Not an interview for me

I check my email like any other American who is obsessive and addicted to the Internet. There low and behold are 2 emails from the Alabama teacher job search site. Whoo who! the first one I read: Call by this time and date to set up an interview for the following positions. I call. Then asked my name, of course I give it. Then here is the best part: Oh, you received the email as a mistake. I ask, How did this occur? Oh we clicked on the wrong name. Followed by "click". So now here I am without a job interview and no explanation. Now that is depressing, upsetting and pisses me off. I don't know what is better, to have the interview and not get the job or just not having the information regarding the interview.

I have actually been trying to get to the gym. I have gone twice this week. I want to go tomorrow as well, but it depends on if Don is working or not. He needs to take a day of to register the RV in AL as well as do a few other things around the house. I was hoping he was going to take yesterday off so we could have had lunch at the park. Wilson park does music in the park every Wednesday from 11-1. I hope he takes a Wednesday off this summer so we can do lunch and enjoy music together.

It is so wonderful to be able to hang laundry outside in the sunshine. I did laundry today and then it began to cloud over as I am hanging it on the line. Oh well-bring it to the porch and put it on the drying rack. It still has not begun to rain, but it is dark out. I do know when it begins to rain-the frogs will start croaking. I wish I could post an example of their loud volume.

I sent the application to HR for fostering children. I hope they contact us soon. I think that will give me purpose and I won't have to open a child care/babysitting service. I know we have classes to take as well as CPR and first aide but that is part of the process. I just think I need a purpose that involves children and since it looks like I am not going to give birth to one at any time-this would be a great way to give to the next generation.

It is another Monday. the month of may is half way over. I have begun to accept that I won't have a teaching position in Alabama. It is sooo political and hard to find a job. I even went to a tutoring site. I did get a request and am working on finalizing the necessary things before I can accept the postion. I think one of us has to be vested. i think that is what i am looking for word wise. It would be tutoring a rising 6th grader in math. I am open to do anything. I do hope this leads to further income.
I had a yard sale over the weekend. Southerners are so southern. I was able to meet many of my neighbors. I am not going to remember any one's name or even where they live. Of course they told me both and gave specific directions. Then I was asked if we had found a church yet. That was the clincher to let me know they were my neighbors. I was invited to at least 5 different churches. It was even described to me the preaching that goes on and the times for bible study. I gave up saying I was goign to a synagouge in Florence after the 3rd blank stare I recieved. i think many of my neighbors (ok most of the south) has not met a Jewish person before.
the yard sale got rid of a lot of stuff. Of course there is still more to sell. That will wait for another month. I figure having a yard sale at least every other month would be a good thing. I think the next one will have to wait until August due to the impending heat that will happen in both June and July. I may not wait because June may be the best time to set up even for one day. I just found it was wierd that Friday brought in more money than Saturday. I only made $45 on Saturday while i brought in over $150 on Friday. I did not count the change that I was paid in, it was just an easier way to keep track-counting bills is so much easier.
I do know I need to create a time line and time management plan for myself. I think I will use the white board in the kitchen to help with this. Listing what I need to do, down to the dusting, vacuuming and laundry. I think that will help me with completing everything in the ohouse in a timely manner. that will with getting the house in order finally! now i just have to put it into motion and follow through.

It's a Monday

This morning as I type-Our whole sale company is on my crappy list. I had an order to be placed and they of course do not have the item. I made an executive decision and sent a replacement. I figured I would make the customer happy and screw the the overhead and the profit. I need to go into the site (eBay) and add the disclaimer and take what is gone/out of stock off the site. These are all new items. This is really getting old and tiresome.

I am still not working and this is becoming more frustrating! No income. No prospects of having an income. I am going to apply for unemployment but I have to wait until the middle of June. Then I can apply but i may not qualify. I hope I do qualify and can collect something. Even if it is just enough to cover the outstanding debt/bills I have. That way they are paid off and money can be put aside to pay the taxes on the money.

Another Mother's Day is over. Again I am still not a biological mother. I am a step mother and grandmother. I am becoming aware that we may not have our own children. It is disheartening and makes me a bit sad. OK it makes me a lot sad, but I am coming to accept it. between age and pcos, I know that it would be close to a miracle to have a child at this time. The reading and writing of that makes me a feel a bit more accepting about the issue. it is still sad, but I am able to better comprehend it.

