Christmas Eve

Woke this morning feeling like a very rich person. I'm so fortunate this year. I was making plans on buying a used side-by-side frig so the doors could open all the way. My kitchen is small and I have this huge frig for the space and the door only opens half way, oh well! I have the sun coming in my windows, not looking at the sky through fire escape window from the basement apt I was living in last year. I have 6 ft windows, despite their age, I'm happy to have them. I have a box to open tomorrow from my mommy, who always sends me something despite her financial situation. She makes sure I have something to open! If it wasn't for her, I can't say for sure I would have anything to open on Christmas morning! I get cards and surprise cash from lots of people, but having her box to open sure fills the gap. Don't get me wrong; I love buying gifts for others, but I also love to have something to open as well. I live a simple life and I like it that way. I have my bed, a chair, a small folding table, boxes and plastic tubs to use as end tables and a Tv stand. Furniture is for other people to sit on and places to put your stuff when you walk in the door. Don't get me wrong, having a comfy chair is very nice, but I would have to pay someone to bring me those big items and it would force me to rent a '2 guys with a truck' to help me move and that just seems a waste of money to me. I have access to pre-civil war furniture that I would much rather spend my hard earned money on moving then crapy stuff made of particle board that you can get at any big box store. A frig where the doors open all the way would be very nice! :D Every house should have a paper shredder! Who needs a dresser when you have big closets and soft shoe racks to store all your personals! I told you I live simple! :D The only shelving units I want are the ones that fold up and they cost big money. I don't have 40" Tv, I have a 19" Tv and I'm happy with that! I'm a coffee perfectionist and I paid $10 for my maker and it makes Perfect coffee every time! Now a washer & dryer would be very sweet to have in my place so I can do a load when I need something done; but for now, I'll be running to the laundry matt! That silly frig door won't open all the way! Oh well! I have a full heart from my friends and family this Christmas and hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Merry Christmas

Finally, 19 months later!

Well, I got to sleep in MY place last night and it was so nice. Woke up a lot due to new noises and different lights outside. It has been such a long time in coming, it wasn't until this morning when I realized that I'm finally in my place. Something I've been working really hard on since I started this venture in June of last year. All I have, are my bed, some entertainment items (tv, dvd player, & radio) and my camp kitchen, but I'm just happy to be in MY Place! I left a 'Thank you' note for the lady that allowed me to live in her house for the past 6 months. Left that house in a good place! Look forward to shopping in my storage unit in the near future for some things that will make my life a little easier! Woke up to a new blanket of snow and it's still falling and wishing I bought a shovel last night, oh well. Maybe I can borrow one from my neighbor until I pick one up after I get paid! I hung my shower curtain this morning and made 2 cups of coffee in my 8 cup maker (not new), (microwave is in storage :D) and just as happy as can be! It will be a White Christmas this year :D! I would have to rent a cargo van to empty my storage unit and/or just to pick up some furniture for my place. Those funds won't be in the picture for a while. My priorities are allowing for a doggy though! :D Everything in due time!!!!

Be careful traveling this week everyone; no need to rush, patience will ensure everyone lives and no damage to property! Most of all have a Fabulous Christmas!!!

College Tuition

Okay, bitch session. The colleges are BROKE, so they're raising tuition fees on all of the students forcing them to choose between a degree & huge debt or no degree and struggling to continue and not going after their dreams. Then, I hear on the local news that a college nearby is hiring a new football coach and going to pay them a million bucks. Something is very wrong with this picture! Why should starving students work 2-3 jobs and carry a full load to pay a coach? Coaches should be doing it because they love the game, not for $200k a year. There is nothing wrong in making them live off of about $70k a year. I bet the students would be more willing to pay the higher fees if they know the staff aren't getting rich off of them. The cost of living isn't that high!!! Most of the colleges have raised their fees as much as 40% per credit hour crying "we're broke" and turning around and paying their staff insane wages. Enroll at your own risk!

Lots to Cover Today

I have keys to my own place and I can move in whenever. It's a cute, well organized whittle apartment. I can paint walls, get a dog and pull my stuff out of storage, finally. It has big windows facing east and west to allow tons of natural light into my place. My power bill should be pretty low because of my schedule. It has white burbur (sp) rug, which I'm considering covering with something that has colors. On the west side, it has sliding glass doors to allow the sunsets into my place. This place truly is a non-smoking place and I don't have to worry about it.

The doggy part is the best part, however, there is a size limit, up to 25 lbs. Now all of you who know me, that is a really small dog. I'm working on my very cool landlord to allow me to get one that is at least 40 lbs. I've been hunting pretty hard for my next kid and with time I'll find one soon. The cute puppies are hard to turn down, but my budget doesn't cover both the shelter fees and get a few new items I have to get. I'll get one, that is a promise to myself.

Now, to a more serious note. If the jerks in DC can't get off their asses and pass the payroll tax cut, I will be forced to cancel my health insurance. I can't live off of $1300.00 a month and that is what it will be if the tax cut doesn't continue and I keep my insurance. After my rent and 2 utilities, I would be left with choosing which bills to turn off and am afraid the my cell and internet bill would be one of those items. I don't even want to look at how my budget would change if the payroll tax wasn't extended.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Secret Santa

I like shopping for people I care about on Christmas. I get all wiggly-giggly-goofy about it. It's okay, you can call me a weepy sap, I really don't care. I've always enjoyed buying gifts for Christmas. I Also love to buy gifts for people I don't know and play Santa for them. My gift this year is to pass this joy onto you. If you know of someone and you know they're busting their butt and Santa still isn't going to stop by this year. You can fill the gap for Santa. How do you find out what they need; well, observe the conversations, look around the house, what could make their lives a bit easier, and talk to their friends if thats your way in. Does mom need new private items, does the kids need educational tools or boots or even a bike. It's not about the money or feeling pity, it's about showing them that others do care and want them to remember that Santa Claus does really live and breath. If you're close to tears while picking out the items and wrapping them in paper, then you're going to fill their hearts with a day full of smiles and joy for in their eyes. No amount of money can buy those looks! But the money spent is worth it a million times over! Now, to keep the secret of Santa in place, ALL cards are signed "From Santa" and even if they see you dropping them off and they ask you who they're from, with tears, just say "Santa, Merry Christmas!"

Why do I do this, well, a bunch of people did it for me one year and I was thrilled. Even my dog got a few things too! There was food, six-pack of beer, and all kinds of presents. I've never forgotten it and have tried my best to repeat it each year. The first year I did it, I spent over $300 on a family of 4 and loved every second of it! I haven't been able to do it for a few years, but hoping I can get it done next year.

The best part is you don't have to be a recipient to start this! Don't do it to be charitable, do it because it's Christmas and you love doing it. If you ask someone else to get it done, then you're nothing more then a Scrooge building your tax deduction for the year! Don't be a scrooge, be Santa! It's way more fun!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Thanksgiving

It has been one crazy year, my posts are proof. I won't rehash it all! This year I'm so thankful for my job. It is by far the most difficult job I've ever had, but with the support of my supervisors and their confidence in my abilities sure does help. Despite what most of my fellow co-workers think of me, I'm going to continue to do my job to the best of my ability. It's almost like my supervisors are aware how my co-workers feel about me and they're making themselves more available to me. Even with all this going on, I am thankful for my job.

I have to give a shout to someone closer for all their support of me in my struggle to get back on my feet, both emotionally and financially. Without this person holding up the tent, I would have been lost in the crowd. Thanks!!!! I will continue to try make you proud and stay out of the dog house! :)

Thankful for my current place to live and the opportunity to get on my feet financially enough to get into a place of my own, one I can find a afford each month. Our work schedules allow us to have time alone and we see each other on the weekends.

The most shocking thing to me is that I'm getting paid tomorrow and I don't even have to work. Plus, I have paid days off coming to me that I also have to take or I'll loose those hours next year. So, today I will try to figure out days I would like to take off and put in my requests on friday. The nice thing, I'll know within a few minutes if that works or not and try different day off. Still trying to get the 26th off after Christmas so I can go do my shopping for myself. I like to shop for my clothes on that day, because everything is 60% or more off.

Everyone Have a Fabulous Thanksgiving tomorrow and remember to have fun, within reason if you're traveling in any shape or form. Hugs

Sad today

My confidence is pretty well shaken and feeling pretty down today. Mostly confused on why I get treated so strangely when I'm nice and respectful to everyone without any side intensions or asking for anything in return. I'm really confused. So tired of everything I do being wrong and being judged by people who I have the upmost respect for. I don't get it! Everyone is laughing at me and I don't know why. I do work well as a team player, I'm helpful only when asked, and yet they see me as a problem and I don't understand why. I enjoy my job and I work with a great bunch of people and yet they don't care for me in the least. What a shame!

