Be Thankful for who you are

Don't call me Captain Obvious just roll with the title. While I don't like dealing with the "Unstable One" but I am thankful to have a job. I do earn a ridiculous salary but have to join a union like now. The union does not want me to work at any other job but seriously. I have a lot of overtime but am only scheduled for 4 days per week in the next couple weeks schedule. The short of it is I have a job that is "temporary". I hate being in this position again! I just want to have permanence and plan for the future.

I am thankful for being a hot Bitch at 49 years of age, enjoying my family, having a roof over my head, having a job in this economy, having my health, the good fortune to bike nearly everyday, a creative mind and paying my bills. There are always variables but this is who I am.

Enjoy you and yours. Happy Thanksgiving.

Here I am!

Okay, I have been crazy busy. I have been working 97 hours or more every 2 weeks. My days off are random and jam packed. As I typed earlier I don't have time in my daily schedule! I get up, drink my coffee and eat a bit of something, change, stretch and hit the road on my bike by 10am at the latest. When I get back I stretch, shower and get to work. When I get home from work at night I plan my biking and work clothes for the next day and lay them out, make lunch, fix my coffee sans ground beans, do laundry and other tasks and get to bed by 11pm. I hate to be tired especially if I am working many days in a row so I make sure I get my sleep. I know this crazy schedule wont last forever and the beefy paychecks are helping me catch up after the months off of work. I have also bought a few Christmas presents as I figured out what I really wanted to get folks. Okay, so I don't have much of a life but I am taking care of business!

I had Monday off so I was going over to sew the awesome coat with my mom. I suspected things might get d-railed when we were starting at Costco. I had no idea. I knew my dad has been anxious about my eyes and my brother Mike. My dad was diagnosed and treated for Macular (wet) eye disorder earlier this year.(it can make your vision dim and eventually you can go blind) My Brother Mike was diagnosed last week. I have not had my eyes checked since the last glasses my mom got me for my birthday 2009. As we walking in my dad looked over at the eye glasses department. I told him I was thinking of looking at glasses and get my eyes checked. He beamed and said "No problem, Kid - take your time" It made for a long Costco visit. The short of it I am a clean bill of eye health but needed a stronger mid and low level prescription to my Progressives (the reading) so I picked out new frames. More later.

We had a snag in the sewing of the awesome coat. My shrinking and a generous pattern slowed our progress. We also had trouble finding the trim that goes all around the edges of the coat since it is not lined. After much asking and several fabric stores we have it. Sunday should finish it and not soon enough! It has got nippy here!

The car accident I had late in the year in 2008 has mostly (finally) been settled. Cant quite talk about it yet but that was most of my Tuesday off. Sunday is the next day off after a double shift Saturday. Good times. So there you go. Back dated posts to come but I don't know when.

update Diva style

How about a quick update?

I have not heard from Martin for well over a week. At first I was giddy when I got new e-mails. It really made me smile. The thing is he wrote with a lot of "..." instead of finishing sentences and thoughts. The subject of the e-mails never got very personal so it was not getting to know each other. There was sweetness but not really any moving forward. I answered him last and have not heard back. I was getting frustrated anyway so . . .

Had a job interview yesterday. It was with a fancy spa-like retail/Pharmacy. I don't have any retail Pharmacy experience which includes 3rd party insurance billing and compounding. I was hoping that my lack of experience would be over looked because of my shining customer service skills and current licenses in Pharmacy. I think there were 8-12 of us interviewing for 2 openings. I should have already heard back from them if I was in the running. They said they wanted to move quickly and hire by today. Since it is 4:30 I am not so hopeful. Honestly the only reason I got into the career is I was supposed to always easily have a job. It is interesting but not very creative. Which brings me into my next subject.

Anyone that knows me knows I love to watch HGTV. I love the design shows but equally enjoy the real estate shows. A couple times in my life I wanted to (or did) work in design and (almost) real estate. I met with a realtor in my neighborhood this morning. I wrote to her last week stating I was interested in learning more about being a realtor. I got a lot of information and things to think about. When I got home on CL there was an ad from the Company she was talking about (not hers) that is a great "group style" selling atmosphere - good for newbies. The ad is about how the company will cover the up front costs of the classes and license fees. I called the number and made an appointment to get more information on Friday. Don't get all worried people! I am not rushing into anything but getting information. I wrote her and sent her a link to the ad and she thinks it's a great opportunity. Her dad works at that branch.

I have a new re-purpose idea that would be storage too. I want to find a "free" kitchen cabinet that is free (so not an upper) standing so I can add locking wheels and possibly a counter space and "park" it next to the end of the kitchen. I can hide all the clutter that is behind the screen and not visible in the "Living room" but it sure is when you are in the kitchen! I think it will be useful when I move but for now I can put the micro on top and hide some of the small appliances that are currently on the limited counter space. It may take some time hunting in the free section on CL but it is part of the fun.