Don and I talked about the money in my savings account. He was amazed how much was there, I was shocked that there isn't more. We discussed where the money went-taxes, blinds for the windows, glassware...we discussed how he will pick up the bills I still have outstanding once he puts them into his budget. That way I am not using the money from the savings account. I feel so crappy taking money like that, and not contributing any money into the house.

I am going to start to push the new web site. I have to put it on all correspondence and also put it on the ebay pages.

www.bugmainstore.com

Quick but lots to say

Today I went into Huntsville. I am not going to say how come, but I will say I brought all kinds of paper with me with details I need to fill out forms with. I do not want to jinx anything for employment so I am not saying anything.
I put some dirt into the garden today. Don put some in as well. He does not think we have enough dirt (in our pile) I think we do. We are just going to have to fill it to find out. I aim to put more wheel barrel fulls in tomorrow after I go to PT and the gym.
The weather people say we are going to get these BIG storms moving in this weekend. I want to get as much dirt/soil in before the rain. THat way the rain can help to flatten and move the soil to the various areas.
I am beginning to regret this course of study. It is more work than i thought and most of it does not pertain to anything I have ever done in the past. I just hope it helps me get a job. that is the big thing right now.
I had my anxiety moment-a bit more than a moment....all the what ifs
what if...
I don't get a job
the money in the savings account runs out
there is not a guarenteed income for me
i don't have any money
i can't pay the bills i need to pay

i know i am married and it is team work. but i don't think don needs to worry about my debt before we got married. i am hoping to bring in money from the web sites.
Lets keep our fingers crossed and hope!

Trip and Return

I survived the trip to RHode Island. I don't know if it was great or rotten. I saw so many friends that I have not seen since moving to Alabama and a few that I have not seen in years. Debbe's house looks amazing (ok it is the outside-since Hannah is not allowed to be around people or have people in the house - germs). Chemo, radiation, transplant-they really turn your world upside down. Hannah is in good spirits though. Debbe is desperate for a job -but she wants to stay near home. I don't blame her.
I saw Lucy who I have not seen since DOn and I started dating. We discussed the why and how come and came to the conclusion that SHiela was overbearing, rude and determined to keep everyone seperate so she could always be the center of attention. We both have not spoken to her in a number of years, me since Don and I started dating and Lucy since her wedding. Neither of us have spoken to her for over 8 years. That is totally amazing-Lucy and I went back to where it was with us before we parted.
The worst part was seeing Grandma. She laid into me about NOT visiting my aunt. I had enough and told her how I felt. It was not fair that she did not come to our wedding, only came to the reception. Gram was pushing it and brought in the fact that mom doesn't call her. MOm has no reason to call her. I realized that in all my years, I have never spoken up for myself to gram. It was about time. It was horrible and rotten. Shemade me feel really bad.
I saw the doll that gram gave me at the doll hospital in Newport. It was absolutely beautiful. the hair (human) is the same color as gram's and aunt bertha's. It was up in curlers, and the arms need to be reattached with leather supports. THey are also making period clothes for her. I hope she is done soon.
I am thinking of having my two dutch dolls fixed and updated with a cleaning there. THey have some amazing things in the store.
Don was at the airport-the plane was delayed for 45 minutes in D.C. We sat on the tarmac...oh joy. We finally made it home...
I will say the showcase went well. it was a bit long-5 hours! i think 3-4 hours would have worked a lot better. The raffle was fixed. the woman who made the quilt also won the raffle. so not fair!
there is so much i want to add but i need to get moving to P.T. for my elbow and wrist. THen off to the gym and picking up soda for lunches.

spring is in the air

Everything is totally green. It was almost like an overnight thing. The air quality is good and not too humid yet. The sun is shining. I am loving hanging laundry out in the line. Not only saving on the electric bill, but going green.

Flying to RI tomorrow. Still got a lot of work to do for class....conference call now! Great team so far. I am team leader for the video project and pulling the video project together.

I have lots to plant when our raised garden is ready. corn, beans, onion, radishes, carrots, broccoli, lettuce...yum yum


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Boy it has been a long time since I have posted. I need to make a big effort to post daily. It has been a busy few weeks. Between class, the house, taxes...

Well, I will begin with saying isn't he cute?


Don is ready for mowing the acreage-all 10 acres. It takes about 4-6 hours depending upon how anal he can be with the clippings. What you can't see are the sandals pre-boots.
Don went to a "conference" in Chicago over the weekend. He said it was basically a sales pitch but he did learn a few things. And made some connections/contacts.

