February 28, 2014
1:47 a.m.
It seems I am not sleeping tonight. I'm tired, but I don't feel sleepy at all.
Some days are all about reading. I often revisit books, and this week I've revisited The Talisman and Black House by Stephen King and Peter Straub. They make quite a team. Jack Sawyer is one of my favorite characters. It's always great when a writer will go back to a character who, in the original book, was a child, and tell us what happened to them when they grew up.
Recently Stephen King did the same thing with a character many of us wondered about for years: Danny Torrence. He was a very young child when last we saw him in The Shining. Finally, in 2013, we got to see where Dan ended up as an adult in Dr. Sleep.
I'm not always a fan of sequels, but these are some books I highly recommend.
Now, The Dark Tower series is without a doubt my favorite work by Stephen King. I wouldn't call the books sequels, however; the seven editions are really one long book. Actually, there are eight books in the series. It seems the esteemed Mr. King had as hard a time letting go as I did, and he wrote an "in between" story into the series. And the "tower" theme shows up in many of his other works. Those of us who have read the series recognize the references, while those who have not never know they've missed anything.
Stephen King is something of a genius, I think. I'm always revisiting something of his while waiting for whatever he's got coming out next.
This is not to say that I don't read other writers. I read plenty of other writers. Just not this week.
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Tonight has been more of a movie night for me. I'm a Disney kid, you know. Some people just refuse to grow up, and why should I? I love animation, I love music, and I'm always happy to sing along to a Disney song.
"Frozen" is out on DVD, and is well worth a look. It's a good story with a couple of unexpected twists, and I'll be humming the songs all week.
You might as well just buy it, because if you haven't seen it at theaters and just go rent it, you'll end up buying it anyway, once you do watch. Besides, you know you have a Disney collection. Doesn't everyone?
I know collectors who started with VHS tapes. Then they started over with DVDs, and started once again with Blu-Rays. I have a haphazard collection--I could never afford to start from scratch, or to collect every Disney movie. But collections are cool. If I could afford it, you know I'd have stacks and stacks of All my favorite old Disney flicks!
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Okay, I've been linking tiny chain for earrings long enough tonight, I guess, and it's time to hit the hay and hope for a few hours of noddy-blinky.
Good night. Sleep tight! (Hopefully)
Friday, February 28, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
February 26, 2014
11:25 a.m.
Phone interview completed. I don't know how to feel about it. I think it went well enough, but what do I know?
So...
Part One: Test My scores, according to company, were very good. Check.
Part Two: Phone Interview Lots of questions about my past employment. What did I do, how much was I paid, why did I leave? What did I love about my jobs, what did I not love? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my ideal work hours? What's my perfect work day? How much do I expect to be paid?
(I hate that question. How do I know what they consider a fair wage? How do I even know what I consider a fair wage? Should I just double minimum wage and add a dollar? Add five dollars? What's the protocol?)
(As for ideal work hours, if I had my way, I'd work nine to five--as in nine p.m. to 5 a.m. But that's not likely to happen! Ha ha! I am more than willing to work any hours.)
I was asked if the commute was a problem for me and I emphatically replied, "Not at all." It's a long commute, but not at all hard. Only one bus transfer, practically drops me off at their doorstep. Awesome.
I did mention that I had often asked myself why I hadn't continued as a coder a long time ago.
Anyway, there's still a step three. A team reviews what information they now have and decided if they want me to come in for a face to face interview. I should hear something in about a week.
Wow. Whew. Hurry up and wait. Check.
Did I mention that my hopes are up? How dumb am I?
You know, I hate talking about my disability status. It has to come up at some point in an interview process, but it's a sore point with me. (What have I been doing for the last four years? Oh, nothing, just hanging around.)
You say you left your last job in 2010. Have you been actively seeking employment since then? Actually, I'm on Social Security Disability. I was very sick. After I was well enough, I pursued my certification.
Dang. It makes me sound weak. It makes me feel weak.
I've been up front about it, and today I did say that I hoped that it wouldn't be counted against me. I was assured that it would not, as long as I was able to perform the duties of the job, which I can. Prolonged sitting and computer use, light lifting. Yep, I can totally do that.
Please don't interpret the above as me saying that being disabled is a weakness, or that I think disabled people are weak. Certainly, that is not the case. I am only talking about how I feel. I feel like my body let me down.
Being as sick as I was, and now being unable to return to a profession that I loved has made me feel vulnerable in ways that I cannot adequately explain, not even to myself. How can I explain the trepidation I feel when confronted with places with mold infestations? You can't see those things, generally speaking, but my body responds to those places quickly and unpleasantly. I will never again be able to set foot in a nail salon. I steam clean and hot water scrub because Pine-Sol has the power to put me in the hospital.
Once upon a time I continued working in a Paula-hostile environment long beyond what I should have, because I'm a strong person, damn it, and this was not going to beat me! Well, not only did it beat me, it left me unable to recover completely. But as long as I can be in a Paula-friendly environment, I know that I can be employable once again. Whatever disabilities I have are part of my package now, but I can work with them rather than letting them work against me.
Well, all I can do is wait and hope, so that's what I'll be doing.
Have a great day. Until we meet again...
11:25 a.m.
Phone interview completed. I don't know how to feel about it. I think it went well enough, but what do I know?
So...
Part One: Test My scores, according to company, were very good. Check.
Part Two: Phone Interview Lots of questions about my past employment. What did I do, how much was I paid, why did I leave? What did I love about my jobs, what did I not love? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my ideal work hours? What's my perfect work day? How much do I expect to be paid?
(I hate that question. How do I know what they consider a fair wage? How do I even know what I consider a fair wage? Should I just double minimum wage and add a dollar? Add five dollars? What's the protocol?)
(As for ideal work hours, if I had my way, I'd work nine to five--as in nine p.m. to 5 a.m. But that's not likely to happen! Ha ha! I am more than willing to work any hours.)
I was asked if the commute was a problem for me and I emphatically replied, "Not at all." It's a long commute, but not at all hard. Only one bus transfer, practically drops me off at their doorstep. Awesome.
I did mention that I had often asked myself why I hadn't continued as a coder a long time ago.
Anyway, there's still a step three. A team reviews what information they now have and decided if they want me to come in for a face to face interview. I should hear something in about a week.
Wow. Whew. Hurry up and wait. Check.
Did I mention that my hopes are up? How dumb am I?
You know, I hate talking about my disability status. It has to come up at some point in an interview process, but it's a sore point with me. (What have I been doing for the last four years? Oh, nothing, just hanging around.)
You say you left your last job in 2010. Have you been actively seeking employment since then? Actually, I'm on Social Security Disability. I was very sick. After I was well enough, I pursued my certification.
Dang. It makes me sound weak. It makes me feel weak.
I've been up front about it, and today I did say that I hoped that it wouldn't be counted against me. I was assured that it would not, as long as I was able to perform the duties of the job, which I can. Prolonged sitting and computer use, light lifting. Yep, I can totally do that.
Please don't interpret the above as me saying that being disabled is a weakness, or that I think disabled people are weak. Certainly, that is not the case. I am only talking about how I feel. I feel like my body let me down.
Being as sick as I was, and now being unable to return to a profession that I loved has made me feel vulnerable in ways that I cannot adequately explain, not even to myself. How can I explain the trepidation I feel when confronted with places with mold infestations? You can't see those things, generally speaking, but my body responds to those places quickly and unpleasantly. I will never again be able to set foot in a nail salon. I steam clean and hot water scrub because Pine-Sol has the power to put me in the hospital.
Once upon a time I continued working in a Paula-hostile environment long beyond what I should have, because I'm a strong person, damn it, and this was not going to beat me! Well, not only did it beat me, it left me unable to recover completely. But as long as I can be in a Paula-friendly environment, I know that I can be employable once again. Whatever disabilities I have are part of my package now, but I can work with them rather than letting them work against me.
Well, all I can do is wait and hope, so that's what I'll be doing.
Have a great day. Until we meet again...
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
February 25, 2014
2:49 p.m.
It's snowing!
Well, it's trying to snow, anyway. Little flakes are fluttering; the sky is slate-grey and it's dark. Ugh. I know it's still winter, but I'm over it. Ready for spring!
Last week I took a test as step one of a job interview process. Tomorrow I have a phone interview with them as step two. I'm afraid to get my hopes up, but you know how it is: our hopes rise even when we tell them not to! I was told that my test score was very good, so that's a good sign.
Hum dee dum, it all makes me so nervous.
I'm afraid to mention any company names, but I will say this: when I decided I wanted to go into Medical Coding, this is the company I had in mind. It's a great company, a great place to work, and I'd be proud and happy to be there.
No wonder I'm nervous and my hopes are up!
For now, I will close the subject.
Today, I'm thinking about family history. I really admire people who are willing and able to devote themselves to the research involved in tracing their histories. My father's sister, my Aunt Bea, spent a great deal of time doing the Shablo family history in the United States. I read her book while visiting my parents in December, and added my own chapter recently. I was very gratified when she told me that she didn't have to do any editing to my writing!
Our family is planning a reunion in August in Trinidad, CO, and I am hoping that I'll be able to go. I love the area, and it will be nice to see everyone.
I have been blessed with a big, healthy family. My father and all his siblings are living, and my mother has lost only one of her siblings. So in my lifetime I have lost great-grandparents and grandparents, one aunt and two uncles-by-marriage. For a 50+ person, that is amazing. How blessed I am!! Thank you, God! Thank you very much!
Anyway, I have been trying to come up with a family tree design. My mother did a design on t-shirts for her side of the family several years ago, and that might be a good place to start. The family is big, my friends. Big!
I designed personalized calendars for Christmas presents (for 2014) so I have a good start on family members, but--wow. Maybe I'm crazy! But I think I'll give it a shot, anyway. A little research will not kill me! This could be fun!
In the meantime, I have some chores to do. Lucky me. So I'll write more later.
Ta ta!
2:49 p.m.
It's snowing!
Well, it's trying to snow, anyway. Little flakes are fluttering; the sky is slate-grey and it's dark. Ugh. I know it's still winter, but I'm over it. Ready for spring!
Last week I took a test as step one of a job interview process. Tomorrow I have a phone interview with them as step two. I'm afraid to get my hopes up, but you know how it is: our hopes rise even when we tell them not to! I was told that my test score was very good, so that's a good sign.
Hum dee dum, it all makes me so nervous.
