Ouch!!!

After my last pathetic post, decided today was a day for change - for getting something done - making some kind of progress! Things I thought about doing included knitting (so, ok, I did some of that), baking a pie (nope - not gonna happen today), making cookies (also not happening today). I felt in the mood to kill something and vent frustration. Even though the thermometer read 90 degrees, figured it is supposed to rain today, how bad can it be? (Pretty darned bad!)

I slipped on my rubber sandals and headed for the garage. Have meant to pull weeds forever, and decided today was it. (Nope - today WASN'T it!) Got to the yard and immediately started hacking down trash trees along the fence, behind the lilac bushes, the lillies, and all the good stuff that's out there dying because I refuse to pay so much for water. Pulled down mulberry trees and honeysuckle and some kind of vine with thousands - no, billions - of tiny little thorns! Once I had established a nice pile of this utter chaos, went about hacking it up with my clippers - mainly because I'm exceedingly cheap and the refuse bags they force me to use cost 50 cents apiece.

With only one "break" and, so far, only one blister, the fence is much cleaner and you can actually tell which plants are supposed to be there. Next - I will paint them with Roundup and hopefully kill the freaking pests!

Boring Unemployment

With tons of time on my hands, what's a girl to do???

My pirate name is:

Mad Bess Kidd

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

I Need a Job!!

Ok - today's Day 4 of official unemployment, unofficial "vacation."

I've managed to make some "important" calls, had a friend actually drop by - then force me into the front yard to pick up downed branches and limbs from the storm! Yesterday it finally cooled off a bit, so it was designated "errand day." Started out visiting the local yarn shop to buy 5" No. 2 needles - and they didn't have any for the second time . . . had everything else, but not these. Arrgh! (Came home and ordered them from an internet source.) Then dropped off some printouts about Denis Leary for my hairdresser who seems to have developed a "thing" for him and his firefighter causes. On to the hardware store to buy piano wire so I can finally block the Pacific Northwest shawl I finished March 8th. Then hit the grocery store.

Now, I've been working the last 9.5 months and have forgotten the laws of weekday daytime shopping. NEVER GO TO THE GROCERY STORE DURING A 15 HOUR SALE. Every grandpa, grandma, nursing home resident, and mother with 12 children under the age of 5 is there, stocking up. After the storm, I was terrified of buying much in case they decided to turn off the electricity again. Just enough for a few days. Which means - I ended up trying to shop IN THE MORNING AT THE 15 HOUR SALE. Omigod! How awful is that???

So, today, I had to go through some more of my aunt's stuff - travel books, brochures, postcards, and pictures. Some of our trip in 1969, some of another trip she made in 1983. And ran across this picture . . . .

(Sorry about the glare off the original snapshot, but couldn't resist!) Can you believe this? I not only remember this place in France, but remember USING IT, and then regaling my friends and family with stores about it! You put your feet on the sides (where indicated), do your business and FLUSH THE FLOOR! See??? It actually exists!

So all the quilt tops, travel books, and old knitting projects have been sent to the basement (where they will be rediscovered upon my death). I still have to hang a few pictures and take the rest down for storage, but . . . .

I NEED TO GO BACK TO WORK! I NEED A REST!

Made it Through Day One

So, Sunday evening was nice. Not that "oh, I have to get ready for the work week again" thing. This morning I slept till 8:30, had a leisurely breakfast, did dishes, watched TV and knitted all day.

No revelations, no burst of creative energy, no 180 degree change of direction to a new career in writing or catering or cookie baking. So far, since I left the job on Friday, have cleaned, done laundry, cleaned, done dishes, cleaned, knitted, signed up for unemployment, cooked, and cleaned. My car hasn't left the garage, nor have I worn shoes, since Friday. I haven't even poked my nose outside, since it's been over 100 degrees out there since Friday . . . . Just too hot!

