted like Formula 44. My mom really liked this one.

This one was called Lemon Head. It was very tart.

This one is called Lady Luck. It was kind of lemon-lime cherry.

This one was a melon one.

After a bunch of those, I was feeling pretty good.

Today we had a little breakfast, played some more slots and headed home. We had fun.

While I was gone, the girls spent the night at my brother’s house. I assume they had fun. I assume this because they are still there. They called this afternoon and asked if they could sleep over again. My brother was egging them on. (Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese can’t they stay????) I said yes. He took them shopping and out to eat and junk. That must have been fun. My brother, three girls, in the mall, two days before Christmas… Good luck with that. Then he took them out to eat. He is a brave soul. Now he has them for one more night.

I am still doing my holiday baking. There is only a little left. We have a million cookies, candies, and cakes.

Tomorrow I am going to my brother’s house to spend Christmas Eve. I am making some beans and Nicole is making some tamales. It will be a Christmas Fiesta.

Three Sheets To The Wind

You should never blog drunk. Yet, here it is. I have only been drunk maybe thee times ever. This is one of those times. Six martinis later. I just figured out why blogging is bad drunk. You cannot spell. I have had to correct it like 12 times.

Palm Springs is fun. I am finally relaxed. Maybe too relaxed. Grandpa is in the casino gambling. Good thing too. I would be embarrassed for my Grandpa to see me drunken. He’d probably just laugh though.

My mom is also drunken. It is funny. We met a guy who looks like this old dude.



We took his picture. Tomorrow we will have pictures of this guy and some drinks and more. Tonight I will sleep. And laugh. Everything is hilarious. Hilarious is a hilarious word.

Just Sunday

I did a lot of baking today. I made the peanut butter cookie dough this morning. It had to chill. I baked them later. I also made brownies, chocolate peanut butter cookies and sugar cookies. I am still not done. I am making presents. Just because I have a job now doesn’t mean they are paying me yet. I do not start until January.

Today Carolynn and I went out with my mom. We have been doing that Sundays. My dad and Grandpa watch football Sunday. We went to the Circuit City because her computer was being a jerk. They fixed it up for her. While they were fixing it, we went for Chinese food. It was so good. We got egg fu yong, chicken lo-mein, and sweet and sour chicken. It was fabulous. After we ate, we went to the Mervyn’s. It only has 4 days left before it is gone forever. I got Carolynn two pairs of $42 jeans for $12.50 each. She loves them. My mom got a few things too. Then we went back to the Circuit City to pick up my mom’s computer. I got a little speaker dock for my iPod. It was crazy out there. I am glad I don’t have to go out more. It seems like every time I come home, I remember something else I need.

I went to the grocery store this afternoon because I needed powdered sugar. I got dog food and some other junk I needed. I got me a bottle of Bailey’s with Caramel. I thought it might be tasty in hot chocolate. It was too. I got home and realized I forgot to buy smaller Ziploc bags. I have big ones.

Well, that is all for today. I got my car insurance bill in my e-mail and I didn’t even have a panic attack. It was good.

Where To Start...

My job offer was finalized yesterday. It is official. I am an employee of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. They called yesterday afternoon to let me know I should give my current employer notice right away. Okay, Gibby, you will have to hold down the fort by yourself, because I have to work. I begin training on January 5. I will have to go there sometime this week to discuss my recruitment bonus. I understand that it is 15% of my annual salary. I will be purchasing a washer and dryer immediately upon receiving this money. I have the appliance store on speed dial.

After they called, I called people because I was so excited to share my news. Nicole said the message I left on their answering machine was funny. I do not remember what I said. I was too excited. I was crying and yelling all over the house. Catherine thought something bad had happened. She was the only one home at the time. David and Carolynn were off bell ringing.

After my big news, I went to the Best Buy. My mom bought me an iPod for Christmas and I went to get it. It is blue. Once I got it home and figured out how to get songs on it (Thank you Trish), it was late. I did listen to it today. I even downloaded an episode of Friends onto it. (It is The One With The Mac And C.H.E.E.S.E.) I love it. It is so fun. I want to get many fabulous accessories for it, like a dock to listen to it in the house and something to play it in the car. My parents’ Jeep has a built in thing to play it.

Today has been busy. I was up early to take David to work. I found out that he will have to work Monday and Tuesday when I am going to Palm Springs. Luckily, once again, it was super Nicole to the rescue. She is going to take the kids over night while I am away so I can still go and David can still work. She’s a peach.