I know my mind thinks differently and I'm on a different plane from everyone else and that is why I try so hard to treat everyone with respect and on an equal plane. Not on the same plane as myself, but respecting them for who they are as a human being.

Update 11/20/2011; I'm doing better today with a small plan to just keep my head down and not make small talk. It won't be easy considering that if I didn't talk with my co-workers I wouldn't living where I'm living now. I worked with her for 5 days and she turned out to be a good friend. Thanks for allowing me to vent.

Gross Income Percentage

Okay, in doing some research on this whole house search game and looking at qualifications local offices have for low income home buyers. And I did the math of what they want. They want anywhere between 25% to 33% of the gross income towards the mortgage payment. Well, If I could afford that number on the net side, I would have a descent rental up the street from where I'm currently located. On a duel income, that number wouldn't hurt so bad. My gross income is $2000/mo, 33% is $660 - $1600 (net) = $940.00. I would have to pay utilities, car insurance, cell & net, credit card payment and what ever was left would go to food and gas. Now, if the percentage was lowered for single income folks to 20%, that would put additional $260 in my pocket and take my left over net fund to $1200.00. I wouldn't be "house rich and cash poor" and it would be a huge benefit to all businesses around me because I would have more money to put into the economy. Now, I haven't done the math of the bigger picture, but I have a feeling that it would go along way towards feeding the overall economy. My only plan to get it changed would be on any future home purchases, lower the GIP on the mortgage requirements on single income to 20% and 30% on duel income. That would allow the new home owners to breath more easily knowing that they can afford their new home on the monthly basis and actually make ends meet. Yes, it would change the amount of the mortgage everyone could get, but it would mean that everyone would get a house they can actually afford, not one that is outside of their means. Those payments include insurance, taxes and interest. So, the $400 x 12 x 30yr doesn't = $144,000.00. It's closer to $90,000.00 or less. So, in my effort to keep my payments down to where I want them to be, my mortgage would be closer to $80k or less. I'm not one to give up easily or settle for something I don't want. I can't say for sure I would be looking at the 33%, but I could be looking at the average of the two.

An added note; in 2009, I was pre-approved for a USDA loan for 92k. :)

Renting vs. Ownership

Well, I'm to the point where I don't want to be a renter any more. I don't want to pay hard earned money on dumps that never see any descent TLC. I don't want to pay hard earned money on utilities due to 20 year old appliances, shitty windows and no insulation. I don't want to put hard earned money and time into making improvements where it only benefits the owner. When I owned my camper trailers, I made improvements on them for Me. I replaced water lines, updated the power system, took care of the roof and countless other items. I've been looking at places I can afford to rent and find that no one should be living in these places. Some of these places aren't even fit for storage. The others I can afford don't allow pets of any kind and I have to have a furry face to come home too and pull me out of bed in the morning. I don't know how I will make this happen without getting in over my head, but with all the different options out there, one of them will work for me. I'm aware that they look at the gross income, but I won't allow them to make my payment on that number, but only on the net income. My effort to not be house rich and cash poor. I don't know how soon this will happen, but it will happen. I don't want to be a renter anymore!!!!!

Food & Health

I eat pretty well and over the past few years, I have made so many adjustments to my food choices, nothing helped me feel very good. I'm finding that I'm hungry! My regular calorie intake has completely changed this week and finding I'm starving. So, I building a stash of 'pretty' healthy foods in my desk at work. Still eating a high fiber foods, but I need so much more. I don't eat high fat foods, but I'm discovering I'm hungry. This may seem lame or silly, but I've been dealing with this for 5 years. An interesting part about this is I saw an article on the net yesterday that actually says that Probiotics can be a huge help for IBS symptoms. The more I stressed on stuff, whether it's work issues or life, the worse I felt and the more uncomfortable I became. I would get to a point where I wanted to hide. And I've had some stressful moments at work this week and my body issues never came to mind. I'm off to work and will think more on this and add more later.

There are foods that I still can't have, but I'm thrilled that I can have other foods again. IBS can be life changing in the struggle to figure out what works, helps, calms and what doesn't. Money spent in trial and error. Pages of notes tracking the results, good and bad. There is no magic pill for this, it's all through trial and error on the individual basis. Probiotics so far works for me and may not help others.

IBS Issues

Okay, I was going to wait 30 days before I posted this, but can't wait that long. Day 3 of taking a probiotic in the level of 15 billion and my life has completely changed. I had no clue on how bad I felt. My biggest issue with IBS is crazy gas after everything I ate. Well, it's like night and day, before and after. These weren't little girl gas issues, these were gas issues that would make your brother blush! LOL

I had a good conversation with a lady who worked the vitamin department in a health food store and she handed me a 30-day supply of a refrigerated probiotic. And told me I could take the lower level after I get all those taken. She told me after taking an antibiotic, my body doesn't replace the good germs, thus taking the probiotic to replace all the ones lost. My gas issues have gone from all the time down to just the necessary time the body needs to make room!!!!!!!!!

Now, I'm going to be disappointed if my issues come back with all the new found needed germs, but I guess I will deal with that later. Right now, I'm loving the fact that I can enjoy eating again and even my foods I changed to reduce all my gassy issues. I've been adding more fiber to my diet thinking it would help but it didn't. I wasn't any more gassy, but it didn't help to reduce the issue. Adding fiber is one of the ways to reduce the symptoms for some, but not me. My fiber intake was any where between 12 grams to 25 grams. But for me, Probiotics is my new friend.

Hope that helps someone who is SICK and TIRED of feeling like poopoo all the time.

12/16/11: I got my gas back on the probiotics above, so the new stuff I'm taking is in liquid form and it seems to help if taken before bed on an empty tummy. It tastes nasty, but it seems to help.

Resentment

re-sent-ment |ri'zentment|
noun
bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly : his resentment at being demoted | some people harbor resentments going back many years.
ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from Italian risentimento or French ressentiment, from obsolete French resentir (see resent ).

re-sent |ri'zent|
verb [ trans ]
feel bitterness or indignation at (a circumstance, action, or person) : she resented the fact that I had children.
ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from obsolete French resntir, from re- (expressing intensive force) + sentir 'feel' (from latin sentire). The early sense was [experience (an emotion or sensation),] later [feel deeply,] giving rise to [feel aggrieved by.]

This hurts families, friends and those who are lost to us through such actions. Spending such energy on something like this forces people away and it becomes difficult to get them back. The time away costs future knowledge of ones who they care about. It keeps those who are spending energy on resentment from ever seeing the person for who they are, instead they only see us the way they want to see us. If they want to share the life with loved ones and friends, they will look in the mirror and do some growing up!!!!

No matter the age, time to grow up if you're spending energy on resenting people you care about. Time lost can't be replaced!

"About Schmidt"

Okay, yeah, this movie is kinda slow and thought provoking but has some light hearted funny parts. Jack Nicholson carries his part to a point where I can't think of any other actor who could pull it off. Now, Kathy Bates sure brought the movie to life before the wedding showing her hippie side and kind heart; then...well, you'll have to watch the movie, but it is fall down funny! Kathy, Bravo!!!!!

Proof of Punishing the Unemployed

Here is a story that shows that discrimination against those who have been unemployed for longer then 6 months were being round filed. They weren't even being considered for their solid work experience.

http://my.earthlink.net/article/us?guid=20111009/9fd8bc10-4680-4542-9fc9-7400c583cd3c

I would like to copy/paste this article but I might get into trouble, so I'll be good and not do that.

I'm very grateful I have found a solid job. I am 1 of 19 who were hired in the hiring push with the company where I'm working now. Tons to learn, but it gets easier everyday.

Friendships

Next to family, our friendships is our most valuable tangible item in our life. They share our best days, stand next to us on our bad. They except us for we are, no matter what and laugh with us when we're funny! They give us hugs when we cry and stand next to us at our wedding. The friendship is unconditional and totally 50/50 on great days and those number sway on our good & bad days. But it always evens out.