I'm afraid to mention any company names, but I will say this: when I decided I wanted to go into Medical Coding, this is the company I had in mind. It's a great company, a great place to work, and I'd be proud and happy to be there.
No wonder I'm nervous and my hopes are up!
For now, I will close the subject.
Today, I'm thinking about family history. I really admire people who are willing and able to devote themselves to the research involved in tracing their histories. My father's sister, my Aunt Bea, spent a great deal of time doing the Shablo family history in the United States. I read her book while visiting my parents in December, and added my own chapter recently. I was very gratified when she told me that she didn't have to do any editing to my writing!
Our family is planning a reunion in August in Trinidad, CO, and I am hoping that I'll be able to go. I love the area, and it will be nice to see everyone.
I have been blessed with a big, healthy family. My father and all his siblings are living, and my mother has lost only one of her siblings. So in my lifetime I have lost great-grandparents and grandparents, one aunt and two uncles-by-marriage. For a 50+ person, that is amazing. How blessed I am!! Thank you, God! Thank you very much!
Anyway, I have been trying to come up with a family tree design. My mother did a design on t-shirts for her side of the family several years ago, and that might be a good place to start. The family is big, my friends. Big!
I designed personalized calendars for Christmas presents (for 2014) so I have a good start on family members, but--wow. Maybe I'm crazy! But I think I'll give it a shot, anyway. A little research will not kill me! This could be fun!
In the meantime, I have some chores to do. Lucky me. So I'll write more later.
Ta ta!
Monday, February 24, 2014
February 23, 2014
11:44 p.m.
No visit from grandchildren today, which makes me kind of sad. I know the kids can't make it down every week, but I sure love it when they do.
Sometimes I find it hard to believe that I have seven grandchildren. There are times when I expect to wake up and discover that it has all been a dream, and I am still busy raising small children of my own. That's how quickly time seems to have passed, at least in regards to the growth of my children and grandchildren.
Time is such a strange thing. During those times when things are difficult, it passes slowly. When we are happiest, it zooms by.
Yet when we look back on all the things we've been through, its fluidity does indeed seem to have moved quite rapidly. Wasn't it just yesterday that I held my youngest child to breast? Yet, nearly a year ago I witnessed her giving birth to her third child. How could this be possible?
Last night as I lay in bed not sleeping, it occurred to me that in my lifetime I have lived several different lives. My first life was as a the daughter of my parents, Paul and Joyce, and sister of my siblings, Melanie, Donna, Rick and Frank. In that household I often hid away, but as I grew up, I realized that I had quite in incredible family. It wasn't always perfect, but what is?
Growing up, I was a student, an artist, a writer and a musician. I spent a couple of years playing drums in a rock band with Tom, Ramon and Mark. I worked part-time at the Riviera Theater and at Chicken Time. I dreamed of things that included school, travel, music and writing. I wanted to be a parent, but had no interest in marriage.
During the latter years of that life, I met a man and fell in love. So much for the lack of interest in marriage-- although I did still consider just having a baby and letting the relationship go. But I was scared to do that. This was during a time when single parenthood was frowned upon.
I got married after High School graduation. This was the beginning of my next life, the life of wife to X and mother to Samson, Katie, Sarah and Tabitha. I loved being a mother--I still do--but I did not love being married. Probably that was due to the fact that my husband didn't care to act like a married man. Thirteen years I lived with him--the first six were trying, and the remaining seven were hell on earth. But I had my kids and they kept me from going off the deep end.
Thirteen years is a LONG time when you're unhappy. I wanted a marriage like my parents', one where there is friendship, companionship and most importantly, trust. There's nothing worse than knowing that you're being cheated on. I wanted out, but I was too scared to leave. How would I support four children on my own?
After all my children were in school, I started working outside the home for the first time in years. It was a bit of a revelation. Suddenly I was being told what a good worker I was, and how smart I was. X had spent the last several years convincing me I was unattractive, lazy and stupid.
I'm not lazy or stupid. I knew that then, and yet...Okay, he never told me I was stupid, but whatever was going on, if I offered advice or an opinion, he ignored it, but if someone else said the same thing, then it was brilliant. I started feeling worthless and unattractive, and it just got worse as time went on.
So being in public every day, being asked for help, sought out for opinions and told that I was doing a good job--it built me up again. I began to gain the strength I needed to get out of Dodge before the shoot-out.
Thus began life number three: single mother working one full time and two--sometimes three--part time jobs. This time seemed to go by faster. I was very busy, I was happier. I had fallen in love again. For a while this all worked out okay.
In retrospect, I would never have married again, or even had a boyfriend, until my kids were grown and gone. Although their father managed to spend as little time as possible with them--less and less as time went by, until it was no time at all--they weren't ready to have anyone else in their lives trying to fill that place, and honestly, he didn't do a very good job of it.
Truthfully, I was ripe for the attentions of a man who would flatter me and treat me sweetly, but still use me. After being treated badly, I was the perfect patsy. I just ended up with a fifth child, that's all. I worked, he stayed home. He didn't pay any attention to what nonsense the kids were up to while I was working, and mostly left them alone while he goofed off all day. He spent more money than I made and got me into some serious debt. Was someone in this relationship lazy and worthless? Yep. But it wasn't me.
After eight years, I was done. And to make sure I stayed done, I took a job offer in Denver and moved away.
During those years of life number three my children had grown up. I had become a grandmother for the first time, and two of my daughters had gone to Oklahoma with their new families. My son had gone away to college. It was just my middle child and I, and Denver became the site of a new beginning for us.
Life four was single, middle-aged small-town girl transplanted into the city. For the next several years I worked as a coding assistant, a Surgery Scheduler and an Optician. More grandchildren came along. I went to school and earned a Bachelors Degree I will never use: Animation. I learned a lot of things I use for my own amusement, but I'll never get a job in animation.
Then I got sick. Very sick. I had to quit my job. It took a long time to get well, but once I was somewhat better I had to admit that I was never going to work as an Optician again, regardless of the fact that I always loved it. I finally took the advice of my doctors and applied for Disability, then cried when I got it without so much as a tussle. Everyone I have ever known who applied for disability from Social Security has had to get a lawyer and duke it out. Not me. My medical record speaks for itself.
Sigh.
Life five has been me at home, bored and lonely. I went to Vocational Rehabilitation to try to get re-training so I could learn something new that I will be physically able to work at. I've worked very hard and gotten my certification in Medical Billing and Coding. Now I am going through the employment searches, interviews, tests and rejections. I'm at turns hopeful and terrified.
I'm hoping life six will be employed granny lady. I enjoy working. It would be nice to get out of the house. The hardest part for me will be going to sleep at a decent hour and becoming a "day person". At least, as much as I ever can be. I've done it before, I can do it again.
Speaking of getting to bed at a decent hour, I should probably wander off to bed now. Good night!
11:44 p.m.
No visit from grandchildren today, which makes me kind of sad. I know the kids can't make it down every week, but I sure love it when they do.
Sometimes I find it hard to believe that I have seven grandchildren. There are times when I expect to wake up and discover that it has all been a dream, and I am still busy raising small children of my own. That's how quickly time seems to have passed, at least in regards to the growth of my children and grandchildren.
Time is such a strange thing. During those times when things are difficult, it passes slowly. When we are happiest, it zooms by.
Yet when we look back on all the things we've been through, its fluidity does indeed seem to have moved quite rapidly. Wasn't it just yesterday that I held my youngest child to breast? Yet, nearly a year ago I witnessed her giving birth to her third child. How could this be possible?
Last night as I lay in bed not sleeping, it occurred to me that in my lifetime I have lived several different lives. My first life was as a the daughter of my parents, Paul and Joyce, and sister of my siblings, Melanie, Donna, Rick and Frank. In that household I often hid away, but as I grew up, I realized that I had quite in incredible family. It wasn't always perfect, but what is?
Growing up, I was a student, an artist, a writer and a musician. I spent a couple of years playing drums in a rock band with Tom, Ramon and Mark. I worked part-time at the Riviera Theater and at Chicken Time. I dreamed of things that included school, travel, music and writing. I wanted to be a parent, but had no interest in marriage.
During the latter years of that life, I met a man and fell in love. So much for the lack of interest in marriage-- although I did still consider just having a baby and letting the relationship go. But I was scared to do that. This was during a time when single parenthood was frowned upon.
I got married after High School graduation. This was the beginning of my next life, the life of wife to X and mother to Samson, Katie, Sarah and Tabitha. I loved being a mother--I still do--but I did not love being married. Probably that was due to the fact that my husband didn't care to act like a married man. Thirteen years I lived with him--the first six were trying, and the remaining seven were hell on earth. But I had my kids and they kept me from going off the deep end.
Thirteen years is a LONG time when you're unhappy. I wanted a marriage like my parents', one where there is friendship, companionship and most importantly, trust. There's nothing worse than knowing that you're being cheated on. I wanted out, but I was too scared to leave. How would I support four children on my own?
After all my children were in school, I started working outside the home for the first time in years. It was a bit of a revelation. Suddenly I was being told what a good worker I was, and how smart I was. X had spent the last several years convincing me I was unattractive, lazy and stupid.
I'm not lazy or stupid. I knew that then, and yet...Okay, he never told me I was stupid, but whatever was going on, if I offered advice or an opinion, he ignored it, but if someone else said the same thing, then it was brilliant. I started feeling worthless and unattractive, and it just got worse as time went on.
So being in public every day, being asked for help, sought out for opinions and told that I was doing a good job--it built me up again. I began to gain the strength I needed to get out of Dodge before the shoot-out.
Thus began life number three: single mother working one full time and two--sometimes three--part time jobs. This time seemed to go by faster. I was very busy, I was happier. I had fallen in love again. For a while this all worked out okay.
In retrospect, I would never have married again, or even had a boyfriend, until my kids were grown and gone. Although their father managed to spend as little time as possible with them--less and less as time went by, until it was no time at all--they weren't ready to have anyone else in their lives trying to fill that place, and honestly, he didn't do a very good job of it.
Truthfully, I was ripe for the attentions of a man who would flatter me and treat me sweetly, but still use me. After being treated badly, I was the perfect patsy. I just ended up with a fifth child, that's all. I worked, he stayed home. He didn't pay any attention to what nonsense the kids were up to while I was working, and mostly left them alone while he goofed off all day. He spent more money than I made and got me into some serious debt. Was someone in this relationship lazy and worthless? Yep. But it wasn't me.