I did, however, make a discovery. If you have VoIP, set to simultaneously ring your home and cell phone, and your cell phone battery goes completely dead . . . . . so does your home phone. Sort of sympathy ring, I think. The whole mess just dumps directly into voice mail on, of all places, the cell phone. Make some sense, I suppose, if you look at it in a warped and mysterious way . . .

Anyway, on to Day Two. Sure hope this doesn't last a long time! I have learned valuable lessons, however . . . Don't begin your job hunt by calling every temp firm in the region. This leads to temp jobs, not permanent ones with benefits. Do keep detailed records of all your job applications - unemployment wants to know you're looking. Never, ever, under any circumstances, answer the phone in the morning if you are not entirely awake! Let it roll to voice mail and claim unavailability. Let all your friends and family know you're looking - you never know who they know. Guess that's a good start.

Anybody in St. Louis need a devoted, honest, hard working, intelligent Business Analyst with Access whiz? Am also MOS certified, A+ and Network+ certified, and a darned nice person. Just leave a comment - I promise, I'll contact you!

The End of Another . . . . Job . . . .

After being laid off from my job at Wyeth in November of 2003, I've had about six temp/contract positions doing differing things at various places. And by far and away, leaving the job I've worked at for the last nine and a half months today has been the most difficult. Unfortunately, the budget wouldn't support me any longer.

I started last October updating customer websites, and once that kind of petered out in mid-November, I was picked up by another manager working on a very specific database project. Apparently, that went so well that my duties grew to where I was still doing a task for the first manager, another updating specific websites for someone else, and a boatload of high-profile databases for the new manager.

Now, you must understand - these managers are a hoot! They are very bright, knowledgeable men, and both are adept at changing from detail freaks to happy, joking co-workers in the blink of an eye. Other people were helpful getting my rusty Access skills back up to semi-expert level, and still others gently pointed me in the right directions as I hunted for data, people's desks, and so forth. We all teased each other mercilessly, and that basically made work beyond enjoyable.

Personally, I feel that all these folks are very good friends now. It seems nobody really wanted me to leave - especially my boss - and everyone hopes I will be back very soon. There is a possibility of a position to which I've applied in the same department. After the cookies this morning and the "farewell ice cream party" they had for me this afternoon, it's doubtful anybody would want to be in her place. It's like everybody who knows me and what I can do will be bugging her to bring me back. Right now, it is my only hope, but I will keep looking there and hoping to return.

I am purposefully not naming the company - they have been wonderful to me and I will cherish the time spent working there.

Lots-o-Fun

Had a nice week - at least the evenings! Still working temp, and waiting news on the great job I interviewed for the end of June. When I last checked there was no decision yet, but they said they would let everybody know once they had singled out a candidate. I've still had no letter of regret, so am still a bit hopeful. But, in all honesty, have convinced myself I won't get it, even tho it feels like a perfect fit. Just the way my luck seems to run.

Michael and Angela came home Monday from the Baltimore, MD, area and took my "grand dog," Lazlo, home. Miss the silly mutt for some reason. He didn't give me a moment's peace, but maybe that's a good thing!

Tuesday, Wendy, my niece, came over and we went to a 30% off yarn sale at Myer House - a great yarn shop near my house. She went slightly nuts, but I managed to be a bit more reserved due to my finances. Anyway, I got a nice Regia blue stripey yarn (1932) for a pair of socks and some #1 needles. Tiny! Next week, they have 40% off bags of yarn.

Wednesday, I was left to my own devices, and didn't do anything special, but Thursday, Michael and Angela took me to dinner at IHOP - my favorite place for breakfast at dinner time. We had a very nice evening!

Last nite, again, nothing special, but since I'm not accustomed to so much activity during the week, it was nice. Today, went back to Myer's House and got another pair of socks' worth of yarn (Regia 5729), and one that makes a pattern to make a Harlequin Hat (Regia 5178)for little Lindsay. Hopefully, that will keep me out of trouble a while! Also, finishing up a pair of knitted anklets for my best friend's niece. They'll be here the second week of August, so not too much time left (that's precisely why they're anklets!)