Me, I do my best to put in my effort, even when it sways where I'm there in 90% support. Until it is my turn where I need support from my 'friends' and they shut me out. It hurts A LOT! I've been accused of being a bitch to my friends, when I know that I'm doing all the work in the relationship. And I'm treated like shit when I need my friends for the equal support I've given them. Is that wrong? I had someone yell at me for being selfish with the expectation where I'm suppose to bend over and kiss their ass and I haven't done that since I was 20! Why would I start now?! So, to protect myself and my spirit, it is safer for me to go sorta solo, then it is for me be shut out every time I'm in need of some emotional support. Oh, that is what this blog is here. To allow me to vent, because my 'friends' have bigger problems then me and they don't have time for me. I must add, there is so much I haven't posted here, not that it would break my personal rules for this blog, but because it wouldn't solve my problem either. Infact some of my best blog posts were from my worst days and turning them into positives.

I had a rough day! 90% of the people I talk to today where grumpy, yelling at me and I was feeling pretty stupid. It was one of those days, where I was holding everyones hand and few of them where making me laugh. A few of them even told me that they weren't mad at me, which helped. Plus, many of my grumpy people weren't grumpy with anything they did, it was more panic, confusion and stress on HUGE levels. A good cry will help me sleep tonight.

Anyway, my roundabout way of venting!!!

Customer Care Service

Okay people. Each time you call customer service whether it's your bank, cellphone tech, anyone to get help over the phone. Be Patient! They're working off many windows on their computer. They could have as few as 5 windows up to as many as 15 windows. These folks talk to dozens and dozens of people each day. You can either be the rudest one of the day, which they will remember, or you can be the one who makes the day better and help them deal for the rest of their shift. A few hints before you call. Have all you information ready, read off any numbers slowly so they can make sure they get it right the first time. Please wait for them to ask for what they want to verify you with before you tell them all this information before that screen has even opened yet. They have a ton of information to remember, giving them your personal information before they ask for it is demanding them to remember more while working on several windows at the same time. Again, be patient. Following these few steps each and every time you call customer service will ensure everything gets done correctly, even if you just got off the phone with them. They completely understand the stress you may be feeling about what ever you're dealing with, but keep in mind that the person on the phone is there to help you solve any issue and/or answer any questions. Take a deep breath and be patient and together the issue will be resolved. BTW, sometimes being put on hold is needed to get the answers to questions from those who have them. Good Luck!

Update

Hey all! I am in fact working. A real honest job, with benefits. A job I don't have to take home with me when I leave. One more day of official training (3 weeks total) and start monday 80% solo. Will have a whittle birdie over my shoulder helping me out! I'll update later, but don't look for specific information about it. Hope everyone is having a good week!

9/11/01

"This morning was no different from yesterday. I arrived at my coffee shop just before 7am to get the coffee brewing and check my supplies and set up my register for the day. My "thank you" ad had already run in the local paper announcing the closing my business the 15th. Been open for nearly two years and time had come to help a friend out with his business. When I finally turned on the radio, it was close to 7:30am (mst) and heard that New York City was experiencing a sad changing of its skyline. I was in my small coffee shop-on-wheels and heard the news that the two planes had already hit the twin towers. As I was sitting there listening to the news, one of my customers pulled up in a rush because she left her coffee on the roof of her car. I had to break the news to her about the planes and she had not heard anything about it. After she left, I ran home to grab my small portable B&W TV and took it back to work. Somewhere during the morning, I realized that there was no one, I mean absolutely no traffic on the road for about an hour. I watched my small TV and struggled to see that the buildings were falling down. It showed all the people running down the streets to escape the dust and debris before I realized what was happening. My heart sank for all of those who were unable to escape the building prior to the total collapse of eventually both buildings. Somewhere though the morning, I made the comment to myself that, “The sleeping dragon has now been awaken, again!” Only time would tell how we would settle this wrong. So many things we didn’t know then, only the miracles that would soon be discovered in the hours and days to come."

I remember seeing my Uncle and his wife parked on the side of the road praying for all those affected. He was forced to return the big rental car they got and was put into Ford Fiesta to make the 18-hour drive home from Albuquerque to Alabama, because all the planes have been grounded indefinitely. My Uncle was on his last trip to see his big sister (my mom) before the cancer took him. My Uncle was a big man, standing over 6 feet tall and filled the doorway when he stepped through it.

As scheduled, I closed my business and moved to my next adventure, but stayed very aware to the news coming out of NYC, DC, and Shanksville.

"Rabbit-Proof Fence"

It took me a few times to get all of it watched and totally convinced it's one of the best movies I seen in a long time. It is a True Story and Fabulously done! Worth a watch if you run across it the next time your hunting for a movie. It's based in Australia and released in 2002. One not to be ignored!

Padded Resumes, by mistake

Okay, I learned a very expensive mistake this morning on the information on my resume. Even though I was doing everything right, I was listing a "corp" name of the company I worked for. WRONG! When the company was being contacted, it was showing that I was not a former employee. It took me 15 months to get a straight answer to why I've been unable to get a job. My resume was looking padded by mistake, which sucks... In all the resume advice, I have never heard or seen anything about making sure you list the correct company, especially when a DBA is used.

I won't use my 'corp' title company, but I will use one as big as example. Lets say you worked for McDonald's in Somewhere City, USA for 3 years and listed your duties. When McDonlad's is contacted, it will show that you didn't worked for them. Many or most of the McDonald's are run under DBA (Doing Business As) companies. The lesson here is to NOT list McDonald's as the former employer, list the DBA Title with McDonald's as the reference on the resume.

When I think about the jobs I was unable to get because of this error, it makes me want to cry. DON'T make this same mistake!

Broken Mirror

Everyone knows and fears the '7 year' unluckiness of a broken mirror. Well, I broke a mirror last month and made the full energy decision to change the effects of the old yuckiness of a broken mirror. I thought about the last time I broke a mirror and discovered that most of the changes were pretty positive. I made it a positive thing by saying something to the effect of the old face in the mirror is gone and a new better face will appear in the new mirror. I repeated that until the uneasy feeling passed and was changed into something positive. So, know the waiting part begins to see if my life will be greeted with a real chance to become something great and better. I do have an awesome secret, but I'm waiting for confirmation to come after the holiday.

United States Postal Service

They're laying off 120,000 people because everyone is paying bills online and not mailing letters anymore. Can we step up to the plate here in order to save all these jobs?

The President Can Not Fix This Job Economy

It falls to us, the US Citizens.

A few months back, I was trying to come up with a way to get everyone back to work and get the economy on the healing track within 6-months or so. My idea is a huge risk but with some care, patience, and faith; it is doable. If all the small businesses with 50 employees and less, if they hire one person (under experienced or over experienced), within a few months the economy could be on the healing trend. Now, I’m sure some of you are saying “I can not afford to hire anyone right now, I’m struggling to get my current staff paid.” Well, yes, I completely understand that, but the US economy will crumble if we don’t do this hiring push. With the 9.7% increase in the US population since 2000, the job market has not included them on any level.

Now here are some numbers. As of 2010; there was/are 24,159,279 Million businesses in the United States. Of those; 22,719,144 Million have less then 50 employees. There are roughly 20+ million United States Citizens unemployed. The businesses that have over 50 employees would have to double their staff numbers to make any kind of dent in the job market. The 'new' numbers below is if each sector chose to hire all the unemployed.

Businesses with employees (# new employees/business)
• 381,067 thousand businesses employee 50-99 employees (55≤ new)
• 209,574 thousand businesses employee 100-249 employees (97≤ new)
• 57,495 thousand businesses employee 250-499 employees (350≤ new)
• 24,432 thousand businesses employee 500-999 employees (850≤ new)
• 21,099 thousand businesses employee 1,000-4,999 employees (990≤ new)
• 3,382 thousand businesses employee 5,000-9,999 employees (600≤ new)
• 5,027 thousand businesses employee 10,000+ employees (400≤ new)
(http://www.manta.com/mb)

Now, the number of working employees vs. the unemployed is a jungle of crazy numbers that makes no sense to those who have better things to think about. So instead, here are some other numbers that will mean something. In the 2000 census, there was 281,421,906 Million US Citizens. In the most resent 2010 census, there was a 9.7% increase, making it 308,745,538 Million US Citizens. The difference is 27,323,632 Million Citizens. The rough estimate of the unemployed is around 20+ Million. The number of homeless is unknown. What I see here is that the businesses have not made adjustments to bringing in more staff in order to keep the over all economy rolling. Staying at 7 employees with 2 owners for the life of the business is no longer possible.
(http://2010.census.gov/news/releases/operations/cb10-cn93.html)

Now, the small businesses can’t add someone every year and stay below the 50 staff numbers forever. That just means some of those new experienced employees can open their own small business and keep the economy rolling. But this country must have small business to keep the foundation strong. Okay, still wondering where the extra money will come from? The small business is a Family of sorts. See if everyone would be willing to take a small pay cut to add another person the roster. Promote someone within the business and bring him or her in on the entry level. The family of staff could possibly come up with a way to make it all work out. Ask Them!