After eight years, I was done. And to make sure I stayed done, I took a job offer in Denver and moved away.
During those years of life number three my children had grown up. I had become a grandmother for the first time, and two of my daughters had gone to Oklahoma with their new families. My son had gone away to college. It was just my middle child and I, and Denver became the site of a new beginning for us.
Life four was single, middle-aged small-town girl transplanted into the city. For the next several years I worked as a coding assistant, a Surgery Scheduler and an Optician. More grandchildren came along. I went to school and earned a Bachelors Degree I will never use: Animation. I learned a lot of things I use for my own amusement, but I'll never get a job in animation.
Then I got sick. Very sick. I had to quit my job. It took a long time to get well, but once I was somewhat better I had to admit that I was never going to work as an Optician again, regardless of the fact that I always loved it. I finally took the advice of my doctors and applied for Disability, then cried when I got it without so much as a tussle. Everyone I have ever known who applied for disability from Social Security has had to get a lawyer and duke it out. Not me. My medical record speaks for itself.
Sigh.
Life five has been me at home, bored and lonely. I went to Vocational Rehabilitation to try to get re-training so I could learn something new that I will be physically able to work at. I've worked very hard and gotten my certification in Medical Billing and Coding. Now I am going through the employment searches, interviews, tests and rejections. I'm at turns hopeful and terrified.
I'm hoping life six will be employed granny lady. I enjoy working. It would be nice to get out of the house. The hardest part for me will be going to sleep at a decent hour and becoming a "day person". At least, as much as I ever can be. I've done it before, I can do it again.
Speaking of getting to bed at a decent hour, I should probably wander off to bed now. Good night!
Friday, February 21, 2014
February 21, 2014
9:12 p.m.
I have not been a faithful blogger. Shame on me!
But...I'm back!
Anyone who knows me knows that I am not an adventurous eater. Getting me to try new things is like pulling teeth. But lately I have tried a couple of dishes from a place called Pho's here in Federal Heights, and I have to say that I have been pleased.
That being said, I am probably done trying new things for a little while. Whether or not I like something, I have to give my stomach a chance to decide if it's going to accept new things. It may well be that my stomach is even fussier than I am.
So now I'll be playing the wait and see game.
In the meantime, I would like to vent a little about the job hunting.
A few days ago I wrote about the disappointment of not being offered a job. It was all the more disappointing because I had a terrific interview and was well-recommended. It was just too far away. I'm not scared of a long commute, but I can understand their point of view. What if the commute time, transfers, etc. made me late a lot? It's no good for them. I get that.
It's still disappointing.
That was Monday. On Tuesday I got an e-mail from another place I'd applied to, which politely informed me that at this time they are going forward with other candidates. But I should feel free to apply for other positions in the future.
Strike two.
On Wednesday I got a call from still another company--one I would very much like to work for--inviting me to take a test as part one of their interview process.
I took the two-hour test yesterday. I feel that I did well on part one.
Now I'm playing the waiting game. Ugh. Waiting is the worst part.
I swore I wasn't going to write or talk about this. I'm afraid of jinxing myself. But sometimes it's nice to put it out there and ask if my friends might send out some prayers or good vibes for me. So that's what I'm doing now. Please, friends and family, say a little prayer for me.
_________________________________________________________________________________
It's so funny how, when you're looking for something, you manage to find something else that you'd searched high and low for before. That's true of all but those things that you've put in a "safe place". Those things may well be safe, but you're never going to see them again!
I found something yesterday that I looked for a couple months ago. It's something that my daughter left here, and I insisted to her that she must have taken it home with her, because it wasn't where I would have ordinarily stashed it away. So today I had to admit to her that I was wrong. I found it in a weird place, but it was here, just as she'd said.
I hate admitting that I was wrong. Dang it!
Ha ha ha!
I don't care, it's been found and now I know where it is. So all's well that ends well.
On that note, I will say good night.
9:12 p.m.
I have not been a faithful blogger. Shame on me!
But...I'm back!
Anyone who knows me knows that I am not an adventurous eater. Getting me to try new things is like pulling teeth. But lately I have tried a couple of dishes from a place called Pho's here in Federal Heights, and I have to say that I have been pleased.
That being said, I am probably done trying new things for a little while. Whether or not I like something, I have to give my stomach a chance to decide if it's going to accept new things. It may well be that my stomach is even fussier than I am.
So now I'll be playing the wait and see game.
In the meantime, I would like to vent a little about the job hunting.
A few days ago I wrote about the disappointment of not being offered a job. It was all the more disappointing because I had a terrific interview and was well-recommended. It was just too far away. I'm not scared of a long commute, but I can understand their point of view. What if the commute time, transfers, etc. made me late a lot? It's no good for them. I get that.
It's still disappointing.
That was Monday. On Tuesday I got an e-mail from another place I'd applied to, which politely informed me that at this time they are going forward with other candidates. But I should feel free to apply for other positions in the future.
Strike two.
On Wednesday I got a call from still another company--one I would very much like to work for--inviting me to take a test as part one of their interview process.
I took the two-hour test yesterday. I feel that I did well on part one.
Now I'm playing the waiting game. Ugh. Waiting is the worst part.
I swore I wasn't going to write or talk about this. I'm afraid of jinxing myself. But sometimes it's nice to put it out there and ask if my friends might send out some prayers or good vibes for me. So that's what I'm doing now. Please, friends and family, say a little prayer for me.
_________________________________________________________________________________
It's so funny how, when you're looking for something, you manage to find something else that you'd searched high and low for before. That's true of all but those things that you've put in a "safe place". Those things may well be safe, but you're never going to see them again!
I found something yesterday that I looked for a couple months ago. It's something that my daughter left here, and I insisted to her that she must have taken it home with her, because it wasn't where I would have ordinarily stashed it away. So today I had to admit to her that I was wrong. I found it in a weird place, but it was here, just as she'd said.
I hate admitting that I was wrong. Dang it!
Ha ha ha!
I don't care, it's been found and now I know where it is. So all's well that ends well.
On that note, I will say good night.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
February 18, 2014
11:17 p.m.
Cancer sucks.
I just found out that a childhood friend, Glorianne Williams Reyes, has died of pancreatic cancer. Gloria was a wonderful, sweet, loving woman who should have been able to stay in this world longer, because the world needs people like her around to set a good example for the rest of us.
I first met Gloria when we were just little grade school girls. She was a grade behind me, so we would talk during recess or at the bus stop. She didn't live far from my house, so I sometimes also saw her during the summer.
As I have previously revealed, I was a bit of a loner hiding out in the basement storeroom reading and writing and in general avoiding the human race. But once in awhile my sister Melanie would coax me out for a bike ride and we would head over to the Island Park. To get there we would have to pass Gloria's house and if she was out we'd stop and chat with her. She was always so nice and friendly.
After I grew up and got married I didn't see her often, but when I did it was like no time at all had passed. She was one of those people who was always easy to talk to.
I just want to say that Gloria will be greatly missed, and offer my condolences to her family. I would also like to share this information: donations in her memory will be accepted at Gloria Ann Reyes Memorial Fund, c/o Trona Valley Federal Credit Union, 85 Gateway Blvd or 2640 Foothill Blvd. Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901 or 840 Hitching Post, Green River, Wyoming 82935.
I also want to repeat my opening statement: cancer sucks!
_________________________________________________________________________________
You probably know that pancreatic cancer claimed the lives of actors Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon. It also claimed the life of my beloved uncle, Joseph Ferraro. Now it has taken my dear friend.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most virulent cancers, with a really low cure rate, largely because it is such a sneak. There are no early warning signs. By the time symptoms manifest, it's already got a good start at kicking butt. Unless it is caught in the early stages, it is extremely difficult to cure. In short, it's damned scary:
Because pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed late into its development, the five-year survival rate after diagnosis is less than 5%. (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/pancreatic-cancer/)
There's information out there for signs, symptoms and treatment options. I don't want to scare anyone, I just want us all to be as informed as we can be.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tonight my thoughts are with Gloria's family. Heaven is really lucky to have her now.
Good night.
11:17 p.m.
Cancer sucks.
I just found out that a childhood friend, Glorianne Williams Reyes, has died of pancreatic cancer. Gloria was a wonderful, sweet, loving woman who should have been able to stay in this world longer, because the world needs people like her around to set a good example for the rest of us.
I first met Gloria when we were just little grade school girls. She was a grade behind me, so we would talk during recess or at the bus stop. She didn't live far from my house, so I sometimes also saw her during the summer.
As I have previously revealed, I was a bit of a loner hiding out in the basement storeroom reading and writing and in general avoiding the human race. But once in awhile my sister Melanie would coax me out for a bike ride and we would head over to the Island Park. To get there we would have to pass Gloria's house and if she was out we'd stop and chat with her. She was always so nice and friendly.
After I grew up and got married I didn't see her often, but when I did it was like no time at all had passed. She was one of those people who was always easy to talk to.
I just want to say that Gloria will be greatly missed, and offer my condolences to her family. I would also like to share this information: donations in her memory will be accepted at Gloria Ann Reyes Memorial Fund, c/o Trona Valley Federal Credit Union, 85 Gateway Blvd or 2640 Foothill Blvd. Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901 or 840 Hitching Post, Green River, Wyoming 82935.
I also want to repeat my opening statement: cancer sucks!
_________________________________________________________________________________
You probably know that pancreatic cancer claimed the lives of actors Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon. It also claimed the life of my beloved uncle, Joseph Ferraro. Now it has taken my dear friend.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most virulent cancers, with a really low cure rate, largely because it is such a sneak. There are no early warning signs. By the time symptoms manifest, it's already got a good start at kicking butt. Unless it is caught in the early stages, it is extremely difficult to cure. In short, it's damned scary:
Because pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed late into its development, the five-year survival rate after diagnosis is less than 5%. (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/pancreatic-cancer/)
There's information out there for signs, symptoms and treatment options. I don't want to scare anyone, I just want us all to be as informed as we can be.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Good night.
Monday, February 17, 2014
February 17, 2014
2:59 p.m.
Monday, Monday.
Last time I wrote, I said I wasn't holding my breath, but I guess I was, a little. I got up this morning and kept putting off jumping in the shower, hoping I'd get a phone call. Finally, I decided if I didn't get in the shower, no one would ever call.
You know the phone always rings when you're covered with soap. So I took the call dripping wet and soapy, half in and half out of the shower. Which wouldn't have been so bad, if I'd gotten hired. But I didn't.
