SweetiesMom

Autumn in New England

Sweetie's Mom — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:08:00 GMT

Happy October! Out here in New England, we're enjoying the most beatiful time of year. Such bright, crisp air. Such lovely leaves. Warm apple cider to sip by the crackling fire. Autumn in New England can't be beat.

We three are especially excited because this coming weekend we're finally going to an annual apply picking party that our friends have hosted for the last 4 or 5 years. We were able to go to their first apple picking party, but every year since we've had previous plans.

This year - we will be there! Yay!

We're also looking forward to the Keene Pumpkin Festival later this month - an annual street festival that we always attend with friends.

There is one autumn activity I have yet to experience - but hope to find the time soon. I want to go to a corn maze. Maybe one like this. I think Sweetie would absolutely love it! And Hubby and I - puzzle lovers that we are - would work well and have a ton of fun discovering the correct path out of the maze.

We just better get to this activity sooner rather than later - I don't know how many years more my legs will carry me such a long and winding distance at one time.

My Own Fault

Sweetie's Mom — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:57:00 GMT

Well, well, well... I've got my weekly chiropractic visit scheduled for tomorrow morning and it seems as if I have done nothing that I was supposed to have done in preparation.

Okay, welll not "in preparation for" so much as, I haven't changed anything about where I sit when I'm at the computer, how I sit there, or other such things that I should be doing in life in general to potentially decrease my continuing back pain.

In one sense, I think I have it in my mind that my back pain is what it is - nothing's going to make it better, I just have to deal with it.

But on the other hand, when I think about it, I realize all the many varied things my chiropractor has suggested that I do to decrease the pain.

- basic pilates core work.

- basic yoga.

- sit at my desk with a pillow behind my lower back for lumbar support.

- when I sit on the floor (as I am wont to do whenever Sweetie wants to play a game), sit on a pillow instead of directly on the floor.

I think that sitting on a pillow thing is the only thing I now regularly do that my chiropractor has suggested. Oh, that and the regular use of a lumbar support pillow whenever I'm a passenger in Hubby's car.

Still - I really could use back support in my own car. And some sort of cushioning at my computer chair. That's been her latest suggestion, which I completely agreed that I would get right on. Yet here we are, a week later, and I still don't have any sort of useful pillow.

But it's the stupid chair!, I say. It's a swivel chair that has a back rest and the seat, but no full back where I could easily place a pillow. If I put a lumbar support cushion in there, my leaning on it would just push it out of the way one direction or the other.

That said - I will admit that I attempted to find some sort of support as I worked there last night. And for as long as the support stayed in place, it did make my back feel much better.

I'm also quite positive that my chiropractor thinks I've been dutifully practicing basic pilates exercises at home everyday for several years now. Uh.... no. Not so much. She's also told me I need to do crunches regularly. Pretty much anything that will build up my core muscles. Yeah... it's not happening.

But it will! It willl. She's given me many, many suggestions over the years and it must be just as frustrating for her that, of all these things, still nothing has helped my pain. When the reality is that they may very well be beneficial to my situation, if only I kept up with them as I said I would.

I know, I know. I can only blame myself. I will start an exercise program. I promise.

Especially because I know how badly I want to take Sweetie to Disney World within the next few years or so, and I need to be as physically able as I can be to get around that massive, magical world.

Speaking of Parties....

Sweetie's Mom — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:22:00 GMT

A few days ago I wrote about our upcoming weekend, which was full of little kids birthday parties. We all had an awesome time at both gatherings.

Hubby and I have hosted a party or two in the past - of the more grown up variety, though. Send the kids away, open up the wine, break out the more gourmet foods, and indulge in some fun conversation and a board game or two.

We haven't had one of these gatherings, though, in a rather long while. And since I've been unemployed since the end of April, I've found it difficult to reason out why/how we can afford to host another one during this time. I've promised myself that, once I am gainfully employed, one of the first things we'll do is have some friends over.

But I'm not employed yet. And I miss our friends.

Not that we haven't seen friends over the last several months. We have. But it's often in a kids playdate sort of way. Or a quick coffee date situation. Not a evening get together/grownup get together way.

I think it's high time that changes. Why wait for employment when I'm sure we can fanagle an elegant yet inexpensive gathering anyway.