I made it throught 2 classes on line. Only about a million to go! The second one really kicked ass with work and difficulty. Then I go to check my grade (which was a B-hey I actually passed!) and I am locked out of the site. Now keep in mind class begins on Wed. this is Mon. I spent at least 5 hours on the phone Mon to find out that no where in my file is it stated I am to be blocked or why. Yup 5 hours I cannot get back! Finally I was sent to the registrar and was told that I had to have Wheelock College send a transcript (official) to Kaplan. OK. Now comes the question: WHy was I not told this in the past THREE months!? No call or email from my academic advisor nothing! He in fact did not call unitl Tues. and told me that I may want to think about taking a leave of absence for the class. That is an option--BUT--the paperwork had to be signed and faxed and approved prior to class beginning. I did not get any forms until Wed. Cosmo called and was more concerned than my advisor...I went through a clearing house to have the transcript fedexed to Kaplan. I still could not get on line to start class....not until Thurs. night. Mary was concerned also-she sent me the assignments for the first week. Woo Hoo!

Alabama has not refunded tax refunds in over two years. That means we are not getting a check from AL this year and I am out $1500. Ok that means it is more of 2 months of salary and I have to really not spend anything extra only focus on the bills. I really need a job!

I will say I splurged. Yup I did it, spent money I don't have! I bought beautiful glasses and a pitcher from crate and barrel. I also bought window treatments for the great room. I am going to hang them later and take a picture. I do hope all the things we need are in the long box.

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It is FRIDAY

There have been some signs of spring appearing slowly. Hopefuly the weekend will bring warmer weather. It is being forecast to be warmer. That mean it is time to sow the seeds for our garden. We need to set up the garden too. It is time to get ready to save some money on veggies!!
THis is called procrastination. I have a paper due and I have noooo desire to begin the research on it.
Just great simply marvelous. All this time and no desire to work on the important things to do. After PT I am going to work out and pick up yarn for a project I want to enter into a knitting contest. It is for a "shawl" I am going to create a "shawl" with cables. I want to make it for don. THen if i like it i willmake a few more to sell. I am also putting the mini christmas stockings on the site for sale also.

it is tuesday

Today is Tuesday, another day with out a job. I have decided to move on with the job thing. I have continued to apply on line with AL schools. I am also looking at Monster.com and have registered there as well.
I figure, I will continue to work on the business masters and try for business positions. I hope to have something before Don calls it quits at TVA. I know he is frustrated and does not want to continue to work for someone. He has been working on starting his internet business and getting it up and running. I know it is hard for him. He did not really want to go back to work when he retired from the navy.
I need to focus on finishing my final paper for the first masters class. I will finish this note and continue to work on that. I have to turn in the final copy this evening. I want to have a bit of time to reread what I wrote. I also have to do a final focus paper on why I chose a certain paper for my personal file.

Been a LOOONG time

I have not written in quite a while and i feel guilty and overwhelmed by all that has happened in the past few months.
My lap top died-then i killed another lap top then don's lap top had issues. I finally am able to use a lap top without feeling guilty or the fear or it no longer working. My lap top had a warranty still in effect so I did the right thing and sent it back to the manufacturer.
Now i have been selling some things on eBay. So far I have made almost $700 from selling a few things on the Internet. I hope to make more money by selling a few other things. Don and I are talking about starting an Internet store through eBay.
The latest news:
I had an interview last week. It may take almost a month to know if I have the job or not. The interview was with Franklin County for a position to teach reading with "delinquents" the at risk population. A this time, I would be happy to have any type of job that brings a pay check
I had a colonoscopy today. There were polyps to be removed-benign! yeah But I have to go back for another one in 5 years. Don does not have to have one for 10 years.
Bandit has a yeast infection on his paws-it took moving to AL to find this out considering the VA vet told me that the redness and chewing was due to nerves...
Found a great pet sitter. No one will ever replace Bobbi, but Sue like the dogs and of course they like her. The test will be while we are away for Turkey day. Of course I am leaving a more detailed take of their day than necessary-but the more info the better she will be with the animals and the better I will feel leaving her with them.
I have begun to remove wallpaper from almost every wall int he house where there is wall paper. I have some pictures to post because the wall paper is laughable... it is really bad. There are 2-3 layers in some places. In order to paint, I need to take as much down as possible, then prime the walls and THEN paint. I need to do the trim prior to painting the walls. I think in the hall I would like to do a strip above the chair rail and solid below using the alternate color in the decorative squares. The top strips would be the same color-but one would be matte and the other would be glossy. So the bottom would have the matte on the wall and the glossy in the square...I may change the bottom idea to using a totally different color-i have given it thought but I am still not sure.
I have con't to go to gym and workout-but I am becoming a bit depressed about not going to work instead.
Dad fell into the grandfather clock. He nearly cut his jugular when he fell- but instead cut his head and arm. THe clock needs new glass and some work on the wood. They are done with the clock at their house and having us take it with us when we come for turkey. Mom also has a box (I think it must be a room by now) of things for us to take with us.
So much more has happened in the past few months-but there is no way to put it all on paper (computer).