Now, I nailed that interview. I was told that right up front. And I did leave the interview feeling pretty good about how it had played out. The person I spoke to this morning told me she'd recommended me highly, but they were all concerned with my commute (bus + train + another train + another bus, then reverse that to get home = about four hours a day)
It's a temporary position, so that sort of commute is doable for me. Shoot, I did it for four years when I worked in Boulder as an Optician. But it's nice that someone was concerned about that, I guess. What makes me sad is being told that I rocked the interview and then losing out because I live too far away.
So, I'm sad. But I'll be okay. It's not like I have no income and will have to live on the street.
4:20 p.m.
I called my friend Tim Seeley today and we had a very nice conversation. I haven't seen him in years, and being able to talk to old friends is a wonderful thing. I am just so grateful that he'll be around for a long time now that things have gone so well with him. The world is a better place with guys like him around.
It's crazy to think that Tim is someone I've known since I was six years old. How lucky are we people who have managed to reconnect with people we've know for over 40 years? Right now I'm making use of Google Plus, but I have to give kudos to Facebook right here and now, because the connections and re-connections I've made in the past few years are all due that.
Unfortunately, it also got me addicted to Farmville! Hahaha!
I guess I may as well mention that I checked the mail twice today before realizing it's Presidents' Day and the mailman has the day off!
Well, I'm off to design a pair of earrings to go with the necklace I just finished, and then I must go to the pharmacy and pick up a refill.
Aren't Mondays exciting?
Ta ta!
2:59 p.m.
Monday, Monday.
Last time I wrote, I said I wasn't holding my breath, but I guess I was, a little. I got up this morning and kept putting off jumping in the shower, hoping I'd get a phone call. Finally, I decided if I didn't get in the shower, no one would ever call.
You know the phone always rings when you're covered with soap. So I took the call dripping wet and soapy, half in and half out of the shower. Which wouldn't have been so bad, if I'd gotten hired. But I didn't.
Now, I nailed that interview. I was told that right up front. And I did leave the interview feeling pretty good about how it had played out. The person I spoke to this morning told me she'd recommended me highly, but they were all concerned with my commute (bus + train + another train + another bus, then reverse that to get home = about four hours a day)
It's a temporary position, so that sort of commute is doable for me. Shoot, I did it for four years when I worked in Boulder as an Optician. But it's nice that someone was concerned about that, I guess. What makes me sad is being told that I rocked the interview and then losing out because I live too far away.
So, I'm sad. But I'll be okay. It's not like I have no income and will have to live on the street.
4:20 p.m.
I called my friend Tim Seeley today and we had a very nice conversation. I haven't seen him in years, and being able to talk to old friends is a wonderful thing. I am just so grateful that he'll be around for a long time now that things have gone so well with him. The world is a better place with guys like him around.
It's crazy to think that Tim is someone I've known since I was six years old. How lucky are we people who have managed to reconnect with people we've know for over 40 years? Right now I'm making use of Google Plus, but I have to give kudos to Facebook right here and now, because the connections and re-connections I've made in the past few years are all due that.
Unfortunately, it also got me addicted to Farmville! Hahaha!
I guess I may as well mention that I checked the mail twice today before realizing it's Presidents' Day and the mailman has the day off!
Well, I'm off to design a pair of earrings to go with the necklace I just finished, and then I must go to the pharmacy and pick up a refill.
Aren't Mondays exciting?
Ta ta!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
February 15, 2014
6:41 p.m.
I haven't added anything to this blog for a couple of days, not because I had no thoughts, but because I ran away for a couple of days.
Blogging on my Kindle is kind of a pain. I had it with me, but I just wasn't up for it. I don't know how people spend so much time texting on these tiny devices. Even with progressive lenses, I have a hard time seeing what I'm doing. So I end up taking my glasses off and putting the device two inches away from my eyes, and then I can't get my finger in there to punch in my message. Hahaha! Give me a big screen computer any day.
If I feel that way about the Kindle, which is small but not terribly so, imagine how I'd be with a cell phone! So far I have avoided getting one, because I really hate them. I mean really, really hate them. They started out as a convenience item and ended up the focus of the lives of millions. I was eating a meal in a restaurant recently, and there was a group of people at a table nearby. They were all staring at their phone screens as they ate and not interacting with each other at all. That's annoying and depressing to me.
Okay, I haven't mentioned my job interview. I found myself in a room with five other people. Five! Two men and three women. They are a team hiring a team, so it certainly made sense to have a group interview, but I confess that at first I was a little stunned. Then I pretended to turn around and run away, everyone laughed and the ice was broken. After that everything went smoothly and I came away from the experience unscathed.
Does that mean I think I got the job? No, it means I survived my first interview since 2006. I have no idea if I'll get the job or not. I hope so.
I would like to be working again. It's a temporary position, which is a good idea for me. I've been out of the workforce on disability for a long time and I don't know if I'll do well out there. This will give me a four-to-six month window in which to find out what I'm capable of and if I think I can keep it up until retirement age. I have high hopes about that.
The job is in a building that I was able to breathe comfortably in, and that's the biggest obstacle for me. My high sensitivity allergies are the main reason I've been out of the job market for so long. I'm hopeful, that's all I'm saying. Hope is a good thing.
So, after my interview, I took a bus to the light rail, took two different trains and then caught a last bus that brought me home. This commute was in the middle of the day. It won't be quite so long if I'm taking the express during the morning and evening rushes. Yes, I have checked the schedules. Remember what I said about hope!
Once I got home I packed a small bag and left again to go spend a couple of nights in Blackhawk, where I played penny slot games, ate buffet food and didn't drink enough water. I had good luck, then bad luck, then at the last minute won back the money I'd lost and came home about $40.00 ahead.
Sometimes it is really nice to get away all by myself. It gives me time to relax without worrying what anyone else is doing. But I have to confess something: because of Facebook, I recently saw a video about hotel rooms and so I was afraid to use the glasses and cups in my room. You know, in case the maids sprayed them with chemicals. Sometimes I think I should refrain from watching Facebook videos, unless they feature puppies.
I came home on Friday morning--Valentine's Day. I'm kind of glad I wasn't going to be staying there that night. I've never been a big fan of Valentine's Day, but I have to admit I would not like to be a single in the midst of lots of celebrating couples. I'm generally okay with being single--I just don't care for forceful reminders that I'm alone and everyone else is paired up, and Valentine's Day in public places can be daunting. Instead, I came home, ate too much peanut brittle (I have a problem, I admit it!) and watched a marathon of "Psych".
Now I just have to get through the rest of the weekend. I was told that I would hear back regarding the job on Monday. I'm not holding my breath, and I refuse to get nervous about it, but waiting is hard, nonetheless.
Wish me luck!
Good night.
6:41 p.m.
I haven't added anything to this blog for a couple of days, not because I had no thoughts, but because I ran away for a couple of days.
Blogging on my Kindle is kind of a pain. I had it with me, but I just wasn't up for it. I don't know how people spend so much time texting on these tiny devices. Even with progressive lenses, I have a hard time seeing what I'm doing. So I end up taking my glasses off and putting the device two inches away from my eyes, and then I can't get my finger in there to punch in my message. Hahaha! Give me a big screen computer any day.
If I feel that way about the Kindle, which is small but not terribly so, imagine how I'd be with a cell phone! So far I have avoided getting one, because I really hate them. I mean really, really hate them. They started out as a convenience item and ended up the focus of the lives of millions. I was eating a meal in a restaurant recently, and there was a group of people at a table nearby. They were all staring at their phone screens as they ate and not interacting with each other at all. That's annoying and depressing to me.
Okay, I haven't mentioned my job interview. I found myself in a room with five other people. Five! Two men and three women. They are a team hiring a team, so it certainly made sense to have a group interview, but I confess that at first I was a little stunned. Then I pretended to turn around and run away, everyone laughed and the ice was broken. After that everything went smoothly and I came away from the experience unscathed.
Does that mean I think I got the job? No, it means I survived my first interview since 2006. I have no idea if I'll get the job or not. I hope so.
I would like to be working again. It's a temporary position, which is a good idea for me. I've been out of the workforce on disability for a long time and I don't know if I'll do well out there. This will give me a four-to-six month window in which to find out what I'm capable of and if I think I can keep it up until retirement age. I have high hopes about that.
The job is in a building that I was able to breathe comfortably in, and that's the biggest obstacle for me. My high sensitivity allergies are the main reason I've been out of the job market for so long. I'm hopeful, that's all I'm saying. Hope is a good thing.
So, after my interview, I took a bus to the light rail, took two different trains and then caught a last bus that brought me home. This commute was in the middle of the day. It won't be quite so long if I'm taking the express during the morning and evening rushes. Yes, I have checked the schedules. Remember what I said about hope!
Once I got home I packed a small bag and left again to go spend a couple of nights in Blackhawk, where I played penny slot games, ate buffet food and didn't drink enough water. I had good luck, then bad luck, then at the last minute won back the money I'd lost and came home about $40.00 ahead.
Sometimes it is really nice to get away all by myself. It gives me time to relax without worrying what anyone else is doing. But I have to confess something: because of Facebook, I recently saw a video about hotel rooms and so I was afraid to use the glasses and cups in my room. You know, in case the maids sprayed them with chemicals. Sometimes I think I should refrain from watching Facebook videos, unless they feature puppies.
I came home on Friday morning--Valentine's Day. I'm kind of glad I wasn't going to be staying there that night. I've never been a big fan of Valentine's Day, but I have to admit I would not like to be a single in the midst of lots of celebrating couples. I'm generally okay with being single--I just don't care for forceful reminders that I'm alone and everyone else is paired up, and Valentine's Day in public places can be daunting. Instead, I came home, ate too much peanut brittle (I have a problem, I admit it!) and watched a marathon of "Psych".
Now I just have to get through the rest of the weekend. I was told that I would hear back regarding the job on Monday. I'm not holding my breath, and I refuse to get nervous about it, but waiting is hard, nonetheless.
Wish me luck!
Good night.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
February 12, 2014
11:04 a.m.
I'm about to leave my house and go to the first job interview I've had since 2010. God, I'm nervous. I have no idea what I'm getting myself into, since I've only been to this area a couple of times. It's so far away from my house.
It seems like this is always the case for me. Even when I was in Wyoming, I never worked near home. I lived in Green River and worked in Rock Springs. I moved to Rock Springs, and they sent me to Green River. Here I have always had quite a commute, either to downtown Denver or to Boulder. Now I'll be heading to Aurora.
