Someone asked if I would update my blog so here it goes...
I can't say our life is at all what I expected at this point. We got as far as gutting our old RV, painting the interior and planning out what we wanted to put back in. Then we were offered jobs in the city we had been living in that we didn't feel we could turn down. So we stayed in the city and changed jobs. It worked out amazing for Paul! He has a job that he could only dream about. I guess not even that since he didn't know it was even a real job. After 15 in soul sucking sales, he is living a dream. He loves getting up to go to work. He supports a cause that he really believes in and he gets to play with planes. Even though he had no experience doing anything except sales, through tenacity and perserverence he was able to obtain a wonderful job. Not only does he love what he does but he gets paid really well to do it. He is very lucky.
You probably noticed I didn't mention my change was all sunshine and rainbows. Did you know that being efficient and wanting to work hard is a bad thing? Well evidently it is. I've spent the last 1.5 years being told to slow down and look busy. Not exactly what I expected. Maybe I am not destined to be happy in a job, maybe I am just a really miserable person. Yup, I'm going through a really rough time. I don't know what I want to do but I'm thinking finance isn't it. I've loved parts of my previous jobs, I love training adults and helping people achieve their goals. I love a challenge and I love being insanely busy. I don't do well in an environment where I'm not expected to do anything or that is unfair. I know I've talked about fairness in the past. I'm not realistic in my desires of everyone being treated the same. But can we at least not be blatant about favoritism? I digress. I really really hate feeling like I'm on welfare since I get paid to sit and do literally nothing most days. I've tried to take on duties no one wants, I've tried to streamline processs, I've asked for more work. In all attempts I've been told to stop. At this point you have probably figured out where I work...
We are working on getting our finances in order so we can start building a tiny house. That is still on our list of things to do. We are renting a really awesome place outside of the city we work in. We have our horses and dogs here and have really great landlords. The neighbors aren't bad, a few are pretty nice, one isn't so great but we just stay away from her.
This is our last official year of homeschooling our youngest. It's bittersweet but at the same time welcome. Our oldest is still living off grid on our property an hour from here, running her small store. It's been a series of ups and downs but ultimately she has learned a lot just running the business. Neither kid knows exactly what they want out of life but that's ok. We have made the unpopular decision to dissuade them from going to college right now. I know what a financial burden my school loans have been our entire married life and I do not want that for them. If they decide they know what they want in life and that includes getting a degree, then great! If not then I want them to experience the world and try different things. That doesn't mean you stop learning it just means you don't have school loans.
I'm still singing in Sweet Adeline's with Lorna. We have changed choruses a couple of times and currently drive almost 2 hours to our current chorus but it's enjoyable most of the time. It's been about 8 years since we joined. I've learned a lot about myself and about the art of Barbershop. It's not just about the singing though, it has been about me growing as a person. I've learned that I'm not as bad with people as I thought. It showed me I needed to learn to communicate better, so I took classes to help with that. It showed me that I'm a constant project :)
I'm going to try to update this page more often but no guarantees. I'm going to try to stay upbeat but no guarantees there either.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Sunday, March 09, 2014
Small Living
As we research the idea of building a tiny house it dawned on me that we already live in one!
We are planning on building a house on a trailer but in the meantime we are planning on gutting and fixing up the old RV we own. We figure it will be good practice!
I'm really excited about getting the RV redone. I think it'll make living there so much nicer to make the space our own.
I think I've nailed down our ultimate goal, freedom. I want to obtain more financial freedom so we can find work that is more fulfilling.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
I'm Back!
I can't believe it's been 2 years since my last post. I have allowed life to get in the way of living. It's amazing as I look back at everything we have accomplished and how many steps back we have taken.
I'm still at the job I was so excited about 3 years ago. I have gotten 2 promotions since the last post and I can't say they have made me happy. One of the things I have noticed is that it is easy for me to get drawn into problems around me. Work becomes my identity. I have let it overtake everything I am. I am unhappy with anything that I see that seems unfair.
Both of the promotions I took were in a city 60 miles from home, the same city Paul works in. The hour long commute and carpooling with different schedules were taking a toll on us. We decided to rent a place in the city. Paul embraced the move, he loves the extra space and readily available internet. I embraced it as well, at first. I realized we weren't happy. We spend most of the time we are actually at the rental exhausted and complaining about work. We've lost sight of "less is more".
These feelings of frustration and unhappiness caused me to try to lose myself online looking up ways to get back to whatever it is we want to do. I found tiny houses!
One of the things Paul likes about the rental is the couch. He likes having a place to sit when he comes home from work. He likes the internet, having easy access to his favorite web comics and reddit and he likes electric lights. I like having a full sized shower and I also like the internet. I think a tiny home will fit the bill. It will allow me to keep the off-grid lifestyle I cherish as well as allow us to live in a real home. We've spent the last 3 years in an RV. It's not comfortable in a lot of ways. It's old, dark, and drafty. It was never supposed to be a permanent solution.
So we are starting a new adventure! We are giving up our rental, moving back to our property and working towards more freedom in life through smaller living.
To catch you up with the kids...
Lorna started a business almost 2 years ago. She put together a business plan, found a store front to rent and opened a bead & yarn shop. Although it's just starting to break even I think it's been a tremendous success. Lorna turned 18 last November. This was a huge undertaking for an adult, it was even more so for a teenager who couldn't even drive when she started out! The store has been a huge learning opportunity for all of us. We moved into the rental right as Lorna was turning 18, because of the store and her horses she stayed at our property while we moved 60 miles away.
