Last weekend I decided to send an email out to some of my neighbors about starting my doula services back up. This time around I will be focusing more on postpartum because it's a bit easier on the scheduling than birth, though I wouldn't turn down the opportunity to attend a birth from time to time. The feedback has been great. Then I asked my lovely email group where I have a lot of friends and a large number of them are mamas, or hoping to be, about names. My good friend Dru came up with the winner! Beyond Birth. Even before I settled on a name I started doing a mock up of a brochure but found myself a bit stuck for the first hour or so in terms of what to write on it. Weird. Sweetheart that she is, another friend from that list has offered to help me a bit with designing things. I need to start working on a website, something I've never done but what the hey. Aside from information on postpartum doulas in general, my background, links and offerings, I'm thinking of putting up stories (with no identifiers of course) about sweet or funny tales from working with families. Anything else you can think of that should be there?
Also this past weekend TGF and I went to the library which was great fun. We left with a few stacks of things. I have already scanned through the three knitting books and made notes on Goodreads.com (see sidebar for a link to my page) about them. Toted home were also The Woman's Book of Creativity, The Secret Life of Families, Spinning Straw into Gold, and The Sound of Paper. Since that time I have blogged a good deal (for me), gone on a long walk with Puppyman through the neighborhood, turned the heel on my sock and tried to do part of a yoga dvd, also a few others non-procrastination things. Without even opening any of the self help-ish books, just their presence in my home seems to help.
I mentioned some of these books on that same list and having put The Artist's Way on reserve at the library. Well another delightful friend said she had an extra copy and would be happy to send it to me. How cool is that? I have thought about working with this book since it came out and somehow never did. For me I think it was about never quite identifying myself as creative, despite the fact that I have done things that are creative (write, sew, cook, knit) for a very long time. I believe it's tied to my perfectionism in that I only thought of being creative as having to do with actual tangible output. Over the last 10 years or so I have worked on changing that perception in my head. It began by calling my cooking a creative outlet, something who's process gave me joy, and often the results. Feeding people good food that I've made with intent fulfills me. It may be that reading Like Water for Chocolate helped to give the ability to see food in this way. I deeply connected with food imbued with love and magic
Tuesday the temp agency called me to say that interview I did on Friday did go as well as I thought and he's really interested. Since he would not be looking for me to start for a few weeks, they also told of a two week data entry gig. Sure! It's scrilla, right? I then emailed them with more details about the dates I would be unavailable due to my other summer jobs. It may be that being unavailable for those weeks in June and August will be the end of that job and while the money would have been great and honestly a bit necessary, I will make about as much easily doing those jobs during that time.
Then I heard from one of my neighbors that someone is interested in my services as a doula and is due in about one week! Now this could work out beautifully in conjunction with the data entry gig. Overall it's a waiting game.
A few days ago I began The Woman's Book of Creativity, which is an easy read and much of the content is familiar however I feel a bit more inclined to actually think about the exercises that I've come across already (only about 35 pages in). I suspect I might blog about a few of the thoughts connected with them, as well, it seems the appropriate thing to do, no?
Unfortunately I started feeling sick last night and even had dreams about being sick, so paranoid I am now! Today I still don't feel right but I have the weekend to get over it as Monday I start the data entry job. 8-5 here I come. Please send supportive thoughts, some sleeping potions so I actually sleep at night, and doula clients my way!
Showing posts with label job search. Show all posts
Showing posts with label job search. Show all posts
Friday, April 11, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
In which our herione waits for the phone to ring
I have been in this place many times, for many reasons. Since I contracted the Black Plague I had to delay my interview with Work Place Group, the temp agency that thought I couldn't possibly even be considered as a candidate because I had committed the ultimate heresy of working primarily for non-profits. Since my righteous indignation moment I have learned that particularly here in the middle of the country people seem to think that one doesn't work their ass off for non-profit and work they for free. Ha! But I digress.
Last Monday I dragged my drooping ass and ashen complexion (this was confirmed by my friend Lisa who's car I borrowed for said interview - Thanks honey! Way to bolster someone before their meeting with the Devil) to their offices for assessment testing and a brief interview/information meeting of what they provide. It was amazing I could focus enough on the screen to take quizzes on my knowledge base of Word and Excel, typing speed and keystroke speed. Luckily by their (clearly meager) standards I did quite well, though my wpm was truly sad by my standards. Just that morning they had a job come through that they believed was just up my alley. It is too, but it's temp to hire and I'm not sure I am ready to commit to anything (have I mentioned I have commitment issues? No? Well it's why I don't have a tattoo. Yet.) Plus there is that little detail of being out of town in June (NCDC) and August (DNE). We part ways with the knowledge that once my references check out (thank you Debbie!) and a conversation with the company, an interview will be forthcoming.
The call came to set up the interview, and with that call came the terror of dressing for a real interview. Work Place Group said, "dress business professional. A suit would be great." Um, people you have clearly not seen my closet. I have some things that pass well enough for some interviews but nothing that would really make it at that level. Hell I don't own any tailored pants! When TGF came home she kindly and patiently took me by the hand, led me upstairs to her closet. Aside from finding something quickly that would pass for "business professional" the best part was fitting into her pants - a size 10! Okay she burst my bubble a bit saying that this brand runs large as the size 12 (she just bought these) swam on her. But still, it delighted me.
Friday morning I took her to work, came home fluffed about just a tiny bit and changed into her clothes, heading out in plenty of time for my 10am interview. The place is close by, I could walk or bike to work if I wanted (1.2 miles away). The guy I met with was quite pleasant and it went really well. I definitely gave "good interview" that morning. So now I wait and see if I get an offer, which if I do leaves me in a bit of a pickle regarding my other commitments versus regular work. I am keeping my other commitments, clearly, but damn it would be nice to make some good money for awhile. However I am so not ready for the regular work force, I nearly passed out when he told me I would get 1 week vacation the first year, 2 the second and 3 after 5 years. 5 years? I have never worked 5 years straight anywhere. Okay I have been doing DNE for 8 years but it's not a forty-hours a week job, every frigging week. Being self employed for the last 11 years has totally spoiled me.
All of this has inspired me to get off my butt, work on a webpage and offer postpartum doula services (probably with some other "name") locally so I can work when I want or need to, and take vacations when I want to, when I can, and not be at the mercy of "permission". {shudder} Being an adult, well, it's not for me sometimes.
Last Monday I dragged my drooping ass and ashen complexion (this was confirmed by my friend Lisa who's car I borrowed for said interview - Thanks honey! Way to bolster someone before their meeting with the Devil) to their offices for assessment testing and a brief interview/information meeting of what they provide. It was amazing I could focus enough on the screen to take quizzes on my knowledge base of Word and Excel, typing speed and keystroke speed. Luckily by their (clearly meager) standards I did quite well, though my wpm was truly sad by my standards. Just that morning they had a job come through that they believed was just up my alley. It is too, but it's temp to hire and I'm not sure I am ready to commit to anything (have I mentioned I have commitment issues? No? Well it's why I don't have a tattoo. Yet.) Plus there is that little detail of being out of town in June (NCDC) and August (DNE). We part ways with the knowledge that once my references check out (thank you Debbie!) and a conversation with the company, an interview will be forthcoming.
The call came to set up the interview, and with that call came the terror of dressing for a real interview. Work Place Group said, "dress business professional. A suit would be great." Um, people you have clearly not seen my closet. I have some things that pass well enough for some interviews but nothing that would really make it at that level. Hell I don't own any tailored pants! When TGF came home she kindly and patiently took me by the hand, led me upstairs to her closet. Aside from finding something quickly that would pass for "business professional" the best part was fitting into her pants - a size 10! Okay she burst my bubble a bit saying that this brand runs large as the size 12 (she just bought these) swam on her. But still, it delighted me.
Friday morning I took her to work, came home fluffed about just a tiny bit and changed into her clothes, heading out in plenty of time for my 10am interview. The place is close by, I could walk or bike to work if I wanted (1.2 miles away). The guy I met with was quite pleasant and it went really well. I definitely gave "good interview" that morning. So now I wait and see if I get an offer, which if I do leaves me in a bit of a pickle regarding my other commitments versus regular work. I am keeping my other commitments, clearly, but damn it would be nice to make some good money for awhile. However I am so not ready for the regular work force, I nearly passed out when he told me I would get 1 week vacation the first year, 2 the second and 3 after 5 years. 5 years? I have never worked 5 years straight anywhere. Okay I have been doing DNE for 8 years but it's not a forty-hours a week job, every frigging week. Being self employed for the last 11 years has totally spoiled me.