Home Time

Today began as any other Sunday. Coffee! Of course neither of us began doing much of anything until after 10:00, unlike yesterday where we were outside working on the yard before 8:00. Don began with taking the chain link fence down at the tennis court. That was a lot of work for anyone. He only took down 3 sections due to the immense work that is needed. I began the final stages of the pond.
The sand is down, the gravel/rocks are down, the "defining" rocks between the rocks and sand are down. They still need to be pushed around and moved to better spots. I also have to put more rocks in the back areas. First I have to take the pump out and then put a new pump in and a water feature. we want the water feature to recycle the water. We also need to put in a better or new filter. I am thinking it will have to be new. tomorrow I am heading out to find a new filter and pump. I am also going to ask about water features.
We had to fight to open windows. Literally push and bang and hammer and use all types of things to deface the paint. It is cooler outside then inside and we need to open some windows. We can open some windows now a bit easier. We decided that replacement windows need to happen first then we can worry about gutters and the otter things we needs for the outside of the house. Windows would help with electric bills and opening and closing windows. It would be nice to open and close when the weather is cooler.
I need to remember to take pictures of the work we have accomplished today. I want to make sure to add them to the blog and put them into the house before and after photo album.
Tomorrow is now the day to get a job! I have to drive out to the schools I applied to recently and find what my status is. Doing this is a real pain in the butt.

another saturday afternoon....

Here it is another weekend at our home. We of course like many, have a list of things to do. We first went to Lowe's to get the necessary tools-faucet for tub and spigot to replace the one there. That way we can have FULL water pressure during a shower.
This is what Don did prior to fixing the tub....of course it meant driving to the local "fix-it" place for plaster and a "nipple" to extent the piping. Now we need to get 6 new tiles to cover the paster.

This is what I call Beeeeutiful wall paper. This is what is below the wall paper in the office. This crap is so hard to get off the walls. It is like it was painted on the wall. I do figure that it has been on the wall for over 30 years and a strong glue was used. Then they put the new wallpaper over it. Of course not taking the old off the wall.

This little green guy was trying to hide in the elephant leaf. Duh-the leaf is red and he is green hence the picture.

After the lowe's experience it was off to wal-mart. I only had to pick up a few things. I am so amazed that you cannot find FRESH fish here. I had to purchase frozen flounder fillets. I am already missing my fresh seafood. The one type you can find here by the bussells is cat fish. I am not a cat fish person. I don't really care for it at all.

We are heading to the drive in tonight. Going to see G-Force and the new GI Joe movie. It has been so long since I have been to the drive in! WOW!