Malachi moved with us but spends time at the property with Lorna. He spends time keeping the rental running and keeps the property humming along. He really makes it possible for the 3 of us to work.
Yes we still homeschool. Lorna is finishing up her senior year of high school while also enrolled in the local community college. Malachi is in high school. Due to our schedule and our long hours we really have gone full force into unschooling. We allow the kids to dictate where their education goes while making sure they still get all the required subjects. I don't know why I ever doubted that this would work but I believe it now.
So that's about it for our life right now. I plan on posting about our new adventure as we go along. Stay tuned for our tiny house build!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Overwhelmed!!!
I'm still trying to keep my head above water, working and homeschooling. It's not going very smoothly. Lorna is working, riding, hanging with friends and still getting school done. Malachi is, as always, my steady easy one. He takes everything in stride and asks for nothing. It makes it really easy to ignore him which isn't fair.
I feel like all I do is work, I go home and mostly sleep. I'm just so mentally exhausted each evening.
We haven't gotten any further with the property, there is no time for that. Our weekends are filled with all the things that don't get done during the week.
Homeschooling and full time work for both parents is not to be undertaken lightly! The only reason we are even getting anything done is because of the foundation we laid before I had to return to the workforce. I can't imagine what my relationship would be like with the kids if we hadn't been home together as long as we were. Lorna cooks and Malachi cleans and both keep up with my laundry so I can work.
I am so blessed to have wonderful kids!!!!
I feel like all I do is work, I go home and mostly sleep. I'm just so mentally exhausted each evening.
We haven't gotten any further with the property, there is no time for that. Our weekends are filled with all the things that don't get done during the week.
Homeschooling and full time work for both parents is not to be undertaken lightly! The only reason we are even getting anything done is because of the foundation we laid before I had to return to the workforce. I can't imagine what my relationship would be like with the kids if we hadn't been home together as long as we were. Lorna cooks and Malachi cleans and both keep up with my laundry so I can work.
I am so blessed to have wonderful kids!!!!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Update
Wow,so much has happened since the last time I wrote here.
I got a new job, I received a promotion, Paul lost all of his jobs, he got a really good new job, he wrecked his car while going 5 mph (not his fault) which ended up being a really good thing,and we've lost and gained a number of animals.
That's the short version...
My new employer shall remain nameless but I get to use my degree working there. That's a nice change since I'm still paying off the loans. Not only that but my promotion came with better pay and paid time off which I haven't seen since reentering the work force a little over a year ago. I took some risks in originally accepting the position but the risks have more than paid off.
Paul went through a period of time where the 2-3 jobs he had laid him off. He was on unemployment for a few months but he has recently started a new job. Luckily he was in the right place at the right time and the job, while having long hours (12-14 hour days), is really good. The company is solid and seems to take care of it's employees.
We've lost 2 dogs, gained 2 dogs,and added 2 goats to the mix. The goats are fun and low maintenance. The kids are doing well. Lorna lost her riding job but continues to make custom tack and jewelry. Malachi is growing like a weed and continuing to mature.
Lorna and I are in the middle of transitioning to another chorus. We love to sing together so we decided to change choruses rather than just quit when we ran into obstacles within the chorus we were in.
I think that is all the major things. We are super busy but all doing well.
I got a new job, I received a promotion, Paul lost all of his jobs, he got a really good new job, he wrecked his car while going 5 mph (not his fault) which ended up being a really good thing,and we've lost and gained a number of animals.
That's the short version...
My new employer shall remain nameless but I get to use my degree working there. That's a nice change since I'm still paying off the loans. Not only that but my promotion came with better pay and paid time off which I haven't seen since reentering the work force a little over a year ago. I took some risks in originally accepting the position but the risks have more than paid off.
Paul went through a period of time where the 2-3 jobs he had laid him off. He was on unemployment for a few months but he has recently started a new job. Luckily he was in the right place at the right time and the job, while having long hours (12-14 hour days), is really good. The company is solid and seems to take care of it's employees.
We've lost 2 dogs, gained 2 dogs,and added 2 goats to the mix. The goats are fun and low maintenance. The kids are doing well. Lorna lost her riding job but continues to make custom tack and jewelry. Malachi is growing like a weed and continuing to mature.
Lorna and I are in the middle of transitioning to another chorus. We love to sing together so we decided to change choruses rather than just quit when we ran into obstacles within the chorus we were in.
I think that is all the major things. We are super busy but all doing well.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Flooding and Mud
Many of you have heard of the flooding in California.
Our little valley is about an hour outside of a relatively large city. There are 4 ways into the valley. The main way is a canyon road that goes directly into the city, there is a small mountain road that is open intermittently in the winter, a road that goes through another valley and then hits a major highway, and the last route goes through a pass out into the desert. This last week has seen all ways in and out closed for short periods of time. The canyon road has been closed since the first storm hit. Many of the people in this valley rely on that road into the city to get to work. For the last week and a half many of these people have been driving hours out of their way to get to work. Today all roads were again closed. I keep wondering how much longer employers are going to be understanding. Will they give up and hire people who are having fewer troubles getting to work?
I was really lucky, although I missed 2 days of work I was able to make them up. Paul has been suffering in that he can't get into the city to sell anything. Since his salary was revoked as of last month he isn't making any money. This is the last straw, bankruptcy is looming.
The road into our property was washed out in the first storm. Once the flood waters receded we were able to walk across the creek. The creek used to flow under a bridge which allowed access to the properties in the area and the BLM road that goes into the forest. Now the creek flows about 50 feet in front of the bridge. A neighbor was able to get our truck across using his bulldozer to get it through the mud.