I wish I could say that small businesses who have less then 5 employees could be exempt from this hiring push, but those business numbers are 17,132,948 Million. The best part of being under 5 employees, you would only have to hire 1 employee.
Unfortunately, the cost of training new staff is a dollar number that is never recovered; thus the huge risk of bringing someone in who has just a fraction of the experience needed or even too much experience. The best part is, who ever you brought in, will learn the job willingly. There are so many people who want to work so badly. Will it be scary for the small business owners, most defiantly! The positive outcome from this risky move is that the unemployed will be spending money again after the bills, which means the economy will slowly start to recover.

The major problem I see is that the more complicated we make it, the harder it is to concentrate on the basic issue at hand. The beautiful part about this move to hire 1 person, we don’t need permission from our government. Is this a perfect solution, no, but it has loads of potential and doing nothing is going to destroy us from the ground up. We, the small business are the ones on the ground, have all the control. It is up to us as individual businesses to save this Country of ours. Sadly, big business have forgotten that their money and experienced staff comes from the 22Million small businesses in this country. We fail; big business will be falling in our open graves… Small Business is the structural foundation in this country.

Now, I have left out anything beyond the numbers. Basically, there is no race, creed, and political party in the foundations of small business. Small business is family born, family run, neighborhood supported. All the neighborhoods stand next to each other create a structural foundation for this awesome country to stand upon. The less time we spend looking for holes in this idea, the more time slips by and weaker we become.

Now I know that I keep adding myself as a current business owner. Sadly, I’m not. I was once and now just one of the unemployed. I write this with my own fear of bringing in someone into my once solo-operated business. On the same note, I would also get pure joy in training someone in my small business that they could take with him or her on their next adventure.

(as I reread this, I will make corrections to my crazy errors.)

Good Karma

When I left my other place, I left it in a warm light and not an ounce of anger or hate. Well, it paid off this week and I'm extremely grateful. So, when things look bad, unhealthy, your reaction to it can make the outcome happen. My reactions was to work my damnedest to make sure I did not sink to the other persons level and be as kind as possible. I lived in fear at this place, fear of touching anything, even my own stuff that I kept in the kitchen. But making sure I did everything I could to stay sane and live in harmony even thought I was thrown into a horrible and abusive situation. It's not about forgiving, it's about making sure how you react is as healthy as possible. No one is perfect, but using your head in the mitts of a mess really counts.

Motorcyclist

Okay, I'm pretty sure I've written about bad behavior from motorcyclist in the past. I understand you may be on vacation and trying to enjoy a nice ride in the mountains or along the coast or your favorite road. I beg of you, Please Please don't leave your common sense at home... I had a few close calls due to groups of 5 and up on my last road trip and you almost got a bunch of people killed. You know that yellow paint on the road, it is there for a reason. If there is a double yellow line, that means it is NOT safe to pass at all. If there is a broken yellow line on your side, it is safe, but use caution. If there solid line and a broken on the other side, it means you can't pass and the other side can with caution. Blind corners are just that, BLIND. If there is a double yellow line and its on a blind curve, STAY where you ARE... It is not safe to pass. I was passing a family in my passing lane on a blind curve and double yellow line (2lanes west, 1lane east). The passing lane is for everyone on the west side ONLY. I'm sure this sounds boring, but IT WILL NOT KILL YOU to WAIT until it is safe for you to go again. Anyway, I'm passing a family car and I'm coming around the corner and there are 5 (five) bikes in MY passing lane coming at me. 4 got over in time, 1 well, the truck he was passing used the shoulder. Other wise I would have had my airbags for dinner. There was NO place for me to go. I had people behind me, couldn't slow down, family to my right. I was in it all the way. You better give thanks to the guy in the truck... 98% of you deserves zero respect from me. You're careless, selfish and dangerous. You do not have any right to ruin me day because you MUST pass who ever is in front of you when the roads are CLEARLY marked UNsafe... The 2% are my friends who NEVER take those chances. I do not care if you're the ceo of Acme.com or some dude down the road. You better think twice about making those moves because you have NO clue what is coming at you or what is in the road. There could have been a herd of elk and they Don't move for anyone. So, I beg of you, Please Please Please don't leave your common sense at home when your on your bike. What you do affects everyone around you, including your family at home... Be safe...

Grocery Stores Could Help Out Too

This morning, I was looking through the grocery store weekly advertisements and noticed something interesting. At a glance, I noticed that there was more junk food then healthy food. So, I counted each food item, which included everything from beer, cheese, bread, water, meat, frozen foods, etc... Here are the numbers that I found when I counted the food items in three papers.

The first paper had 128 food items, of which 47% was healthy food and 53% was junk food*. Of the 128 food items, only 34% was very healthy food**.

The second paper had 114 food items, of which 48% was healthy food and 49% was junk food*. Of the 114 food items, only 45% was very healthy food**.

The third paper had 111 food items, of which 41% was healthy food and 59% was junk food*. Of the 111 food items, only 32% was very healthy food**.

So, maybe the grocery stores could do more to help people eat more healthy foods. I was shopping a couple of weeks ago and looking to see if my healthy food would be on sale and the only sale items I could find was junk food. I wasn't happy, I even asked the worker nearby why healthy foods aren't on sale more often and he had no answer. So, maybe if everyone asked the manager of their favorite store to see what it takes for the store to have more healthy foods on sale more often. Good luck on that quest and with those requests...

* soda, ice cream, processed meats, chips, candy, frozen dinners, beer, sugar juices, boxed prepared meals, etc...
** unprocessed meats, fresh & plain frozen veggies, eggs, milk, water, whole wheat breads, org juice, etc...
The healthy foods had some processed foods like cheese, yogurt, healthy (based) chips, breads, some (healthy based) frozen dinners, and (healthy based) soups, plain pastas, etc...

2 Weeks & Time to Reflect

Well, I've been in my new place 2 weeks and my housemate and I are getting along beautifully. We laugh a bunch and give each other shit over silly things. One of the cats is my best bud and the other who I've nicknamed "Ghost" is getting used to me. Instead of going behind the couch to get to her bowl, she is now going in front of the couch. She still hisses at me when I look at her too long, but progress is being made. I got to paint my room this weekend, something she had planned to get done, but it was nice to do. Now all I need is a job! :D

It did take me 4 or 5 days to come down from my stress I discovered I was in after I moved. I lived in fear and didn't even realize it. I was afraid to touch anything in the kitchen, even my own stuff to cook; which meant I lived off of cereal, toast and granola bars for 4 days. It was a controlled detox and I lost a couple pounds and not something I suggest others to try. I was emotionally exhausted from all the energy I spent to stay sane and level headed and the limited diet did not help at all. I kept a bunch of water in the room and just spent hours on the net looking for my next place to live. I made no phone calls in fear she would over hear me. I was afraid to even see her or even be seen by her.

I'm extremely thankful for my new place and the freedom to help around the house, the freedom to cook, and the freedom to breath!

Before You Bring Housemates In...

With the economy is such disrepair, there are lots of people who are considering renting out a room or two in the house. It is a Huge decision and one not to be taken lightly. To bring people into your home to help pay your mortgage is way more then just easily being said. Everything changes. The new dishes in the kitchen, the presence of someone walking around the house, someone cooking food, doing laundry, watching tv, playing with your pets, and simply just being in the house. When you have been living alone for a while; whether it's 6 months of 15 years, it's an adjustment. The person you have met with and got along with each time you chatted is now all moved in. They could be totally oblivious to your feeling and how to respect you. Or they could totally understand and do everything they can to help make the transition goes easily for you. If you make the decision to have housemates, be sure your ready for them. If you make a contract with them where they have full access to the common area, then they have full access to the common areas. Be careful not to call them a Tenant, because that has a bunch of other legal stuff you may not be aware of. Being a tenant entitles the person a place of their own. A Housemate is just that, a housemate, equal shares of everything within the house. Be sure to have a house rules list made up and each person gets a copy. It should have everything from respecting each persons space to when trash day is and how to recycle. So many fights and frustrations can be spared with this information given on day one. It would be very smart to have a grace period for the first month where everyone has enough time to get used to the new living situation, both home owners and new housemates. No one is going to get everything right in the first 24 hours or even first week. It takes time. If at the end of the first 30 days or so, allow the housemate who came in leave the situation without fault or regret of moving in. Life is too short to get so bent out of shape about something that is solvable. Be patient, understanding and respectful of everyone involved. Lastly, know your rights incase you find yourself in a situation that is beyond repair and you need to find a way to get out of the situation. Good Luck!