I think I'll start by making up the guest list and looking at the calendar. We've made a few new friends lately, so this will be a great way to spend some time together with a great mix of fun adults.

The timing, though... that may be tricky. As it gets closer to the holidays, schedules do fill up. Hmmm... I'll see what I can do.

Yay! Party time again!

Hoping For a Great Week

Sweetie's Mom — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:14:00 GMT

Our birthday parties are over. We're all bowled out and stuffed up to our eyeballs with birthday cake. I'm glad to be home, finally able to sit down and relax on my own terms. Now it's my time to concentrate on the week ahead.

One thing's for certain when you're job hunting - you never know what potential each day will bring. I'm looking forward to seeing what transpires this week.

I have resumes out at two separate companies where friends work. They both personally handed my resume in to the appropriate H.R. person.

I've applied for a position at a publishing house where one of Hubby's distant cousin's works. We know this cousin well enough, and saw her over the summer at a family reunion. She's aware that I've submitted my resume and will help me in any way she can to get me noticed above other applicants.

My mother in law told me about a part time opening at her company. It's not an industry I'm very experienced in, but I hear that they often end up training new hires anyway, which is no big deal. I'll be sending my resume off for that job as well.

And then there's the employment agent I've recently started working with who's alerted me to a possible part time position opening up for a proofer/editor with a local insurance agency. He knows I'm very interested in that job, should it actually become available, so he'll certainly put me in for it if anything comes to fruition.

We'll have to see what the week brings my way - either more information on the positions mentioned above, or all new opportunities just waiting for me to find them and apply for.

The excitement never ends.... I wish the same could NOT be said about unemployment...

Party Weekend!

Sweetie's Mom — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:49:00 GMT

Wooo hoooo! Paaarrrrtay! This weekend is gonna ROCK!

(Well... you know... in a double whammy kids birthday party kinda way).

Oh! And I almost forgot! I even have a Pampered Chef party to attend tonight!

(Yippee... just PERFECT for me of the "doesn't cook or have any expendable cash" persuasion, don't ya think?).

Still, we are looking forward to the birthday parties. Hubby is especially psyched about tomorrow's glow bowling festivities for Sweetie's friend's 5th birthday party. I haven't yet broken the news to him yet that the bowling is strictly for the kids. Poor Hubby - only a bystander in the fun).

Then Sunday is a 1st birthday party for one of our little nieces. That will be cute, and a nice way to celebrate and enjoy time with family.

Phew! We do have us one busy weekend, though, don't we? I'm tired already! Better rest up as best I can today before heading on all our wild outings.

Watch out! Who knows what I'm likely to do with all those cooking and entertaining supplies at tonight's Pampered Chef shindig if I get overly excited.

I Gots the Motts...

Sweetie's Mom — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:06:00 GMT

Guess what arrived in the mail today?! That's right - my health insurance card. Yay!

Along with the card came a fat load of explanatory paperwork. Lots of info for me to go through, but so far - and from what I knew about this plan anyway - I am very satisfied with my coverage.

The pre-existing condition time frame exemption has been waived for me, based on my not being without coverage for more than 63 days (and, of course, providing the appropriate information to prove that). And the perscription co-pay - as long as I can get my doctor to switch me to a med. that has a generic form (my current medication does not) - is only $10 per month. Sounds good to me!

Yes, I have to pay out of pocket until I reach a certain deductible amount. It's a high deductible - one I'm not likely to ever get even close to reaching (quick! knock on wood!). But that's the deal. If and when I do reach that deductible, then certain health related things will be covered at 80% by the insurance company, and some may be covered at 100%.

Like I said - I'm cool with all this. Eventually - who knows when, but eventually - I will be gainfully employed full time by an employer that will offer me group coverage through a leading health insurance provider. And because I am currently all set with this less then ideal coverage - it's enough to provide me with a smooth transition to that better coverage once the day arrives.

In the mean time - here's to healthy living! I'm gonna need it.

Accepted!

Sweetie's Mom — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:37:00 GMT

Hi all! Just a quick entry to let you know that I've finally got some health insurance coverage!