After I dropped off David, the girls and I had a Egg McMuffin and did some bell ringing. We saw my mom and Grandpa there buying chicken. After we rang the bell, we went to see the folks and Carolynn had some chicken. When I was there my Grandpa told me he wanted me to make him a gumdrop cake. My Grandma made that for him. I made him one last year, but it was not quite right. He gave me some pointers, I got a bundt pan, and hopefully this one will be right. I have it in the oven now. It is very dense. In case you do not know, a gumdrop cake is a fruitcake with gumdrops in it.

After I left my parents house, I went to pick up David, took him to the bank to take care of his check, and went to the Wal-Mart. (To buy a bundt pan.) Then Catherine and I went to do some more bell ringing. Then we went and got the gumdrops. I listened to my iPod while I made my cake.

Well, that is it for now. I am excited about the next two weeks. I can’t wait to start my new job.

Thanks

Let us just say, I am no longer worried about getting a job and that I was nuts to think anything would happen.

Now that I am gainfully employed, I am happier and healthier. Okay, my stomach was in knots all day and I probably will feel better tomorrow. However, I am so excited about my new job. I start on the fifth. I cannot wait.

Now that all this job hunting and stress has finally ended, I would like to say thanks.

Thanks to my mom and dad, without whom I would not have survived 6 months with no job.

Thanks to my Grandpa, who bought me a fridge and Carolynn’s bed and various other needed items and tanks of gas over the last six months. It was appreciated.

Thanks to David who watched the kids so I could do anything I wanted to or needed to do, kept the kitchen clean most of the time, and handed over every cent of his measly paychecks from McDonald’s.

Thanks to my kids, who spent the last six months knowing we were “on a budget”, did not beg and whine too much, and put up with an extremely frazzled and stressed mom.

Thanks to Trish, who is always supportive and would have paid every one of my bills for me, had she been made of money. She is the best friend and soap maker in the history of the world.

Thanks to my brother and Nicole, who filled my chest with ice when I had no fridge and fixed my car battery when Carolynn drained it.

Thanks to my sister, who is always good for a laugh.

Thanks to all my internet supporters. You guys all rule and I love you all.

Finally, I feel good. I finally feel like this place does not suck so badly. I finally am totally and completely relaxed.

Good night internets. Tomorrow will be super.

Is It Friday Yet? Oh, Yes It Is

I have a lot to do today. Besides waiting to hear if I am finally employed, I have to take Gibby to the groomer, go to the bank, take David to get his paycheck, clean the house, bake more cookies, and maybe do some more laundry. We did not do it all the other day. I still have a few presents to wrap. I am hoping to buy one or two more.

Carolynn and David will be doing some bell ringing later. It is chilly and wet so they better bundle up.

Yesterday I baked snowball cookies for my Grandpa. I thought he might like some snowballs that were tasty instead of wet and cold.

That is really all. I am just trying to stay focused. I have a job. (I hope.)

Frozen

I did not sleep very well last night. It had nothing to do with the cold. I started thinking…

What if I messed up? What if I don’t have a job after all? What if the prison decided that no, I am not worthy? I know they gave me, in writing, a job offer that is contingent on my passing a background check and drug test. I know I am not a criminal and have never done a drug in my whole life. However, what if there is some thing on there I did not know about? What if the lab makes a mistake and says I do some drugs? Then no prison job for me. What if that happens and the woman from the old folk’s home finds someone else? Then I am so screwed. I have not job searched all week. What if I missed some other great opportunity? I got an interview at an old folk’s home in Barstow as an administrative assistant and I turned it down. I got an interview at a gas station and I gave it to David. I was supposed to take a test to work in the county child support office on Tuesday and I skipped it. What have I done? Both places said they would let me know tomorrow. The prison should have gotten my drug test results and background check done and will let me know tomorrow. The woman from the old folk’s home said she would call me tomorrow and let me know the details. I am probably going to go nuts until I know for sure. I know, I have severe mental issues.

Here are a couple of pictures I took of our yard this morning.

This is the view from my front door. I am not going out there.

This is the view from the back door.