So Much for Best Laid Plans

Well, I was all geared up to be working a good job into the end of July until it all changed last night. No, I didn't quit or get fired. Everyone on the job was so efficient and fast, we worked ourselves right out of job. I was kicked in the gut last night, never even saw it coming. I left a message for the other temp office saying that I can work until they don't need me in august. Well, they called me back and informed me that the other job is letting people go until their business picks back up. My throat closed up when I heard that. I'm so sick of this shitty job economy.

All Moved...

Yep, I'm all moved and very happy about it. Glad to be working and finally a place where I'm no longer living in the basement. I think the home owners are having a party right now, knowing that they have their whole house back. They were very kind to me and I appreciate it. Now, I get to share a house with lady who I get along with great. She has two pooches, one of which follows me around the house and how I missed that. Next task is to get all my stuff from storage and thats costing me $35/month; which is less then half of what they charge on the eastern slope. I want me bed, but I will be sleeping on my fat camp bed. It's nice to have dogs around again. Have to relearn how to cook on a gas stove again, been a couple of years, but I'll figure it out. Have good tuesday!

Our Future Investment

The ability of our kids and their education is a complete piece of shit. The schools budgets getting cut, teachers (awesome teachers) are getting fired because they make too much money, and the parents are too fucking lazy to take the time to teach their own kids the basics. The penmanship is horrendous and 70% can't do basic arithmetic. I'm not talking 2nd graders here, I'm talking 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders and up. What the hell is going on with our education system? There should be parents protesting the lack of a good education in the US and there is no news of anyone complaining about the whole mess. I totally get the budget crisis each state is in, but at the cost of all of our future adults and leaders is a fucking copout to save face for those in politics. All the fucking politicians can fucking work for FREE in order to save the education for our kids. I'm completely ashamed of our school system and what they're NOT teaching our kids. I'm Dyslexic and I'm outraged!

Been Busy, Will Be Busy...

The short short version. Lost UI since I've been working. Lost all possible housemates to go in on a place. Got some hours at a different job while waiting for my other temp job to start last night. Found a place to live with a cool housemate with 2 dogs, a yard with a garden in a fun town. Taking bunnies back to shelter where I got them today due to the fact that the dogs would like to eat them. Sad, but they may find a better home. I'll miss them and I wish them lots of luck. Move into the place next week. I guess that is all for right now.

June 1

Well, I haven't moved yet and as possible roommates back out so do possible options of housing. Am I frustrated, yes. I'm beginning to think it's me on why everyone is backing out, I'm so desperate for a place to live. I'm drawing the line where if I have to give up my bunnies, there must be pets (dogs by choice) in the house. I refuse to move into a place where zero pets live. It was tough telling my landlords that I don't have anything line up yet. I have until this weekend to find a place and move out. There are a few places where I can keep my bunnies, but I require a roommate to help with costs. Trick is to find someone who is willing to share a bathroom or at least a shower (1.5ba)!

Good news is I finally got to wear a skirt today. I took a drive today and enjoyed a lake to cheer myself up.

Scared!

More doors getting closed on me and have no clue what to do from here. I'm so desperate for a place to live that I can afford. I haven't gotten any decent sleep in days and I'm eating okay. I'm stressed! Everything I've worked on for the past 3 weeks to get a place nailed down has the heavy feeling that it fell apart yesterday! I'm totally freaking out here and I don't even know what I'm going to do. I was given 6 weeks notice to find a new place to live so the owner can remodel the kitchen. All the time spent in the car, all the time on the internet, gas money spent in the search to find a place that would allow me to continue on my forward motion to create a great life seems to vanish into thin air. I don't understand!

10 minutes later of looking at this screen, nothing has come to mind. No clue. Scared!

Validation, etc...

Sometimes my PMS just takes over and all the feelings I’ve been trying to manage just comes out. Some may see it as whining or complaining, but these are feelings that I’m feeling. I want a house where I can have a garden, I want a dog to validate me and give’s me love unconditionally, I want good honest people in my life. Oprah made some incredible statements today and it just blew my mind. Everyone is asking for the same thing; to be validated, to be seen and to be heard. For peat sakes, validate the people in your life and you will be validated in return. Tell those people in your life that they do matter, you do hear them, you do see them, and what they say matters. Something else she said also blew my mind and it was that everyone knows their purpose here and for some unknown reason I still have no clue what I’m suppose to be doing. So, tomorrow I continue my job search in a new town in the effort to get move up there and work to become part of something. This isn’t something new; I’ve been searching for most of my life and can’t seem to be noticed. With grace, I will be noticed in this new town. My heart cries to be noticed as a valuable person who has something to offer. I have so much to offer and it’s hard when I haven’t been seen, noticed, heard and validated. For peat sakes, validate the people around you, help them stand up straight, help them to know they’re seen, help them know their words & thoughts to matter to you, and in return you too will be validated in ways you never thought possible. Hugs!

I Want To...

I want to plant flowers, I want to plant vegetables, I want to mow my lawn, I want to have a place of my own, even it's a long term rental. Maybe a few years down the road, I could buy it and really make it mine. I want to buy furniture, I want to enjoy family antiques, I want to hang real art, I want to have place that I can make mine. I want to live in a funky town with tons of lakes and where everyone is nice. Some say be careful what you ask for, well, I'm asking for this and for this too come true here soon.

Whether it's an apartment with room to grow flowers or a small 1bd house on a quiet street I plan to look at tomorrow. (update: misprint in paper, it was a roommate situ.)

My heart goes out to all of those along the 'fat' river who have lost so much!

Happy Sunday!

Busy Week

Well, its be a busy 10 days or so. Between tornados, a royal wedding, death of Bin Ladin, and this list goes on the smaller less news worthy activities. Cleaning up in the South, drying out in the North, buying flowers for mom, etc... So much to take in. I may loose readers from this post, but Obama has my vote for another term. He has shown strength, a steady hand, a "slow-n-easy gets it done!" action and he has proven that he can get the job done.

Personally, I've been on a vigorous search for a place to live and finding that the cost of living in the big city is too costly for me. So, I'm changing my direction to a small town where the costs are half of what they are in the city. I sure do need a break. I seem to find every wall possible on the search. But I keep looking. I have a better change of getting on my feet in this town with the lower rent then I would have in the city. Thankful my pt job and that is allowing me some proof that I am trying to get on my feet to everyone around me.

The awesome part about this weekend, is the lilacs are blooming everywhere it is smells awesome. Apply blossoms are floating in the wind and it is finally spring. Yippy too spring time! Open all your windows and let the fresh air in!

Deadly & Damaging Tornados Across the Southeast

My heart goes out to everyone in all seven states that are still finding their way through each day to grasp what has happened. The news says this is the 2nd deadliest outbreak in US history. So many lives have been affected by this, from parents who have kids off to college in the areas, to life long locals, to those who live miles away who have family members in the areas, not to mention the companies who have businesses across the areas hit. Japan had unspeakable devastation and zero looting. Why must the US citizens need to loot area businesses? That I have never been able to understand. There are so many areas not getting much or any airtime on the news, but the track of storms are very real and lives have been changed.

On a personal note, I'm thankful for the coverage in Tuscaloosa, for I have family there. All are okay, despite the loss of a house built by the hands of the owner in the woods being blown away. They will recover and my heart goes out to this person. This person knows how to reach me when the time comes when they need me. Looking at the map the tornado took and knowing right where the house stood, it was sideswiped or missed from the direct hit by a few hundred yards. This is the first and last time I will ever write about my family, but this one is important to me.

There are so many positives here too. All the young trees hiding under their great grandparents are now given all the room needed to reach for the sun and produce valuable oxygen for the planet. The areas hardest hit can rebuilt a greener home and a better home then some may have been forced to live in prior to the tornados due to economic reasons. The warning system worked; some areas had hours to close businesses, schools and give people time to get some place safe, many more lives would have been lost without it. The inner Strength & Will everyone has inside them is know on the surface to start the next chapter in life. Everything is possible with a support system and love from everyone near & far.