Not really having any luck selling my items on CL so far. After I posted my table 4 others popped up using a lot of my ad verbage and priced less - bitches! The only bites (but no follow thru) I have had is on the cabinet and the chandelier. I will re-post them Friday and hope to get new interest.

So you have been Diva'ed for the day!

going round and round and round in my little world

We all get caught up in the close walls in our own little world. I am no exception. The difference is I write about my pains, triumphs, mistakes and crazy but true happenings. I started blogging many years ago along with other people I was hanging around at the time. The reason I still do is I hope I help someone else with a question or problem. Sometimes just writing about the things I get myself into entertains (or stuns) me so maybe you will will be amused too. Lastly putting into words for others to see dulls some of the pain I may feel about a subject. Think of it as emotional vomit. I guess if I was in a relationship I would talk to that person about things and all of you less? I don't think that is true. No, the last long term relationship I was in I blogged a good deal. I just have a lot to say and so I type away for those who chose to read. I find it amusing that most of you read in anonymity. Since you don't make yourself known you think nobody else reads my rambles. That's when you ask me "Why do you write for no one?" I think I have answered that - I do it for me . . . after all , it is all about me.

I find it interesting that I will have thoughts bouncing around in my head but not firmed up into a subject until I hear a song title or words of a song and bam! Music has always been important to me but it also seems to be the spark that inspires me. It can also be the song that is like taking a bullet to the heart. Some songs or even a whole album can be off limits unless I need a emotional cutting session. It is hard for me to let go of some emotions especially when I feel they have not been validated. By that I mean I have put into words the unresolved feelings to the person and they heard me. Sometimes I feel like I have too many feelings for one person. Wow, I am really retrospective today.

I think it comes from all the recent events going on in my world. One friend is self-destructing and I cant stop it, another wants to be a "beneficial" friend, a third is in a bad relationship with possible cheating involved. I'm glad to be a good friend but I feel all of it as if it was my problem. I have my own burdens too. I am unemployed and worrying about finances and lack of cash flow. I was not prepared to be on insanely limited funds but still regular bills. Oh, and rent when up this month.

I did have an interview that went really well yesterday. In fact I was asked back for a second interview before the first was done! The head of HR blurted out " I really shouldn't do this until I finish the other (first) interviews but I want you to come back next week for a second interview!" Given that I was 20 minutes late that is pretty cool. When I went out to my car to go to the interview a moving truck and car were double parked thus blocking me in. I was parked by a higher curb with huge trees so no driving up on the sidewalk to escape. Since there are several apartment buildings around mine it was a crap shoot to find the owners of the vehicles. The other down side is most of the buildings around me do not have on-site managers (mine does but to get her or help is tough) so I could not buzz them to find out if they were moving into that building. Finally I rocked the car enough and set off the alarm. That brought them out. They were having a coffee and donut picnic before unloading. It did not occur to them that they were blocking in 3 total strangers by having a big U-haul with a car double parked right behind! The biggest annoyance is they did not even apologize! They were mad that I touched their precious car and the coffee was getting cold. If ever there was a time to deck a total stranger it was then but I did not want blood on my new suit and I was already late.

I had a bit of trouble finding the building and was almost thinking this was already blown because of my tardiness. Not to give in in the face of defeat I pressed on. She was actually glad I was late as she had work to do! Sometimes things just work out. I called my mom at the end for what I thought would be a short convo but it turned into 30 minutes. The bad thing is I had put my key in the ignition and turned the car almost on . . . yup, I drained the battery. I always have the headlights on and the radio does not turn off. I had to call AAA for a jump. Before I called them I waited 40 minutes hoping it would recharge enough to start. I walked across the street to Miller Paint to problem solve the finish on my bulletin board project. When I went back there was a little life but I knew it would not come back enough so I called AAA. To ease my parents mind I drove to my Les Schwab to check the battery. They were so sure I would need a new battery .The adorable guy that helped me checked out the battery life, my tire pressure and my ass. He was too young to even think about. ;) I was fortune in finding a parking spot especially since they added another 1/2 block of "2 hour parking" on my street. I got home and changed for a much needed bike ride. Two days in a row biking is nice. I have been trying to go every other day depending on the weather.

That was a strange but nice day in the life in of my world. Learn something or be entertained or . . . .

Thank Gosh for Fucking Fridays!