It is sunny today but the world is white. My mom said her gate was frozen shut. Oh darn, I guess she cannot go to work today. Unfortunately, she has Direct TV and it is out today. I have cable, so we have TV. Grandpa might go crazy with no sports to watch. School was canceled today. The girls get an extra day of vacation. I am going to clean and bake today. I need to keep busy or I might have a nervous breakdown. There are no bell ringers today. I just need to keep busy. I have to think… I have a job. Not the what ifs. I mean really, what are the chances? Slim, I know. Still, there is that chance…

Mental. Yep.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things You Can Do In The Snow

1. Shovel it
2. Build a snowman
3. Watch it fall
4. Make a snow angel
5. Eat it
6. Attempt to drive in it
7. Throw snow balls
8. Build a snow fort
9. Catch snowflakes on your tongue
10. Sled
11. Ski
12. Snowboard
13. Slip and fall in it

Winter Wonderland

I want all of you friends and readers who live in the Midwest or any other place where it is regularly cold and snowy to not laugh.

It snowed here today. Honest to God snowed. It is the most snow that I ever saw in Apple Valley. It looks like about seven or so inches of precipitation today. It was crazy. I got up this morning to discover it was very rainy. My mom called and said the pass was closed so there would be no trip to Palm Springs today. We rescheduled for Monday. That way my parents can go too. Anyway, Apple Valley schools were open so I got the kids off to school. As I said, it was not snowing here. After the kids were at school, I went to the Salvation Army to count the buckets. I was there for a while when my mom called. She said that Carolynn had called her and that school was canceled. Carolynn thought I had gone to Palm Springs. Therefore, my mom went and braved the snow and the crazy parents to pick up Carolynn and I went to pick up Catherine. There was not that much snow, maybe an inch. However, Apple Valley is not prepared for any kind of snow so it was shut down. After we all got home, my dad called looking for my mom. She had stopped at the store to buy the stuff to make a pot of chili. I decided I wanted a pot of chili too. Carolynn and I braved the snow to go to the store. By the time we got there and home, the snow was worse. It just snowed and snowed. I have not seen it snow like that since we left Wisconsin. We have had a fire all day. We ate our big pot of chili. I had some tea. The girls went out to play in it a bit. The dogs are not happy. Elvis runs out only if he has too. Gibby was scared at first, but when the girls went and played in it, he went too.

Here are some pictures of our snowy day.

Here are the girls and their dirt snow man. This was early in the day, when there was only a little snow.

This is a snow ball fight in progress. Once again, this was early in the day.

This is our house toward the end of the day. It was getting dark. But it was still snowing.

This is Carolynn and Gibby late in the day playing in the snow.

Here are the girls and Gibby in the yard. Gibby loved chasing the girls through the snow.

Here is a short video of Gibby and the girls in the snow.



Also, my sister sent us a package yesterday. She called today and said the girls could open them up. Of course they did. So here they are.

Carolynn and her gift from Sarah.

Catherine and her gift from Sarah.

Wordless Wednesday

Allison
Halloween 2008
Victorville, California

Busy As One Of Santa’s Elves

Today I did a lot. I filled out my background check paperwork for the prison. That took forever. I had to have addresses for every place I had lived going back like a million years. Not really. I did discover that in 10 years, I have lived in 10 houses, in two states and six different cities. I had to give them the names, addresses and phone numbers of my closest friends and family. I had to disclose my whole life history. When I finished, I went to my mom’s and printed it. I would have printed it here, but David’s computer crashed and he has not re-installed the printer stuff yet. It is almost back to normal. That means my mom will have to wait just a little longer for whatever fabulous new blog header David will design. I brought my mom a bottle of Sweet Hot Mustard from Hickory Farms while I was over there. Then I went and took the signed pages to the prison. She said she would be calling my by Friday. Then I rang the bell for the Salvation Army. After that, I did the laundry. There are always scary people in the Laundromat. As soon as I start being paid, I am buying a washer and dryer. One of Carolynn’s friends was there today. They were all giggly. When I got home, I cleaned a little. I packed for my adventure to Palm Spring with Grandpa. We leave tomorrow. I am picking him up at 8:00 am. He has a doctor’s appointment then we are off to Agua Caliente. It is going to be a fun trip. I will relax and Grandpa will have a good time too.

The girls only have a couple of more days at school. Thursday is their last day and it is a half day. Then they get three whole weeks off.

Well, I am off to bed because I have a big day tomorrow. I will be sure and post some pictures from my adventure.