For the last week we have been walking a half mile to the truck which is parked across the creek. Last night the latest storm dumped enough water into the creek that it came up to our knees in some spots. During the day the crossing isn't too bad but in the dark it's daunting. Getting food and small supplies in has been relatively easy. Unfortunately we are just about out of hay so we will have to carry 100 lb hay bales in one at a time. A load of hay consists of 36 bales, it's going to be a huge workout for all of us!
Our little valley is about an hour outside of a relatively large city. There are 4 ways into the valley. The main way is a canyon road that goes directly into the city, there is a small mountain road that is open intermittently in the winter, a road that goes through another valley and then hits a major highway, and the last route goes through a pass out into the desert. This last week has seen all ways in and out closed for short periods of time. The canyon road has been closed since the first storm hit. Many of the people in this valley rely on that road into the city to get to work. For the last week and a half many of these people have been driving hours out of their way to get to work. Today all roads were again closed. I keep wondering how much longer employers are going to be understanding. Will they give up and hire people who are having fewer troubles getting to work?
I was really lucky, although I missed 2 days of work I was able to make them up. Paul has been suffering in that he can't get into the city to sell anything. Since his salary was revoked as of last month he isn't making any money. This is the last straw, bankruptcy is looming.
The road into our property was washed out in the first storm. Once the flood waters receded we were able to walk across the creek. The creek used to flow under a bridge which allowed access to the properties in the area and the BLM road that goes into the forest. Now the creek flows about 50 feet in front of the bridge. A neighbor was able to get our truck across using his bulldozer to get it through the mud.
For the last week we have been walking a half mile to the truck which is parked across the creek. Last night the latest storm dumped enough water into the creek that it came up to our knees in some spots. During the day the crossing isn't too bad but in the dark it's daunting. Getting food and small supplies in has been relatively easy. Unfortunately we are just about out of hay so we will have to carry 100 lb hay bales in one at a time. A load of hay consists of 36 bales, it's going to be a huge workout for all of us!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Quick Update
We've moved the animals and ourselves and are still working on our junk.
We are currently living in an RV and Fifth Wheel and only have solar power. We are still adjusting to our new way of life but the kids and I are certainly enjoying all the space to ride!
We've been blessed by an outpouring of offers of help from friends and acquaintances. It's amazing the support we've been offered!
Once we have the internet moved and the generator up and running I should be able to post more frequent updates.
We are currently living in an RV and Fifth Wheel and only have solar power. We are still adjusting to our new way of life but the kids and I are certainly enjoying all the space to ride!
We've been blessed by an outpouring of offers of help from friends and acquaintances. It's amazing the support we've been offered!
Once we have the internet moved and the generator up and running I should be able to post more frequent updates.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Strugling
Why is it that every time something seems to be going well we are thrown another curve ball?
We've been attending this wonderful church whenever possible but it's been frustrating because I'm scheduled to work almost every Sunday at the market. Last week the feed store offered me more hours, enough so I can quit the market! Since the feed store is closed on Sundays I was ecstatic. We've been making it on a severely reduced income, it hasn't been easy but it's been doable so everything seemed to be turning around for us.
Friday Paul got a call from his boss, it seems the company is doing away with his salary package and going to straight commission. Yes the commission and monthly residuals will be a lot better but there is now no guaranty of pay if he has a slow week or month. They gave the employees 1 week notice of the change. I'm optimistic that Paul can make this work but I'm terrified that we won't be able to make ends meet. I'm trusting that God has a plan because that's all I can do at this point. I'm praying for stronger faith to make it through this and I'm also throwing in that I'd really love to have a boring life in the near future :)
We've been attending this wonderful church whenever possible but it's been frustrating because I'm scheduled to work almost every Sunday at the market. Last week the feed store offered me more hours, enough so I can quit the market! Since the feed store is closed on Sundays I was ecstatic. We've been making it on a severely reduced income, it hasn't been easy but it's been doable so everything seemed to be turning around for us.
Friday Paul got a call from his boss, it seems the company is doing away with his salary package and going to straight commission. Yes the commission and monthly residuals will be a lot better but there is now no guaranty of pay if he has a slow week or month. They gave the employees 1 week notice of the change. I'm optimistic that Paul can make this work but I'm terrified that we won't be able to make ends meet. I'm trusting that God has a plan because that's all I can do at this point. I'm praying for stronger faith to make it through this and I'm also throwing in that I'd really love to have a boring life in the near future :)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Offer
We got an offer on our house.
I'm trying not to get too excited because it's really up to the bank whether or not to except it. Since we still aren't in foreclosure even though we should be I hope it is a sign that they would rather have a small offer than nothing at all.
We have been working on getting the generator in the RV working. Paul has replaced a few things and has a few more ideas but we know very little about them so it's difficult. I'm going to be optimistic and say that once we get it working we can move. I do have a back-up plan if we can't get it working, it involves buying a small portable one so we can charge the battery and keep the refrigerator running!
I'm hoping that getting the offer will be the impetus we need to get moving a little faster. The rainy season has begun so we really do need to get everything moved sooner rather than later.
I'm still working 2 jobs because I have a serious problem with saying no. Every time I'm convinced that it's time to get rid of one I hear a rumor that hours are going to be cut, it makes me leery to change anything because I just might need both jobs to keep 20 hours a week. I'm contemplating looking for a better job in the city near us and just getting rid of the local jobs. If I can find somewhere that I can work during the week for 2-3 days I can carpool with Paul and have more free time. Since we've found a new church home I really want at least 2 Sundays off a month which doesn't look feasible at the local market.