All of this has inspired me to get off my butt, work on a webpage and offer postpartum doula services (probably with some other "name") locally so I can work when I want or need to, and take vacations when I want to, when I can, and not be at the mercy of "permission". {shudder} Being an adult, well, it's not for me sometimes.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
It pays to be (politely) indignant
When I received that email from the temp agency that I mentioned recently, I quickly fired off an email back saying that I was confused as to how they could think I did have the skills required for their listings. It was nicely worded and I pretended that perhaps they simply meant I was not a fit for a particular job I applied for through the website.
I wasn't too surprised when I did not receive any other further correspondence. However yesterday the phone rang and it was someone from the "Workplace Group". Apparently the problem was my "extensive background with non-profits". I'm sorry but I was unaware that answering the phone, filing, data entry and general office tasks were done sooooo differently in the corporate capitalistic world. After a short discussion she set up an interview date with me to go over my background and do assessment testing.
Monday was the interview with the unknown company. It went well, I could do it with my eyes closed and I would be bored stiff within about two weeks. Right now it's part time but they are looking for full-time. Not what I want or need especially since I will be gone in June and August for other work.
Next week I have an interview for a call center job (that requires 6 weeks of training!) and one with the above mentioned temp agency. In the face of a large number of no response from applications and a hefty handful of "no thanks" emails, it's feeling a little better knowing that there is work in the future and some hope of more in other places.
Still, today is my day to face the computer with an unhealthy mix of hope and dread as I search the web for more job possibilities. Wish me strength.
I wasn't too surprised when I did not receive any other further correspondence. However yesterday the phone rang and it was someone from the "Workplace Group". Apparently the problem was my "extensive background with non-profits". I'm sorry but I was unaware that answering the phone, filing, data entry and general office tasks were done sooooo differently in the corporate capitalistic world. After a short discussion she set up an interview date with me to go over my background and do assessment testing.
Monday was the interview with the unknown company. It went well, I could do it with my eyes closed and I would be bored stiff within about two weeks. Right now it's part time but they are looking for full-time. Not what I want or need especially since I will be gone in June and August for other work.
Next week I have an interview for a call center job (that requires 6 weeks of training!) and one with the above mentioned temp agency. In the face of a large number of no response from applications and a hefty handful of "no thanks" emails, it's feeling a little better knowing that there is work in the future and some hope of more in other places.
Still, today is my day to face the computer with an unhealthy mix of hope and dread as I search the web for more job possibilities. Wish me strength.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thank god for the internet
So my cell phone rings, hit answer and say, leaving my phone on the stove is not the smartest thing huh? Clearly I thought it was TGF calling, because well no one really calls me. When there is no laughter at the other end I cautiously say "hello?". It's some woman asking for Dharma Rants to set up an interview for some job or other. She was rather brusque and not exactly forthcoming with any information so I set up a date and time (Monday afternoon if you're interested) completely unaware what job I am interviewing for, which is an odd feeling. I have been applying right and left to a wide variety of jobs so walking in completely clueless? Not an appealing idea, not at all.
With just the address and the initials that I hope stand for the business I hop on the computer. Whew! Now I know that type of company and have narrowed it down to two positions. Now if I can find which of the sites I used to apply for this job I might have an idea of how to present myself on Monday. It's an agency that does "community-based support services for children adolescents and adults with developmental, emotional, physical, employment, and social needs". Okay at least now I have an idea of the presentation style I should lead with.
With just the address and the initials that I hope stand for the business I hop on the computer. Whew! Now I know that type of company and have narrowed it down to two positions. Now if I can find which of the sites I used to apply for this job I might have an idea of how to present myself on Monday. It's an agency that does "community-based support services for children adolescents and adults with developmental, emotional, physical, employment, and social needs". Okay at least now I have an idea of the presentation style I should lead with.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Another several bite the dust
So last week I received an email from a temp agency that said:
Unfortunately, we will not be able to assist you in your job search at this time. Your background does not fall within the required skill set of positions for which we typically recruit. We wish you the best of luck in your job search.
This is so patently ridiculous that I could not help myself from writing Ms. Sarah back and asking how that could possible be true given I have over a decade of experience doing clerical/administration/data entry/etc which is the primary area of their temp jobs. I have heard nothing back.
Also in my email last week was a rejection letter for a job I don't really remember applying to but I applied to so many in the last two or so weeks, it's quite possible this was one of them.
Last week I spent at least 45 minutes doing an online assessments for one job, followed the next day by an hour more of assessment testing at their facility. Again for a fairly basic and well within my competency range mid-level administrative job. Today I heard back that:
we will not be extending you an offer of employment at this time. We will retain your application on file for a period of one year.
Well bully, you know? I spent at least an hour, possibly more, today searching for jobs. Nothing of any real note and it was rather depressing. However it does seem that I have been hired for another job like my DNE gig but this one is in California. So I get to head to the west coast in June for a bit and I am hoping to see some friends in the Bay Area before or after heading south to the camp. Nowhere near as lucrative as DNE but it's still money. It's kind of funny. My second year doing DNE I moved to the west coast and I thought, well at least I'll get to the east coast once a year. If this other gig works out it will be my "at least once a year trip" to the west coast. I would get to still maintain my identity as a bi-coastal girl. Pretty cool, huh?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to assist you in your job search at this time. Your background does not fall within the required skill set of positions for which we typically recruit. We wish you the best of luck in your job search.
This is so patently ridiculous that I could not help myself from writing Ms. Sarah back and asking how that could possible be true given I have over a decade of experience doing clerical/administration/data entry/etc which is the primary area of their temp jobs. I have heard nothing back.
Also in my email last week was a rejection letter for a job I don't really remember applying to but I applied to so many in the last two or so weeks, it's quite possible this was one of them.
Last week I spent at least 45 minutes doing an online assessments for one job, followed the next day by an hour more of assessment testing at their facility. Again for a fairly basic and well within my competency range mid-level administrative job. Today I heard back that:
we will not be extending you an offer of employment at this time. We will retain your application on file for a period of one year.
Well bully, you know? I spent at least an hour, possibly more, today searching for jobs. Nothing of any real note and it was rather depressing. However it does seem that I have been hired for another job like my DNE gig but this one is in California. So I get to head to the west coast in June for a bit and I am hoping to see some friends in the Bay Area before or after heading south to the camp. Nowhere near as lucrative as DNE but it's still money. It's kind of funny. My second year doing DNE I moved to the west coast and I thought, well at least I'll get to the east coast once a year. If this other gig works out it will be my "at least once a year trip" to the west coast. I would get to still maintain my identity as a bi-coastal girl. Pretty cool, huh?
Friday, February 29, 2008
3 Steps Forward, 4 Steps Back
That's how it feels this morning. Seriously I have been meaning to post about knitting (with photos!), cooking successes (which means like Mikey, she liked them), and who knows what else but instead y'all get this. Oh, I know photos of "the wallpaper expedition in the kitchen".
The good news is that TGF is getting the job title and more salary starting March 8th! This is the position we moved her for and expected her to start October 1st. Of course she didn't even start training for her job until about 3 weeks after that date and has been working less than full time ever since. With this piece of information we were feeling a piece better (that news came through last Friday - I never said I was capable of breaking news postings!).
As I indicated in another post "American Video" did not hire me, which is probably just as well as I would be bored out of my mind but on the other hand there would be some moola coming in which is very much needed. Monday I had an interview at (using the real name here for a change) Jenny Cr*aig. Yeah, yeah I know. Many people scoffed and laughed at the notion. Y'all can get a bigger laugh by knowing I came home from the interview to sit down on my couch with a half gallon carton of ice cream. Yes I did, you can bet the ranch on that. By Tuesday I figured I didn't get it. Today I got an email confirming that. Maybe I should have taken out my nose ring for the interview.
Next month I have an interview for a call center job that wouldn't begin training me until April 22nd. Lovely. I hear it's a great place to work but I need cash now, not in two months from now, maybe, if they hire me.
This week I have probably spent 20 hours online looking for jobs and applying to as many as possible. Yesterday I registered with a temp agency and applied for two jobs through them.
In the meantime the bills are stacking up. Then more steps backwards. Wednesday night when leaving work a mishap caused TGF to lose a contact lens. Now granted these lenses were barely working for her as her script has majorly changed in the last few years but it's costing a whole lot of money from thin air to replace them. And they won't be here for 7-10 days! She is pretty blind right now using really old glasses to see with, poor thing.
Then, this morning I saunter downstairs to find a grumpy looking sweetheart. Now for those who know her it could just be that she has only had one cup of java as she is so NOT a morning person. But no, someone hit her car. It appears that they hit it and dragged it a few feet based on where she parked when she came home. No note, nada. The blinker is gone on the front driver's side and she is worried about driving it. Great, you know?