The Big House

Today I went to the prison for a drug test and a physical. I was there for five hours. FIVE! Oh well. It was fine. The health services are in the main building, which houses the maximum-security federal penitentiary. I had to be checked, re-checked and checked again. I had to go through a bunch of big metal doors. There were really prisoners in there. They were cleaning the floor. Oh well, I peed in a cup and was checked out. I was given a letter on conditional employment. As soon as they get my test results and my background check, I can expect my real offer. I would being training on January 5.

Tomorrow I was scheduled to take a test for the county tomorrow, but I think I will skip it. I like the sound of that. I already have a job.

Wednesday I am taking my Grandpa to Palm Springs. I did not realize that Wednesday night was also Carolynn’s band concert. Luckily, my mom is going to fill in for me. She can take the pictures and listen to the Jingle Bells. It is more important right now to take Grandpa. I can hear Carolynn play any time. It will be fine if this one time I sent in a substitute. Once I am working, it is liable to happen more often. When I was working last year, missed several cross-country meets. I try to go to as many things as possible. I always tried to send in a substitute though so at least someone was there.

Today was very cold and rainy. It was snowing in places close by. It might snow here tonight. David rang the bell for the Salvation Army for 6 hours. Good thing he got that new sweatshirt. He was still cold though.

Super Sunday

Today was a fine day. Do you know why? It is because I have a job. Nope, I do not get tired of saying it. I have a job.

I slept so well the last two nights. It has been cold so it is nice to be all tucked in. My dog snuggles up too. I did not realize how terrible my sleep has been until I finally slept. I have a terrible cold too. Well, it is mostly gone now, but I still have this painful cold sore on my lip. At least my nose stopped running.

Today I left David here with all of those girls and went out. I went to Wal-Mart and picked up some pictures and paper towels. Then I went to my mom’s house. My mom, dad and I went to a little tavern and played some darts. The woman there carded me. I was not even drinking, but I was in a bar. I felt so young. I am old enough to drink plus ten. Anyway, it was fun. My dads darts were kind of falling a part. He could use some new ones. After that, we picked up some tacos at the Del Taco and went back to my mom’s house to eat them. My mom gave me a new jacket. Well, new to me. It had been my grandma’s jacket. It was much better than the old, ugly one I was wearing. That one did not zip and was once my ex-husbands. I threw it in the trash.

After that, I came home and I was going to take the friends home. Catherine’s friend had been picked up earlier in the day, but Carolynn’s friends were still here. They weren’t ready to go home, so I left them here and David, Catherine and I went to the mall. Catherine wanted some orange chicken. We looked around at the Mervyn’s going out of business sale. It says “9 Days Left”. David got a zip up hooded sweatshirt for less than $20. It says Levi on it. He did not have one and it has been so cold. The Kay-Bee Toys in the mall is going out of business too. We looked inside, but they are only at 30% off. They did not have the Barbie’s Carolynn wanted. They were gone. I went to the Hickory Farms. I had a craving for some Sweet-Hot Mustard. I love it. I got a bottle for me and one for my mom. I also picked up a book to read on my trip to Palm Springs. It s this month’s Readers Anonymous pick. It is called Cat Deck The Halls. It looks kind of cute. It is about a cat that solves mysteries.

Tomorrow I have to go to the prison for a drug test and physical. It is kind of like getting up and going to work. You know, like because I have a job to go to.

Relaxing

I cannot remember being this happy. I really feel like a whole new me. Now wait, not a new me. I finally feel like the old me. I want to go back to all those sad, pathetic blog posts and stamp them all "Not Anymore" or something. I can not believe just days ago I was worried how I would pay a car payment. Now, not only is the car payment paid, I am employed.

Today, I got up early and went to the Salvation Army to count out the money. I did not do any bell ringing yesterday because I had my interviewing. I counted money from 7:00 this morning until about 12:30 in the afternoon. My fingers were black. Money is so filthy. After I finished counting, I picked up Carolynn and her friends so they could do the bell ringing today. Carolynn’s friends Makayla and Diamond are spending the weekend. David was going to go ring the bell today and Makayla was excited and really wanted to do it, so I said they could. Gary, the person who runs the Salvation Army, gave them all their own aprons and jingle bells. They rang the bell from 1:00 to 5:30. And it was very cold today. They sang songs and got a lot of donations. They were very proud of themselves. Here is a picture of them. I took it with my phone so it is not a super great picture.