Paying all bills

Today was the day to pay bills, oh what fun it is to write checks and put stamps on envelopes. I had to go to the bank to get a certified check. I wanted to make sure that Bank of America could not deny my car's final payment. It felt good to put that in the mail. I have paid it off 11 months early. WHOO HOO! Thank heavens for parents who think that a great house warming gift can help pay off a car, we are going to get a porch furniture set with the money. That is what the check they sent was for and that is what we will use it for.
I found a simple set at Wal Mart yesterday after we came home from Sam's. wanted to pick up the few things that we still needed that Sam's did not have or were to expensive. I did pick up the majority of our staples (pasta/rice) while at Sam's. It is hard to believe that the few things we did purchase added up to over $200. Where does the money go?
i am focused on organizing the house and putting furniture in different rooms. i am still not sure where i am putting all the furniture. i know we need a book case in the living room. i moved grandma's desk into the family room. i don't know if it will stay there though. i do have all the furniture in the living room except for the book case. i want to move some furniture around in the bedroom and finish putting things aways in there.
I talked to Kathy yesterday and she sounded very happy. that is about her job but she and rob are not doing well they are going to officially separate in the next few weeks. I did recieve a letter real snail mail! from Arlene. It was wonderful to hear from her. The oldest boys were with their grandparents in AZ and the youngest was going to be with his father for a week. I can't believe we have been out of college for so long. I am amazed that we have known each other for so long.
I have also been checking Debbe's blog on caring bridge. Hannah has been discharged from Children's and they are now at Ronald McDonald house boston near the hospital. I know Debbe is being strong for her daughter and doing what is needed to make her healthy. I would never wish this on anyone! I know deep inside of myself that I want Hannah to be 100% better especially now that the bone marrow transplate has taken. I do wonder how Debbe would handle if Hannah relapsed or passed away. I know it is hard to deal with but I also know Debbe well enough to say she may even go opposite and shut herself down.
Don mowed the lawn yesterday. It usually is not very eventful. But there is always a first time. He tried to mow one of the hills and got the ride on mower stuck. Then to get it out he ended up getting the big truck stuck-"I wanted to take the hill out" He needed help to get the truck out and then bring the van to the driveway again. I wish I had taken pictures of the disaster. But we have dirt to fill the holes we have in the yard.
there are so many things i want to take picutres of: the frogs in the pond, the way Don's tree is growing (survived being mowed by Ron and being dug up and replanted), the silly things that davidson has begun to do, the beauty in our yard, the architecture in the town. I read a great idea in a magazine. A person did a blog through pictures. She took a picture everyday when she woke up. I like the idea of taking a picture everyday. I think I will begin to do that, now where did i put the batteries for the digital camera?

Official Start

well i have given some thought to my blogging while ironing today... I am known for haivng aimless thoughts and sometimes making no sense at all. I am trying to remain on task when i think and put ideas together.

in the south i have found people are more friendly than in the north. i went and had the car oil changed. part of the oil change included (free) 25 point inspection...would i get that at previous place? only part of what was inspected. found i need new brakes. oh yeah 390-- yeah like i have that in my back pocket without an income. put off the brakes and came home. the nice part is had a phone call from the manager at the car dealer...noticed you need major work to your car. it concerns me when clients need this amount of work and do not have it done. did you recieve a quote today on the cost of brakes? (yes) i can make a deal with you to lower the price. -he called back with a lower quote and Don told me that paying under $350 for brakes and pads is a good deal when all four brakes are being fixed.

i had my meltdown when i read the mail though. the usual monthly bill from the orthopedic surgeon from my shoulder surgery in march. the bill was down to $800--and now it almost at $2000--How can you shoot up a bill that much in less than a month? i get a bill from the dr office almost monthly and I pay what i can. This is due to previous insuranc not willing to pay more than 20%. I have to call the dr's office then have them contact insurance and I have to contact insurance-it is a never ending cycle! i think it would not be as bad as i make it out to be because i do not have an income and feel like crap.

the dogs are loving having someone home. both know when something is wrong and try to do their best to make me feel better-they try to sit in my lap and they are not lap dogs. over 80lbs each. lap and dog does not work....the cats on the other hand sit in my lap and head butt me until i give them some attention. that is ok. the dogs (Smokey & Bandit) are a mix of dalmation and lab and are brother and sister. the cats on the other hand- Harley was adopted first even before the dogs and Davidson was adopted bacause he looks like the dogs (white with black spots)

i feel that i am over reacting. everyone tells me not to worry. something will come up soon and I will be working soon. i should enjoy the time that i am not working and figure on getting the house ready and empty all the boxes...i try but then bills come in that need to be paid so the cycle begins again..

Count down to official unemployment

Here it is only a few days away from the startof work for "new" teachers. I have applied for positions here from the start of March and I am still waiting for a job an interview or even a letter stating someone else was hired. Is it my northern schooling? my accent? not graduating from a college here? It was not a problem in VA to find a job. There were moments that i was worried-but I was hired with in weeks of moving and interviewing. I think I have applied for over 200 positions! This is highly frustrating and depressing.
Don has been here since April and finds nothing wrong with the wait. He andI agree that I need to start looking around at other options. I have been looking into museums and some retail options. I am setting to contact various museums in the next week. That way I can contact the directors prior to mailing out resume' and letttes of interest. I don't mind volunteering as an alternative but I don't want someone paying my debts. I feel that is my responsibility. Kim keeps telling me we are married and we share. I just have issues with that.