I'm trying not to get too excited because it's really up to the bank whether or not to except it. Since we still aren't in foreclosure even though we should be I hope it is a sign that they would rather have a small offer than nothing at all.
We have been working on getting the generator in the RV working. Paul has replaced a few things and has a few more ideas but we know very little about them so it's difficult. I'm going to be optimistic and say that once we get it working we can move. I do have a back-up plan if we can't get it working, it involves buying a small portable one so we can charge the battery and keep the refrigerator running!
I'm hoping that getting the offer will be the impetus we need to get moving a little faster. The rainy season has begun so we really do need to get everything moved sooner rather than later.
I'm still working 2 jobs because I have a serious problem with saying no. Every time I'm convinced that it's time to get rid of one I hear a rumor that hours are going to be cut, it makes me leery to change anything because I just might need both jobs to keep 20 hours a week. I'm contemplating looking for a better job in the city near us and just getting rid of the local jobs. If I can find somewhere that I can work during the week for 2-3 days I can carpool with Paul and have more free time. Since we've found a new church home I really want at least 2 Sundays off a month which doesn't look feasible at the local market.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Holes
Once in a while this is what I run across in the kids' education.
Last week the chorus had a coach come in from out of town. Lorna and I have a private voice lesson with her before rehearsal. During that lesson she asked Lorna to sing "You Are My Sunshine" which she didn't know. She then asked her to sing "Mary Had A Little Lamb" which was another thing Lorna didn't know. This happened a few months ago with "My Country Tis Of Thee". It seems I have forgotten to teach what I consider "cultural" songs. Things that everyone just seems to know.
Speaking of schooling I guess it's time I sit down and plan out our school year. I admit that I've really dropped the ball on formal schooling at the moment. The kids are still reading books and doing other school type things but no book work. This is yet another area that has suffered greatly since I started working. Not only has our diet rapidly deteriorated but time to do necessities like school planning and laundry has disappeared.
I told the feed store that I just couldn't work this week. I'm scheduled 5 days at the market and the little time I have off I need to keep my sanity. My working part time has morphed into full time, sometimes over 40 hours, because I have a problem saying, "No." When I work too many hours we don't actually see a monetary gain because we spend the money eating out due to not having enough time to cook. I'm still trying to strike a balance between working too much and not enough. Hopefully I'll get this straightened out soon.
On a really happy note we found a great church to attend! Right now we are averaging once a month because that seems to be how often I can get a Sunday off work but we are hoping to eventually make it twice a month. It's not as close as I could wish but it's a wonderfully solid church and the distance isn't so great that we can't manage it.
Last week the chorus had a coach come in from out of town. Lorna and I have a private voice lesson with her before rehearsal. During that lesson she asked Lorna to sing "You Are My Sunshine" which she didn't know. She then asked her to sing "Mary Had A Little Lamb" which was another thing Lorna didn't know. This happened a few months ago with "My Country Tis Of Thee". It seems I have forgotten to teach what I consider "cultural" songs. Things that everyone just seems to know.
Speaking of schooling I guess it's time I sit down and plan out our school year. I admit that I've really dropped the ball on formal schooling at the moment. The kids are still reading books and doing other school type things but no book work. This is yet another area that has suffered greatly since I started working. Not only has our diet rapidly deteriorated but time to do necessities like school planning and laundry has disappeared.
I told the feed store that I just couldn't work this week. I'm scheduled 5 days at the market and the little time I have off I need to keep my sanity. My working part time has morphed into full time, sometimes over 40 hours, because I have a problem saying, "No." When I work too many hours we don't actually see a monetary gain because we spend the money eating out due to not having enough time to cook. I'm still trying to strike a balance between working too much and not enough. Hopefully I'll get this straightened out soon.
On a really happy note we found a great church to attend! Right now we are averaging once a month because that seems to be how often I can get a Sunday off work but we are hoping to eventually make it twice a month. It's not as close as I could wish but it's a wonderfully solid church and the distance isn't so great that we can't manage it.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Too much!
That is what my life is filled with right now, too much of everything. Too much work, too many activities, too many responsibilities, etc. Something has got to give but I'm not sure what right now.
We continue to work on our new property with the hopes of moving out there sometime in the next week or so. The weekends have filled up with catch up projects for Paul and work outside the home for me.
We've found a new church we desperately want to try but I've been unable to get time off from the market where I'm scheduled to work every Sunday. I asked for this Sunday off but they just "couldn't make it work." They were annoyed and surprised when I just "couldn't make it work" on Wednesday when they called me into work early. To be fair I was working at the feed store but I don't know that I would have went in even if I didn't have prior commitments. So far I'm still working 35-40 hours outside the home between my 2 jobs. The strain is getting more difficult to handle. It's especially hard when I only bring home $260 a week for all that work. Yes the money is nice but I do feel my time is worth more, especially with everything that is not getting done at home. I need to figure out a balance of working enough hours to get by but not so many that our family suffers.
I'm considering dropping one of my major activities. As much as I hate the idea, it would free up a tremendous amount of time and save me lots of frustration. I have no idea if I will go through with it but it's been entering my mind more and more. I use up most of my patience at the market where I have to watch the tax money I pay being spent on junk. Maybe our area is the exception but watching people use their food stamp cards on soda, candy, ice cream, cigarettes, and alcohol just makes me angry. For most of the people who come into our store this is just their normal way of life, this isn't temporary. They have learned how to work the system and so they live comfortably. Yes, I'm jaded and frustrated! All of this is to say that I just don't have any patience to waste on outside activities anymore.