Hugs to everyone

Happy Easter

"Avatar"

My last flick from the free HBO weekend. Getting to watch Avatar and it was very impressive. Bet it's even more impressive on a huge screen.

What Customer Service Is

Customer Service is everyday conversations with people we see a few minutes each day and it's with people we have never met before. It's conversations we have with people who ring our items up, it's conversations with people who bring us our food, it's conversations with the those who make us our coffee, it's conversations with people who we simply pass on the street. I'm not talking about just the way our waitress, barista and cashier talk to us; I'm talking about the way we also talk to them in return.

Customer Service is a two-way street of respect to each person you speak to on a daily basis or even just seeing for the first time. Customer service includes how we treat our employees within the company, because they are after all our most valued customers.

Now, having worked (with pride) behind the counter and have served some of the rudest, self centered people who truly believe they are on the highest level of "I'm better then you'll ever be". It surprises me each time how little respect some people have for those behind the counter. So, to all of those who think your better then me because I'm behind the counter; know this, the only thing that separates you from me is our DNA!

Have a day full of respect!

Dream & "The Blind Side"

"I'm an island, with no funds to buy a plane ticket to escape the hurricane coming my way, the native fruit supplies me with nourishment, chatting with a family member, the lady at the ticket counter is doing her best to assist me in getting me off the island, and I look up to where my family member was standing, all I see is them walking to their plane without me, I am an island"

What did you dream about last night? Mine wasn't a bad dream, it's just what it is. I though the wording that expressed my dream was deep felt and thought I would share it. There are a lot of people who feel like they live on an island.

A side note, getting to watch "The Blind Side" now and it's Fabulous Too! Tim McGraw is SOOOOOOO Cute! :D Sandra, You are always brilliant, but this one, I was watching the cutie pie playing your husband.

"It's Complicated"

Thank God for a Great Film... Free HBO weekend and finally getting to watch it. What A Fabulous Movie!

Thank You Meryl, Steve & Alec! Nicely Done!

BTW: Didn't want to miss anything, which meant dinner was missed. LOL

Other Ways to Cut Spending

This is a quick note but wanted to get this on here. The Government is saying that we need to cut the spending, well this idea came to me, Bring all our boys & gals home from wars.

http://costofwar.com/en/

I'll add more information and my thoughts later.

Instead of cutting off our social security, etc; bring our people home.

My Take on the Government Shutdown

The United States of America is a BUSINESS.

We have a CEO, CFO, COO and all the other letter people. We have upper management, we have middle management, we have department managers, we shift managers, we have team leaders, we have group leaders, and finally we have the employees aka Front Of House (FOH) Staff! Yes, even we the everyday hard working people have a letter title too and we thought we were just the lowest level employee. The problem in any extremely large business there is a 10,000 mile distance between the two MOST important people in the business who hold all the control, the CEO & FOH. These two don't get to talk to each other out of pure EGO from the CEO. But in this business, the upper & middle management stands in the way. We have a new CEO and many do not like him. Well, I wouldn't want to be the CEO having to run a business of this size; so, therefore this CEO has my full respect. The problem with this business, is that the upper management have way too much power. In my opinion, all of the upper managers need to go back to college and get a refresher course in business management...

In a business of this size, when the credit card bill has a "T" behind the number, the cuts aren't made on the FOH level. The middle management is reduced in order to reduce the operation cost of the business. In this business, the ones who have the least to lose is the upper management and they should be required, no asked, to reduce their pay by 90%. The middle management can also take a pay cut to help reduce the costs. The 10% will keep food on the shelves and clothes from Sears on their backs. The upper and middle managers need to stop living the life of rock stars. Even the rock stars are reducing their spending to make ends meet.

When the FOH can't afford even the most basic of needs, such as food, gas, basic clothes and rent to keep a roof over our heads; Something is SERIOUSLY Wrong. So, closing the doors and putting even more FOH out on the street to cut cost is INSANE. The FOH have no more ways to reduce our own spending because there isn't anything coming in to spend. So, that leaves the upper and middle management.

Let's get back to basics here and make better decisions in the everyday running of this Business...

Monday's Chores

Okay, I wouldn't ask everyone to go out and do 5 contacts without doing it myself! I feel I did a descent job today and even sent an email to a possible contact. Time will tell how it pans out. Hope everyone had a successful monday.

Are You Still Unemployed Because You're Over Qualified

The story reported this morning on Sunday Morning News about the unemployed was shocking. Somewhere the numbers have flipped from hiring those with experience over to those with very little. Which means the new Young college graduates are getting the jobs and they're parents are those who aren't getting work.

I too have experienced that the younger texting while working kids where getting work I applied for. I'm now hearing the cell phones are being allowed in highly private areas of where I used to work and the boss isn't doing anything about it. These kids could be taking pictures and selling the business secrets without the business ever being aware of it.

Anyway, back on track here. The story talked about those under 36, over 50 and over 62. They didn't include any of us who fall between the 36 and 50 group. Wonder what those numbers say? The parents are over qualified and aren't being considered and the HR department is afraid to hire them for what reason, which is unknown.

There is a group of people who are locked out because they are finding that applying for jobs isn't about walking into a business and asking for a job anymore. That style died 3 years ago... Now, we're being forced to find jobs online and if we don't have a facebook account, Myspace account or tweet/twitter/chirp, then we're out of luck. But even those of who have at the very least one of those three are still struggling to find work.

Heres a thought, maybe if all of us stop using the net to find work all together and refuse to fill applications out online, maybe we can turn this deal around for all of us. Forcing the hiring managers to actually look at our faces and read our resumes by removing the "nameless-faceless person" who's looking for work. This may be harsh, but the current online job hunt system isn't working either. So, maybe we need to force the change to where it actually works for all of us.

We apply for jobs we ARE qualified for and CAN in fact DO, and we're not asking for much but at least a few dollars over minimum wage and we're passed over. WHY? At the very least, all of us over 36 are reliable and can show up on time.

This isn't complaining, but rather bringing the attention to everyone that the problems are REAL and something needs to be done about it. Everyone complains about the poor economy and not looking at the fact that those who actually do all the buying are those who are 35 and OLDER. So, if this large group of people who are 35 and older get back to work, then finally the economy can repair and breath again.

So, here is a possible way to get that started. Everyone who is actively searching for work pick 5 businesses (industries, skills) you CAN in fact DO and walk into the business tomorrow and ask for work with solid resume (with education included) in hand. This does 3 things. One, it forces the manager to have a face-to face with you. Two, it allows you to see if it is a place where you want to work. Three, it puts you in control of changing the job search process back to the way it used to be 3 years ago. Now if you get 'NO' from all of them, before leaving ask them for a name of someone they know who is hiring and phone number and call them as soon you get to your car to set up a face-to-face. When we were told "No" as small children, what did we do? Did we give up or did we push harder to get what we wanted? Well! Go for it!

Out Like A Lion

Well, the month is winding down and snow is still falling and rain is making the rivers rise. Some areas of this county have received as much as 30 FEET of snow this winter and some areas were lucky to get 1 foot of snow. Some areas got way too much of both. Some roads are hiding under feet of snow. Water from too much rain and fat rivers can change the landscape in a matter of minutes. Maybe it's time to rethink the use of everything we need. How much stuff do we really need? Sorry, NGC is on my tv and getting side tracked. Anyway, April moves in in a few hours and the Bunny pooping jelly beans opens in theaters tomorrow. I guess the good thing about all this water is that places like California will have fat grapes, large avocados and happy cows. What joke are you going to play tomorrow? Be careful of those jelly beans!

Some Work Has Come Through

Well, I got confirmation today that I start a temp job late next month. The pay is good and will be my most challenging job I've ever had to date. Being dyslexic, reading is difficult at times and I will be doing a lot of it at this job. It's a seasonal part time job, which leaves time to continue my more permanent career. Finally, my Business Degree is being put towards a job. Had to have college degree to get the job! As long as I do well and I meet tons of personal goals, I'll have first dibs on future choice of hours. Thanks for your support!

Did some math with UI & this job Income from 3/13 to 5/31.
total deposits $2230
total bills $1850
leaves $275 for food
leaves $105 for gas

It will be nice to be working!!!!!

Tweets, Texts, and User Abuse

Saw an article this morning that people are actually Tweeting from the Pew! Really? ! ! ! Seriously? ! ! !

Come on people, turn the phones OOOOOOFFFFFFFF and get back to basics. You know the Red Button on the phone!