I submitted my application for my state's risk pool health insurance about two weeks ago. Maybe more. Since I hadn't heard back from them yet - good or bad - I decided to put a call in this morning to see where my paperwork was in the processing process.

I was so thrilled when the voice on the other line said my application went through A-Okay sometime last week and that I should be getting my membership card anyday now. Yee haw!

I was hoping today would be that day when the information arrived. But, no. Maybe tomorrow.

I'm curious to read more about what my plan does and does not cover. I'm obviously not expecting much, as I know this risk pool insurance is pretty much bare bones. But where as I haven't had a lapse of more than 60 days without coverage, I do wonder if some credit somehow gets applied to my plan.

Anyway - currently I need new hardware on both of my leg braces. For, like, the third time in about two years! I know part of the plan is that I have to pay for more or less everything medical up to a certain dollar amount before insurance takes over. I just don't know if brace parts qualify as something that counts as part of my deductible payout.

Oh well. Hopefully all the info will come tomorrow. At least I'm covered! This will make it so much easier to readily get group coverage through a future employer.That's the best news yet!

Happy Kind of Busy

Sweetie's Mom — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:29:00 GMT

This has been a busy weekend. Next weekend will be as well.

Yesterday was a birthday party for two of my nephews. They're brothers whose birthdays are only 2 days apart from each other (well, 6 years and 2 days, that is). Next weekend we have a glow bowling birthday party for one of Sweetie's friends on Saturday, then a first birthday party for another niece on Sunday.

And this morning we three went to church. Sweetie is baptized in the Unitarian Universalist tradition, as Hubby and I are not affiliated with any particular religion (at least, not since childhood) yet we do hold our own specific beliefs. We wanted Sweetie baptized for sure, but in a universal religion that will allow her to grow in her individual faith and decide on her own what her true spiritual path will be.

However, we have not regularly attended church since shortly after Sweetie's baptism. But as of now, that is changing. Hubby and I loved the open and accepting congregation at our local UU church. And Sweetie was thrilled to go off to her own age appropriate circle for story time, discussion and activities.

Now, this evening, we're off to have supper with Hubby's uncle who's newly in town from CA. It will be great to see him again and a nice way to end to our weekend. But there's no denying it - it has been a busy two days!

That being said - I am certainly not complaining. Spending time celebrating family, visiting with family and getting in touch with our spiritual and communial paths is definitely not a bad way to spend your weekend. I hope yours has been good as well.

Hey! Guess What?!

Sweetie's Mom — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:50:00 GMT

Hey! Guess what?! I didn't get the MDA job. I was told that I did interview well and that they'd love to have me back the next time they have a round of new hires to recruit (apparently they do these classes approximately every month or so). And that if they needed more than 2 people this time, they would have chosen me. But, they only needed 2. And I wasn't picked.

Hey! Guess what?! I went back to the mail processing job tonight and it actually wasn't that bad. Just as it wasn't all that bad for the first and second night I did it this week.

Hey! Guess what?! It seems I only convinced myself it was a terrible job once the hope of a different job presented itself. Take that second job option away and - voila! - back to an okee dokee gig.

It's still, by no means, an exciting or even interesting job. But it keeps my brain active and makes the time pass reasonably quickly.

I imagine I'll stick with it at least for now. Ask me again by the end of next week or so, and I may feel differently. But for now - s'okay.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that it's the weekend now and I have a couple nights off from it.

I'm going to enjoy my weekend. Hope you all do as well!

Learning About Myself Through Work Opportunities

Sweetie's Mom — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:29:00 GMT

So - my crazy, chaotic, hectic week has continued. But I've taken action toward self-preservation by cancelling my chiropractic appointment this morning (thus allowing myself to instead come home after dropping Sweetie off at school this morning and just chillin' for a little while).

That's all fine and good - no harm in taking away a routine doctor's appointment from myself. But I've done something else as well: called out of work at the mail processing temp job. Just for tonight. I intend to go back tomorrow.

No, I don't feel entirely good about myself for doing this. But on the other hand - I totally need this! It's a temp job that - while seemed manageable enough at first - has, after only 3 days, become simultaneously monontonous and stressful. 6 hours per day of such repetitive work, no talking to your coworkers because - A) it's too noisy, and, B) you really have to keep focused on increasing your work speed, and dealing with finicky technology/machinery that keeps slowing you down. The work itself, when all runs smoothly, is benign enough. But at the same time - I so totally could be done with it if something - almost anything! - different offers itself up.