I don't mind, a good bus ride gives me time to read! How can that make me anything but happy?
So I'm pretty excited to be going on this interview and I hope it goes well. I'm so out of practice talking to people, so I'm scared. I hope I don't freeze.
I'm out the door. Wish me luck!
Aughhh!
11:04 a.m.
I'm about to leave my house and go to the first job interview I've had since 2010. God, I'm nervous. I have no idea what I'm getting myself into, since I've only been to this area a couple of times. It's so far away from my house.
It seems like this is always the case for me. Even when I was in Wyoming, I never worked near home. I lived in Green River and worked in Rock Springs. I moved to Rock Springs, and they sent me to Green River. Here I have always had quite a commute, either to downtown Denver or to Boulder. Now I'll be heading to Aurora.
I don't mind, a good bus ride gives me time to read! How can that make me anything but happy?
So I'm pretty excited to be going on this interview and I hope it goes well. I'm so out of practice talking to people, so I'm scared. I hope I don't freeze.
I'm out the door. Wish me luck!
Aughhh!
Monday, February 10, 2014
February 9, 2014
11:53 p.m.
Sundays are usually the day my daughter and her family come over and spend awhile with me. This week they came yesterday, Saturday. So I've kind of been on Monday mode all day!
We had such a nice visit yesterday. They came in the evening and we bowled in my living room. Since I doubt I could wield an actual bowling ball anymore, this is probably the only way I'll get to enjoy bowling from now on. It is so fun! Thank you, Wii Bowling. And, by the way, I emerged victorious.
Today was quiet. Ate some great gumbo made by my son's girlfriend. Yummy!
Mostly goofed off, because I am still sore and grumpy after my pneumonia shot. I know I'm at high risk, so
I need it, but gee whiz! It sure has made me feel awful. Ugh!
I'm going to call it a night. I promise I'll have thought some thinks tomorrow.
Good night!
11:53 p.m.
Sundays are usually the day my daughter and her family come over and spend awhile with me. This week they came yesterday, Saturday. So I've kind of been on Monday mode all day!
We had such a nice visit yesterday. They came in the evening and we bowled in my living room. Since I doubt I could wield an actual bowling ball anymore, this is probably the only way I'll get to enjoy bowling from now on. It is so fun! Thank you, Wii Bowling. And, by the way, I emerged victorious.
Today was quiet. Ate some great gumbo made by my son's girlfriend. Yummy!
Mostly goofed off, because I am still sore and grumpy after my pneumonia shot. I know I'm at high risk, so
I need it, but gee whiz! It sure has made me feel awful. Ugh!
I'm going to call it a night. I promise I'll have thought some thinks tomorrow.
Good night!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
February 8, 2014
6:28 p.m.
I have never understood Munchausen Syndrome. What on earth is the appeal of faking illness for attention? Why would you spend so much time and money running to the doctor all the time, trying to convince everyone that you're sick?
Of course, now that I've brought it up, here's a link for anyone who wants to know what it is: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/munchausen-syndrome/basics/definition/CON-20031319
I'm not making light of the condition, not in the least. It's extremely serious and I do hope that anyone exhibiting these behaviors gets help ASAP. Particularly worrisome to me is Munchausen by Proxy, where a parent induces illness in their child for attention. Yikes!
What made me ponder the question in the first place is the fact that I had to go to a doctor appointment yesterday. I really hate going to the doctor. The nurse smiles at you and says she hope's you're having a good day--and then she makes you step on a scale! However my day was going before that, the good times are over now! Ha!
I guess I shouldn't be too upset--I actually lost weight since my last visit. Not much, but I'll take it.
But here's the thing: I can never go into the doctor's office without walking out with a new list of problems.
Change this medication, add another medication, start taking low-dose aspirin daily. Pneumonia shot because I'm high risk. Blood work. Pee in a cup. Lets check that blood sugar, lets check those lipids, lets check that creatinine, lets look again at that liver panel.
Then there's the breathing test. How does anyone pass that thing? Take a deep breath and blow into a tube that's too big to get my mouth around? Really?
The worst part? I have to go back in three months. Sooner if new medications have adverse effects.
Oh, and I had my bill all paid off! Now I have to start all over again. Boo.
Someone remind me to schedule a mammogram next week.
The doctor told me that the pneumonia shot might make me achy and icky, and she was right. Feeling a bit grumpy right now. (As if that could not be inferred by the above bitch-fest. Sorry.)
Anyway, back to my original thought: What would make a person actually want to go to the doctor? I'm more of the "ignore it and it'll go away" type.
Hey, my grandchildren are here! Yay!
Later!
6:28 p.m.
I have never understood Munchausen Syndrome. What on earth is the appeal of faking illness for attention? Why would you spend so much time and money running to the doctor all the time, trying to convince everyone that you're sick?
Of course, now that I've brought it up, here's a link for anyone who wants to know what it is: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/munchausen-syndrome/basics/definition/CON-20031319
I'm not making light of the condition, not in the least. It's extremely serious and I do hope that anyone exhibiting these behaviors gets help ASAP. Particularly worrisome to me is Munchausen by Proxy, where a parent induces illness in their child for attention. Yikes!
What made me ponder the question in the first place is the fact that I had to go to a doctor appointment yesterday. I really hate going to the doctor. The nurse smiles at you and says she hope's you're having a good day--and then she makes you step on a scale! However my day was going before that, the good times are over now! Ha!
I guess I shouldn't be too upset--I actually lost weight since my last visit. Not much, but I'll take it.
But here's the thing: I can never go into the doctor's office without walking out with a new list of problems.
Change this medication, add another medication, start taking low-dose aspirin daily. Pneumonia shot because I'm high risk. Blood work. Pee in a cup. Lets check that blood sugar, lets check those lipids, lets check that creatinine, lets look again at that liver panel.
Then there's the breathing test. How does anyone pass that thing? Take a deep breath and blow into a tube that's too big to get my mouth around? Really?
The worst part? I have to go back in three months. Sooner if new medications have adverse effects.
Oh, and I had my bill all paid off! Now I have to start all over again. Boo.
Someone remind me to schedule a mammogram next week.
The doctor told me that the pneumonia shot might make me achy and icky, and she was right. Feeling a bit grumpy right now. (As if that could not be inferred by the above bitch-fest. Sorry.)
Anyway, back to my original thought: What would make a person actually want to go to the doctor? I'm more of the "ignore it and it'll go away" type.
Hey, my grandchildren are here! Yay!
Later!
Friday, February 7, 2014
February 7, 2014
1:53 a.m.
I have to go to the doctor this afternoon. Ugh! I hate going to the doctor. Every time I go, I'm told something else is wrong with me.
I'm going to see if my hip can be checked out, though. Might as well make sure everything is where it's supposed to be.
I also want to make sure that the virus I had recently is totally gone. There are some twins I would love to go see, but I won't do it if I'm still sick. Babies must not get sick.
Anyway, I have an appointment and I still haven't gone to bed. I would rather sit up and watch re-runs of "Roseanne" tonight, I guess!
Back in the day, when "Roseanne" was actually on prime time, I never watched it. I'm not even sure we had cable at that time. Probably not. T.V was not high on my priority list back then. It was well over 20 years ago, and whenever I catch a rerun now, it still seems timely to me. Goofy families never go out of style, I guess. Haha!
My friend posted on Facebook that silver hair + being over 50 = frustrating job search. This reminded me that it was time to dye my hair again. Well, this and my son taking my picture and telling me that all the poses showed off my silver roots to poor advantage. So, as of this afternoon, no silver roots. That won't last long. My hair is getting thinner these days, which makes me want to cry, but it still grows out pretty fast.
Frankly, I doubt if dying my hair is going to help with the job hunt, though. It's like no matter how cleverly you write up your resume, once you get to job history, anyone with basic math skills can figure out how old you are. And being over 50 makes it rough to find a job, because employers are thinking: "Well, we might get ten years out of this person at best."
That's not a great place to start.
I have the added disadvantage of being disabled, and of having been out of the work force for over three years. "Old, disabled unemployed woman seeking work"--Yeah, that's what everyone is looking for.
It bums me out.
I need to write a new cover letter, too, and for me that seems to be much harder than writing the resume. I don't know why, but it's as awkward for me as walking up to strangers and introducing myself. More awkward, actually. In that situation you can at least see who you're talking to. Cover letters are addressed to "anonymous", and how can you judge what sort of first impression you're making when you have no idea who you're trying to impress?
Hmmm. No wonder I'm not sleeping. This has really been weighing on my mind. I would really like to have a chance to get back out there, even if it does turn out to be only for ten years or so. I don't feel too old or too disabled to sit at a desk coding medical reports all day. I just hope someone will give me a chance to try.
Anyway, it's almost 3:00 a.m. I guess I will at least go lay down and read for awhile. Maybe I'll get lucky and sleep for awhile.
My appointment is in the afternoon, so I have a fighting chance!
Good night!
1:53 a.m.
I have to go to the doctor this afternoon. Ugh! I hate going to the doctor. Every time I go, I'm told something else is wrong with me.
I'm going to see if my hip can be checked out, though. Might as well make sure everything is where it's supposed to be.
I also want to make sure that the virus I had recently is totally gone. There are some twins I would love to go see, but I won't do it if I'm still sick. Babies must not get sick.
Anyway, I have an appointment and I still haven't gone to bed. I would rather sit up and watch re-runs of "Roseanne" tonight, I guess!
Back in the day, when "Roseanne" was actually on prime time, I never watched it. I'm not even sure we had cable at that time. Probably not. T.V was not high on my priority list back then. It was well over 20 years ago, and whenever I catch a rerun now, it still seems timely to me. Goofy families never go out of style, I guess. Haha!
My friend posted on Facebook that silver hair + being over 50 = frustrating job search. This reminded me that it was time to dye my hair again. Well, this and my son taking my picture and telling me that all the poses showed off my silver roots to poor advantage. So, as of this afternoon, no silver roots. That won't last long. My hair is getting thinner these days, which makes me want to cry, but it still grows out pretty fast.
Frankly, I doubt if dying my hair is going to help with the job hunt, though. It's like no matter how cleverly you write up your resume, once you get to job history, anyone with basic math skills can figure out how old you are. And being over 50 makes it rough to find a job, because employers are thinking: "Well, we might get ten years out of this person at best."
That's not a great place to start.