In some states, Texting is Illegal and yet people still have to text 90% of the time they're driving down the roads. Come on people, You better realize that what you do affects others around you on the roads, sidewalks and anything with 1/4 mile from your position.

Hate to break it to you, but the phone isn't the problem; it's You, the User!!!!!!

All Cellphones should be turned off in all these places, no excuses...
All vehicles while sitting in drivers seat or Hands free devices ONLY
(it's okay to look like you're talking to yourself people)
Restaurants
Movie Theaters
Churches
Museums
Libraries
Town meetings or any group meeting
All Schools
College Classes
While at the Cash Register when checking out

Turn the phone off and put it away people!

Spring, Choices, Struggles, Will & Life

Well, Spring starts tomorrow and the flowers are starting to push out of the thawing ground to touch the sunshine. The air is warmer and days are longer. And the fancy aroma of frozen snow thawing and uncovering the delightful presents from our beloved pooches. The time for fertilizing the yards to help them become green sooner.

The heaviness of daily struggles works to break apart so the spring flowers can break though, but this ground seems to be a bit harder packed. Some fear of a early quick thaw from the winter snow pack that everyone has gotten over the past months, because that means swollen rivers and creeks. Some of those rivers and creeks have already peaked several times and left its mark of damage and increase the struggle to rebuild and reopen businesses. Some who are already unemployed and also hit by mother nature showing her abilities are feeling pretty down about now. Rain is a welcome thing in areas who haven't received much snow this winter and not in areas who have received more then they need still receives it.

Life is an uncontrollable intangible thing. The only thing we can control is our choices. That isn't a small word. Choices include everything from getting out of bed, what to eat, what to wear, route to work, which bills to pay, which flowers to buy, where to plant the spring bulbs, how to wear our hair, what movies to watch, what music to listen to, who to date, what to buy at the store, what to feed the kids, what bills get more money this month, right down to what we will be doing 3 seconds from now.

My life has been challenging at time, to a point where some would give up. I don't even know where I get my strength from, but I sure wonder why I have to be tested to the limits I am. I get so tired of being unhappy and depressed sometimes because I can't get anything to work out, no matter the choices I make. I'm not a materialist person by any means, my life is simple by choice, but it's hard on the spirit to go wondering if I will ever get a job or be able to support myself. Sometimes I get so tired of crying myself to sleep. I research my jobs or even possible business choices and listen to my gut on jobs that look like fraud. My nails get chewed, grow back and get chewed again from the stress. Despite my strength, I'm a complete mess with no idea how to get myself straightened up. Faking it my whole life hasn't done me much good. If I'm not needed, then I'm completely lost. This place is my only real outlet because my friends don't need me unless its a good time form them. Despite my words here, I'm in descent spirits today.

I'd like to let my bunnies run around outside today, but the yard has been fertilized by the home owners. Everyone enjoy the Moon tonight!

Temperament

The planet is angry and doing her best to let us know how much as well. Here I am, just trying to feed myself by looking for work and failing miserably and its making me crazy. I was told today that despite my exceptional skills of working with the public, that I don't have the right temperament to work with the public. I don't get that! Yes, that hurt because I've dealt with people screaming at me at the top of their lungs because they were pissed off before they even walked in the door. I didn't take it personal just because I was the one standing in front of them. And I don't have the temperament, go figure. If that is what people really think of me, I have no chance in h*** of getting a job on the front range. What to do?! Can't feed my roommates, can't feed myself, frustrated isn't the word for it.

Japan

My thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time ahead of you. We have people from the USA on the way to assist in your recovery. We may be far removed with miles between us, but we all feel for you and wish you a speedy recovery to a normal life. My prayers are with all of you and to those who lost loved ones.

Looking for an ol' Friend

Hello to all my worldly readers. I'm looking for an old friend of mine. His name is Oliver and his homeland is Germany. He lived in the states for a few years and owned some land in a small town in Arizona. If memory serves me right he lived in the states from about 1995 to 2000. He returned home around the end of 1999 or beginning of 2000. Would very much like to catch up with him and see how life has treated him.

Thanks

Unknown Issues

Well, my february challenge to all business owners wasn't heard. Unemployment numbers made very little change last month. Yes, as a former small business owner, tax season is here and february is the heart of winter and slowed sales. So, hiring in february is hard. However, there are a lot of people out there who are gifted and can bring their skills to the table to increase business. The spring hiring fling is starting and there will be a flood of applications from both qualified and unqualified of possible employees.

When someone follows the directions posted to apply for the jobs listed (most of them request resumes to be emailed), spend 30 seconds to respond to the applicant. The Applicant is told and highly advised to do Thank You's and follow up contacts to show we're serous about working for the company. The person we're in contact with would tell us that they will contact us with news either way and in my experience, the said contact 99.99% never comes. Yes, everyone is aware that there is about 10 to 20 times the number of applicants applying for a single position. But if the business is small and there is only 10-15 applicants for the single job, the hiring manager can give us the same respect we have given you by thanking you for your time. Your attention in the research of us can be returned when a request of a tangible reason why the other applicants missed out on the job. I'm aware of the laws protecting everyone from false statements; however, the applicants also have the right to be given a real reason why the job wasn't given. The reason for the request from us is in two parts; first is to learn where we fell short and second is to actually be told what the issues are so we can make any improvements needed.

So, allow me to simplify the challenge for all hiring managers and business owners. If you say you will contact the person about the job (either way) then follow through no matter what. If the applicant requests why they did not receive the job, please give them the information needed so they can address the issues on a personal level or resume or contact needed people to clear up any mess that may be unknown to the applicant. After all, the hiring manager and business owner is digging up the history of each person and learning about issues the applicant may not even be aware of.

Thank You for your time and look forward to hearing from you soon...

Just a Note

Well, it's sunday evening where I live and the Oscar's are on. I just wanted to bring attention to the awesome lady who starred in True Grit, Miss Hailee, You're awesome and you will have a long career in films. Please stay sane and out of the bars. So many at your age get lost in the parting. I wanted you to win the Oscar tonight.

A note to all those who live over seas who do check my blog, thanks. Hope everyone is well and free of major struggles. Hugs

Down but not out

Sometimes the dream job does not come be...
Tears were shed upon receiving the news that I didn't the dream job...

The ducks cheer me up!

Not Karma or Punishment

Can't say it's a karma deal or what did I do wrong. Truth is human beings caused the fall of our economy from everything from real estate to jobs to putting people on the street. So, 8 million people being out of work isn't karma or personal blame. It is however does fall on the greedy SOB's who only thought about expanding their dozens of bank accounts to allow them to play for the rest of their lives. The money put into these accounts was pulled right out of the pockets of the 8 million out of work. Middle class is gone as we know it. The US is now build of billionaires and everyone else going into debt to eat and keep a roof over the kids heads. Grandparents going hungry and cold to buy their medications and giving up their belongings to buy food. All this happened in a matter of months, the disappearance of the large group of middle class families. Now, the homeless shelters are full of these same middle class families. Those already living in the poverty levels are also in homeless shelters and even in the dark alleys of our streets. It rips my heart out to see people of all ages holding signs on the street corners begging for anything. What happened to acceptance, working for all, supporting each other in times of war? We not only have a war going on over seas, but we also have one going on here in our great nation. The one here is more taboo, the one no one wants to look at in the face or to except it as real. What happened to us?

Some quick math. This is an estimate of a single person's monthly bills. Most states minimum wage is $7.28/hour @ 40 hrs gross = $291.20. 160 hours/month=$1164.80 gross. Studio apt (avg) is close to $695/month and could be twice that amount. Utilities run about $300, on the mid to low range costs. Food depending on diet runs as low at $250/month. The ever increasing cost of cell phones (I'm guessing) run as high at $150/month. Cost of the vehicle to get back & forth to work runs about $600 a month (gas & insurance only would be half). That does not include medical bills, bad debt payments, school loans, cable bill, etc... With these kinds of bills, a single person is forced to find a job that pays double that $7.28/hour. If all anyone can get is minimum wage, then they're forced to find a 2nd full time job just to exist.

Me; I don't have a car payment, major medical bills, or school loans. My costs can't get any cheaper then where I have them now and I need $8.75 net/hour just to exist.

Mr. President, Please wage war on the situation here in the US and get everyone back to work and back on our feet.

Back to tears on the situation we're in. All of us who are out of work don't want pity, but simply the chance to prove ourselves that we are hard workers even if we do poorly in interviews. Simply compassion and respect for all of us are humans and we simply want to stand on our own two feet once again.