David supervised the girls most of the day. I did it for the last hour and a half. While he and the girls were ringing, Catherine and I went over to my mom’s house. I was telling my parents and grandpa about my new job. While I was there, my Grandpa and I planned a trip to Palm Springs. He gets free rooms at some of the casinos he frequents and he has one for Agua Caliente. I have never been to Palm Springs and that is Grandpa’s favorite casino. Therefore, he and I are going to take a trip there. We are going on Wednesday morning after Grandpa’s doctor’s appointment. We will be back on Thursday. He gets to play his favorite slots and I get to hang out and relax with no kids. Woo Hoo! It would be cool if Trisha lived near enough to come hang with me. She could use a day off too.

Well, that is it for now. Carolynn and her friends are watching Titanic. Catherine has a friend over too. She came late this afternoon. They are playing dress up. Earlier they roasted marshmallows in the fireplace. There are five kids in my house for a sleep over, but I do not care… because I have a job!

No Thanks. I Already Have A Job

Wouldn’t it be cool if I could say that to people? Someone could call me up and ask me for an interview and I could say, “I am sorry, but I have already accepted another position.” How cool would I be?

You know what else would be cool… What if I got two jobs, they were both very awesome and perfect, and I had to pick one? All those months with nothing, wondering how I will make it and now I could be sitting around thinking about which job I should take. How cool would that be?

Well, guess what happened to me today? I got two very awesome job offers. Oh yes, I got a job. I did not even just get one job, I got two.

The first job came while I was driving to the interview for the second job. It is a job as a correctional officer at the federal prison. It is a well-paid position with many great benefits. This was my light at the end of that tunnel. I actually interviewed for that job in August. She wanted me to start like the next week, but there was some paperwork thing and I could not. I had to wait until they had more openings, which they thought would be in October. Then budget cuts forced them to postpone them. Then I was called to re-interview. That was about 2 weeks ago. Last time I was the only girl, and this time there were several girls, so, though I was pretty sure that I got it, there was that little thought in the back that made me think maybe not. I figured that of they wanted me before; surely, they wanted me again. They called today and said they do. If I can pass the drug test and background check, I will begin training in January. That should be easy. I never did a drug in my life and I am not a crook or as Catherine said, a villain. I was so excited. Finally. A job! Woo!

Since I was already on my way to an interview, I figured I would go and if I did not get that job, then hey, no big deal, right? This job was for volunteer coordinator at a convalescent hospital. The interview went amazing. I totally got the job. Wow. It has great pay, some benefits, the people are nice and it would be a very pleasant place to work. She said she still had some interviews set up, so she was going to finish those up and call me next Friday to let me know when to start. I was shocked.

Months of worry, depression, pathetic moaning, and tension… Then I get two jobs in one day. Seriously. I am just in shock. I am done job hunting. I feel like I just lost a million pounds that I did not even know I was carrying. I can pay my bills, buy stuff, and be comfortable.

So, which job did I pick you ask? Well, I am going to go with the hospital. It is less pay, but I think it would be more fun and more pleasant that a prison. However, as she said, she still had interviews. What if she finds someone else? Then I still have the prison. I am going to the prison on Monday for drug testing and a physical. I am authorizing the background check and finger printing. That way if the hospital finds someone else I am covered.

But either way…

I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday Thirteen

13 Random Things In My Living Room at 10:45 PM on Wednesday, December 10, 2008

1. TV
2. Gibby
3. Wood Burning Stove
4. Me
5. A bottle of Excedrin Migraine
6. Tissues
7. A clock that chimes at 7 minutes to the hour
8. Family Pictures
9. Computers
10. Candles
11. Postage Stamps
12. A Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story
13. David

Seriously?

Today just sucked. Well, not totally, parts of it were pretty okay. However, over all the suckiness of it all out weighs the good parts.

I had a job interview today. The ad looked like this…

Seeking enthusiastic receptionist!

Conducting interviews right away for seasonal tax office.

Please email your resumes to XXXXX@whatever.com
Make sure to have contact information available!
• Location: Victorville
• Compensation: TBD

So I replied and they called me yesterday for an interview today at 11. First, it was not in Victorville, it was in Adelanto. Not that it was a big deal, I would have gone anyway. It is just a lot farther is all. I get there at a quarter to 11 and there was no one there. Therefore, I waited. About 10 after 11, a couple of guys came. They let me in and gave me an application to fill out. I filled it out. They came back and they interviewed me. Everything went fine. They were nice and the office was nice. Then, they inform me that they would like me to work there. WOO HOO! However, they do not need any receptionist. They just put that ad up to attract more people. What they really wanted were people who wanted to be tax preparers. Okay, I am not an accountant. Then they tell me it is okay because I can take a class and the class is free. Okay, I am on board. But, wait, there is more. Then they tell me the job is commission based only. I could get $20 to $50 for each tax return I file. And, here is the kicker, they want me to give them $250 for testing. The class is free but the testing and certification will be $250. This is the part were I say, heck no to that. That is not a job at all.

