At last!
Current mood: ecstatic

So, this morning I went on what seemed to be the shortest interview in the history of the world.  It lasted all of seven minutes long.  I got a really good vibe, though, and left with a feeling of confidence that I'd never felt before.  Thank goodness she didn't ask me to tell her about myself.  I probably would have ended up stuttering again.  I had a 34% chance of getting this job.  Favorable odds, if you ask me.

I called the temp agency as per their request and after telling them about what I liked best about the job, I asked them to put a reassuring good word in for me.  Less than an hour later my temp agency called to say that I had gotten the job!  Yes, I'm taking a $6/hr pay cut to take this job, but there aren't very many jobs that can pay what the lake pays because the cost of living isn't as expensive down here.  I am just happy that I'll be going back to work on Monday as I had planned.  The hotel was only going to pay me $1 more than the job I ended up taking, and the best part is that I won't have to spend $150 in gas every month to drive anywhere.  The building is four blocks from my house. Nor will I have to wait two more weeks to start working.  I need to bring money in NOW!

The job will consist of data entry, filing, answering phones...you know, typical office stuff that anyone can do.  At least now I can look at my dad with some semblance of dignity and he knows now that I can make the rent.

Speaking of my dad, he came over today and he and Jacob and I insulated the attic for the winter.  I was lame and didn't wear gloves and now my hands are itching like a bitch even after a shower.  I wore a mask, so at least I wasn't breathing it all in.  I'm sure that the itching will go away in time.   No matter.

Other than that, nothing else new to say.  It's time to celebrate!

7:41 PM - 8 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Another one tomorrow..
Current mood: gloomy

I should be sleeping.  I just can't.  A kind of insomnia has set in, and I just sit here and wait for Jacob to come home.  He has ridden his bike today, so he won't be home for a little while.  I hope he rides safely.

Tomorrow morning I have another interview.  The pay isn't quite what I would like to have, but it is better than nothing.  My previous temp agency has been jerking me around with the background check and it looks like it is going to take them longer than what they originally told me.  I should probably wait for that job as it pays more, but I can't because I need to start working asap.  Yeah, it's the same ol' story. 

I go into the interview at 9am.  On the plus side, the job is only a few blocks and walking distance to my house.  That saves on gas and leaves the car free for Jacob to use during the day.  The down side is that even though I will be employed, there won't be enough fundage for us to put Erika into daycare just yet.  That is okay, too.  Along with our friend, Rachel, who has come to Reno to live in the rental house in the back, I think we have everything covered until the time comes when we can get her into some sort of daycare program.  Yes, Michelle, I am going to be looking into the Headstart program. ;o). 

I hope that all goes well with this interview.  It seems as though every time I go to an interview there are always a million candidates that also interview, which is as it should be.  I have just not found the right words to say to let them know that I would be perfect for the job.  I'm tired of getting rejection emails saying "Thank you for your interest, but..." or "The position has been filled".  It is frustrating.  There has got to be something other than skills to let them know that I am right for the job.  Being myself hasn't cut it.  Trying to be someone I'm not has also not done it for me.  This job I am interviewing for tomorrow seems to be rather simple.  Data entry, phones, faxing, things like that.  Nothing I haven't done before.  I could probably do it in my sleep.

The brightest points for me are the fact that I'll never have an excuse for being late, even in the winter.  I won't be taking up a parking space that a customer could be using. (The parking is rather limited around that building.)  And that was all I could think of. 

I'm doomed....

6:51 AM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Puttering on...
Current mood: understimulated

I am in my last week of my third term of school.  My classes were Marketing and Composition I.  I can say that I learned a lot. I have yet to get my final grades back, but I am confident that I will pass both classes with an "A".  At least, I am crossing my fingers, but if I don't, I will at least pass.

I am looking forward to my next term which starts in two weeks. Accounting I and Business Law.  I think that I might find the Business Law class a little bit easier because of the two classes I took early on in this program.  If not, then I've got a whole lot of studying to do. :o)

I might be starting work on Monday. At least, I hope so.  I have to bug the temp agency tomorrow to see if my background check has come back yet.  I am not worried about not passing, but they really need to keep up on that. As do I.