Okay my coffee is almost gone, time to job hunt. See y'all around the proverbial water cooler.
The good news is that TGF is getting the job title and more salary starting March 8th! This is the position we moved her for and expected her to start October 1st. Of course she didn't even start training for her job until about 3 weeks after that date and has been working less than full time ever since. With this piece of information we were feeling a piece better (that news came through last Friday - I never said I was capable of breaking news postings!).
As I indicated in another post "American Video" did not hire me, which is probably just as well as I would be bored out of my mind but on the other hand there would be some moola coming in which is very much needed. Monday I had an interview at (using the real name here for a change) Jenny Cr*aig. Yeah, yeah I know. Many people scoffed and laughed at the notion. Y'all can get a bigger laugh by knowing I came home from the interview to sit down on my couch with a half gallon carton of ice cream. Yes I did, you can bet the ranch on that. By Tuesday I figured I didn't get it. Today I got an email confirming that. Maybe I should have taken out my nose ring for the interview.
Next month I have an interview for a call center job that wouldn't begin training me until April 22nd. Lovely. I hear it's a great place to work but I need cash now, not in two months from now, maybe, if they hire me.
This week I have probably spent 20 hours online looking for jobs and applying to as many as possible. Yesterday I registered with a temp agency and applied for two jobs through them.
In the meantime the bills are stacking up. Then more steps backwards. Wednesday night when leaving work a mishap caused TGF to lose a contact lens. Now granted these lenses were barely working for her as her script has majorly changed in the last few years but it's costing a whole lot of money from thin air to replace them. And they won't be here for 7-10 days! She is pretty blind right now using really old glasses to see with, poor thing.
Then, this morning I saunter downstairs to find a grumpy looking sweetheart. Now for those who know her it could just be that she has only had one cup of java as she is so NOT a morning person. But no, someone hit her car. It appears that they hit it and dragged it a few feet based on where she parked when she came home. No note, nada. The blinker is gone on the front driver's side and she is worried about driving it. Great, you know?
Okay my coffee is almost gone, time to job hunt. See y'all around the proverbial water cooler.
Monday, January 21, 2008
In which our herione continues the job search
I know, I haven't posted in forever. I threatened fiber photos and updates, nothing. It seems I am less than inspired, the words aren't bubbling up right now.
Last week I submitted a resume and cover letter for the first job I am serious excited about since starting my search a few months ago. My fingers are crosses that I at least get an interview but I realize the institution may already have a person lined up and just "legally" has to post the position. So it's a careful balance of hope because I am totally qualified for the position, and acceptance that nothing might happen but it has nothing to do with whether I could do the job.
In other general news, we had dinner with Julie and Chris at Thai 9 in the Oregon district a few weeks back. I continue to go to knit meet ups. Last week Emily and I ventured to a new (to us) group at a local yarn store. It was definitely fun. When some one pointed a sale basket of Cherry Tree Hill yarns, Emily said "it not calling your name". My response was that TGF must be paying her to keep me in check. In truth I left with two circular needles I needed and 2 balls of Plymouth Boku (colour 4) so I could try making Quant to practice entrelac knitting.
In part I have hopes that my knitting get togethers will help me network a job, hence part of my addiction to them, aside from them being way too much fun. Soon I will work on looking at volunteer opportunities with the prosecutors office (victim's advocate) and/or CASA work. Both would fall into the categories of areas of interest, experience and would be helpful if I ever finish my degree. Also I hear that volunteering in the prosecutor's office often leads to a job (it also helps when various in-laws work in law enforcement in the area). There is the added benefit of me having a schedule, somewhere to go which would also help my moods which while mostly manageable my emotional life could be a tad more stable.
So that's the news from here. How are all you doing?
Last week I submitted a resume and cover letter for the first job I am serious excited about since starting my search a few months ago. My fingers are crosses that I at least get an interview but I realize the institution may already have a person lined up and just "legally" has to post the position. So it's a careful balance of hope because I am totally qualified for the position, and acceptance that nothing might happen but it has nothing to do with whether I could do the job.
In other general news, we had dinner with Julie and Chris at Thai 9 in the Oregon district a few weeks back. I continue to go to knit meet ups. Last week Emily and I ventured to a new (to us) group at a local yarn store. It was definitely fun. When some one pointed a sale basket of Cherry Tree Hill yarns, Emily said "it not calling your name". My response was that TGF must be paying her to keep me in check. In truth I left with two circular needles I needed and 2 balls of Plymouth Boku (colour 4) so I could try making Quant to practice entrelac knitting.
In part I have hopes that my knitting get togethers will help me network a job, hence part of my addiction to them, aside from them being way too much fun. Soon I will work on looking at volunteer opportunities with the prosecutors office (victim's advocate) and/or CASA work. Both would fall into the categories of areas of interest, experience and would be helpful if I ever finish my degree. Also I hear that volunteering in the prosecutor's office often leads to a job (it also helps when various in-laws work in law enforcement in the area). There is the added benefit of me having a schedule, somewhere to go which would also help my moods which while mostly manageable my emotional life could be a tad more stable.
So that's the news from here. How are all you doing?
Thursday, May 24, 2007
In which our heroine and stress are justlikethis
First of all I want to say that I have deeply appreciated the comments and support y'all have offered. It has been great during a very difficult few days.
It is looking more and more likely that the job is a sure thing and a move is in our near future. We are waiting for the word from the regional guy but so far it looks like it's full steam ahead. There are almost literally a million things to work out. Like finding funding for our move and new housing. Moving one dog and five cats across country. Deciding what to keep, sell, or toss. And some of the hardest of all, saying good bye to our family here.
We are concentrating our search for places to live in south eastern Dayton (around Kettering for those who are familiar) , Beavercreek, and Yellow Springs, so if you know anything about those areas I'd love to hear from you. It is a little daunting that the nearest Whole Paycheck is an hour away, there are no Wild Oats anywhere. At least they have Trader J*e's. I did find something that seemed kind of neat, New Life Food Club. Certainly sounds like something to check out. The Dayton version of craigslist is absolutely pitiful compared with SFBay area. Clearly it is not the major way one finds jobs, or at least my kind of jobs.
The last few days have been very intense. In classic karmic fashion we had set up an appointment with our therapist who we hadn't seen in over a year. Life stresses were getting to us so we figured a tune up was in order. Two days after booking the appointment all this hit the fan. Needless to say yesterday was a very hard day. We have both been very tense, going over all the options or the feeling of lack of options if this job doesn't come through and somehow therapy did not improve all that. Well that's not entirely true but it was a lot of work.
Things are feeling better today, even though or maybe because, this morning we had an very emotional conversation. We do need to this work to stay happy, and make the best out of this move. And we will.
It is looking more and more likely that the job is a sure thing and a move is in our near future. We are waiting for the word from the regional guy but so far it looks like it's full steam ahead. There are almost literally a million things to work out. Like finding funding for our move and new housing. Moving one dog and five cats across country. Deciding what to keep, sell, or toss. And some of the hardest of all, saying good bye to our family here.
We are concentrating our search for places to live in south eastern Dayton (around Kettering for those who are familiar) , Beavercreek, and Yellow Springs, so if you know anything about those areas I'd love to hear from you. It is a little daunting that the nearest Whole Paycheck is an hour away, there are no Wild Oats anywhere. At least they have Trader J*e's. I did find something that seemed kind of neat, New Life Food Club. Certainly sounds like something to check out. The Dayton version of craigslist is absolutely pitiful compared with SFBay area. Clearly it is not the major way one finds jobs, or at least my kind of jobs.
The last few days have been very intense. In classic karmic fashion we had set up an appointment with our therapist who we hadn't seen in over a year. Life stresses were getting to us so we figured a tune up was in order. Two days after booking the appointment all this hit the fan. Needless to say yesterday was a very hard day. We have both been very tense, going over all the options or the feeling of lack of options if this job doesn't come through and somehow therapy did not improve all that. Well that's not entirely true but it was a lot of work.
Things are feeling better today, even though or maybe because, this morning we had an very emotional conversation. We do need to this work to stay happy, and make the best out of this move. And we will.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Blinded by the light
....of a job offer. Okay maybe more like a potential job offer. Not for me but for TGF.
In Ohio. Yes, yes, the state I said I would not move to, ever. Okay one of the states I have said that about but this declaration was made repeatedly and emphatically.
TGF has a son, like I have a daughter, not by blood, not through official channels but still a young person in our lives who we have taken a parental role with over a long period. Well he works somewhere (a large chain) that has a store opening (that I guess is sort of in his region), has pull (he is a very charming boy), and spoke to TGF about it yesterday.