Okay on to the positives going on. I'm excited about our upcoming move and I've been riding! I can't remember if I mentioned the horse that we got a number of months ago. She is an older retired show horse who has a "been there done that" kind of attitude. Very little seems to bother her so I've been building my confidence on her. We've gone out on a number of hour long trail rides and we will be doing our first gymkhana tomorrow. I'm really excited even though we will only be walking through the events. I know it's not all that impressive but I'm no longer terrified to get on her so I feel like I've achieved something huge :)
We continue to work on our new property with the hopes of moving out there sometime in the next week or so. The weekends have filled up with catch up projects for Paul and work outside the home for me.
We've found a new church we desperately want to try but I've been unable to get time off from the market where I'm scheduled to work every Sunday. I asked for this Sunday off but they just "couldn't make it work." They were annoyed and surprised when I just "couldn't make it work" on Wednesday when they called me into work early. To be fair I was working at the feed store but I don't know that I would have went in even if I didn't have prior commitments. So far I'm still working 35-40 hours outside the home between my 2 jobs. The strain is getting more difficult to handle. It's especially hard when I only bring home $260 a week for all that work. Yes the money is nice but I do feel my time is worth more, especially with everything that is not getting done at home. I need to figure out a balance of working enough hours to get by but not so many that our family suffers.
I'm considering dropping one of my major activities. As much as I hate the idea, it would free up a tremendous amount of time and save me lots of frustration. I have no idea if I will go through with it but it's been entering my mind more and more. I use up most of my patience at the market where I have to watch the tax money I pay being spent on junk. Maybe our area is the exception but watching people use their food stamp cards on soda, candy, ice cream, cigarettes, and alcohol just makes me angry. For most of the people who come into our store this is just their normal way of life, this isn't temporary. They have learned how to work the system and so they live comfortably. Yes, I'm jaded and frustrated! All of this is to say that I just don't have any patience to waste on outside activities anymore.
Okay on to the positives going on. I'm excited about our upcoming move and I've been riding! I can't remember if I mentioned the horse that we got a number of months ago. She is an older retired show horse who has a "been there done that" kind of attitude. Very little seems to bother her so I've been building my confidence on her. We've gone out on a number of hour long trail rides and we will be doing our first gymkhana tomorrow. I'm really excited even though we will only be walking through the events. I know it's not all that impressive but I'm no longer terrified to get on her so I feel like I've achieved something huge :)
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Out of control
That's what has happened to our eating habits.
I knew that since I'm averaging 30-35 hours of work outside the home our food expenditures were getting a little out of hand but I didn't realize how bad it had become. As I was balancing the checkbook I found more receipts from eating out than I remembered. I also noticed that popping into the market for convenience foods becomes expensive really quickly. All of the money from my extra hours is being eaten up, literally.
I'm going to be making a better effort to plan out dinners so there is no question of what there is to cook. In the beginning, dinner was ready by the time I got home from work. The current tendency is to wait until after I get home and ask me what should be made. By that time, around 9 pm, I'm not in the mood to help people with dinner prep. All I want to do when I'm not working is to sleep or veg out so making sure dinner prep is done before I go to work is going to take some effort on my part.
I knew that since I'm averaging 30-35 hours of work outside the home our food expenditures were getting a little out of hand but I didn't realize how bad it had become. As I was balancing the checkbook I found more receipts from eating out than I remembered. I also noticed that popping into the market for convenience foods becomes expensive really quickly. All of the money from my extra hours is being eaten up, literally.
I'm going to be making a better effort to plan out dinners so there is no question of what there is to cook. In the beginning, dinner was ready by the time I got home from work. The current tendency is to wait until after I get home and ask me what should be made. By that time, around 9 pm, I'm not in the mood to help people with dinner prep. All I want to do when I'm not working is to sleep or veg out so making sure dinner prep is done before I go to work is going to take some effort on my part.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Exhausted
That's how I feel!
I've picked up a few shifts at the local feed store to make up for the fact that I wasn't getting many hours at the market. Of course as soon as I did that my hours at the market picked up. I'm thankful for the money but life at home is seriously suffering.
I've always maintained that when you work outside the home something suffers whether it's your work or your family. For me it's always my family because I want to do my best and I want to keep my job. You wouldn't think that working at a small market would be exhausting but it is. The work itself isn't bad but the environment is exhausting. For a small market there is enough drama going on behind the scene to fill 2 daytime soap operas with story lines forever. It's impossible to just go to work and do your job since all of the drama is brought into the workplace. People complain, gossip, and are just generally difficult to work with. Unlike a big market where you are tied to your register, we are expected to keep busy but stay in the front of the store. The summer season is winding down so business is slow making it difficult to keep busy. There are only so many times you can wipe down the same set of shelves during a shift. There is also a lot of interaction between the employees because we are so slow, this exacerbates problems that are brewing under the surface...
Lorna had a breakdown this past week, telling me that she feels like she has too much on her plate. When we talked about what was going on I found that it isn't her activities that are the problem but that she has too many responsibilities at home. She has picked up 95% of the jobs I can no longer do because I'm gone. She also tearfully told me that she misses me so much and just wants me to be home! How many mothers of teenagers hear that? After the pleasure of hearing that she wants me to be around I feel guilty because I have to work!