That being said, I'm waiting to hear if I was chosen for a position with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. If I am offered that position, it would start on Monday. It's still through a temp agency, but it would be more hours per week and during regular business hours. All things being equal, money-wise, I'm so learning that I'd much prefer a daytime office temp position with co-workers I'd be able to laugh and talk with, then this 2nd shift mailroom position that's so mechanical, so repetitive, so isolating.

Funny - I never knew what a social person I am until being put in such a solitary work situation.

I'll keep you posted... For now, I'm enjoying my evening with my family.

So Much To Do...

Sweetie's Mom — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:22:00 GMT

...So little time!

Oh, my! Only my second day of work and already my head is reeling from trying to find the right time to do everything on my agenda!

After dropping Sweetie at school this morning, I ran several errands - thus not getting myself back home until 10:00 a.m. Only 45 minutes until it was time to pick Sweetie up!

Once she was home, of course I wanted to spend time with her, ask her about her day, etc... But all she wanted to do was watch a little T.V., play on the computer, then FINALLY agree to eat a little lunch.

All this time I feel like I should be getting work done on the computer, but I also feel like, "No! This is my time with Sweetie. Other things can wait."

Well, now Sweetie is gone (mom picked her up for me) and I have exactly 10 minutes left before I'm out the door to work.

Oh well. I'll be home later tonight and will be able to work then. At least I'm getting this post published now! One less thing to think about for tonight.

A brand new schedule to get used to. It will come my easily to me soon enough. But for now - chaos!

There Are No Small Jobs, Just Small People

Sweetie's Mom — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I started my long term 2nd shift temp job today. It actually wasn't that bad. Two other people started with me today - both younger than me, and both very "norma" looking nice people. One said he just graduated from college and has a job to start in January, so he's just doing this in the meantime. And the other girl (she was probably around college age as well) said she was looking for a "real" job and is doing this until something more permanent comes along (just like me!)

As for my morning meeting regarding the long term temp. position with the Muscular Dystrophy Association - turns out that that agency rep can only go so far as to "pre-approve" me for the position - which he did. Now the next step is to go to a "class" up at the Assoc. later this week, with a whole group of other people, to watch a video and find out exactly what that job entails. Then it's up to the Association to pick a number of people from the pool to hire, based on who they think will do the best in the job.

So - I will go to that class. I'll see if I can get a good sense of what that job would really be like. And then they may or may not offer me a position.

But, for now, the 2nd shift mail processing job is fine. Yes, it's busy work. But it's not nearly as boring as I thought it would be (at least not yet). And I have to admit - I love that it's so close to my home AND that it still gives me my free morning time to take care of Sweetie's needs and have free time for myself.

Decisions, Decisions!

Sweetie's Mom — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:15:00 GMT

So not only am I scheduled to start a long-term temp job on Monday afternoon, but I have an interview with another temp agency who may have a position open a few towns away from me.

And I sent another resume/cover letter to a "real job" (that is, a properly advertised full time permanent position with a company - NOT through an employment agency) a couple days ago which I am very excited about hopefully hearing from.

Phew! Keep the job offers coming in!

Good things about the in-town job starting Monday:

It starts Monday - pay coming in soon!

It's only 2 miles from my house. No waste of gas!

It's simple busy work - data entry, opening mail - no having to deal with cold calling people or other outside potential "crazies" (and I mean that in the nicest way possible, of course).

The start time is great in terms of still keeping me available to take and pick Sweetie up from school.

The finish time for each day has been moved up from 11pm to 9pm.

I can get health insurance for myself and my family through the employment agency (limited coverage, of course. And I still don't understand all the details).

Bad things about the in-town job starting Monday:

The end time is still 9pm.

It's busy work - most likely will bore me to tears.

I need more info on the insurance. I'm still assuming all will work out well with my state's Risk Pool insurance for me. But it would be nice to get coverage through an employer where I don't have to worry about keeping tabs myself on keeping enough money available each month to pay premiums.