In theory the store is set to open in late July but has been pushed back a few times. The timing could not be much worse for me as that is right at the height of work for Dance New England for me, right after the end of a school semester - in other words a mess.
This is very much like deja vu for me. Six years ago, almost to the month my ex applied for a job in California when we were living in Massachusetts. Memorial Day weekend 2001 she and I came out here for her interview and to check things out a bit. C left Massachusetts with 98% of our belongings in mid July while I stayed behind to finish getting the house ready to sell, went to Dance New England, and then I drove west after it was over. I've never seen the movie, but this is feeling a bit like Groundhog Day to me.
Nothing is written in stone, it's only been 24 hours since she was sort of offered the job, there are a ton of questions our boy and the business would need to answer but what a ride already.
The town where the store is scares the hell out of me. It's 95% caucasian. I have never live anywhere like that. There are about 12,000 people, so it's smaller than anywhere I've been and I could not find a synagogue in the town. As of a recent census there is 0.10% lesbian population. Read that again folks, one tenth of one percent! I woke up this morning saying it "why couldn't it be somewhere like Yellow Springs if I have to move to frigging Ohio." Well, actually we could move there as it's a reasonable drive to the job.
TGF's friend, and mine really, Jeriann is totally excited about this potential move as she lives nearby in Centerville. Jeriann was recently here trying to relocate with her company but just yesterday morning got the offer which made it a no go deal for her. We both talked to her about options. Then TGF got the job phone call while I was out. It took her over two hours after I got home to tell, and that after trying to figure out with Jer how to tell me about all this.
Just how did she tell me you might wonder. I came home, we had some dinner and were watching television. Then she says I need to run out and get a Mountain Dew. I did think it odd as it was after 8pm that she would get a "pop" but I blew it off. We are back to sitting on the couch, laptops engaged, television crackling. I see an email come through from her at about 8:40pm. The subject line is "Fwd: home" with a real estate listing link saying she sent it to Jer. How odd I think, Jer has a condo. "Why would you send that to Jer?" There is a very awful pause and a funny look passes over her face. "I got a job offer today.....in Ohio." Blown away I think begins to describe my reaction. Realizing this morning that Yellow Springs is a reasonable option as made this a bit easier for me.
There are some benefits to this, number one being she would have a job that could definitely pay our bills and we could start paying down the debt we have accumulated in the last two years. She is promising me that we would not stay there more than two years (think it would be longer but hopefully not more than four). We would still work on moving to the south, somewhere that will hopefully be our "forever" home. TGF is regularly homesick being here and has not fallen in love with California. We would be able to really get to know our niece, T'Mane which is really appealing. It would be lovely to be near Jer, but I would miss my friends here so much it's hard to breath if I think about it. I would be closer to the east coast so in theory between it costing less to fly and having money I might actually be able to see family and friends more.
Stay tuned. Follow the bouncing ball. Buckle up for the roller coaster. Start an office pool. Remind me to breathe.
In Ohio. Yes, yes, the state I said I would not move to, ever. Okay one of the states I have said that about but this declaration was made repeatedly and emphatically.
TGF has a son, like I have a daughter, not by blood, not through official channels but still a young person in our lives who we have taken a parental role with over a long period. Well he works somewhere (a large chain) that has a store opening (that I guess is sort of in his region), has pull (he is a very charming boy), and spoke to TGF about it yesterday.
In theory the store is set to open in late July but has been pushed back a few times. The timing could not be much worse for me as that is right at the height of work for Dance New England for me, right after the end of a school semester - in other words a mess.
This is very much like deja vu for me. Six years ago, almost to the month my ex applied for a job in California when we were living in Massachusetts. Memorial Day weekend 2001 she and I came out here for her interview and to check things out a bit. C left Massachusetts with 98% of our belongings in mid July while I stayed behind to finish getting the house ready to sell, went to Dance New England, and then I drove west after it was over. I've never seen the movie, but this is feeling a bit like Groundhog Day to me.
Nothing is written in stone, it's only been 24 hours since she was sort of offered the job, there are a ton of questions our boy and the business would need to answer but what a ride already.
The town where the store is scares the hell out of me. It's 95% caucasian. I have never live anywhere like that. There are about 12,000 people, so it's smaller than anywhere I've been and I could not find a synagogue in the town. As of a recent census there is 0.10% lesbian population. Read that again folks, one tenth of one percent! I woke up this morning saying it "why couldn't it be somewhere like Yellow Springs if I have to move to frigging Ohio." Well, actually we could move there as it's a reasonable drive to the job.
TGF's friend, and mine really, Jeriann is totally excited about this potential move as she lives nearby in Centerville. Jeriann was recently here trying to relocate with her company but just yesterday morning got the offer which made it a no go deal for her. We both talked to her about options. Then TGF got the job phone call while I was out. It took her over two hours after I got home to tell, and that after trying to figure out with Jer how to tell me about all this.
Just how did she tell me you might wonder. I came home, we had some dinner and were watching television. Then she says I need to run out and get a Mountain Dew. I did think it odd as it was after 8pm that she would get a "pop" but I blew it off. We are back to sitting on the couch, laptops engaged, television crackling. I see an email come through from her at about 8:40pm. The subject line is "Fwd: home" with a real estate listing link saying she sent it to Jer. How odd I think, Jer has a condo. "Why would you send that to Jer?" There is a very awful pause and a funny look passes over her face. "I got a job offer today.....in Ohio." Blown away I think begins to describe my reaction. Realizing this morning that Yellow Springs is a reasonable option as made this a bit easier for me.
There are some benefits to this, number one being she would have a job that could definitely pay our bills and we could start paying down the debt we have accumulated in the last two years. She is promising me that we would not stay there more than two years (think it would be longer but hopefully not more than four). We would still work on moving to the south, somewhere that will hopefully be our "forever" home. TGF is regularly homesick being here and has not fallen in love with California. We would be able to really get to know our niece, T'Mane which is really appealing. It would be lovely to be near Jer, but I would miss my friends here so much it's hard to breath if I think about it. I would be closer to the east coast so in theory between it costing less to fly and having money I might actually be able to see family and friends more.
Stay tuned. Follow the bouncing ball. Buckle up for the roller coaster. Start an office pool. Remind me to breathe.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Hello darkness, my old friend
Well I thought about writing when it still light out. I want to thank everyone for their supportive comments. It was striking to me how many of you found something that resonated in my last post. On one hand I am happy that I was able to articulate something that was deeply felt, but on the other I am sad that so many of us know that place so well.
I also thought I was going to write that there has been a lightening going on here. There has been, really. I haven't been feeling quite so gloomy, a bit more patient. For those astute readers you may note that is being posted at an ungodly hour. I have not yet gone to sleep. I tried, I really did. But my old friend anxiety and I werelikethis in the television lit bedroom. Yes, I tried shutting it off and the voices in my head only got louder. Even when I was finally about to quiet the deafening sounds of eviction fears, calculating what I would sell for quick cash and rearranging things to rent out my office for income, my brain and body would not shut down.
Since I had read recently that if you can't fall asleep, it is better to go into another room until you get sleepy enough to attempt sleep. Well, it's just shy of 5am and I have to be at work at 9am. Yeah, sleep? Not happening anytime soon. I know from past experience of cramming for school and birth work that a two hour nap is worse at this point. I suspect that scanning craigslist and not finding anything to apply does not help with relaxation. Mind numbing data entry is going to be a bitch in a few hours. I predict my productivity level will be down.The up side to being up at this hour is that I was able to respond to some Dance New England emails that came through.
Anyway, now I'm sleepy!
I also thought I was going to write that there has been a lightening going on here. There has been, really. I haven't been feeling quite so gloomy, a bit more patient. For those astute readers you may note that is being posted at an ungodly hour. I have not yet gone to sleep. I tried, I really did. But my old friend anxiety and I werelikethis in the television lit bedroom. Yes, I tried shutting it off and the voices in my head only got louder. Even when I was finally about to quiet the deafening sounds of eviction fears, calculating what I would sell for quick cash and rearranging things to rent out my office for income, my brain and body would not shut down.
Since I had read recently that if you can't fall asleep, it is better to go into another room until you get sleepy enough to attempt sleep. Well, it's just shy of 5am and I have to be at work at 9am. Yeah, sleep? Not happening anytime soon. I know from past experience of cramming for school and birth work that a two hour nap is worse at this point. I suspect that scanning craigslist and not finding anything to apply does not help with relaxation. Mind numbing data entry is going to be a bitch in a few hours. I predict my productivity level will be down.The up side to being up at this hour is that I was able to respond to some Dance New England emails that came through.