We are looking at solutions and I think we may have something worked out. If everything comes together in 2-3 weeks things will slow down for all of us.
Due to my busy schedule we haven't been able to work on our new property. We had planned to be moved out there by now but we still have some work to do before that can happen. Hopefully we can get things moving this week so that we can actually set a move date.
I've picked up a few shifts at the local feed store to make up for the fact that I wasn't getting many hours at the market. Of course as soon as I did that my hours at the market picked up. I'm thankful for the money but life at home is seriously suffering.
I've always maintained that when you work outside the home something suffers whether it's your work or your family. For me it's always my family because I want to do my best and I want to keep my job. You wouldn't think that working at a small market would be exhausting but it is. The work itself isn't bad but the environment is exhausting. For a small market there is enough drama going on behind the scene to fill 2 daytime soap operas with story lines forever. It's impossible to just go to work and do your job since all of the drama is brought into the workplace. People complain, gossip, and are just generally difficult to work with. Unlike a big market where you are tied to your register, we are expected to keep busy but stay in the front of the store. The summer season is winding down so business is slow making it difficult to keep busy. There are only so many times you can wipe down the same set of shelves during a shift. There is also a lot of interaction between the employees because we are so slow, this exacerbates problems that are brewing under the surface...
Lorna had a breakdown this past week, telling me that she feels like she has too much on her plate. When we talked about what was going on I found that it isn't her activities that are the problem but that she has too many responsibilities at home. She has picked up 95% of the jobs I can no longer do because I'm gone. She also tearfully told me that she misses me so much and just wants me to be home! How many mothers of teenagers hear that? After the pleasure of hearing that she wants me to be around I feel guilty because I have to work!
We are looking at solutions and I think we may have something worked out. If everything comes together in 2-3 weeks things will slow down for all of us.
Due to my busy schedule we haven't been able to work on our new property. We had planned to be moved out there by now but we still have some work to do before that can happen. Hopefully we can get things moving this week so that we can actually set a move date.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Catching up
I seem to do a lot of "catching up" posts lately.
Paul's new job seems to be going well. The company has provided lots of training and help so far and he has even made a few sales. Given his previous jobs, I'm still a bit skeptical but they are paying him so I'm mostly happy.
My job is going, I can't say well or pleasantly but it's a job. Too much drama and favoritism for me to actually enjoy it anymore.
We continue to work on the new property but working has kept us so busy we aren't as far along as we hoped to be at this point. Unrelated and unexpected expenses means everything has been downsized. We hope to move into the RV sometime in the next few weeks.
Lorna and I just had our Ice Cream Social for the local Sweet Adelines Chorus. We were both asked to sing in the double quartet which made for some extra excitement. The evening was fun, made our chorus lots of money, and we had extended family actually come watch.
During the evening we also hold an auction. I always donate something I've made. This year the items didn't do so well.
I made these baskets and filled them with bath salts, a bandana, mini-wipes (for removing make up and such), a wetbag (for keeping wet items contained), and a cooling neck tie (one of those things filled with crystals that hydrate and keep you cool). Even though they didn't make much money for the chorus, it gave me time to perfect a few patterns.
We have had one showing on our house so far. It seemed promising but nothing has come of it. It's frustrating because the house is priced at less than half of what we paid for it 4 years ago and we have made many improvements in those 4 years. We would love to sell it so we can just move on but it's looking more and more like we are going to end up foreclosing. The only benefit of foreclosing is that we can leave our stuff here for a number of months and pack as we have time. Hopefully we will be able to save enough for a shipping container to be dropped on the new property so we won't have to rent a storage unit. There is also a lot we can take from the property that we would leave if we sell the house. On the whole it's just really stressful!
Paul's new job seems to be going well. The company has provided lots of training and help so far and he has even made a few sales. Given his previous jobs, I'm still a bit skeptical but they are paying him so I'm mostly happy.
My job is going, I can't say well or pleasantly but it's a job. Too much drama and favoritism for me to actually enjoy it anymore.
We continue to work on the new property but working has kept us so busy we aren't as far along as we hoped to be at this point. Unrelated and unexpected expenses means everything has been downsized. We hope to move into the RV sometime in the next few weeks.
Lorna and I just had our Ice Cream Social for the local Sweet Adelines Chorus. We were both asked to sing in the double quartet which made for some extra excitement. The evening was fun, made our chorus lots of money, and we had extended family actually come watch.
During the evening we also hold an auction. I always donate something I've made. This year the items didn't do so well.
I made these baskets and filled them with bath salts, a bandana, mini-wipes (for removing make up and such), a wetbag (for keeping wet items contained), and a cooling neck tie (one of those things filled with crystals that hydrate and keep you cool). Even though they didn't make much money for the chorus, it gave me time to perfect a few patterns.
We have had one showing on our house so far. It seemed promising but nothing has come of it. It's frustrating because the house is priced at less than half of what we paid for it 4 years ago and we have made many improvements in those 4 years. We would love to sell it so we can just move on but it's looking more and more like we are going to end up foreclosing. The only benefit of foreclosing is that we can leave our stuff here for a number of months and pack as we have time. Hopefully we will be able to save enough for a shipping container to be dropped on the new property so we won't have to rent a storage unit. There is also a lot we can take from the property that we would leave if we sell the house. On the whole it's just really stressful!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
More adjustments
I'm having a really difficult time getting myself motivated to do anything on my days off from work. I get the house stuff done, I get the errands done, but nothing else. I'm really behind in my sewing. I have stuff that's been hanging over my head for weeks and I really need to restock my stores!