Good things about the potential out-of-town job I'll learn about Monday:

It's got great hours - enough time for me to drop Sweetie at school in the morning, and home before rush hour traffic starts.

It's more hours per week than the in-town job (by 5 hours)

It's for a good cause - placing fundraising calls for the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation.

It will enable me to improve my customer service skills and acquire some solid fundraising skills - always a good resume booster!

Bad things about the potential out-of-town job I'll learn about Monday:

It's about 16 miles out of town - much more gas usage than for the 2 mile away job.

I'm not thrilled about having to make some cold calls. I kinda like keeping to myself and not always having to "deal' with people who may or may not be excited to learn about what I have to say.

It's still, ya know - potential. I definitely know I HAVE the in town job starting Monday. I haven't a clue as to whether or not I'll be offered the out of town job. Both are through employment agencies, though, and I'll be meeting with an agency rep on Monday about the MDF position. Will I be offered the job right then and there? Who knows?

Both jobs are long term jobs. Both jobs pay approximately the same amount per hour. And I'm still perfectly able to continue my job search on my own while performing either of these jobs.

I guess I just have to see what comes of Monday's meeting/interview and take it from there.

Until then - I hope I, and you, have a great weekend!

Good News/Bad News

Sweetie's Mom — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:18:00 GMT

Guess what?! I got a call today - from a temp agency I've don't even remember ever submitting my resume to - asking me if I can start a full time, long term position this coming Monday. Yes! Yee haw! I go into the agency tomorrow morning to fill out paperwork and learn more about the position.

At this point all I know is that it's doing data entry work for the American Red Cross (great!), that it's right in my town, (great!) and that... it's second shift, hours 3pm - 11pm (not great).

Like I said, I'm going to find out a whole bunch more tomorrow morning. It IS great timing in terms of getting Sweetie to and home from school just fine. And my mom and Hubby are willing and able to work together to get Sweetie well cared for. And I don't even mind working late - I'm usually up until 11pm - ish every night anyway! And if it's that close to my home I imagine I can even come home for dinner time with my family. Yay!

I just need to find out what exactly the job entails and what kind of commitment will be expected of me. I mean, I can tell you right now that I won't want to be working these hours or doing mindless, solitary work for ever and ever. So I want to be sure that I'm still perfectly allowed to continue submitting my resume elsewhere, aiming for the truly ideal job for me, my family, and our situation.

Anyway, I'll have more details tomorrow. Yay! More income soon to come. Very exciting!

Becoming An Official "Mom"

Sweetie's Mom — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:10:00 GMT

No, I'm not quite a soccer mom yet - Sweetie's not participating in extracurricular sports at this time. But I did attend her school's first PTA meeting of the year tonight. And I do intend to be as involved as possible with the PTA and her specific classroom.

As I exited my car and walked into the school with another attending mom, she mentioned the ages of her 2 kids and how this first PTA meeting for the year tends to be well attended. Great!, I thought. I'm glad to know that the parents are interested and involved in the school. I'm glad I'm here!

Then we entered the cafeteria, where the meeting was held. A cafeteria I'd not ever seen before. It was - really small! About as big as my living room, that's it. Now, our town is by no mean a large town. And I'm not sure of the total student count for grades K-6 at this school, but it's got to be close to 200, at least. I'd have thought that the cafeteria would be more spacious. I don't know.

And as for that "large turn out" I was assured would be there? Yeah - I think there were about 15 attendees total. And that includes the 4 or 5 PTA board members, and at least 3 or 4 others who are teachers at the school. I think myself and one other woman were "new faces" to the crowd. Everyone else has previously been involved in one way or another.

BUT - Sweetie's teacher was there, so I was proud to "represent" as the only Kindergarten parent in attendence. And an old friend of mine from high school was also there! Which would have been a big shock, had she not called me a few hours earlier in the day - our first conversation since high school - and told me she would be there. So that was nice and we plan to "do coffee" very soon.

So, yeah - I went to a PTA meeting. It's yet to be determined if I become an official "member". But I did let the president know that I'm a writer and can edit and proofread as well. And that I'd be happy to help out in any way I can.

This is Sweetie's year. This is my year to get her off on a good educational start. I'm excited to see what comes of my participation in Sweetie's school organization.

Next?! Bring on the soccer balls!