Anyway, now I'm sleepy!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Climbing little hills
The financial woes continue here at Casa de Cedar but there are some positives. Stars 'r Us called me in for extra hours on Friday which was a nice surprise. The work is boring as all get out. Seriously boring and on Friday I was at a computer with no speaker so no Pandora {pout}. Still need to determine if I can listen Brenda's Cast-on and focus on my work.
Over the weekend I heard from my February client who was looking for postpartum help while her partner was out of town. While I was a bit daunted by prospect of working doing data entry all day then dashing over to Montclair Village for a few hours but damn if the money wasn't motivating.
On Sunday I finally got to hang out with my dear friend Jennie. We compared ideas for knitting projects, showed off our UFOs and just talk endlessly for the first time in forever.
Also during the weekend TGF heard from the guy who sent her the best, most positive rejection letter just two weeks ago. He wrote about two part time tech jobs! Cautiously optimistic is the watch word around here on the job front around here.
For the first time since Piccolo came to stay while her human, our friend Ruth, was on vacation I was grateful for her early morning barking since I had forgotten to set the alarm. Since we have both been stressed, and frankly my depression (and hence terrible mood swings) has been really bad for several months we haven't always been getting along and this weekend was not good. Hence sleeping and emotional exhaustion have been fighting each other. So, thank you Piccolo. In a manner most uncharacteristic for me I just could not clear the brain fog and was grateful for the free coffee at work. While still in the fog my cell phone rang with my client at the other end, canceling the hours we had set up. On one hand I was glad to have the evening to spend with TGF, hopefully in a relaxed state, but damn the money would have sure come in handy.
So to help with the utter boredom of my work I decided to jot down some of the more, um, interesting names. I have a favorite humour site, Baby's Named a Bad, Bad Thing that can always make me laugh and groan. So in homage to the original I give you some of the best from today's work:
Heaven Leigh - like the first name on it's own isn't a lot to live up to
Tijhan - there are a lot of ways this could be pronounced...
Chynna and her sister Queen-India - seriously
Roxxanne - I love this name, have a dear, dear friend with the name and I realize one "x" is worth 8 points in Scrabble, but you can't use proper names people
Jennica - the tabloids coming up with these name combos is bad enough but to be burdened with it as your actual name?
Unique - really, that is the kid's name. Don't just encourage your kid to be their own person but let the world know that are different because you told them so
Latonjinea - huh?
Dillion - is the second "i" silent? Is it supposed to rhyme with million?
Maczine - is there a syllable missing here?
T'Mane's top has been driving me crazy. I got about a good 3-4 inches knit up when I realized it the gauge was waaaaay off. As in the circumference should be about 48 inches and I had about 60 inches. Frogging ensued. Then I cast on from scratch and twisted the damn thing when I joined it. Riiip. I think it's finally ready to go. Again.
Today I got home and had a call from an agency I sent an application to about 10 days ago and had written off. Jimbo and I played phone tag until about 8:30 tonight. It was so worth the frustration, he was too much fun. The actual job I had applied for has been filled but he wanted to see if there was a way to work with me. Wow. How often does that sort of thing happen? Like never. Jimbo is passing my information onto another supervisor for a 20 hours/wk position that would pay (nothing great but a higher hourly rate than Stars 'r Us), give me BBS hours, and even some benefits. Hello? Benefits? What the hell are those, you know what I'm saying? Downsides are my gig in August could put a damper on this option and the job is in Marin County, not exactly close by and means a toll bridge. But this Jimbo character, he's awesome. He said, "If you don't hear from Louisana in three business days, call me. I'm your point person through this." Again, wow! Cautious optimism. Which reminds me, I need to look at craiglist again because hey nothing is written in stone.
I'd rather knit. It's a toss up which activity will happen after I click "publish".
Over the weekend I heard from my February client who was looking for postpartum help while her partner was out of town. While I was a bit daunted by prospect of working doing data entry all day then dashing over to Montclair Village for a few hours but damn if the money wasn't motivating.
On Sunday I finally got to hang out with my dear friend Jennie. We compared ideas for knitting projects, showed off our UFOs and just talk endlessly for the first time in forever.
Also during the weekend TGF heard from the guy who sent her the best, most positive rejection letter just two weeks ago. He wrote about two part time tech jobs! Cautiously optimistic is the watch word around here on the job front around here.
For the first time since Piccolo came to stay while her human, our friend Ruth, was on vacation I was grateful for her early morning barking since I had forgotten to set the alarm. Since we have both been stressed, and frankly my depression (and hence terrible mood swings) has been really bad for several months we haven't always been getting along and this weekend was not good. Hence sleeping and emotional exhaustion have been fighting each other. So, thank you Piccolo. In a manner most uncharacteristic for me I just could not clear the brain fog and was grateful for the free coffee at work. While still in the fog my cell phone rang with my client at the other end, canceling the hours we had set up. On one hand I was glad to have the evening to spend with TGF, hopefully in a relaxed state, but damn the money would have sure come in handy.
So to help with the utter boredom of my work I decided to jot down some of the more, um, interesting names. I have a favorite humour site, Baby's Named a Bad, Bad Thing that can always make me laugh and groan. So in homage to the original I give you some of the best from today's work:
Heaven Leigh - like the first name on it's own isn't a lot to live up to
Tijhan - there are a lot of ways this could be pronounced...
Chynna and her sister Queen-India - seriously
Roxxanne - I love this name, have a dear, dear friend with the name and I realize one "x" is worth 8 points in Scrabble, but you can't use proper names people
Jennica - the tabloids coming up with these name combos is bad enough but to be burdened with it as your actual name?
Unique - really, that is the kid's name. Don't just encourage your kid to be their own person but let the world know that are different because you told them so
Latonjinea - huh?
Dillion - is the second "i" silent? Is it supposed to rhyme with million?
Maczine - is there a syllable missing here?
T'Mane's top has been driving me crazy. I got about a good 3-4 inches knit up when I realized it the gauge was waaaaay off. As in the circumference should be about 48 inches and I had about 60 inches. Frogging ensued. Then I cast on from scratch and twisted the damn thing when I joined it. Riiip. I think it's finally ready to go. Again.
Today I got home and had a call from an agency I sent an application to about 10 days ago and had written off. Jimbo and I played phone tag until about 8:30 tonight. It was so worth the frustration, he was too much fun. The actual job I had applied for has been filled but he wanted to see if there was a way to work with me. Wow. How often does that sort of thing happen? Like never. Jimbo is passing my information onto another supervisor for a 20 hours/wk position that would pay (nothing great but a higher hourly rate than Stars 'r Us), give me BBS hours, and even some benefits. Hello? Benefits? What the hell are those, you know what I'm saying? Downsides are my gig in August could put a damper on this option and the job is in Marin County, not exactly close by and means a toll bridge. But this Jimbo character, he's awesome. He said, "If you don't hear from Louisana in three business days, call me. I'm your point person through this." Again, wow! Cautious optimism. Which reminds me, I need to look at craiglist again because hey nothing is written in stone.
I'd rather knit. It's a toss up which activity will happen after I click "publish".
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Mostly I do NOT want to talk about yesterday
Seriously. Okay, in truth there is only one part of yesterday that sucked, and sucked deeply, painfully. Suffice it to say that I was cavalier about the universe's goodwill toward me, too hopeful. The universe laughed at me and charged me a few hundred dollars that I do not, repeat do not have for such things. That money was for for things like, I don't know, groceries, gas for the cars. You know, the luxuries in life.
Anyway. Yesterday was my first day doing independent contract work at Stars 'r Us (I signed a confidentiality waiver, which doesn't mean I can't name but still). Apparently agent types come in later in the day so the place is mostly quiet and not very populated in the mornings which is cool. I'm filling out my paperwork and Iris (not her name, but close. Keep guessing, go ahead) hands me back my driver's license. I decide to just throw in the rear pocket of my shoulder bag. As I reach in I feel something soft and fabric like. Hm, I wonder, what is that... Oh my so tacky. It's my underwear from spending the night at Jennie's last week! Wow, it's like back in my youth when I never knew where I'd be sleeping, when I'd need fresh underwear and carried all sorts of things with me. However back in those days I cleaned my bag more frequently so I would not have had a pair of underwear from a week before sitting in there funking it up. Ugh.
Watching the few people talking, seeing folks at their desks there was a part of me that thought maybe I should just get myself a cute little office job that paid my bills and give up this scheme of incurring debt, creating nightmares of perfectionism which is hindering my schooling, and becoming a therapist. It's still under debate. I promise to inform y'all if I drop out of school. (I can hear TGF and Sunny saying, each in their own way, "Hell no!")