Things have been going okay.  Even though I am not working right now, it seems like I hardly ever see Jacob.  He works really hard at work and at school.  I spent a few hours with him last night helping him get through his algebra homework.  Algebra certainly isn't for everyone, and he has a really hard time with it.  I wish there was a way I could explain it so that he could remember it. Honestly, I have a difficult time with the problems he was doing as well even though I already did the same thing a few months ago.  We worked it out, though, and came to some amazing answers.  I think that he'll do just fine.

Erika is being a PITA as usual, but I still love her very much.  I can't believe that her third birthday is going to be here so soon!  This year we are going to have a party since we have the space to do so.  I hope it doesn't get tooooo cold outside by then. We'll make sure to have the fire pit ready for it.

That is all for now.  I've got to get the girls up before they sleep too long.  :D

12:52 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Goal not reached...
Current mood: relieved

My goal for being employed by my birthday didn't happen, but it won't be long.  I called one of my temp agencies today, and they said that one of their clients were hiring 14 people on Monday;all I had to do was go down and take a drug test and get my background check done.  It turned out that I had already taken my drug test, and they could have done my background check weeks ago. GRRR...  That's okay, though.  In 48 hours I will call them back and see what's up.  I hate being forgotten like that.  I'm glad I called them today.  I hope I get this position because the pay is really great, and the schedule would be 4 ten hour days.  I don't think I would mind having three days off every week. 

Other than the continual stresses of paying bills and getting caught up, life goes on rather smoothly.  I am still in school even though my account is behind.  That will be the first thing I catch up on when I get my next paycheck.  I can't be behind for that for too much longer or they might kick me out of the program.  Bleh...

As for school, I turned in my final assignments for both of my classes, and as unfinished as some people might find them, I finished them as much as I could.  I could fail them both and still pull off a decent grade.  I hope that I don't fail them, of course.  We'll see what happens. 

Erika is growing up very quickly.  Sometimes I think she is growing up too fast for her own good, but then, not fast enough. lol.. yeah, I know I can't have it both ways.  She's a holy little terror for which I think she gets from the other side of the family.  I asked my dad today what I was like when I was Erika's age, and he said that I was a "really good kid".  Too bad I can't remember that far back.

Nothing else.  You are free to go about your lives. 

Until the next time...

10:26 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Birthday!
Current mood: nostalgic

Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday.  I didn't do much, but I had a great time nonetheless.  Went shopping with a good friend so that we could burn animal flesh tomorrow. (I apologize to my vegan friends for that comment.)  I watched the South Park movie (again) with said friends and Jacob and helped Rachel get the rest of her stuff up here.  That was interesting to say the least.

I managed to remind my dad that it was my birthday.  He's forgotten it the last few years and I thought I'd harass him before the day got to be too much later.  No biggie.

Mostly I'm just tired.  I haven't been sleeping very well lately, and it is probably due to being unemployed.  Erika has been getting more irritable and I am having a hard time dealing with her constant whining.  I know that as soon as everything is back in order that she'll calm down as will I, but right now it just doesn't seem to be falling into place.  What the hell am I doing wrong!!

Looking back at some of the pictures from for or five years ago I wonder just what happened to the girl that had her shit together.  That had a job, that went to school, that had her life in somewhat of an order.  The girl who took the time to do her makeup because she wanted to look good wherever she went.  The girl who dressed to impress almost everywhere she went. The girl who wasn't afraid to wear her cloak out in public or her rings or her collars.  The girl who didn't take shit from anyone, who could sit and hang out with people and have a good time, who had friends who cared and cared for them back.

I miss that girl very much....

Sure, I have a few friends that I love very much.  I wouldn't trade them for the world.  They are the ones who are keeping me sane.  Rachel who runs after Erika when I've had my fill.  Kevin who brings a smile to my face by attempting to boost my nonexistent ego. Carmen, who give me encouragement when I most need it. Jacob, who loves me no matter how much of a bitch I am or can be.  I'd be nothing without them.....

9:17 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

4 down, and none to go...this week
Current mood: frustrated

Well, I had my last interview today.  It seemed to go okay.  We talked and went of on tangents while she was asking me questions.  She'll give me a call back when the drug test paperwork comes back.  Only after the test comes back is she going to make her decision.  I can't wait that long!  And, even when my test comes back ok that still isn't a guarantee that I'll get the job.  I'm pretty sure that I will, but I never know.  And, the starting wage isn't very good.  It is a new company, so I can understand that, but I still have my family to feed.  Thank goodness Jacob is working or we would be in real trouble.

