Having "Issues" Again

I am not ignoring comments--I just am unable to reply. I can post on other blogs, but I can't reply on my own! Had this issue before, but the "cure" didn't work this time.

new#3, thanks for your encouragement. Do you paint? I noted that you commented you could almost paint that sunset.

BC, extra pinkies, both hands. They tied them off like a belly-button when I was an infant. Those stubs sure are sensitive little suckers!

Hopefully I will get the kinks worked out. Thanks for reading!

Waiting

I have plastered this section of the state with applications and resumes. I got my first "official" rejection letter today. Sadly, most businesses do not have the common courtesy to let applicants know they have not been selected. Most of them state they save money by not sending out rejection letters. I know when I was a manager, I told each and every candidate I interviewed that I would call them, regardless if I hired them or not. I figure it is the very least an employer can do. I have been on the other end, and I know what waiting can be like.

I am still going to substitute teach as soon as the background check comes back and I get the go-ahead to start accepting substitute slots. NOT looking forward to driving to the very rural school districts in Michigan winter. UGH!

The only thing with substitute teaching is it is not a sure gig. Some weeks, I may work 5 days, some, I may not work any. The network is built so that those who have established themselves as trustworthy subs get called first. Since I am a newbie, I am quite a way down the calling list. Still, it is something. It is income, and it is doing something worthwhile. MIL says there is no way she would ever step foot in a classroom; I, however, have always loved education. I love seeing the spark when a child grasps a concept and the confidence it builds.

Even when I was a high school student, I volunteered a free period to be a student cadet teacher, as they were called. I got to go down to the elementary and middle school (schools were all on the same campus) and help a teacher for an hour. Many times, it was to the elementary school to help kids struggling with reading; sometimes, it was helping middle school students struggling with math.

As an adult, I volunteered in my son's elementary and middle school. For those who don't know what a middle school is, it is essentially upper elementary combined with junior high--usually 5th through 8th grades. My son has socialization and behavioural issues due to mental illnesses. Being in his classroom often helped keep him focused and stabilized. Part of the problem, we learned, was my son is very intelligent and was not being challenged. He instead used his energy to act out. I think dealing with the challenged of raising my son helped prepare me for the challenges that lay ahead in the classroom.

I just know that I am getting ants in the pants because of our finances. I need to be generating income ASAP. I can see how stressed out my hubby is due to money. That and dealing with winter (4-7 inches due tonight) is depressing both of us.

I am still putting out applications on a daily basis. Someone will hire me at some point. It is the waiting that is killing me...

I'm a Sucker for a Sunset

This was taken with a not-so-fancy digital camera.  The sky went from purple to orange so fast! I forgot to take the flash off for the second picture, so it is weird looking, but you can still see that band of orange on the horizon. I had to change batteries in my camera, so I was lucky I caught any of the sunset, it happened so fast.

24 hours later, it was snowing and blowing so hard, you couldn't see across the road....I'm counting the days until Spring.

I am currently playing scrabble with 24 other people on Facebook. Obsessed, much? I was so wired last night, I just kept clicking "find a game to join". Finally made myself go to bed at 3am. Ugh! Can't keep doing that!

My book is now just under 145 typed pages (letter-sized). I need to get ink and get it printed so I can do some editing. Feeling hopeful about having it done sooner rather than later.

I am going to hit the sack at a decent hour, as I am sure we will need to shovel and clean the car for MIL in the a.m. if this keeps up. They are predicting about 12 inches. Yay.  NOT!

What's in My Craw Today is...

...people with holier-than-thou attitudes. Grrrrrrrr! Just rubs me the wrong way. 'nough said.

This has been brought to you by the letters "U" (as in up) and the letter "Y" (as in yours). This is not directed at anyone who reads this blog. I love y'all! There are just some mean-spirited people who delight in making others feel inferior to their self-annointed superiority. Double Grrrrrrrr!

It is bad enough when it is directed at me, but it really grinds me when I witness them unleash themselves on others who are meek and would never stand up for themselves.  Triple Grrrrrrrr!

Okay, now it is, 'nough said!

Off my soapbox.

Time to Work on the Book

2012 is the year that my book is going to be completed, published, and read. I have not worked on it in a long time, and it bothers me that I have neglected it for so long.

I was able to check off "complete my degree" from my To Do list last month. It felt good to get it done.  I will feel even better when the book is done.

I also started posting on Sisterwives again. I haven't followed the board in a long time, and there are lots of new faces. Many familiar faces. And sadly, some no longer posting. As in life, though, some people are meant to be in your life for but a moment; others are meant to accompany you on your journey for longer. Some move in and out of your path, woven into the fabric of your life, but not always evident; others are the golden threads that bring the tapestry to life, hold it together, and give it substance. Bud is one of my golden threads...

I can't wait for the day that I can announce that my book is complete. It is a work of factual fiction. Much of the book is from my vivid imagination, but many of the characters are composites of the many people who have been a part of my journey.

Journey on!

Whew! Glad that is over with!

School and Christmas are now behind us, as well as a visit from MIL's great-grandchildren, ages 4, 2 and 1. I used to have the patience of Job, but not anymore.  I guess I would make a terrible grandma, as I was exhausted after only an hour with them. The volume got me, for one. When did kids get so loud? I so wanted to sneak into the bedroom with Bud and our dogs to avoid the cacophony.

And of course, they wanted to touch everything, and there is nothing kid-friendly about MIL's house. They managed to get through the visit without getting bit by a dog or breaking something.

We once again played Wii on Christmas day. I would have had more fun if it weren't for my back.  It has been giving me fits for about three weeks. My weight isn't helping matters much. I need to kick it into high gear and GET THIS WEIGHT OFF!!!! I have zero will power during the holidays. This Christmas there were no green vegetables in sight, I swear. Just lots of carbs and starches.

I put in several job applications. We are in need of some cash flow, and I know that since I am now a graduate, MIL will be asking me when I am getting a job. I want to beat her to the punch!

I really want to hibernate, and it really isn't that bad out.  No snow, so that is a huge plus. Maybe we can get through this winter with minimal snow.  If we have blue skies, that is always a bonus. The overcast days really depress the hell out of me. The sunshine really helps.

MIL is slamming shit around right now, so I guess she is pissed about something. Guess I better get off of here!

Saw this on Big D and Bubba's Facebook page and had to steal it. Ho ho ho! After today, I will officially be done with classes--wooo hoooo! Gonna sleep in tomorrow!

~D