The work itself is pretty simple though it has it's oddball moments which I'm sure I'll learn quick enough. Yesterday was just about 4 hours but I should have a full day on Monday. The special project that ate most of those hours on Friday was very speedy, for me. Apparently I did about twice the data entry as someone else in a similar time span. It seems clear that if I can figure out to work that micro MP3 player that TGF gifted me with I can slowly catch up on Brenda's podcasts which are so enjoyable while I work. I've listened to three or four and there are over forty of them. Since there is no way I can knit and do data entry at the same time (unless I can learn to type and mouse with my toes!) the podcast is as close as I can come to earning money and indulging my fiber habit.
In the meantime I continue to haunt the halls of craigslist for more lucrative options. In other cool beans sorta news, TGF has decided to go with the name I came up with for her business. When the website is up (it will be small so don't get too excited) I'll link it here. Looks like she likes the colour scheme I thought of too. Yep, I'm feeling pretty proud of myself about this. Oh, I sent out an ad tolure in, er, I mean, um cajole, or uh, attract clients. Yeah draw folks in to hire me for postpartum doula work. Got one bite but it's for August. Well it's a start.
Okay back to knitting Secret Blue Project.
Anyway. Yesterday was my first day doing independent contract work at Stars 'r Us (I signed a confidentiality waiver, which doesn't mean I can't name but still). Apparently agent types come in later in the day so the place is mostly quiet and not very populated in the mornings which is cool. I'm filling out my paperwork and Iris (not her name, but close. Keep guessing, go ahead) hands me back my driver's license. I decide to just throw in the rear pocket of my shoulder bag. As I reach in I feel something soft and fabric like. Hm, I wonder, what is that... Oh my so tacky. It's my underwear from spending the night at Jennie's last week! Wow, it's like back in my youth when I never knew where I'd be sleeping, when I'd need fresh underwear and carried all sorts of things with me. However back in those days I cleaned my bag more frequently so I would not have had a pair of underwear from a week before sitting in there funking it up. Ugh.
Watching the few people talking, seeing folks at their desks there was a part of me that thought maybe I should just get myself a cute little office job that paid my bills and give up this scheme of incurring debt, creating nightmares of perfectionism which is hindering my schooling, and becoming a therapist. It's still under debate. I promise to inform y'all if I drop out of school. (I can hear TGF and Sunny saying, each in their own way, "Hell no!")
The work itself is pretty simple though it has it's oddball moments which I'm sure I'll learn quick enough. Yesterday was just about 4 hours but I should have a full day on Monday. The special project that ate most of those hours on Friday was very speedy, for me. Apparently I did about twice the data entry as someone else in a similar time span. It seems clear that if I can figure out to work that micro MP3 player that TGF gifted me with I can slowly catch up on Brenda's podcasts which are so enjoyable while I work. I've listened to three or four and there are over forty of them. Since there is no way I can knit and do data entry at the same time (unless I can learn to type and mouse with my toes!) the podcast is as close as I can come to earning money and indulging my fiber habit.
In the meantime I continue to haunt the halls of craigslist for more lucrative options. In other cool beans sorta news, TGF has decided to go with the name I came up with for her business. When the website is up (it will be small so don't get too excited) I'll link it here. Looks like she likes the colour scheme I thought of too. Yep, I'm feeling pretty proud of myself about this. Oh, I sent out an ad to
Okay back to knitting Secret Blue Project.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Apparently ranting creates change in the Universe
So that job listing TGF found in a section I never, ever look at on craigslist?
I got it.
In fact rather than starting Monday the one day a week that I will be working usually, they have extra work so I start tomorrow.
The job that requires the least amount of my skills, that I get.
- Is the Universe is trying to tell me to aim lower so I can focus more on school?
- Or is it that being honest and telling potential employees that I have an academic commitment in June for six days and a long stretch away in late August isn't doing me- any favours?
- Or it is that the Universe knows I have the attention span of a flea and shouldn't be trusted with a real job?
Seriously the only I need for this job is to be able to type - straight data entry. After taxes based of four days a month this will pay a small cell phone bill (we never, ever use our minutes or text or anything with the damn things) and pay for beasts of Casa de Cedar to eat. Not us mind you, but at least our babies will continue to be well fed.
The good part:
- I don't have to worry if I need to quit because I get a better job
- It is in Emeryville, so if I can learn to work the gears of my bike (I've never ridden anything but an ancient 3-speed Schwinn, and that was a thousand years ago!) I don't even need my car
- It will take very little brain power
- I don't have to wear nylons or anything hideous
Now I have to come up with a good nom de plume for the place....
I got it.
In fact rather than starting Monday the one day a week that I will be working usually, they have extra work so I start tomorrow.
The job that requires the least amount of my skills, that I get.
- Is the Universe is trying to tell me to aim lower so I can focus more on school?
- Or is it that being honest and telling potential employees that I have an academic commitment in June for six days and a long stretch away in late August isn't doing me- any favours?
- Or it is that the Universe knows I have the attention span of a flea and shouldn't be trusted with a real job?
Seriously the only I need for this job is to be able to type - straight data entry. After taxes based of four days a month this will pay a small cell phone bill (we never, ever use our minutes or text or anything with the damn things) and pay for beasts of Casa de Cedar to eat. Not us mind you, but at least our babies will continue to be well fed.
The good part:
- I don't have to worry if I need to quit because I get a better job
- It is in Emeryville, so if I can learn to work the gears of my bike (I've never ridden anything but an ancient 3-speed Schwinn, and that was a thousand years ago!) I don't even need my car
- It will take very little brain power
- I don't have to wear nylons or anything hideous
Now I have to come up with a good nom de plume for the place....
Feeling a bit beaten and defeated, but there is still hope. Right?
This is a post where I mostly complain, wildly, about being unemployed. Consider yourself warned.
As you may have deduced, my fair reader, though I plug away and even get interviews there has not been an offer of a job no matter how mundane or measly. Where did we last leave off.... There was the two part interview for Casa de Vida in Oakland, a transitional program for folks with a lot of time in the mental health maze. Received my "thank you but no and by the way if you want relief work" letter while Sunny was here.
Then there was the absolutely lovely interview at Title Nine. No really, it was great. I really thought I had a solid chance there and beside they have a gym on site, she says longingly. Not even a quick email from Anne. I finally wrote her a witty one where I said it was lovely to meet her and blah, blah, blah.
Last Monday I had an interview with Family Stress. It seems like a fabulous agency and I really enjoyed the woman who interviewed me. I can't say it was a fun interview but I appreciated her quick and discerning manner. The entire time I was thinking, "She'd be a hard but fantastic supervisor." I interviewed for two positions, the one I said would kill me but pay my bills that I knew about, plus another one with few hours and thus doable but bills would still be a problem. The upside to few hours one would be the ability to plug in other work. In today's mail came a letter {sigh} however she did say that she was sending my resume onto human resources as she thinks I have a lot to offer the agency. The job on Treasure Island (no useful public transportation) with Swords to Plowshares was a job I could do in my sleep. Seriously. Not one word since last Tuesday. The silence is deafening, you know?
Monday I interviewed at This Little Piggy Wears Cotton. Adorable clothing. Lousy pay. Close enough I could walk. All doable. But the stuff there? Really, shop there even if they don't have the sense to hire me.
This morning TGF forwards me a listing from craigslist that was under Gigs/Computer, a place I never look and she for obvious reasons does. One day a week, data entry. I whip off a clever little email joking about needing some funds while racking up scads of loan debt but forget to attach a resume. For some reason I thought they didn't want one. Luckily immediately after sending the email I check the ad again. In a classic V-8 le duh moment, I shoot off another email with a resume. Within 30 minutes they call! So I am marching down for another interview at 2:00 today.
Almost everyday I send at least one application somewhere in the vast universe of employment. Hell I sent one to a job in Palo Alto (about 35 miles which means an hour of driving)- talk about inconvenient location! But at this point I figure the net has to be the size of a small nation to land a job.
Can I just say it burns my butt big time to see the House o' Sperm advertising for the position I interviewed for back in November? Seriously they have been running the ad for awhile now. They coulda had me! I have some background in the position, personal as well as professional, but nooooooo. Apparently no one wants to, or can make HoS believe they will commit to two years - for a freaking part-time job in an unstable market.
Okay, enough ranting because seriously I could go on about the places I see advertising that either never called me or didn't hire me. Alright there really are very few, but any at all make steam come out of my ears.