So I was a bit mad. I wasted gas and time to go all the way out there for no good reason. What a bunch of jerks.

Then I came home to change before I headed out to ring my bell. When I was at home, a delivery man brought a package for David. It was from his dad and in it was a very nice box of candy for me and the girls. Chocolates always make me happier.

Anyway, off I went to ring my bell. That went fine. After that, the girls and I went to my mom’s house. The girls made some ornaments for my mom’s tree. My mom got the tree out of storage but not the ornaments. She bought some silver and gold balls and some candy canes. It still looked bare. Therefore, we put up some ornaments we made and it looked much more festive.

Then we came home. We were making some dinner when I started going through the mail. In the mail was a letter from the financial company that I make payments to for my car. I am not behind in payments. I paid them for November. My payment is due on the 25th of each month, and I already gave them about $125 for this month. Last month, they offered to let me just pay the interest for one month, about $250. Since it is Christmas, I was going to do that. I already did half and planned to pay the other half on the 19th. I managed to get all of my other bills paid for this month and I went out and actually was able to get a few presents. Therefore, when I saw mail from them, I did not think much of it… Until I opened it.

It says that due to the excessive lateness of my payments I am in breach of my contract with them. In order to rectify this unfortunate situation I have the following choices:

1. I can allow them to take out the payments by automatic payment on the 19th of each month allowing time to process and have the payment post by the due date of the 25th. In the event that the payment is rejected, repossession of the vehicle will take place immediately.

2. The payment due date can be adjusted to the 15th of every month, thus allowing the financial company better assurance that they will receive payment at a reasonable time. If payment is not received by midnight, Eastern Time on the 15th of every month, repossession of the vehicle will take place immediately.

3. I can return the car as a voluntary repossession.

Okay, seriously… I have not been excessively late. Therefore, I call them and I get some guy named Aaron on the phone. I ask him hey, what the hell. He told me, very rudely, that they have the right to their money. They have a contract with me and I am breaking it. I asked him to define "excessively late". He said it was because I was late twice in a six-month period. I was late, about 8 days on July’s payment and 3 days on November’s payment. However, I paid August’s payment the same time I paid July’s. I paid September’s payment two weeks later, still in August and I paid October’s payment in September. Therefore, I tell this to good ol' Aaron. He says it does not matter, one day late is late and my contract says I will not be late. I told him this seemed a little excessive to me. He actually said if I did not like it, I could choose to do business elsewhere. WRONG THING TO SAY DUDE! I asked to speak to his supervisor. Jolene was slightly more helpful. She told me the same things, but when I asked why they were so uptight about it all of the sudden, she told me that they are having a lot of trouble with people missing payments and having late payments. She said the repo rate has almost doubled in the last few months. So starting on December 1, they are showing no leniency. I asked her if I could do like they offered last month and pay just the interest this month and she said no. I asked her if she could extend my payment due date and she said no. I asked her if there was anything I could do, she said no. I asked to speak to her supervisor. Steve, her supervisor, said there was nothing I could do either. I told him there was no way I was going to come up with another $350 in 5 days. He asked me if I would like the address to the place where I could give back my car. They are just so helpful.

I hate people. Just when I think, okay, I have this under control, some stupid thing happens. I hade a little savings and then needed an unexpectedly high cost repair on my car in August. There went the savings. Then I get a job at the pet store and think I have it, and bam, no more jobs. Then here I am all good to go, and bam, jerks.

So, does anyone need a kidney? I hear you can live with just one. Better yet, how about someone give me a job? A real job, where I do not pay you… That would be cool. Yes, a job would be awesome.

I do have one glimmer of hope. One tiny little hope I cling to. A job, a good one, which I have interviewed for and I think I have an excellent shot at. However, it does not start until January and I have not heard for sure yet. However, I hold that thought as my hope that there is a light at the end of this tunnel of crappiness.

Of course, if they repossess my car, that kills my light. They will not hire me if that happens.