I have the added disadvantage of being disabled, and of having been out of the work force for over three years. "Old, disabled unemployed woman seeking work"--Yeah, that's what everyone is looking for.
It bums me out.
I need to write a new cover letter, too, and for me that seems to be much harder than writing the resume. I don't know why, but it's as awkward for me as walking up to strangers and introducing myself. More awkward, actually. In that situation you can at least see who you're talking to. Cover letters are addressed to "anonymous", and how can you judge what sort of first impression you're making when you have no idea who you're trying to impress?
Hmmm. No wonder I'm not sleeping. This has really been weighing on my mind. I would really like to have a chance to get back out there, even if it does turn out to be only for ten years or so. I don't feel too old or too disabled to sit at a desk coding medical reports all day. I just hope someone will give me a chance to try.
Anyway, it's almost 3:00 a.m. I guess I will at least go lay down and read for awhile. Maybe I'll get lucky and sleep for awhile.
My appointment is in the afternoon, so I have a fighting chance!
Good night!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
February 6, 2014
12:02 a.m.
Wow, today got away from me. That's what happens when I start designing, I just keep thinking and re-thinking things as I plot out the next necklace or bracelet or suncatcher.
I have to admit that most of my designs are straight bead-on-line. My arthritis prevents me from doing as much chain linking as I would like to do. It also makes designing earrings hard. Some days I force my way through it; the best thing I can do for my arthritis is move the joints that hurt. But not today.
You see, the highest the temperature got today was about 3 degrees. Right now it's 13 degrees below zero. I'm lucky I was able to take a walk as far as the clubhouse today to pay my lot rent and utilities. There was no way I was going to play with a pair of needle-nosed pliers!
So I made a suncatcher and have been fiddling around with a necklace design that I may well start over in the morning--it's heavy. It is pretty, though.
Plus I've been goofing around on Facebook. People are posting their videos, and I think they're fun to watch. I had the hardest time with mine--no share button for the longest time! Finally I viewed it and it had a share button. Mine's nothing much to brag over, maybe even a bit embarrassing--proof exists for all the time I wasted on Farmville when I first joined Facebook. I got a pretty good laugh over that! (she admits, blushing deeply.)
Whatever, I like games. Last weekend I went Wii bowling with my grandchildren and daughter. It was a blast, and the only way I can enjoy bowling these days. If I tried to deal with an actual bowling ball these days I'd probably drop it on my foot. A game controller is more manageable--and if I drop that on my foot it probably won't break any bones.
Don't have much to contribute to this blog tonight. I'm sure you'll forgive me if I just say this: Good night!
12:02 a.m.
Wow, today got away from me. That's what happens when I start designing, I just keep thinking and re-thinking things as I plot out the next necklace or bracelet or suncatcher.
I have to admit that most of my designs are straight bead-on-line. My arthritis prevents me from doing as much chain linking as I would like to do. It also makes designing earrings hard. Some days I force my way through it; the best thing I can do for my arthritis is move the joints that hurt. But not today.
You see, the highest the temperature got today was about 3 degrees. Right now it's 13 degrees below zero. I'm lucky I was able to take a walk as far as the clubhouse today to pay my lot rent and utilities. There was no way I was going to play with a pair of needle-nosed pliers!
So I made a suncatcher and have been fiddling around with a necklace design that I may well start over in the morning--it's heavy. It is pretty, though.
Plus I've been goofing around on Facebook. People are posting their videos, and I think they're fun to watch. I had the hardest time with mine--no share button for the longest time! Finally I viewed it and it had a share button. Mine's nothing much to brag over, maybe even a bit embarrassing--proof exists for all the time I wasted on Farmville when I first joined Facebook. I got a pretty good laugh over that! (she admits, blushing deeply.)
Whatever, I like games. Last weekend I went Wii bowling with my grandchildren and daughter. It was a blast, and the only way I can enjoy bowling these days. If I tried to deal with an actual bowling ball these days I'd probably drop it on my foot. A game controller is more manageable--and if I drop that on my foot it probably won't break any bones.
Don't have much to contribute to this blog tonight. I'm sure you'll forgive me if I just say this: Good night!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
February 4, 2014
10:55 p.m.
Feeling better today. I actually made it down the back steps and back up again without making a bunch of sounds that might make one think of barnyard animals.
Since I'd bought some items I wanted to play with the day my back and hip decided to take a hiatus, today I dragged out my bins and made a couple of things. It's always a better day for me if I manage to create something, even if it's only chaos.
Last month I spent 3 weeks with my parents in Green River, Wyoming. It was wonderful to be near family for a while. I got to see all my siblings, and it was the first time we've all been in the same place at the same time in ten years.
I appreciate the good relationship I have with my family. Over the years I have met a lot of people who don't have that, and I'm sad to see it. When it all comes down to it, we are who we came from. Genetics, you know.
During my visit, I was able to read through the Shablo family history that my aunt has spent a good deal of time, energy and money compiling. The research involved in doing something like that is staggering to comprehend. It really is a labor of love. I found the whole thing very interesting. It traces the Shablo family history in the United States, which aroused my curiosity about the European roots. And of course, now I'd like to read the whole history of my mother's family.
My aunt had asked each of her siblings to write up some of their stories and memories, and after I read through everything, my father started pestering me to contribute. He reminded me that I'm the writer in the family. I reminded him that my brother Frank is also quite a good writer. He argued that if he--Dad--could write a story, surely I could do the same. I hemmed and hawed and made no promises, other than that I would think about it.
Well, I came home, and I thought it over. I finally realized that I had no objection to sharing stories about childhood and my grandparents, but I'm not at all ready to tell the story of being married and divorced and trying to raise my four children alone. There are plenty of people who know that story, but not my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
Maybe that sounds funny, but here's the thing: I love my family, but I don't know them well. I grew up in Wyoming. My father's siblings stayed in Colorado, except for a brother who moved to Minnesota. So I saw my aunts, uncles and cousins once a year at best. We'd spend a few days visiting, playing, eating and singing, then say our good-byes until the next year.
Suffice to say that I got divorced and I raised my kids. That's all the story I can tell about that part of my life at this point in time.
But I did sit myself down in front of the keyboard, and I wrote several stories about growing up and spending time with my parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. I sent them to my aunt, and I'm so happy that I did. My willingness to participate in her project to continue adding to the family history has made her so happy. That makes me feel really good. She asked if she could include one of my drawings and one of my poems, and I agreed to that. Hopefully all will be well received.
All in all, a pretty productive day.
I'd like to add that I think we have enough snow for now. What do you think?
Good night!
10:55 p.m.
Feeling better today. I actually made it down the back steps and back up again without making a bunch of sounds that might make one think of barnyard animals.
Since I'd bought some items I wanted to play with the day my back and hip decided to take a hiatus, today I dragged out my bins and made a couple of things. It's always a better day for me if I manage to create something, even if it's only chaos.
Last month I spent 3 weeks with my parents in Green River, Wyoming. It was wonderful to be near family for a while. I got to see all my siblings, and it was the first time we've all been in the same place at the same time in ten years.
I appreciate the good relationship I have with my family. Over the years I have met a lot of people who don't have that, and I'm sad to see it. When it all comes down to it, we are who we came from. Genetics, you know.
During my visit, I was able to read through the Shablo family history that my aunt has spent a good deal of time, energy and money compiling. The research involved in doing something like that is staggering to comprehend. It really is a labor of love. I found the whole thing very interesting. It traces the Shablo family history in the United States, which aroused my curiosity about the European roots. And of course, now I'd like to read the whole history of my mother's family.
My aunt had asked each of her siblings to write up some of their stories and memories, and after I read through everything, my father started pestering me to contribute. He reminded me that I'm the writer in the family. I reminded him that my brother Frank is also quite a good writer. He argued that if he--Dad--could write a story, surely I could do the same. I hemmed and hawed and made no promises, other than that I would think about it.
Well, I came home, and I thought it over. I finally realized that I had no objection to sharing stories about childhood and my grandparents, but I'm not at all ready to tell the story of being married and divorced and trying to raise my four children alone. There are plenty of people who know that story, but not my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
Maybe that sounds funny, but here's the thing: I love my family, but I don't know them well. I grew up in Wyoming. My father's siblings stayed in Colorado, except for a brother who moved to Minnesota. So I saw my aunts, uncles and cousins once a year at best. We'd spend a few days visiting, playing, eating and singing, then say our good-byes until the next year.
Suffice to say that I got divorced and I raised my kids. That's all the story I can tell about that part of my life at this point in time.
But I did sit myself down in front of the keyboard, and I wrote several stories about growing up and spending time with my parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. I sent them to my aunt, and I'm so happy that I did. My willingness to participate in her project to continue adding to the family history has made her so happy. That makes me feel really good. She asked if she could include one of my drawings and one of my poems, and I agreed to that. Hopefully all will be well received.
All in all, a pretty productive day.
I'd like to add that I think we have enough snow for now. What do you think?
Good night!
Monday, February 3, 2014
February 3, 2014
7:29 p.m.
My wish for everyone today is that they may never have to experience back pain.
Ugh! What a waste of a day. Having to lay flat is boring, even if you do have something good to read, and trying to blog that way is a little awkward.
I'm a bit tickled, I must say, that my t.v has an option for blind viewers on it. I can set it, and it tells me what action is taking place while I listen to the dialogue. That way I can actually lie flat and still "watch" t.v.
What a great option! I discovered it quite by accident (because I never read my user manual when I got the t.v.) by bumping the button with my elbow while adjusting the blankets on my bed one night. Then, of course, I had no idea what had happened. At first I thought it was part of the program--you know, that there was a narrator or something. Then, when a rerun of a show I watch regularly came on and it continued, I still thought maybe Comcast was trying something new. I changed the channel, and no other programs were doing it. I switched back to my program, and I was still getting a play-by-play of the action. It finally occurred to me that I had done it somehow, and I began checking out the buttons on my remote control.
I am not unfamiliar with modern technology, but when it comes to the television, I'm strictly on/off, channel up/channel down and volume control. I don't watch that much t.v., really, and the one in my room is almost exclusively tuned to TNT, because I turn it on at night to drown out the voices in my head so I can (hopefully) get to sleep. TNT is "all drama all the time". I like that stuff. Between midnight and, say, three a.m. you often get the drone-like voices of the lawyers on "Law and Order", which can--if I don't get caught up in listening to the story--blah blah blah me away.