I'm starting to have more adjustment problems at work as well. I know rationally that my morals and values do not coincide with everyone else. It's really difficult to keep that perspective when you are faced not only with customers but fellow employees who flaunt things that I would be ashamed off. I'm learning to keep my mouth shut and not comment when things are said. The last thing I need is to make trouble! I keep telling myself it's a learning opportunity :)
The house has finally been put back on the market as a short sale. The weather has been so hot (100+) that it's been difficult to get any work done on the new property. We have to move the dog run and two sheds and then we can move out there. The RV is as ready as it's going to get so my goal is to be out there within a month. We will leave the rest of our belongings here and pack and move them as time allows. The money we had saved for a container to store our stuff in has been used to live and pay bills so I'm hoping that we can save enough to get one before we have to get everything out of the house. If not, we may end up renting a storage unit short term.
Overall things have gotten better. Between Paul's 2 jobs and my job we are at the point where we can once again survive and even slowly pay off some bills. It's nice to have a little breathing room but it's difficult not to go out and spend everything we bring in replacing things that are wearing out. I'm relearning how to be extremely frugal and it's been interesting!
I'm starting to have more adjustment problems at work as well. I know rationally that my morals and values do not coincide with everyone else. It's really difficult to keep that perspective when you are faced not only with customers but fellow employees who flaunt things that I would be ashamed off. I'm learning to keep my mouth shut and not comment when things are said. The last thing I need is to make trouble! I keep telling myself it's a learning opportunity :)
The house has finally been put back on the market as a short sale. The weather has been so hot (100+) that it's been difficult to get any work done on the new property. We have to move the dog run and two sheds and then we can move out there. The RV is as ready as it's going to get so my goal is to be out there within a month. We will leave the rest of our belongings here and pack and move them as time allows. The money we had saved for a container to store our stuff in has been used to live and pay bills so I'm hoping that we can save enough to get one before we have to get everything out of the house. If not, we may end up renting a storage unit short term.
Overall things have gotten better. Between Paul's 2 jobs and my job we are at the point where we can once again survive and even slowly pay off some bills. It's nice to have a little breathing room but it's difficult not to go out and spend everything we bring in replacing things that are wearing out. I'm relearning how to be extremely frugal and it's been interesting!
Monday, July 05, 2010
Adapting
So I'm still adapting to working.
I'm a little frustrated, the schedule for this week (which started today) wasn't up until today. I asked for Saturday morning off and didn't get it even though no one else had a request in, I guess this is something I'll have to become accustom to.
I'm enjoying the actual work but I'm still coming home very sore. This could be because I've been working 8 hour shifts. Since I've been home for so long there have been some adjustments that have been difficult. Rules are not clearly laid out so there have been instances where I've broken a rule unknowingly. I find out about the rule because I broken it :( I'm a very black and white person so it's been difficult for me not to have things clearly spelled out. I'm looking at these experiences and difficulties as growth opportunities, I figure I'm becoming more flexible.
Overall things are going well just really, really busy!
I'm a little frustrated, the schedule for this week (which started today) wasn't up until today. I asked for Saturday morning off and didn't get it even though no one else had a request in, I guess this is something I'll have to become accustom to.
I'm enjoying the actual work but I'm still coming home very sore. This could be because I've been working 8 hour shifts. Since I've been home for so long there have been some adjustments that have been difficult. Rules are not clearly laid out so there have been instances where I've broken a rule unknowingly. I find out about the rule because I broken it :( I'm a very black and white person so it's been difficult for me not to have things clearly spelled out. I'm looking at these experiences and difficulties as growth opportunities, I figure I'm becoming more flexible.
Overall things are going well just really, really busy!
Friday, June 25, 2010
I'm tired!
I've forgotten how much it takes out of you to go to work outside the home.
I've worked two 4 hour shifts and I'm tired. On top of starting my new job I've also been running around like crazy doing other things. Paul was gone for most of the week for training with his new job so there have been extra errands for me to run.
As most of you know I hurt my back a year ago. I thought I was healed but standing on my feet for 4 straight hours is killing me! I bought insoles for my shoes which is helping but I can tell I really need to work on strengthening my back muscles so I can be more comfortable while I work.
Next week I'll be working double what I did this week and I have at least one 8 hour shift so it'll be interesting to see how many things are left undone around the house. Already I can see how easy it would be to slide into the habit of grabbing fast food when I need something to eat quickly, I admit I've already done it. I had Paul pick up bread so I don't have to make it this weekend (it's been close to 100 during the day so the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven) so I should be able to throw together sandwiches to curtail the eating out.
Paul's new job should go really well. He is really impressed with the training and support he has received so far. The few sales calls he has made have been very promising. We hope he will be more successful in this industry! He's very excited and that goes a long way toward being successful.
The kids are adjusting to having me work. I came home from my first day to find the living room and deck spotless! It was so nice not to have to navigate the obstacle course that those areas had become. I really appreciate the help they are giving during this transition period. Hopefully things will calm down a bit and I can get some sewing done!
I've worked two 4 hour shifts and I'm tired. On top of starting my new job I've also been running around like crazy doing other things. Paul was gone for most of the week for training with his new job so there have been extra errands for me to run.
As most of you know I hurt my back a year ago. I thought I was healed but standing on my feet for 4 straight hours is killing me! I bought insoles for my shoes which is helping but I can tell I really need to work on strengthening my back muscles so I can be more comfortable while I work.