I am soooo glad to be to Friday this week! It has been a crazy work week. I still had my migraine Monday and Tuesday and meanwhile my boss got the horrible cold (that Wil also has) that is going around. We had short days since Jennie felt like death warmed over. Once the Pharmacist leaves the building I cant be in the Pharmacy. My migraines are never bad like some but I am the walking wounded when I have them. Anyway, I had to make up hours Wednesday and Thursday after leaving early earlier in the week. Jennie stayed until 4-4:30 but after she left I went to another part of the hospital and worked on paper work. I worked 9-10 hours Wed and Thursday. Even though it is Friday (TGFF) I do have to work 4 hours tomorrow. Usually the part time gals cover our Sunday shift but our weekend Pharmacist could not work Sunday this week but Saturday. The gals had plans to go out to dinner and dancing so I took the shift. My Pharm has to work her regular shift at her full time gig so I start at 4pm. It will make up the last of my missed hours this week so I cant really squawk too much.

Today after work I had my first dentist appointment in a few years. (so glad to have health care again!) I was a bit nervous that there might be some work that needed done. The appointment was 2 hours long! They checked everything out, did a cleaning, x-rays and the outcome is beautimous! I have a small not cavity between two teeth (one is a crown) that they want to fill. I am pleased and relieved!

Happy weekend to all and to all a great Sunday!

Sunday is good

I get one day off this week but I am (mostly) okay with it. It has been a long week working both jobs usually on the same day but this next week it is just the new. The new job is days and by days I mean starting at 8am-9am not getting up at 5am. The rest of the beautiful story is no nights, I have the weekends off and get paid more that the evening differential from the old job! Yes, I will finally have a life!

Deeg is supposed to come over this evening to finish transferring the info from my 2 hard drives onto an external hard drive I got. I will put some stuff on the computer but not all.

Gotta decide what I'm doing today and go do it! Bike, go to Saturday Market with a girl friend, grocery shop, nap, clean house . . . oh the possibilities!

Back online

So after much to-do I am back online. I got an inexpensive computer financed by Best Buy. I'd say a big thank you except they are getting plenty of joy from the ridiculous percentage they are charging me. This will help my hampered credit, right?

I cant remember at this moment what I have shared the last few weeks and not. Last week was kinda weird. I was working two jobs. Actually I was working one and trying to learn the new - very mentally and physically exhausting. Both my boys were rolling fast and freaking mommy furious. All is mostly well now but still trying to mentally catch up with all that has happened. I also changed my hair style and color and got a tattoo.

Surprise!

I am pleased to announce that I have been hired in a permanent position! Don't assume it was with my current hospital since it was not. They are going to need to find a new butt monkey!

Walking on Sunshine

Things are going very well for me. It seems like an odd statement to make since I'm stressing about money/jobs/hours but it is true. My bosses at the second job are fabulous and very understanding. They are glad to give me any hours they can that I can take. I even asked if I could get off 1 1/2 hours early so I could take a shift at the hospital. They were glad to help me and made the change right then! At times I am going on less sleep than I would like but I'm doing well. I bike when I can and am uber organized as far as laying out clothes and making coffee ahead and lunches. That is probably one of the reasons I feel good about things. I am smiling and taking any extra hours I can. I want to try to save up some once I catch up so I can ride the less hours wave after the holidays. The second job will probably end by the second week in the new year. I'm still looking for a Pharm Tech permanent job every few days. I may have to switch to retail as much as I don't want to. It would be hard since they tend to pay less per hour but a permanent job with bene's - priceless.

I'm here! (Where else would I be?)

I have had a busy crazy summer so far. I don't really have time or choose to be on the computer. I'm too busy biking, doing projects, going out and about before or after work and yes, even more bizarre dating experiences.

I'm a re-purpose queen these days! My latest project I got a three paneled screen I got at a garage sale for $10. bucks. It is black wood with a paper insert that reminds me of a furnace filter. Not the most attractive but good bones for my needs. It is 5'10" tall so it will be perfect for a privacy screen. Our place is small and in the summer (especially late summer) can get warm if the cross ventilation is cut off from closing my bedroom door. I can put the screen up so I have privacy laying in bed and Wil and his friends don't have to look at me when they come down the hall. I'm using fabric so the breeze will go through the screen but privacy abounds. I bought the same color paint that Carly used on the Basically Fucking Awesome screen. I got the fabric on a flat fold sale and instead of using traditional trim that is expensive ($1.29 and up) I found a copper cloth ribbon for 29 cents a yard. Since I needed 18 yards (to cover the staples) much better deal and ties in with the copper in the room! So I spent an additional $20. and will get a finished product worth much more! The other neat thing that has me excited about this project is the use of black bamboo. My parents neighbor trimmed her bamboo and saved the cuts and two big stalks for me. I had to let it dry for three weeks but now I need to varnish it to help it keep it's color. If not the black will fade. I'm not sure what I will use the big pieces for yet but I will use the smaller ones to cover the decorative cross pieces in each panel. I like the bamboo because it is speckled green/brown/black picking up the color of the paint and fabric. The back of the fabric looks like raw silk while the front is Fleur De lee (sp?). I can turn the screen either way and it will be like having two! The bamboo will be in front of the "raw silk" side and the copper ribbon with the Fleur side. It is a project of many steps but I'm excited to get going! I'm going to start removing the old paper in about five minutes then sand and paint on the fourth (my day off) at my parents. I will also trim off any parts on the bamboo then paint on the varnish.

Things at work are more uncomfortable than ever. The PBS's (Punk Ass Bitches) are behaving very catty, gossipy and bitchy at the prospect of the new manager coming in on Monday. The small rebel core of "team players" are sticking together and trying to weather out the storm. Unfortunately there are way more of them than us. We have a few code names and hand symbols that unify us in our war against drama. They are also called Tricky Bitches. Silly but it helps us feel we are not alone. The work environment should be very professional but instead it is soooo Junior High! Enough of the TB's!

Enjoy the sun and holiday!

I heart DIY

I have been really busy lately! Lots of time at work, DIY (Do It Yourself) projects and Halloween kept me hopping! It's mostly been good but feeling a small pinch of hours at work. They are trying to keep the hospital's overtime down after my 2 week 106 hours. That is fine with me. It would be nice to have one shift a week OT to give me extra cash.I'm not complaining since I know how lucky I am to have a job.

My mom and I did a fabulous job on the seats of my new - to- me dining room chairs. I hope they are dry and ready to pick up today. My parents will meet me there with their mini van to give me a hand. I went to pick them up a week ago but they were wet and something was stuck in the stain. The guy said he would re-finish them. The color was gorgeous - just what I wanted! They will look wonderful with the table and the new seats. I'm really pleased to be able to replace things now. Like I said earlier I have wanted this style of table for a long time. Photos will be coming.( Sunday, The chairs are still not ready. I went today to look at them. He said hopefully Monday . . . . )

Speaking of replacing furniture I went back and forth with a gal on craigs list last weekend. She placed an ad for a vintage bookcase. I knew by looking at the ad she had under priced it. (Yes, I watch way too much HGTV and hit Antique stores.) It was what I wanted to get to replace the current Ikea "Wall of Billy". She was very slow to answer e-mail so that I went out to do the chair seats with my mom at 1pm and still did not hear from her. After the seats I went to the t'Beatcha's for Mr. T to help with my iTunes. She e-mailed while I was gone. She wanted me to come by Monday at 4pm. That was sooo not going to work for me since I would be at work. I e-mailed back about coming before work. Did not hear from her. She finally e-mailed me and I saw that at work Monday. She had been really sick in bed with a bad cold. She also said her husband freaked out when he heard that she was selling his bookcase and the low ball price. I figured we were done. She called me Thursday at work to say she was sorry but the bookcase was still for sale and she would give me first crack. I called her back and said I would come after work. I went, I saw and I took. It is a sweet little piece! It was worth the hassle. It is 35 T 5 ft. W and 12 D. The carving and display side shelves are a nice touch. Oh, the main shelves are adjustable. It is vintage and will look fab once out in the main room. No pic just yet since it is in the hall.

I got my ad's on craigs list today but so far no bites. Carly and I talked about pricing and I hope she is right about IKEA nuts. I will very pleased to get the prices. Keep your fingers crossed! Now I have to take everything off the shelves so they are ready when people come to look and buy.

I work every other day this week and have the weekend off. I will hopefully get a lot done this week. I work Day on Monday and evening the others I think. I hope to get things cleaned up, sold and more DIY done!

Happy National Pharmacy Technician Day!

This is a photo I took on our last Urban hike. We mostly took pics of the cool building details on our way to the bank. The bank is not that far away but it took us over two hours to get there. We really had a lot of fun. I got some great photos that I really like. I'm going to get 5x7 prints and group them in my place. I have always loved the wonderful architecture of the neighborhood. Many of the apartment buildings have wonderful details. I grew up in an old Victorian in a neighborhood not far from here. They may not be photos to sell but mean something to me. I will post a few more. Let me know what you think.

Today is my day off and the only one this week. I picked up a sixth day to help out the same co-worker that I helped last week. She is going back to Seattle for the funeral. Saturday is a day shift. That will be all OT as it will be the sixth day. Sunday I am Stand By. I hope not to get called but I get paid $3.50 an hour for 24 hours. Time and a half does get addictive . . . . Only time and co-workers will tell.

Wil and I are off to do food shopping and whatnot.

I just got this e-card from the PTCB for National Pharmacy Technician Day

Click on the following link:

e-card

For your security, if you'd prefer not to click on links within this email:

1. Go to AmericanGreetings.com

2. Locate the eCard pickup link in the upper right-hand corner of the page

3. Enter the following code --> 4735446581379