So there you have it, my day of fun. On Monday, while I was ringing my bell, a woman came up to me and hugged me out of nowhere. Her husband put a bunch of money in my kettle and she said, “Bless your little heart for doing this honey. Good things will come to you.” I try to believe her. On Saturday, while I was emptying the buckets and counting, one bucket contained a fortune that read “Success and good fortune will soon come to you”. I hope so. I also found a ketchup packet, a glass bead and a token from the local fun center while counting the buckets, but I do not know that those are good omens.

Now back to your regularly scheduled Wordless Wednesday.

Wordless Wednesday

"I don't believe I asked for your opinion."
Cleo
November 2008
Apple Valley, California

Sunday Brunch

Today the girls and I went out with my mom. Sunday is football day at her house. My dad and my Grandpa watch football all day. My mom is not a big fan of football, so us girls went out to do some Christmas shopping. Before we headed off to fight the crowds, we stopped for brunch at Marcelino’s. Mexican food is my favorite food, and Marcelino’s is my favorite place to get it. I haven’t been there in a long time though, funds have been low as you know. They have a Sunday brunch buffet. I had beans and rice, enchiladas, chile relleno, huevos rancheros, and pork fajitas. It was all fabulous. I could totally eat there every single day. After we were stuffed full of all the delicious Mexican food we could eat, we headed off to brave the mall. My mom wanted to go to the See’s Candy and look in some other stores. I finished off most of my Christmas shopping. I have to pick up one thing for David and one thing for Taylor. I know what I am getting for both, so it should be easy and I will be done this week. I am going to be making many presents, but I will wait until it gets closer to Christmas.

When we got home, we did some wrapping and made cookies. My mom got me some new baking supplies yesterday; mixing bowl, measuring cups, measuring spoons, and a spoonula. She also gave me a cookie press. We made some cookies with it today. I wanted to try it out now, before I try to make my gifts. They came out pretty tasty. The press came with a recipe for some savory cheesy crackers. I want to try that one too. I have some great ideas for tasty gifts.

Tomorrow I will be ringing the bell at the Stater Bros. in the afternoon. Tomorrow is also Monday, and that means another week with hopes that I get a job. I have faith and hope.

O Christmas Tree

Today was a seriously busy day. I got up early and was at the Salvation Army by 7 AM. I got the buckets from yesterday counted. Then I went and delivered empty buckets to several other sites. After that, Catherine and I did the bell ringing for a couple of hours outside of the Stater Bros. I was there yesterday too. After we finished our bell ringing, we went to lunch at Burger King. This was a huge thing for us. It is a huge treat to eat out anymore. After lunch, we dropped David off at work. He has actually been sick the last few days, but he worked anyway. After we left him at McDonald’s, I dropped the kids at my mom’s house. She took them to do some Christmas shopping. While they were gone, I did some Christmas shopping. Then I came home, cleaned, and looked for jobs.

After the girls got back from their shopping, we headed off to meet Chris and Sherri at the Apple Valley Town Tree Lighting. It was a nice tree. Here are a few pictures from our event.

This is the best picture I could get of the tree. It really is a nice tree.

Catherine eating a bag of popcorn.

This is Taylor and Aunt Chris. This is also what happens when Catherine has the camera.

Aunt Sherri in this one. Another fine Catherine picture.

Carolynn all bundled up.

One last thing, Carolynn has been working really hard on her blog. She has posted four days in a row now. She is doing the Holidailies challenge to post everyday from December 5 to January 6. She REALLY wants people to comment. I told her she would get more comments if she left some for people. I believe she went and left comments on several of your blogs. (All our family blogs, Trisha’s and maybe Ashley too.) If you got Carolynn comments, can you please leave her some comments too? She is very excited about this and it would be nice for her to get some comments.

Tomorrow is Sunday, no bell ringing. I have some more bell stories, but those can wait for another day. Susan hasn’t been back yet.

Gay Friday

Okay, so everyone knows, or should know, I am not gay. However, I do support gay rights. I have gay friends. I have gay relatives. I voted no on Prop 8.

I believe that everyone should have equal opportunity. My friend Teresa got married in August, and now her marriage, as well as many others, is in limbo. My aunts, who will have been together for 25 years in January, were going to tie the knot for their anniversary and now may not be given the opportunity. It is unfair.