Of course, that night I got completely caught up in the story--who wouldn't, when you not only hear the dialogue, but also: "He opens the door slowly, and peers cautiously into the corridor. Suddenly, a shot rings out, and he ducks quickly back into the room."
How awesome is that?
Anyway, back to the remote control. Buttons, buttons and more buttons. I pushed a few, checked out what they did, tried another remote (I have three!!!) and then another, and I could not figure it out!
What the heck, I thought. I turned off the light, lay down and listened to stories. It's not like I was going to go to sleep anyway, ya know?
After a couple of evenings of trying to figure the thing out, I enlisted the help of my son, Sam, who knows all. Or so I thought. He did the same button pushing I did and came up with no answers.
You'll be happy to know I finally figured it out, and it was so simple that I'm still shaking my head over it. So today, I put the feature to good use, because I've been kind of worthless all day.
It's sad, you know, how a little pain--okay, a lot of pain--can make me think uncharitable thoughts about the guy who thought the coffee cup on the floor of his van was more important than the traffic ahead of him, aka ME. When you stop for a red light, you expect the people behind you to do the same, but on that June night in 1994, the guy behind me just kept on coming. BLAM!
That's been almost 20 years ago, and thinking bad thoughts about a guy who never intended to hurt me is just not nice. So, shame on me.
I just wish it could have all been solved with surgery, but such was not the case. I can be thrown back into stiffness, limping, foot-dragging inflammatory pain by cold weather, by a small misstep or slip, or by nothing at all that I can figure out. It makes it hard to walk, hard to sit--even hard to lie flat. My feet burn due to radiating nerve pain. It frustrates me. Boo! Hiss!
Okay, I'm done complaining. I'll have a chocolate chip cookie and all will be well, all will be well, and all manner of things will be well.
To all--good night!
7:29 p.m.
My wish for everyone today is that they may never have to experience back pain.
Ugh! What a waste of a day. Having to lay flat is boring, even if you do have something good to read, and trying to blog that way is a little awkward.
I'm a bit tickled, I must say, that my t.v has an option for blind viewers on it. I can set it, and it tells me what action is taking place while I listen to the dialogue. That way I can actually lie flat and still "watch" t.v.
What a great option! I discovered it quite by accident (because I never read my user manual when I got the t.v.) by bumping the button with my elbow while adjusting the blankets on my bed one night. Then, of course, I had no idea what had happened. At first I thought it was part of the program--you know, that there was a narrator or something. Then, when a rerun of a show I watch regularly came on and it continued, I still thought maybe Comcast was trying something new. I changed the channel, and no other programs were doing it. I switched back to my program, and I was still getting a play-by-play of the action. It finally occurred to me that I had done it somehow, and I began checking out the buttons on my remote control.
I am not unfamiliar with modern technology, but when it comes to the television, I'm strictly on/off, channel up/channel down and volume control. I don't watch that much t.v., really, and the one in my room is almost exclusively tuned to TNT, because I turn it on at night to drown out the voices in my head so I can (hopefully) get to sleep. TNT is "all drama all the time". I like that stuff. Between midnight and, say, three a.m. you often get the drone-like voices of the lawyers on "Law and Order", which can--if I don't get caught up in listening to the story--blah blah blah me away.
Of course, that night I got completely caught up in the story--who wouldn't, when you not only hear the dialogue, but also: "He opens the door slowly, and peers cautiously into the corridor. Suddenly, a shot rings out, and he ducks quickly back into the room."
How awesome is that?
Anyway, back to the remote control. Buttons, buttons and more buttons. I pushed a few, checked out what they did, tried another remote (I have three!!!) and then another, and I could not figure it out!
What the heck, I thought. I turned off the light, lay down and listened to stories. It's not like I was going to go to sleep anyway, ya know?
After a couple of evenings of trying to figure the thing out, I enlisted the help of my son, Sam, who knows all. Or so I thought. He did the same button pushing I did and came up with no answers.
You'll be happy to know I finally figured it out, and it was so simple that I'm still shaking my head over it. So today, I put the feature to good use, because I've been kind of worthless all day.
It's sad, you know, how a little pain--okay, a lot of pain--can make me think uncharitable thoughts about the guy who thought the coffee cup on the floor of his van was more important than the traffic ahead of him, aka ME. When you stop for a red light, you expect the people behind you to do the same, but on that June night in 1994, the guy behind me just kept on coming. BLAM!
That's been almost 20 years ago, and thinking bad thoughts about a guy who never intended to hurt me is just not nice. So, shame on me.
I just wish it could have all been solved with surgery, but such was not the case. I can be thrown back into stiffness, limping, foot-dragging inflammatory pain by cold weather, by a small misstep or slip, or by nothing at all that I can figure out. It makes it hard to walk, hard to sit--even hard to lie flat. My feet burn due to radiating nerve pain. It frustrates me. Boo! Hiss!
Okay, I'm done complaining. I'll have a chocolate chip cookie and all will be well, all will be well, and all manner of things will be well.
To all--good night!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
February 2, 2014
11:08 p.m.
Happy Groundhog's Day.
So the rodent saw his shadow today and we're in for six more weeks of winter. According to the calendar, we were in for six more weeks of winter anyway. We're so silly.
If anyone is trying to reach us, we have no phone. I don't know why; the Internet is working fine, and usually when we lose one, the other goes, too. So e-mail or text will work.
Is there another storm coming in? (I refuse to check the weather channel. Not doing it. Nope.)
Denver is sad tonight, because they were destroyed by Seattle. Too bad, so sad.
I am not a football fan. The only sport I sort of follow is Baseball. I live in Denver, but my team has always been the Boston Red Socks. I don't feel disloyal to Denver over my choice, since I made that choice in grade school. I don't remember why I chose them, but I suspect it's because they always got so close to the World Series, or so close to winning it but always fell short. I'm a sucker for an underdog. And, hey! My team finally did it, after eighty-plus years, so it's all good.
Now, having said that--the thing about the underdog-- you'd think I would have been rooting for the Broncos today, but you'd be wrong. I just don't give two hoots about football. This year I didn't even care enough to try to catch the commercials. I can watch them all online if I want to, and I'm sure I can also catch Bruno Mars's half-time show.
I went shopping for groceries and jewelry parts. I haven't made anything for a month, and I got some nice stuff. And it was great being in the store while everyone else in town was home watching the game, man! No lines! No kids screaming and crying. No crowded parking lot. Awesome!
I think I must have slipped or something getting out of the car, though. My hip is giving me hell, starting with my walk from the parking lot to the store. The more I walked, the louder it bawled. I've been sitting here working on sorting through photographs and it's been sobbing and moaning non-stop, and I'm a little afraid to get up and move now.
I have to, though. I just drank a mug of tea and a great big glass of water. Be right back.
Oh...my...GOD! I don't know if it's old back problems causing hip pain or old hip problems causing back pain, but they have teamed up to form a duet, and the song they are singing is not Kumbaya.
Ouch. I mean that sincerely.
So...thus endeth tonight's little blog. I'm taking me, my hip and my back off to bed, to lie flat and gripe at each other.
Good night!
11:08 p.m.
Happy Groundhog's Day.
So the rodent saw his shadow today and we're in for six more weeks of winter. According to the calendar, we were in for six more weeks of winter anyway. We're so silly.
If anyone is trying to reach us, we have no phone. I don't know why; the Internet is working fine, and usually when we lose one, the other goes, too. So e-mail or text will work.
Is there another storm coming in? (I refuse to check the weather channel. Not doing it. Nope.)
Denver is sad tonight, because they were destroyed by Seattle. Too bad, so sad.
I am not a football fan. The only sport I sort of follow is Baseball. I live in Denver, but my team has always been the Boston Red Socks. I don't feel disloyal to Denver over my choice, since I made that choice in grade school. I don't remember why I chose them, but I suspect it's because they always got so close to the World Series, or so close to winning it but always fell short. I'm a sucker for an underdog. And, hey! My team finally did it, after eighty-plus years, so it's all good.
Now, having said that--the thing about the underdog-- you'd think I would have been rooting for the Broncos today, but you'd be wrong. I just don't give two hoots about football. This year I didn't even care enough to try to catch the commercials. I can watch them all online if I want to, and I'm sure I can also catch Bruno Mars's half-time show.
I went shopping for groceries and jewelry parts. I haven't made anything for a month, and I got some nice stuff. And it was great being in the store while everyone else in town was home watching the game, man! No lines! No kids screaming and crying. No crowded parking lot. Awesome!
I think I must have slipped or something getting out of the car, though. My hip is giving me hell, starting with my walk from the parking lot to the store. The more I walked, the louder it bawled. I've been sitting here working on sorting through photographs and it's been sobbing and moaning non-stop, and I'm a little afraid to get up and move now.
I have to, though. I just drank a mug of tea and a great big glass of water. Be right back.
Oh...my...GOD! I don't know if it's old back problems causing hip pain or old hip problems causing back pain, but they have teamed up to form a duet, and the song they are singing is not Kumbaya.
Ouch. I mean that sincerely.
So...thus endeth tonight's little blog. I'm taking me, my hip and my back off to bed, to lie flat and gripe at each other.
Good night!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
February 1, 2014
7:34 p.m.
This is day 3 of snow, and I gotta say: I'm over it. It's cold out there, friends. Cold. I saw a meme on Facebook today that said, "Whoever has been praying for snow--please stop now." That gave me a chuckle!
I gave up trying to sleep around 6 this morning and read for awhile, then took a shower and got up and started making preparations for chicken soup. When it comes to me and cooking, I'd better get cracking while I'm still in the mood, or I might change my mind and make a PBJ.
Hot chicken soup on a snowy day--yum! I changed it up a bit today, but as there is none left I will have to say my changes were a success. Every time I make something it's an experiment, anyway. I'm one of those "use whatever is in the cupboards" cooks. This method usually works out for me, but I will admit that there have been a few...um...interesting dishes over the years. Thank God, not too many!
I have no idea why I'm not a more invested cook. It's not that I can't do it--I'm actually pretty good at it. But with no kids in the house, I just can't get motivated to do it most of the time. It's just easier, faster, whatever-er to open a can or make a sandwich, or in my case, skip meals altogether.
Or else--gasp!--make the dreaded fast-food run.
I know better. I do. But...
When there are kids here, like my grandchildren, or a friend's children, I cook all day. Kids have to eat, and kids don't cook. Or if they do, they don't cook alone, at least not at my house. I will make messes in the kitchen all day if there are kids involved. But if you are old enough to cook, I'm going to let you do it.