Positive Referrals From Former Employers

I just had a thought today. There are many of us who are on Unemployment Insurance and dearly want to work. The businesses that are having to replace the funds used to pay us the UI can be changed. All those businesses that are replacing UI funds can reduce that by giving positive feedback about those employees who are actively searching for work. The percentages of those who are honest and dearly want to work out number those who don't want to work, ever, and want easy money every two weeks.

I for one am not one who does not want to work. I dearly want to work. I want to make a difference. I have goals that require me to work. I have a strong work ethic. I love to work with customers on a daily basis and my skills allow me to do just that. I'm dependable and reliable. I want to work.

Burrrrrr to Yippy

It's -2 degrees with a wind chill of -20...


48 hours later, it's 35 degrees.

Chocolate

Well, some days the job hunt is pure torture. I made the mistake of going back over to make sure that I was fulfilling the UI requirements. While checking all my contacts, I realized all the awesome places I've applied for work at and haven't heard from any of them. All these jobs I applied for I am more then qualified to do. Not sure what they want, who they want and why they are even listing open jobs if they aren't replying to qualified persons. It is enough to make a person depressed. It sent me right into an anxiety attack. Yesterday, I ate about 4k of calories worth of chocolate to pull me out of the hole I was in. What must a person do to get a job?

"Acing the Interview"

Boy-o-boy! This book will save your be-hind if you struggling to get through an interview. Tony Beshara does a fabulous job of taking about getting through the interview and the questions. He doesn't make you feel bad about issues we all struggle with. It is available on Kindle, so don't wouldn't wait if you have an interview this week. It's an easy read and filled with interview questions that you wouldn't even dream about coming up during an interview.

I downloaded it on friday for my interview today. I am SOOOOOOOO glad I did! The questions I got hit with were in the book. It saved my bee-hind!

Thanks Tony!

"What Color is Your Parachute?"

This isn't a pitch, but it has been helpful to me. I'm the queen of reference books and this is a good one for anyone who is deep in the job hunt like me. I've replaced my 2010 edition with the 2011 edition to keep up with the times and thankful for any help it gives me. I wanted to point out one thing that will shake every job hunter to the core with this line on page 98;
"Realize that the employer thinks the way you are doing your job-hunt is the way you will do the job!"
Now what I first read into this line was how I do my interview reflects how to do both, my job-hunt and my job. I go into my interviews thinking this way to remind me to stay on my toes as if going into work. I always throw myself into the job to give 120% everyday. So, I make sure I give 120% at my interviews and I think that its too much! LOL It's not funny, but the nervous laugh happens with discovery!
Just thought I would pass this on! Stay warm and dry everyone!

Word Equals Gold in Value

Well, I was close to getting a job. Went on a interview last week and was told I would get a call either way this weekend. I sent a thank you email and letting them know I will work more hours. I have not received the 'either way' phone call, much less email from them. Not getting the job is frustrating, but not more then people not doing what they say they would do. It shows respect to send a thank you. I've done everything I can on my end, but I'm puzzled on the no response from others. Many years ago, our word equaled its weight in gold and a hand shack was the contract. Some where along the line that practice was forgotten. If I do hear from them today, I'll let everyone know. I keep plugging along in my search for work.

I did finally hear from them. And it is nice to know for sure that I didn't get the job and stop wasting so much energy wondering.

Challenge For All Business Owner's

There are 24.7 million businesses in the US. Businesses that have less then 10 employees make up 99% of all jobs in the US at 3.8 million businesses. Businesses that have 500 employees, that number is smaller, but still includes 17 thousand businesses. There are 8.9 million people who are unemployed due to no fault of their own making.

So here is my challenge for you, if every business hires one person (regardless of skill) by the end of february, then everyone is back to work. People want to work and they want to work bad. So, come on and get away from the seller's market thinking and put people back to work. Put me back to work too! There will be some who don't want to work and that falls on them.

My sources:
http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/smallbus.html
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

Sometimes I Want to Scream

When I was young, I could write anything I wanted and get it said the way I wanted it read. Now, I struggle to get my creative thinking on paper. I could write short stories and enjoy the whole process. Somewhere along the line I lost the touch to write even a creative job skills line for a functional resume. I know what I want to say until I go to write it down, then my brain freezes up and all I'm left is is the letter head introduction. Somedays, I don't even want a resume and just walk into someplace to ask for a job and you know they say, "Can I see a resume and you can apply for a future job on my website" or "Not hiring right now, but will hold your resume for 6 months!"

I keep plugging along and doing everything I can to land a job. I like being a part of something good.

When are the employers going to do more to get people back to work? When are they going to stop crushing a fragile self-esteem in the basic responses written above and put people back to work. It's amazing how quickly the economy will recover if people are put back to work. There are 2 million people out there who want to work and can't because the employers have forgotten that money won't start rolling until they stop holding onto it. It's basic math! My business was pretty basic, but as soon as I brought in another product, my sales increased 15% almost over night. My management skills help train others what I had learned and increased sales by 50%. My point is, stuff increase sales a little bit; empowering others to succeed increased sales way more. It's basic math! Put people back to work and the money will roll again! I know the money spent to train someone is never recovered, but the loss of not putting people to work is number not yet figured, unless you count homeless numbers.

PS. I want to work too!

Conversations

I had some conversations with some folks who talk to a lot of people on a daily basis about the secrets of landing a job. Basically, temp agencies, craigslist, and knowing the right person. The only thing I'm missing here is knowing the right person. I managed to get a short assignment for a few days and it will be nice to have a job, even a short job. The only down side to it is that transit to & from will cost me about 1/4 of my pay. Parking is really bad at this place, so I have to ride the bus. I like riding the bus, it's a nice break from traffic. Just keeping all up to date on job search stuff & any issues I discover.

Employment Walls

I am one of 2 million people who are looking for work. All of us want to work, but I'm discovering new things about the job market all the time. We have found ourselves in a Sellers Market! The seller can pick a chose what deal they want for the business. We being the buyer are faced where the jobs offered by sellers are made to appear to be few & far between. The seller wants someone who can do the job of two people for a quarter of the income. If the skills or the wording isn't perfect on the resume or application, the buyer is in the recycling like yesterdays news paper! Walking into a business with resume in hand putting your face in front of who ever you see first, sadly no longer has weight. It is shocking to hear how often I'm directed to apply online for the job available. Even in the smallest business! It doesn't matter if you have the qualifications or not; they do not want to see you in the business. The sellers market is most apparent in the temp agencies, some are so cruel they don't call you if you don't have to show up for work after you where told you would go to work on that assignment. Some are so cruel, where they treat everyone like they're rats in the salad bar no matter how hard their working to clean up the left overs. Another problem is very possibly quietly hidden if anyone is dealing with bad credit or workman's comp, or anything similar to such issues. Now, I know that employers are not allowed to use this information to keep us from being hired, but they are using it to bump the next guy into a position more favorable then us even if we do have the qualifications for the job. So, here is my question for everyone, how many of you who are looking for work have a flag such as these hiding in the shadows of your employment record keeping you from getting hired? Like you; I want to work, I want to stand on my own feet, I want to pay my bills off, I want to go back to work, I want to be a contributing person in this country, I don't want to sit at home feeling sorry for myself, I don't want to be apart of the county wide budget problems, I want to pay my own way. The jobs are out there, why aren't the sellers doing more to put more people who want to work back to work?

My New Year Looks Bright

In my desperate search for answers with life long questions, such as "what the hell am I supposed to be doing with my life" I found a book printed in 2009. "I see your dream job" by Sue Frederick. When I started this book, I knew there was hope in figuring out my answers to my questions while doing th math and some memory search. Well, while doing that, I found something else too. My confidence and strength to stand-up for myself and even get some real sleep. This book walked in the basement entrance of my house and up the back stairs to my stress, fear, anxiety and panic of simply living aka PTSD. In about 10 days I got through this book and was finally feeling really good. Now in the New Year, working on the book more seriously and redoing all the homework to really figure out what my path is, I feel joy again. I have emailed Sue and passed my discoveries onto her and thanking her for unknowingly helping me get back on my feet emotionally. With the homework in the book, I have corresponded with a couple of websites to get more information. And it is linked to my horoscope and it's giving me great news for 2011. So, here we go. My current situation is still the same, but I'm not depressed about it right now. I'm sure I will have bad days along the way, but not today or tomorrow.

Happy 2011 Everyone