So today, a week after Black Friday… I am announcing today will be Gay Friday here on my blog. Show your support. Click on the banner to the right for White Knot.org. Get the button for your website. Enjoy the video. In addition, enjoy these pictures. Remember, the word gay also means “happy and joyous”.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Grinchy Things You Can Do To Steal Christmas

1. Pee in the eggnog
2. Use fake snow to write a swear word on your neighbors window
3. Steal from the Salvation Army Bell Ringers (but not me)
4. Burn down a Christmas Tree farm
5. Cut the power cord to the town light display
6. Throw eggs at carolers
7. Give Santa the finger and call him a fake in front of all the kids at the mall
8. Break all the candy canes in boxes at the store
9. Go up to the Marines collecting Toys For Tots and call them a bunch of jarheaded monkey men
10. Feed the reindeer in the petting zoo a laxative
11. Melt Frosty with a blowtorch
12. Break all the Christmas CD’s
13. Have a heart 2 sizes too small

Wordless Wednesday

Carolynn and Diamond
November 2008
Apple Valley, California

Twitterpated

Someone explain this to me. I looked into it, and it seems a bunch of blogs I read, as well as people that I know, do this twitter thing. What I do not understand… What the hell is it? Is it a text message to the universe? Is it the world’s shortest blog post? What is it used for? Who is reading these things? I noticed them on several blogs, but I never really read them before. So what is it? What is it for? And most importantly, can I play too?

Edited: Okay, I signed up but am still lost and confused.

Edited Again: So how do I know when people I am following update? I am so lost.

Quiet

Maybe too quiet. I am not used to being home alone. David is off ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. The girls are at school. I am catching up on some shows and looking for jobs. (I do that every day.)

I still do not want to bring my doom and gloom to you. I made it through November, but now I have to make it through December. I hope that I can be employed before I have to try this through January. I am getting sick of this “my life is a downward spiral” stuff myself. Therefore, here is another picture.


This is a picture of Catherine the day she lost her first tooth. It was January of 2006. She was so excited. She was telling everyone. The tooth fairy came and brought her a buck. I can’t remember what she did with it. Probably bought candy.

The Return Of Susan

“Is your name Jennifer?”
Yes “Nope, sorry.”
“Really? So what’s your name?”
Jennifer “Susan”
“Susan What?”
“Bowman” (Not even close)
“Hmm… you look familiar. Where did you go to high school?”
Apple Valley “Eisenhower.” (That is where my mom went.)
“What year did you graduate?”
1995 “1992”
“Oh well, you look like a girl I went to high school with.”
“Oh, well, Merry Christmas.”

Yeah, I knew him all right. He and I went to high school together. We were not really friends; he was more of a boyfriend of a friend of a friend. My junior year of high school, I walked in on him and this friend of a friend getting busy in the girls bathroom at school. Being 16, I laughed my ass off, and then proceeded to tell everyone. Yep, I was an ass. Anyway, he and the girl hunted me down later and she yelled at me. She was crying because, as she said, I ruined their first time. Right there in the girls bathroom… in the science building.

Today was my third day of bell ringing for the Salvation Army. I did it last week on Wednesday, but there was not much to say about it. There were few people and it was raining. The people that did come were running to the store or to their cars to minimize getting wet. No one stayed to chat. David did it on Friday. He gathered a lot of money, but no one chatted him up. They were too busy shopping.

Today was a better day. Besides the fabulous person from high school, plenty of old folks chatted. Everyone seems to be tightening his or her belts. One of the old folks that came by today told me he had seen on the news somewhere that the bell ringers were not allowed to ring bells. They had to replace the inside of the bells with paper clips. Another person told me that he heard that people were faking that they were really with the Salvation Army and collecting the money for themselves.

I did not get too many cranky folks today. One woman from K-Mart was rather cranky. She kept telling me I was in her way. She was trying to pull these big heavy carts and she was having trouble. Twice they got away from her and almost hit folks. I would have been in her way down the street.

The worst part about standing out there all day… Smokers. K-Mart people come out on their breaks and other people smoke out there. They stand and smoke, sometimes within feet of my kettle. I am sorry, but that is a disgusting habit. I do not care if you are a smoker reading this, it is nasty. It gives me a headache. It smells terrible. It makes it hard to breathe.

In addition, since many little kids put money in my kettle, I bought a huge bag of Dum Dum suckers to give them. They empty their tiny wallets to help the needy. I give them a tiny lolly. It is only fair.

That is all today.