Next week I'll be working double what I did this week and I have at least one 8 hour shift so it'll be interesting to see how many things are left undone around the house. Already I can see how easy it would be to slide into the habit of grabbing fast food when I need something to eat quickly, I admit I've already done it. I had Paul pick up bread so I don't have to make it this weekend (it's been close to 100 during the day so the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven) so I should be able to throw together sandwiches to curtail the eating out.
Paul's new job should go really well. He is really impressed with the training and support he has received so far. The few sales calls he has made have been very promising. We hope he will be more successful in this industry! He's very excited and that goes a long way toward being successful.
The kids are adjusting to having me work. I came home from my first day to find the living room and deck spotless! It was so nice not to have to navigate the obstacle course that those areas had become. I really appreciate the help they are giving during this transition period. Hopefully things will calm down a bit and I can get some sewing done!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
New Life
I know, 3 posts in just a couple of days is really unusual but I had to share.
We allowed one of our broody chickens to sit on 3 eggs and this was the sight that met me when I was checking under her.
I know I shouldn't be surprised that the whole hatching chick process works but I am. One of the other eggs has a few cracks so hopefully that one will hatch as well. I have no idea if the rooster gets around to all the hens daily so we weren't even sure that these eggs were really fertile.
We allowed one of our broody chickens to sit on 3 eggs and this was the sight that met me when I was checking under her.
I know I shouldn't be surprised that the whole hatching chick process works but I am. One of the other eggs has a few cracks so hopefully that one will hatch as well. I have no idea if the rooster gets around to all the hens daily so we weren't even sure that these eggs were really fertile.
More Good News
I received a call back from the market yesterday, I start next week!
I'm really excited because the job is in the valley and I don't have to join the union like I would if I worked at the big chain market in town. By working close to home I can work part-time and make the same amount of money as if I was driving into the city and paying for all that gas.
I'm really excited because the job is in the valley and I don't have to join the union like I would if I worked at the big chain market in town. By working close to home I can work part-time and make the same amount of money as if I was driving into the city and paying for all that gas.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Great News!
Paul had a number of interviews last week and on Friday he was offered a job!
He will be working for a company selling payroll and payment solutions. The company has good ratings from it's employees and seems to have good training and compensation plans. The interesting thing is that Paul had no intention of even considering a job with this company but went to the interview because the company is rated the #1 place to work in the service industry. Paul was extremely impressed with the company and what they had to offer so that is why he decided that it would be a good fit for him.
Paul also received another offer of employment yesterday which he had to turn down. The manager wanted him enough that he said to please give him a call if the new position doesn't work out :)
I received a call from the market asking if I was still interested in employment. I went in to talk to the hiring manager as she requested but was told I would receive a call today to further discuss the opportunity. I'm a little frustrated with the hurry up and wait but it would be nice to get a job in town. I do have a position lined up as a back up driver for Meals On Wheels but that isn't something that is consistent.
I had an interview at Starbucks last week. During the interview the manager spent his time avoiding eye contact and then talking to his friends at the tables next to us in between questions. At the end of the interview he just stood up and walked over to their table. I was shocked at the lack of professionalism from this guy. Other than that I haven't received any other calls for interviews. I seem to be too educated for anything that doesn't require much experience and I don't have enough experience for jobs that require education. At this point I don't absolutely have to have a job but it would be nice to enough breathing room to start saving again.
Our land closed, we have had much of the sagebrush scraped off, and the RV has been moved onto it. We've been going out there and working on getting the RV in a livable condition and planning out where things will be going. I'm getting excited about the upcoming adventure and am looking forward to moving out there. The neighbors have all been really nice and helpful so I think it will be a great place for us. Things are progressing with our current mortgage company so hopefully the house will go on the market soon as a short sale. It's the perfect time to list the property since it's summer and this is the time of year people look for vacation homes. Overall most of our goings on have been really positive for a change!
He will be working for a company selling payroll and payment solutions. The company has good ratings from it's employees and seems to have good training and compensation plans. The interesting thing is that Paul had no intention of even considering a job with this company but went to the interview because the company is rated the #1 place to work in the service industry. Paul was extremely impressed with the company and what they had to offer so that is why he decided that it would be a good fit for him.
Paul also received another offer of employment yesterday which he had to turn down. The manager wanted him enough that he said to please give him a call if the new position doesn't work out :)
I received a call from the market asking if I was still interested in employment. I went in to talk to the hiring manager as she requested but was told I would receive a call today to further discuss the opportunity. I'm a little frustrated with the hurry up and wait but it would be nice to get a job in town. I do have a position lined up as a back up driver for Meals On Wheels but that isn't something that is consistent.
I had an interview at Starbucks last week. During the interview the manager spent his time avoiding eye contact and then talking to his friends at the tables next to us in between questions. At the end of the interview he just stood up and walked over to their table. I was shocked at the lack of professionalism from this guy. Other than that I haven't received any other calls for interviews. I seem to be too educated for anything that doesn't require much experience and I don't have enough experience for jobs that require education. At this point I don't absolutely have to have a job but it would be nice to enough breathing room to start saving again.
Our land closed, we have had much of the sagebrush scraped off, and the RV has been moved onto it. We've been going out there and working on getting the RV in a livable condition and planning out where things will be going. I'm getting excited about the upcoming adventure and am looking forward to moving out there. The neighbors have all been really nice and helpful so I think it will be a great place for us. Things are progressing with our current mortgage company so hopefully the house will go on the market soon as a short sale. It's the perfect time to list the property since it's summer and this is the time of year people look for vacation homes. Overall most of our goings on have been really positive for a change!
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