Unless it's Thanksgiving. Or Christmas. Or Easter. Then--get outta my kitchen!
But, see, those are big family meal days, and when I get to feed lots of people, I like to cook.
So today was one of those rare days when I got up in the mood to cook and did it before I talked myself out of it.
It must have been the snow.
Someone sent me a link to an interview with Bill Mumy today. You remember him: Will Robinson on "Lost in Space." Of course I watched it and all the others I found at the link, because I was experiencing a total geek-out.
When "Lost in Space" debuted in 1965 I was five years old. I was immediately smitten with young Will Robinson. Not only was he a kid in space, he was a cute kid in space. A smart, cute kid in space. He knew his science, this kid. He could program a robot, for gosh sake. How could I not be smitten?
"Lost in Space didn't last nearly long enough on network television to suit me, and it's bugged me forever that they never made it home.
(You know--like Gilligan. But at least they had a couple of movies of the week that took them home and then back to the island. Resolution, folks.)
I'm still waiting for resolution. By now the Jupiter II should have made it back to earth, even if it meant a 60-year-old Will Robinson disembarking with the remaining family members. Right?
Oh, yeah. Today is Bill Mumy's birthday. He's 60. Happy Birthday, Bill!
True, they made a movie, and it was entertaining, but it resolved nothing. I'm still waiting for Will (Bill Mumy), Penny (Angela Cartwright), Maureen (June Lockhart) , Judy (Marta Kristin) and Don (Mark Goddard) to come home. We've lost John (Guy Williams) and Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris) to the passage of time, sadly. Also both actors who brought the robot to life, Bob May (body) and Dick Tufeld (voice). But those are issues that can be addressed once the remaining Robinson family arrives back on earth.
Someone needs to get to work on this. We've also lost Irwin Allen...who owns the show now?
Um...anyone?
If I started a petition to bring the Robinson family home, do you think anyone would sign it?
Now that I think of it, Gilligan and company ended up back on that island. Ginger and Mary Ann are all alone now...
Dang.
Sometimes I think too much, ya know?
Time to go play some Candy Crush or something. Turn of the old thinker.
Good night!
7:34 p.m.
This is day 3 of snow, and I gotta say: I'm over it. It's cold out there, friends. Cold. I saw a meme on Facebook today that said, "Whoever has been praying for snow--please stop now." That gave me a chuckle!
I gave up trying to sleep around 6 this morning and read for awhile, then took a shower and got up and started making preparations for chicken soup. When it comes to me and cooking, I'd better get cracking while I'm still in the mood, or I might change my mind and make a PBJ.
Hot chicken soup on a snowy day--yum! I changed it up a bit today, but as there is none left I will have to say my changes were a success. Every time I make something it's an experiment, anyway. I'm one of those "use whatever is in the cupboards" cooks. This method usually works out for me, but I will admit that there have been a few...um...interesting dishes over the years. Thank God, not too many!
I have no idea why I'm not a more invested cook. It's not that I can't do it--I'm actually pretty good at it. But with no kids in the house, I just can't get motivated to do it most of the time. It's just easier, faster, whatever-er to open a can or make a sandwich, or in my case, skip meals altogether.
Or else--gasp!--make the dreaded fast-food run.
I know better. I do. But...
When there are kids here, like my grandchildren, or a friend's children, I cook all day. Kids have to eat, and kids don't cook. Or if they do, they don't cook alone, at least not at my house. I will make messes in the kitchen all day if there are kids involved. But if you are old enough to cook, I'm going to let you do it.
Unless it's Thanksgiving. Or Christmas. Or Easter. Then--get outta my kitchen!
But, see, those are big family meal days, and when I get to feed lots of people, I like to cook.
So today was one of those rare days when I got up in the mood to cook and did it before I talked myself out of it.
It must have been the snow.
Someone sent me a link to an interview with Bill Mumy today. You remember him: Will Robinson on "Lost in Space." Of course I watched it and all the others I found at the link, because I was experiencing a total geek-out.
When "Lost in Space" debuted in 1965 I was five years old. I was immediately smitten with young Will Robinson. Not only was he a kid in space, he was a cute kid in space. A smart, cute kid in space. He knew his science, this kid. He could program a robot, for gosh sake. How could I not be smitten?
"Lost in Space didn't last nearly long enough on network television to suit me, and it's bugged me forever that they never made it home.
(You know--like Gilligan. But at least they had a couple of movies of the week that took them home and then back to the island. Resolution, folks.)
I'm still waiting for resolution. By now the Jupiter II should have made it back to earth, even if it meant a 60-year-old Will Robinson disembarking with the remaining family members. Right?
Oh, yeah. Today is Bill Mumy's birthday. He's 60. Happy Birthday, Bill!
True, they made a movie, and it was entertaining, but it resolved nothing. I'm still waiting for Will (Bill Mumy), Penny (Angela Cartwright), Maureen (June Lockhart) , Judy (Marta Kristin) and Don (Mark Goddard) to come home. We've lost John (Guy Williams) and Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris) to the passage of time, sadly. Also both actors who brought the robot to life, Bob May (body) and Dick Tufeld (voice). But those are issues that can be addressed once the remaining Robinson family arrives back on earth.
Someone needs to get to work on this. We've also lost Irwin Allen...who owns the show now?
Um...anyone?
If I started a petition to bring the Robinson family home, do you think anyone would sign it?
Now that I think of it, Gilligan and company ended up back on that island. Ginger and Mary Ann are all alone now...
Dang.
Sometimes I think too much, ya know?
Time to go play some Candy Crush or something. Turn of the old thinker.
Good night!
February 1, 2014
12:49 a.m.
Tonight I am happy to say that I left the house today--well, yesterday--and went further than the mailbox. Ha ha!
Seriously, had a busy day. Went with Sam and Valerie to pick up medication and then to lunch. We went to Country Buffet.
It's a funny thing about buffets. Depending on how much they cost, I sometimes have a tendency to over eat so I'll get my money's worth. Then I'm too full and feel crummy for hours afterward. So I was a good girl this time and ate mostly salad, then a serving of meat, potatoes and a veggie. Too much dessert, because I love brownies. Bad girl.
So we headed for home, and when we pulled into the driveway, Valerie realized she'd left her wallet on the table, so back we went. What an awful feeling that is, knowing what we carry in our wallets, and that anyone--ANYONE--might have picked it up. Sam called and was assured that the wallet was at the cash register. Whew! What a relief.
After that we decided to pick up a couple of things at the grocery store so I can make my homemade chicken soup tonight. (You know, February 1st tonight.)
I then made those poor kids watch a 1980's made-for-t.v. movie with me. That should make up for all the times I've had to sit through crap like "Restaurant Stakeout". Oh, it was so cheesy, that movie! It was like: "Warning all parents! Don't let your kids play fantasy games or they will go crazy and run away thinking that they are really the characters in the game!" Did Sam complain? Did Valerie giggle? Yes. Yes, they did. There were so many good movies in the 80's. This wasn't one of them. (Please note that I am not mentioning the title of the movie. I'm sure it was great at the time it was made, it just isn't one of those films that ages well.)
[Also please note that I did name the reality show, because it's crap. Seen one episode, seen them all.]
I really need some sleep, so I may be rambling this a.m.
I just want to touch on things like t.v. shows and movies that age well versus those that don't.
1. Gilligan's Island--timeless
The Brady Bunch--not so much
2. The Waltons--timeless
The Mod Squad--not so much
3. The Princess Bride--timeless
Flash Gordon--not so much
I like old movies, and old, old movies, but some of them just don't stand up over time. Same thing with old t.v.shows. A lot of it may be due to all the high tech stuff we live with now and take for granted. But check this out: Gilligan's Island will always work, because whether we're in the cell phone age or not, if you're on a deserted island, the technology is not going to help you get rescued. Even if you can recharge your batteries using coconut shells, there's no signal. You are just as screwed as you were in the 60's. Paula has spoken!
Now, having spoken, I think I will call it a night and try to go to sleep. Good night!
12:49 a.m.
Tonight I am happy to say that I left the house today--well, yesterday--and went further than the mailbox. Ha ha!
Seriously, had a busy day. Went with Sam and Valerie to pick up medication and then to lunch. We went to Country Buffet.
It's a funny thing about buffets. Depending on how much they cost, I sometimes have a tendency to over eat so I'll get my money's worth. Then I'm too full and feel crummy for hours afterward. So I was a good girl this time and ate mostly salad, then a serving of meat, potatoes and a veggie. Too much dessert, because I love brownies. Bad girl.
So we headed for home, and when we pulled into the driveway, Valerie realized she'd left her wallet on the table, so back we went. What an awful feeling that is, knowing what we carry in our wallets, and that anyone--ANYONE--might have picked it up. Sam called and was assured that the wallet was at the cash register. Whew! What a relief.
After that we decided to pick up a couple of things at the grocery store so I can make my homemade chicken soup tonight. (You know, February 1st tonight.)
I then made those poor kids watch a 1980's made-for-t.v. movie with me. That should make up for all the times I've had to sit through crap like "Restaurant Stakeout". Oh, it was so cheesy, that movie! It was like: "Warning all parents! Don't let your kids play fantasy games or they will go crazy and run away thinking that they are really the characters in the game!" Did Sam complain? Did Valerie giggle? Yes. Yes, they did. There were so many good movies in the 80's. This wasn't one of them. (Please note that I am not mentioning the title of the movie. I'm sure it was great at the time it was made, it just isn't one of those films that ages well.)
[Also please note that I did name the reality show, because it's crap. Seen one episode, seen them all.]
I really need some sleep, so I may be rambling this a.m.
I just want to touch on things like t.v. shows and movies that age well versus those that don't.
1. Gilligan's Island--timeless
The Brady Bunch--not so much
2. The Waltons--timeless
The Mod Squad--not so much
3. The Princess Bride--timeless
Flash Gordon--not so much
I like old movies, and old, old movies, but some of them just don't stand up over time. Same thing with old t.v.shows. A lot of it may be due to all the high tech stuff we live with now and take for granted. But check this out: Gilligan's Island will always work, because whether we're in the cell phone age or not, if you're on a deserted island, the technology is not going to help you get rescued. Even if you can recharge your batteries using coconut shells, there's no signal. You are just as screwed as you were in the 60's. Paula has spoken!
Now, having spoken, I think I will call it a night and try to go to sleep. Good night!
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