I didn't hear back from the company in Carson City.  I sent them a thank you email a few days ago after the interview and a follow up email yesterday.  I am hoping that they just haven't made their decision yet, and they will call me tomorrow.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 

If nothing comes of these interviews, I will get back on the available list.  My second temp agency had called me twice for jobs which I turned down because I already had these interviews lined up.  The guy at the agency thought that was great, and to get back in touch if I needed to.  There is one company he said would be hiring again real soon and stuff.  At least I know that THAT agency hadn't given up on finding me something. I've got to get working, and fast!  Even our friend Rachel got a job at the place where Jacob works.  She had prior experience, so it was a great place for her to start.  She'll be up here permanently starting tomorrow night. I can't wait.

My birthday is tomorrow.  Thanks to everyone who has already wished me a happy birthday.  I really appreciate it.  I'm not doing anything special as far as I know.  No party.  Not that I wouldn't mind having people over, but it is too last minute notice for anything good to come of it.  I'll probably spend the evening writing my papers that are due on Tuesday.  One is halfway done and needs to be rewritten, and the other is halfway written to rough draft form.  Yes, I procrastinated and waited until the last minute.  Go figure.

All I want for my birthday is for someone to realize that I am a decent worker and give me the chance to prove it to them.  Is that too much to ask?

2:04 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

3 down 1 to go...
Current mood: amused

Today's interview went okay.  I don't think the guy liked the fact that I've had so many jobs in the last ten years.  A lot of employers look for people who have a stable work history of which I do not.  I've had at least two jobs nearly every year since I started working.  The only exceptions were Peterbilt, American Wireless, and Foundation Health. No matter.  If I don't get this job, or one of the others, I always have my interview tomorrow.

The hotel job is what I am interviewing for tomorrow, and it will be my second interview.  The manager had to put off doing the interview yesterday due to a meeting, but no matter.  It's just my life that is put on hold.  So, tomorrow at noon I go and hopefully that will go well.  I really need to find something better to wear, but I'm not going to worry about that now.  What I am really thinking about are the questions they will ask that didn't get asked at the first interview.

Our friend Rachel has spent the last few days with us.  She is a real lifesaver.  She is moving into the back house toward the middle of September, and we can't wait.  After she gets settled, we are going to have a house warming brunch.  Yes, a brunch, not a late night party.  Stay tuned for details on that.  What we do know is that it will be potluck style and go from 10am until 1200 or 100.  We really aren't sure just yet.  Be watching for the invites.  Rachel doesn't really know very many people in Reno so this will be a great chance for her to get to know some of my friends.  I can't wait!

1:12 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

2 down, 2 to go.
Current mood: sassy

They make it sound so nice, don't they?  As "they" say, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably isn't.  However, I'll never know unless I try.  I'm not sure that I will be able to until I get the money to take the tests and whatnot.  Oh.  The interview I had today was for insurance sales.  Health and life.  The way this company works, though, is a bit different than most I have ever heard of.  They work on commission, but they also get residual commission for life on the policies that they sell.  It actually sounds really good, but as I said before, I don't have the money to get the schooling or the license.  Perhaps one day, but not today. I guess I will have to hope for something more conventional until then.

Two more interviews to go.  The hotel and this other place that I didn't even know I had applied for.  That seems to be the way of things lately.  Oh well, I'm not complaining, to be sure.

I just keep telling myself that I won't be unemployed past the end of the week. Yes, just keep chanting that to myself......

6:18 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

One down, three to go...
Current mood: hopeful

I had my first interview of the week today.  I must say that if they had offered me the job right then and there, I would have taken it.  Yes, the job is in Carson City, but the many pros outweigh that one single con.  There's no overtime, I'd get off at 4pm daily, and wouldn't ever have to work a weekend.  There is no stress with this position, and the company is very small.  A total of 4 employees (plus the position they are looking to fill make 5) including the two owners.  I could definitely get used to a company like this.  It seems really laid back, and I wouldn't have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe just for work. I feel that I did very well in the interview.  It helped that the guy doing the interview told me that he'd never conducted interview before this position came about, so that relaxed me very much.  They told me that they would be making their decision by Thursday, so we'll see what happens.