The positives right now are TGF and I are talking about hard stuff without fighting about it. What hard stuff you ask, you nosy bumpkin you? Money, or rather the alarming lack of it with little prospect of getting any. About that we are a bit of out of sync. Hm, could the aforementioned mind numbing job searches and bill pile have anything to that? Naw.
This week I have worked out , albeit briefly, every morning. I have a bit of a routine going. And school? I turned in one of the six overdue papers on Sunday. It's a piece of rot gut and I sort of warned the professor so I won't be surprised if he sends it back for more work but I hit the freaking send button. The last three days I have actually spent 2-3 hours each day on school work. Actually reading chapters, organizing my work, reading my online discussions, piping in here and there.
Twice in the last 5 days or so I actually cooked. I mean something other than making boxed mac & cheese, or throwing a frozen pizza in the oven. Really chopping veggies and everything. Two dishes from Moosewood Cooks at Home, one of my favorite cookbooks, ever. Cauliflower Paprikash one night, and Fragrant Noodles (with my own crispy tofu) the other. The first dish I've made before and TGF likes this one so that was easy. The other, let's just say I'm enjoying the leftovers.
Oh and I've been trying to knit, at least a little at night. One of these years I will finish the secret project. It's lovely, easy and not that huge but it's a bit endless at least for me right now. After a lot of fidgeting I have T'Mane's Swing Top started and it's looking decent so far but I only done about 2 inches of it.
So that's most of the news from Casa de Cedar where all the animals are good looking and above average.
As you may have deduced, my fair reader, though I plug away and even get interviews there has not been an offer of a job no matter how mundane or measly. Where did we last leave off.... There was the two part interview for Casa de Vida in Oakland, a transitional program for folks with a lot of time in the mental health maze. Received my "thank you but no and by the way if you want relief work" letter while Sunny was here.
Then there was the absolutely lovely interview at Title Nine. No really, it was great. I really thought I had a solid chance there and beside they have a gym on site, she says longingly. Not even a quick email from Anne. I finally wrote her a witty one where I said it was lovely to meet her and blah, blah, blah.
Last Monday I had an interview with Family Stress. It seems like a fabulous agency and I really enjoyed the woman who interviewed me. I can't say it was a fun interview but I appreciated her quick and discerning manner. The entire time I was thinking, "She'd be a hard but fantastic supervisor." I interviewed for two positions, the one I said would kill me but pay my bills that I knew about, plus another one with few hours and thus doable but bills would still be a problem. The upside to few hours one would be the ability to plug in other work. In today's mail came a letter {sigh} however she did say that she was sending my resume onto human resources as she thinks I have a lot to offer the agency. The job on Treasure Island (no useful public transportation) with Swords to Plowshares was a job I could do in my sleep. Seriously. Not one word since last Tuesday. The silence is deafening, you know?
Monday I interviewed at This Little Piggy Wears Cotton. Adorable clothing. Lousy pay. Close enough I could walk. All doable. But the stuff there? Really, shop there even if they don't have the sense to hire me.
This morning TGF forwards me a listing from craigslist that was under Gigs/Computer, a place I never look and she for obvious reasons does. One day a week, data entry. I whip off a clever little email joking about needing some funds while racking up scads of loan debt but forget to attach a resume. For some reason I thought they didn't want one. Luckily immediately after sending the email I check the ad again. In a classic V-8 le duh moment, I shoot off another email with a resume. Within 30 minutes they call! So I am marching down for another interview at 2:00 today.
Almost everyday I send at least one application somewhere in the vast universe of employment. Hell I sent one to a job in Palo Alto (about 35 miles which means an hour of driving)- talk about inconvenient location! But at this point I figure the net has to be the size of a small nation to land a job.
Can I just say it burns my butt big time to see the House o' Sperm advertising for the position I interviewed for back in November? Seriously they have been running the ad for awhile now. They coulda had me! I have some background in the position, personal as well as professional, but nooooooo. Apparently no one wants to, or can make HoS believe they will commit to two years - for a freaking part-time job in an unstable market.
Okay, enough ranting because seriously I could go on about the places I see advertising that either never called me or didn't hire me. Alright there really are very few, but any at all make steam come out of my ears.
The positives right now are TGF and I are talking about hard stuff without fighting about it. What hard stuff you ask, you nosy bumpkin you? Money, or rather the alarming lack of it with little prospect of getting any. About that we are a bit of out of sync. Hm, could the aforementioned mind numbing job searches and bill pile have anything to that? Naw.
This week I have worked out , albeit briefly, every morning. I have a bit of a routine going. And school? I turned in one of the six overdue papers on Sunday. It's a piece of rot gut and I sort of warned the professor so I won't be surprised if he sends it back for more work but I hit the freaking send button. The last three days I have actually spent 2-3 hours each day on school work. Actually reading chapters, organizing my work, reading my online discussions, piping in here and there.
Twice in the last 5 days or so I actually cooked. I mean something other than making boxed mac & cheese, or throwing a frozen pizza in the oven. Really chopping veggies and everything. Two dishes from Moosewood Cooks at Home, one of my favorite cookbooks, ever. Cauliflower Paprikash one night, and Fragrant Noodles (with my own crispy tofu) the other. The first dish I've made before and TGF likes this one so that was easy. The other, let's just say I'm enjoying the leftovers.
Oh and I've been trying to knit, at least a little at night. One of these years I will finish the secret project. It's lovely, easy and not that huge but it's a bit endless at least for me right now. After a lot of fidgeting I have T'Mane's Swing Top started and it's looking decent so far but I only done about 2 inches of it.
So that's most of the news from Casa de Cedar where all the animals are good looking and above average.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
In which our heroine hunts a job
Yet again, or rather still I am searching for work. Ideally it would be great to get something that would give me hours towards licensure but frankly I do not much care at this point. I have not worked in months, since I terminated with Miss Spawn of Satan. Given various issues, like a barely working vehicle, my ability to work for The Agency has been limited.
A week before Sunny arrived I had a very odd initial interview with a gentleman who is clearly embedded in this local agency, he rambled on and on and on. Seriously I was there 1.5 hours. Apparently my responses were on target because I made it to the next level. Two days later I had part deux of the process, going to the house where I would potentially work. This interview was much more focused and quite enjoyable. While Sunny was here I received the "Thank you so much but..." letter. Now I knew when I applied there was a small chance I'd even get a call but it stung nonetheless. The money would have been quite good. I had applied to three positions that day and got one call. Pretty good response right I think.
Monday I spent something like three hours on craigslist.com searching, expanding my range of jobs to outside of those that are directly related to my future career. I applied to six or seven, I couldn't have even tell who, what, where, anything. Amazingly on Wednesday I received a phone call from Title 9 for an easy sort of job, not particularly lucrative but a convenient location, part-time. I had the interview today and it's not fabulous pay but it's the kind of work environment that would be really nice and best of all, when I go home it's over. Huge bonus points - a gym on the property!
Later on Wednesday another phone call came in for a job as "mental health parent consultant" for an agency that is on the other side of the hills in Contra Costa County. From what the ad says the month of July will about kill me between what they would want, DNE, and school but I'd have money if I get it. I'd be dead but bills would get paid. That interview is on Monday bright and early.
While having a lovely time at Title 9 another call came in for an office job for another non-profit agency that works with veterans.
Oh yeah, recently I also got two emails from women looking for doulas, one got back to me and I had that interview last night. Whew! Something has got to happen soon. Right? TGF has also been working hard at applying for things even while she works on completing the 24 page application (no I am not exaggerating) for a job with the city of SF that has about eleventy hundred steps. Seriously this has been a dangling participle of employment in front of our drooling mouths and hungry bellies since November. Yes, November! So send lucrative & flexible employment thoughts over to Casa de Cedar, please?
A week before Sunny arrived I had a very odd initial interview with a gentleman who is clearly embedded in this local agency, he rambled on and on and on. Seriously I was there 1.5 hours. Apparently my responses were on target because I made it to the next level. Two days later I had part deux of the process, going to the house where I would potentially work. This interview was much more focused and quite enjoyable. While Sunny was here I received the "Thank you so much but..." letter. Now I knew when I applied there was a small chance I'd even get a call but it stung nonetheless. The money would have been quite good. I had applied to three positions that day and got one call. Pretty good response right I think.
Monday I spent something like three hours on craigslist.com searching, expanding my range of jobs to outside of those that are directly related to my future career. I applied to six or seven, I couldn't have even tell who, what, where, anything. Amazingly on Wednesday I received a phone call from Title 9 for an easy sort of job, not particularly lucrative but a convenient location, part-time. I had the interview today and it's not fabulous pay but it's the kind of work environment that would be really nice and best of all, when I go home it's over. Huge bonus points - a gym on the property!