Also, been disassembling Wendy's mohair sweater - she ended up hating it, and it wouldn't fit me, so I am meticulously unraveling it. It is very similar to trying to unwind cotton candy. What a job! All the little hairs float around and tickle your nose! They've also ended up in every mouthful of food I've had at home since I started!

I am considering putting in an application to work as a craft instructor at the Michael's craft store in Florissant. Would add to my cash and would hopefully be a lot of fun! Will keep you posted.

It has been WAY too hot to be outside much, but am glad it finally decided to rain a while here - thanks to Hurricane Dennis. Kinda like my life - feast or famine. Either we are bone dry for weeks on end, or it rains buckets every darned day! At least the grass is greening up, and the garden hasn't completely died yet, so there may be hope.

I will post some pictures of my newest hand-knit socks on my needlework blog soon - and maybe the little hat once it's finished.

Summer Update

Well - things are going . . . . . going . . . .

Yeah. Anyway. Looks like the job I've been working at will be ending sometime in the next week or two. Been looking (as ever) for my next gig and hoping for a "keeper." Hopefully everybody who knows me (and some who don't) will be keeping their fingers crossed for me, too!

Big event of last week: Actually noticing when the car rolled over to 111, 111.1 miles. What a deal! Kinda fun, in an odd sorta way.

Biggest event in the yard this week - the wren who found the perfect place to nest - enclosed with a HUGE picture window! She built a lovely little mud/moss/stick/leaf nest in my barbeque pit! Of course, I'm too soft-hearted to move her out. Besides, she'd probably peck me!

Potato Update! The potatoes were planted in a half-barrel and grew out of that, so I installed a 24" chicken wire cylinder over that, and they've grown out of that, too! I just tucked some leaves around the edges and kept filling it with dirt to encourage more tubers. Can hardly wait now until I get to harvest them. Just about everybody I know is curious what will be there - including me! I will update with pictures when the time comes.

The garden is growing it's head off! The chicken wire fence still has not been breached so I now have eggplants, tomatoes, green beans, purple beans, cucumber plants, lettuce, beets, and squash and some mystery stuff (not sure, but is growing in a straight row, so I must have planted it!). All I ask for is just one meal with purple beans and cheese sauce!!!

For Father's Day, just couldn't get up the excitement to bake the "traditional" butterscotch pies, so managed a butterscotch cheesecake, instead. Think it was a hit - it's pretty well gone now! Grace fixed lasagna, Wendy made a salad, and Kelly and Jason supplied the entertainment - in the form of six month-old Lindsay. I also FINALLY got some pictures! Am thrilled and had to show those off at work today. It was a very nice day!

More pictures will be on the way soon!

Been A Boring Couple Weeks

Am doing this post in large type for my friends who are (like myself) vision impaired! Nothing much happening on the job scene. I feel stronger than ever that President G.W. Bush has no idea what unemployment is really like. He's promoting raising the age of retirement. Does he realize that it's tough to find a job after 50? I'm 55 now, and been unemployed and under-employed for the last year and a half! I can't imagine having to do this beyond 65. Welfare is beginning to look good! Now, get off the soapbox!

Anyway, have completed all my knitting projects and fooled around with some Ukrainian Easter Eggs, but my heart's just not in it right now. Have been trying to blog some stuff on the Ukrainian Egg blog, but can't seem to get the pictures to come through. I've become VERY good at some ownline games . . . and offline games like Roller Coaster Tycoon and Zuma. Still a bit chilly most of the time for yard work, and anything I plant generally gets eaten by those clever, cute bunnies.

The only joy in my life is seeing just how well the slinky and Pam works to thwart the squirrels. It is amazing how long my bird food lasts! Of course, there's a Mockingbird who guards it like it is totally his own. This morning, I watched a squirrel try five times in a row to climb the pole. He must think the slinky will help him - he jumps from the ground up and grabs it, then goes for a ride! What fun!