This will give me the time to go through my next three interviews.  The one I have tomorrow is going to be a bit more difficult.  I don't have anything very professional to wear to this.  The position is one that I don't have any experience in although the lady said that they will be fully training the one chosen for the position.  It's some sort of management job with an insurance company.  I really hope I don't have to do any selling because I'm not a salesman at all. 

On Wednesday I have two more.  One is for the hotel that I got a second interview call on, and the other one is for a company I didn't even know I applied to. 

Either way, I will not be unemployed by the time my birthday comes around, this Friday.  My dad is getting anxious for me to find work, and quite bluntly, I need a break away from Erika.  I don't know how Jacob did it for so many months by himself during the day.  I admire him all the more because of that.  As soon as I have the money for it, it's daycare bound for Erika!! 

It's all been very interesting so far this week.  I'll have more details as the week progresses... not that any of you are terribly interested in the life of a quiet nobody....except for my mother who reads my blogs religiously.

Until next time....

5:13 AM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Looking up...
Current mood: hopeful

I've been working my ass off trying to find a job before rent becomes due.  Jacob is working, but it won't be enough by the end of the month to get rent paid.  It has been a little depressing to think that no one in this world wants me to work for them. 

Upon recommendation of a friend, I visited Nevada Job Connect (formerly, the Employment Agency lol), and signed up with them.  They are not a temp agency, but they have several job listings for people just like me to send their resume out to and get helpful hints on interviewing and other things like that.  I am supposed to go to a class on Thursday for the interview class.  I hope I get a lot out of it.

Well, the browsing through and sending resumes out on the NJC website may have paid off.  I have an interview on Monday with a company in Carson City.  It is full-time with benefits, and I think the hours are Mon-Fri.  That would be a plus there. 

I interviewed with a new hotel company a few days ago.  I made it through the first interview and I go in for the second interview a week from today at 9am.  There are pros and cons for this job.  The pros are that it is closer to town, and the pay might be a little better than that job in Carson.  The cons are that because it is a hotel, I might end up having to work on the weekends, and that would mean paying out the wahzoo for extra daycare.  Thankfully, Jacob has offered to split the cost of daycare with me so that it won't be so bad.

Either way I go is good because any job is better than no job at this point in our nation's economic state. 

In other new from the world of Onyx, I had a great time at a friend's son's birthday party last night.  It was really good to get out and see people I haven't seen in a while, and meet some new friends. I am looking forward to doing it again real soon.

Which reminds me, there is a friend I need to call.... right now.

11:04 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Gardening makes me hungry
Current mood: creative

Okay, not really.  It makes me really thirsty, though. 

I really feel like I haven't seen Jacob in a week.  He's either working, or working on school projects, or I am working on schoolwork or out doing laundry, or taking a nap, or he is.  It is quite complicated I guess.  We've spent so much time together in the last month that now I feel like I hardly ever see him.  It blows.

We are slowly but surely getting the yard into shape.  We cleaned out the area on our side of the bamboo and it is starting to look really good.  I plan on planting some sort of flowering bush or something as well as place a bird bath for the birds.  All in all it is coming along nicely.

Updated:

Here is what it looks like now after raking like hell today:


Here is what it COULD look like.  I'm not that great of an artist and the flowers will probably vary, except for the black tulips.  I really love those!


Tomorrow I have an appointment with another temp agency.  Hopefully they aren't as slow as my first one.  On Tuesday I have an interview with another company who hasn't opened yet.  It is a large company so I am confident that I will be able to secure a position there.  Wish me luck.  I can't go on being jobless forever you know.

Thank you for giving me the needed boost this weekend!  I can't wait to see you again.

1:19 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

A bit of randomness to fill your day
Current mood: bored

4:06 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Gone with the wind....
Current mood: stressed

Blew another interview today.  I just can't seem to get comfortable during the interview process.  My confidence serverly lacks, and I fear that I might never find a job.  The economy is so bad that I can't keep blowing all my opportunities, but I just can't find that balance that I seem to lack.  I have another interview on Tuesday for a position in a company that hasn't even opened yet, and won't until the end of September or early October.  I can't wait that long to find a job, and if things keep going the way they are then I don't know what I'm going to do.  Yes, I am kicking myself for not staying with the company in Tahoe, but at the time it seemed too expensive to commute that far. 