Later on Wednesday another phone call came in for a job as "mental health parent consultant" for an agency that is on the other side of the hills in Contra Costa County. From what the ad says the month of July will about kill me between what they would want, DNE, and school but I'd have money if I get it. I'd be dead but bills would get paid. That interview is on Monday bright and early.
While having a lovely time at Title 9 another call came in for an office job for another non-profit agency that works with veterans.
Oh yeah, recently I also got two emails from women looking for doulas, one got back to me and I had that interview last night. Whew! Something has got to happen soon. Right? TGF has also been working hard at applying for things even while she works on completing the 24 page application (no I am not exaggerating) for a job with the city of SF that has about eleventy hundred steps. Seriously this has been a dangling participle of employment in front of our drooling mouths and hungry bellies since November. Yes, November! So send lucrative & flexible employment thoughts over to Casa de Cedar, please?
Friday, February 02, 2007
Unexpected responses
Last week I was a bit ambivalent about going to group supervision since I had almost no contact with people from my case, my client being non-responsive, so I felt I did not have a lot to offer to the meeting. But I love hearing about my colleagues' cases, seeing if there is something to learn, to suggest, to chuckle over. It was a really good session including a role play.
While the hourly rate is quite good at this site, my hours are not predictable, the structure (cognitive-behavior) wears me down, and the cases we are getting referred to The Agency are getting very challenging. I long to not work but in point of fact that does not seem like a good option give the banking statements coming through the mail slot at Casa de Cedar. I have been spending time on craigslist looking for something that is part time, pays more than $8/hour, doesn't require an hour of travel, and is something I can stand to do. Not that I'm picky or anything, really I'll do almost anything. Anything that I can stand, is part time, pays decently, and ideally is within walking distance to my house. See, quite reasonable.
Believe it or not I found a couple of possibilities (okay they are not walking distance but...) and sent off resumes. Nothing. As in nada. Then today I found an internship position for one to two days a week from now through June with a rather small stipend. But it would count for hours and do something different, use other skills maybe! One teeny tiny issue is it's in Burlingame. Not exactly close, traffic hell in fact. Within hours, I get a response. Not only have they let me know they received my resume but they have reviewed it and would like me to come for an interview. So guess where I'll be at 10:00a.m. tomorrow? Yep. Burlingame.
Later I went to group supervision and felt totally disconnected, a feeling I had thought I had gotten over with The Agency. As nice as things can be, as much fun as the bar night was, I am mostly not connected to these folks. I spend very little time touching base with my clinical supervisor (aka Jewish Santa) because mostly I don't need to or with the case supervisor (The Caz), whom I really do like. Unlike some of the folks I don't need time there going over notes, nor is it on my way to and fro very much, I do not see it as a touchstone place. I had wanted to not be working in this semester but that is not possible however it seems that somewhere in my brain I had expected to leave and perhaps that is part of my outsider feeling tonight.
Sometimes I want to feel different about the place, I wish I had more in common, or had tried to determine if there are more common bonds there but I am in such a different place then many of them. Or maybe I'm not and just cannot connect with them for some other reason. Have I dismissed potential friendships for some other reason? It's not like I feel I have so many friends I have no room for more. I really do instinctively like a few of them but any attempts to build more have been lame on my part. Again, why? Maybe it's just been so long since I have had anything like coworkers that I have lost all sense about how to do that thing that moves them to being friends. My termination report is due in less than two weeks, I will go to the county meeting that day too, but I suspect a "leave of absence" is coming soon. I certainly don't want to burn any bridges as it's a good place to fall back on for work should I need it down the road. And I will really miss a few of the people a lot.
While the hourly rate is quite good at this site, my hours are not predictable, the structure (cognitive-behavior) wears me down, and the cases we are getting referred to The Agency are getting very challenging. I long to not work but in point of fact that does not seem like a good option give the banking statements coming through the mail slot at Casa de Cedar. I have been spending time on craigslist looking for something that is part time, pays more than $8/hour, doesn't require an hour of travel, and is something I can stand to do. Not that I'm picky or anything, really I'll do almost anything. Anything that I can stand, is part time, pays decently, and ideally is within walking distance to my house. See, quite reasonable.
Believe it or not I found a couple of possibilities (okay they are not walking distance but...) and sent off resumes. Nothing. As in nada. Then today I found an internship position for one to two days a week from now through June with a rather small stipend. But it would count for hours and do something different, use other skills maybe! One teeny tiny issue is it's in Burlingame. Not exactly close, traffic hell in fact. Within hours, I get a response. Not only have they let me know they received my resume but they have reviewed it and would like me to come for an interview. So guess where I'll be at 10:00a.m. tomorrow? Yep. Burlingame.
Later I went to group supervision and felt totally disconnected, a feeling I had thought I had gotten over with The Agency. As nice as things can be, as much fun as the bar night was, I am mostly not connected to these folks. I spend very little time touching base with my clinical supervisor (aka Jewish Santa) because mostly I don't need to or with the case supervisor (The Caz), whom I really do like. Unlike some of the folks I don't need time there going over notes, nor is it on my way to and fro very much, I do not see it as a touchstone place. I had wanted to not be working in this semester but that is not possible however it seems that somewhere in my brain I had expected to leave and perhaps that is part of my outsider feeling tonight.
Sometimes I want to feel different about the place, I wish I had more in common, or had tried to determine if there are more common bonds there but I am in such a different place then many of them. Or maybe I'm not and just cannot connect with them for some other reason. Have I dismissed potential friendships for some other reason? It's not like I feel I have so many friends I have no room for more. I really do instinctively like a few of them but any attempts to build more have been lame on my part. Again, why? Maybe it's just been so long since I have had anything like coworkers that I have lost all sense about how to do that thing that moves them to being friends. My termination report is due in less than two weeks, I will go to the county meeting that day too, but I suspect a "leave of absence" is coming soon. I certainly don't want to burn any bridges as it's a good place to fall back on for work should I need it down the road. And I will really miss a few of the people a lot.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
In which our heroine rocked the house
The House o' Sperm that is. Today was the second interview, the in person one. It felt great to do a good interview. The director is really personable and god this sounds so lame but I could see hanging out with her as a friend. Really good energy. The lead health worker seemed nice but it wasn't one of those zing connections, ya know? In the meanwhile I need to give serious thought as to what to do if offered the position. Given Tuesday's episode I am not sure if this case will last, or if I will stick with it, which would leave me with no income.
This other potential job would be nice because it would be regular income because, and here's one of the problems, it is a set schedule. I have not had a regular, set job thing in 10 years. TEN YEARS. Then there is that little matter of needing days off in January and June, which I told them about but I haven't begun to address that little adventure every summer that takes me the east coast for 3 weeks. Yeaaah. That would go over like a lead balloon. Oh, and they want a TWO YEAR commitment. For a 3 days/24 hours a week job. Not that they could hold me to it but D-A-M-N.
I am considering, if offered, not accepting it. I am considering calculating my hours for practicum and if my graduation hours are fulfilled quitting. What about money you say? Good question. There is the option of resurrecting my doula business. Irregular and undependable hours but when the work is there the money can be quite good. If I don't want to work for a period of time, say late August, it is totally my call. Of course I have barely worked doing that in about two years so it could be tricky getting clients. There is the advantage of being able to advertise for free in the BirthWays newsletter but I need to make a decision really soon as we, okay I, am trying to get everything together for the January issues ASAP. Any votes? Any good cash generating ideas? Let me hear 'em cause I need something and something soon.
This other potential job would be nice because it would be regular income because, and here's one of the problems, it is a set schedule. I have not had a regular, set job thing in 10 years. TEN YEARS. Then there is that little matter of needing days off in January and June, which I told them about but I haven't begun to address that little adventure every summer that takes me the east coast for 3 weeks. Yeaaah. That would go over like a lead balloon. Oh, and they want a TWO YEAR commitment. For a 3 days/24 hours a week job. Not that they could hold me to it but D-A-M-N.
I am considering, if offered, not accepting it. I am considering calculating my hours for practicum and if my graduation hours are fulfilled quitting. What about money you say? Good question. There is the option of resurrecting my doula business. Irregular and undependable hours but when the work is there the money can be quite good. If I don't want to work for a period of time, say late August, it is totally my call. Of course I have barely worked doing that in about two years so it could be tricky getting clients. There is the advantage of being able to advertise for free in the BirthWays newsletter but I need to make a decision really soon as we, okay I, am trying to get everything together for the January issues ASAP. Any votes? Any good cash generating ideas? Let me hear 'em cause I need something and something soon.
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