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's day, and am looking forward to Dad's traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner - I volunteered to bring a dessert. Just not sure what at this point. Guess I'd better figure something out!

So, now you see where the blog gets its name - Yes, I'm totally bored with life at this point. But did have a phone call this morning from a recruiter for a three-month position. Will see what becomes of it. Typically, nothing. Sigh.

Unemployment to the Rescue!!!

Just when I thought it was safe to spend a few bucks on the “new” computer . . . unemployment rears its ugly head again!!! Just so you have an idea – I’m officially running out of file folders. My desk drawer has a folder for each current job . . . where I keep pay stubs and the like. Well – between every job folder there seems to be unemployment folders of varying thicknesses!

Right before Christmas, everything was so groovy. New job on the way at a 73% increase (who could pass that up, right?), enjoying the last hurrahs at the temp job at Avanade that I loved so much, not to mention Christmas, itself. Yep – life was GRAND!

Then, three (count them – 3) days into the new job, I was unceremoniously dumped on my ass back into unemployment and reality. Reason given – the employer’s requirements had changed. What’s up with that?? How stupid can one company be?? (See Pfizer post below.) Ok – so I will disappear once again. Granted, it’s only been a week and a half, and I’ve only sent out about 53 resumes and called everybody I can think of, including complete strangers. But – geesh? How much of this can one person handle? It seems I may find out!!

Now – retirement is calling my name . . . “Sylvia!” Ok – so I’m not quite there yet. But, for crying out loud – I will be 55 on February 4th!! That wonderful, long-sought-after senior citizen discount card is nearly in my grasp!!! And me without a spare nickel to spend!! How unfair can life possibly be?????

Ok – I needed a gripe session – and this is it. Believe me – there’s lots more crap rolling around in my head that we won’t even nick the surface on. I’ve had my “bawl bath,” but I could certainly use a nice, strong shoulder to lean on and a wonderful guy to pat me on the back and murmur that “it’ll be ok, sweetie” while I cry. Yeah – like THAT’s gonna happen!!!

I will put on my happy face, click my heels together three times, and whisper with everything in my soul . . . “There’s nothing like a good job with benefits . . . there’s nothing like a good job with benefits . . . there’s . . .” Well, you get the idea. Please think good thoughts for me and anybody else you know who’s unemployed. This is no fun, and there’s no other way in the world to feel so absolutely small and completely alone . . .

Beware of Pfizer

Enemy Mine

Just a note to the wise - after only three days at Pfizer, I was released with no real reason given. I've worked for 3.5 years at Wyeth in the pharmaceutical industry and never seen a woman leave the restroom without washing her hands before working at Pfizer. These folks knew I left the job at Avanade - one I truly loved - because they offered me a 73% increase. And then they pull this stunt?? How can any employer treat employees like dirt? And they take such pride in being one of America's "Top 100 Places to Work". What a crock.

So, once again I'm unemployed due to no fault of my own. Heck - three days is barely time to learn a new employee's name!! much less how they will truly perform their duties.

Beware of jobs at Pfizer - I've interviewed with them before and should have stuck by my knowledge that those people are all idiots. No wonder they're having problems . . .

Life Development

I'm not sure when my life spiraled out of my control, but I've been busy, busy, busy! Grace and I are working on stained glass, I'm helping with a friend's computer, painting/stenciling/antiquing kitchen cabinets, and visiting other friends, along with the usual shopping, cleaning, laundry, trash, cooking, yardwork and working (finally!) that goes along with life in general. After eight months of unemployment, I got used to having all the time in the world to run errands and do my little projects. Now, it seems there aren't enough hours in the day to get it all done! Last night, for example, I found myself grocery shopping at 10 p.m., mainly because I was out of essentials - bread, milk, lunch fixins. It all seems to get done eventually, but some of my projects are moving at a much slower pace while I seem to be moving at a much more hectic one these days!