I can only hope that the position that I interviewed for a few weeks ago comes through, or that the temp agency I signed up with finds an assignment for me soon.  Until then, I'm barely hanging on by a thread. 

I hate this.

8:12 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Morning babblings...
Current mood: vexed

We are finally starting to get settled in.  Many of our boxes and things that we brought down with us will end up staying in storage because we don't need them in the house.  Thankfully, storage consists of the shed in our back yard, so if we need something it won't take that long to dig up. 

I'm getting frustrated at not having found a job yet.  I signed up with another temp agency, went down and waited for hours to get my drug test only to find that the agency has been really slow lately, as most everyone has --- stupid economy.  Will it ever get any better? 

Yesterday I decided that I would start on some yard work while Erika was sleeping.  I managed to get a good jump on two very huge weeds that were growing on the edge of our dry fish pond.  We want to get that up and running by next spring, but it is in real need of TLC.  I couldn't get all of the weed out as the roots run really deep, so I sprayed it with some weed killer.  Hopefully that will help solve that issue.

The next step with that will be to get all of the dirt out.  I got a lot of it, but not all of it, and I'm not quite sure how to get it back into its original state.  I'll figure something out, though. 

Perhaps today after putting in some more applications and getting some school work done I will attack that overgrown bamboo.  It has grown so tall that it is getting into the phone lines.  Can't have that happen, eh?

I've been watering the garden on a daily basis.  A few days ago I found two really huge zucchinis.  One I gave to our neighbor in the back house, and the other I gave to a friend.  Next year we won't be having zucchini plants as I don't like the taste much.  I think we'll be planting lettuce and cucumbers instead.  We have also gotten several tasty tomatoes from the plants that line the back of our house.  The cherry tomato plant in the garden has produced some great fruit as well.  That's a definite plant to have again next year.

I've been up since 7:30am.  It's just barely 9am now.  I suppose that I shouldn't have been awake so eary, but with Jacob and I alseep in the basement, and Erika upstairs, it makes me nervous that she will get into something she's not supposed to when she wakes up.  Downstairs we can hear every little footstep and creak of the floor board.  This house is very old, afterall.  I still need to find the power adaptor for my baby monitor set that I haven't needed to use for over a year.  I hope I can find it.

Now I'm just babbling trying to stay out of Jacob's way.  He just woke up and he's always a pain in the ass in the mornings.  Kind of like Garfield before he's had his morning coffee.  I wish he wouldn't be like that.  I guess I just need to stay out of his way.

3:43 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Random thoughts
Current mood: thoughtful

It's a mere 8:30 in the morning and I'm the only one awake.  I spent the hour that I've been up checking my page and looking for more jobs online.  I wasn't going to do much of anything today.  Jacob has today off, and tomorrow I am going into a temp agency to take tests and all of that stuff.  So, some of the random things that go through my mind this early in the morning:

Finding a job has been frustrating at best.  I know the economy is in a funk right now, but sheesh, it has never taken this long to find something.

What's for breakfast this morning?

How long can I get away with being the only one up today?

My brother sure lives in a peaceful neighborhood.  I haven't heard one siren or arguing neighbor in the time we've been here.

Tomorrow is move-in day!  I'll be doing most of the moving, though because Jacob has to work.  All of the heavy stuff will be saved until he gets home and and will probably be very tired.  Hopefully, adrenaline will take over so that he can help me.

I miss my son, Ryan.  His birthday is coming up, and I'm not sure what I should get him.  I'm not even sure if I will have the money to get him anything.  I'm such a sucky biological mom.  I'm sure he hates me for all the broken promises made over the years.  He's turning 13, and that's a big step so I'm going to do the best I can NOT to miss it!!

Erika has the best dad in the world.  He's better than her biological dad who is never around nor ever bothers to even send a message to find out how she's doing.  Jacob is better than anything I could have ever asked for.  Thank you, Jacob, for being there for her when she needed you the most.  And, thank you for being there for me. 

3:36 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment