Waiting, waiting, waiting

So I am waiting to hear from my interviews.  I know I didn't get the jobs that I interviewed for that were office jobs.  Which is okay with me for now.  But I still haven't heard from the teaching interviews.  The nanny interview is moving on to the next interview step which is to meet with the parents and see if it is a good fit.

I e-mailed the people I interviewed with for the teaching positions.  So far only on has responded and they are doing their final interview today so I should hear today or Monday.  That is the Bullhead City job. 

Sanders, AZ - the Navajo Reservation seems interested in me they are supposed to be contacting my references.  The next step with them is an interview with the superintendent of the school district.  I have to wait for them to contact me about that interview.

Today was an awesome day, until...

I recieved notice from unemployment that my previous emplolyer is fighting my unemployment.  Blah!

I took a standardized test at the Tualatin Workforce training center today.  It is supposed to make me more marketable in the job market.  We will see.

I also received an email about a nanny position I applied for and did an initial interview for.  I interviewed with the owner of the nanny agency who the job is through.  Now I get to interview with the parents who are seeking a nanny.  yay!  I am so excited.  The job is in The Dalles, OR so not far away.  Possibly making more than the teaching job in Idaho.  That would be good.

I am trying to stay positive.  I have a lot of things working in my favor - several good interviews. 

Jobs...

Spent Maggies naps applying for jobs.  Not a lot of jobs out there that I qualify for.  I am smart and I have my education but other than teaching jobs, the only other jobs I qualify for are office jobs.

Office jobs pay - shit.  So does teaching.  But at least with teaching there is the fill me up factor.  Teaching makes me feel good.

Tomorrow Maggie goes to daycare.  I spend the day taking tests at the unemployment office.  Should be fun.  I should also hear about whether I got an of the jobs I interviewed for by Friday.  Pressure is on.

Making a dress for Maggie

So I spent hours applying for jobs today.  And for lunch I decided to try my hand at sewing a dress for Maggie.  Specifically a pillowcase dress.  I was going to go to Goodwill and find some pillowcases but my mom came home from the hospital and my dad had to go to work so I search my moms sewing stash.

I made a pillowcase and then turned it into a dress.  At this point it would probably fit a 3 year old, but Maggie is still at daycare so I have to wait for her to get home so I can see how it looks.  I am excited the only other thing I have made for her is burp clothes.  Yay!  So this dress is Monkey pattern - sock monkey to be exact.  I am going to make another one that is elephants. 

Over the river, through the hood, to Glenns Falls, Idaho I go...

So driving 9 hours goes a lot faster than one would imagine.  A few stops here and there to stretch my legs and I made it.  First stop - Mountain Home, ID.  SPending the night here in a lovely hotel.  Tomorrow I will drive the remaing 25 miles to Glenns Ferry, Id.

I just re-read the essay I wrote about why I should be chosen for this position and I cannot believe they even wanted me to interview.  I apparently did not re-read the essay before I sent it in.  It is horrible.  The bold are words I should have added and words that are crossed out should not be there.  I am embarrassed to show up tomorrow.

When I talked with the district rep on Friday she made it seem like they had several candidates - but seriously I wouldn't even interview me after reading this essay.  There have to be candidates who did a better job writing their essays.

I reviewed my application and the steps to get hired are as follows:

1.   Preliminary screening of applications
2.  Additional information may be requested
3.  Finalists will be required to attend a personal interview at the district office (This is the step I am on.)
4.  Recommendation for employment will be submittetted to the board of trustees
5.  Notification of employment will be sent to the candidate.

                I am applying for the 2^nd grade teaching positions – I feel that some major strengths I have that will support my role as a second grade teacher are; classroom management, reading, hands on teaching, my belief that every child is an able learner – and that their the teacher needs to meet their needs individually and my creativity when it comes to teaching.

                I have been extensively trained in Love & Logic for classroom management.; I have also learned some organizational strategies to help facilitate management of large groups of students.  Some organizational strategies I have used include; Ccard Ssystem –  where each student has a pocket on a chart in that pocket there are 4 cards, red, green, yellow and purple a card is flipped when behavior warrants.   Numbers/letters/words on the floor to help create line, and creative grouping strategies to name a few of the strategies I use in my classroom.

                I am a passionate learner and teacher – my students can see that by how I treat them and their learning.  I believe that as a teacher I need to teach to their zone of proximal development, I have seen all my past students flourish when I am teaching to their ZPD.  Teaching to each student ZPD gives them the opportunity to be challenged and to learn new and exciting skills and to feel that they are a competent learning.

                Every student can learn – but not every teacher can teach.  I am the kind of teacher who makes sure my students have the opportunity to learn.

Yay! Another teaching interview!!

I received an e-mail today from Glenn's Ferry School District in Glenn's Ferry Idaho.  Which from my research is a small town of 1,600 people.  Pre-K - 12 are all housed in the same building.  I am a bit nervous about this interview - if is a better location than Sanders, AZ but just not sure.  Plus they are requiring an in person interview.  So on Sunday I am driving there, then turning around and riving back home on Monday after my interview.  As long as I can find childcare for Maggie.

Childcare is where I am going to have trouble, mom is having foot surgery so she won't be able to take care of Maggie.  Dad is seeing if he can get two days off - but I can't count on that working.  I put it out there on Facebook asking if anyone could help out - still waiting.  Lots of people are saying sorry wish I could - which I do appreciate but isn't particularly helpful.

Fingers crossed that something will work out.

Bullhead City, Arizona Job Interview today

I think this job interview went well.  Maybe not as good at the interview on Tuesday in Sanders, Arizona.  But I think that had to do with the number of people interviewing for each position.  In Sanders, Az, I have a feeling I was probably the only applicant.  The BHC job I know they had 5 people to interview for 2 positions - gives me a 20% chance.  Hmmm...

Sanders, Az - is located in NE Arizona between Flagstaff and Albuquerque, NM.  150 miles to each of these cities.  The closest grocery store is 40 miles West, but there is a Dollar General in Sanders.  Starting Salary for me is $36, 120 (that is Masters + 18 credits) health insurance would be $200 for myself and Maggie and any other family members that may belong to me. ;)  Rent for the manufactured home I would live in would be $85 - 175 per month that includes internet and water. Since this school is on an Indian reservation I would possible be able to get some of my Federal Student Loans written off.  Downside is that childcare for Maggie would be really difficult.  This town is so small there is no daycare, I would en up having to leave her with one of the other teachers spouses or hiring someone to be a nanny.  I really would prefer to put her in a daycare.  She needs the social interaction.

Bullhead City, AZ - I am not sure what starting salary is hopefully in the same neighborhood.  Bonus to this city is that it is a real city.  I would be able to find childcare for Maggie, there would be activities for Maggie and I to do on the weekends and it is only a few hours to San Diego to see my Aunt and Uncle.

I am really hoping and praying that I get the Bullhead City job.  I know it is the hottest place in the U.S.  but location wise it is the best.  I should know next week if it is still an option.

"Like" Button needed

It is really funny how much our brains become trained to search out a button to click that says "like."  I belong to a forum where I am an active participant.  Post frequently and responding to other posts.  I also use Facebook for networking, keeping in touch with family and friends and relaxing.  On Facebook there is a button "Like."  If you like what someone has posted you click it.

When I go to this forum there is no like button - but there needs to be.  Currently, if you like what someone posted you have to respond and say that you like what is posted.  Or, write some sort of response about why you like it. 

It is funny how one click simplified our life and complicates it as well. :)

Do I do it?

So, I am thinking about having another baby.  If I do it now - at least I have insurance?  But how would that effect me moving to Arizona?  I couldn't take the teaching job in rural Arizona.  That would be to far for Medical care.  I could take the position in Bullhead City - medical care isn't far away.

I hate to ask the universe for to many favors - and maybe I don't want to ask for another job interview to go so well.  But, I feel that for Maggie's sake I have to ask.  Please, allow the interview tomorrow to go well.

Found God

I found God today - when I looked into Maggie's eyes and saw the way she looks at the world.  Pure love!!

Today, was a good day...

Today I had an interview for a teaching job in Sanders, Arizona.  Teaching Pre-Kindergarten full time:

$36,120 (salary) $3,010/month
- $85--175 for room and board/month - yep they offer housing for their teachers
- $200 for health insurance/month

This sounds like a great job except that childcare will be hard to find.  This is on a Navajo reservation and there are no childcare centers.  I would have to hope to find someone there to watch Maggie.  The closest "City" is Flagstaff, AZ or Albuquerque, NM both are 150 miles away.  There is a Dollar General in this town but the nearest grocery store is 40 miles away.

When I got done with this interview today, I found an email from another principal in Arizona - Bullhead City, Arizona to be specific.  I tried to not be to excited.  A Kindergarten teaching job in a real city.  Bullhead City is on the Arizona border directly across from Laughlin, NV.  It is the hottest city in the U.S. with an average temp in July of 110 - 115 degrees.  I interview for this position on Thursday, yay!!!  I checked into housing there and it is affordable, Maggie and I could live in a 2 bedroom house near the river for like $600.  How exciting!!  And buying a house is not impossible.

The price of children...

The Price of Children

 This is just too good not to pass on to all. Something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice, The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition. But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:

· $8,896.66 a year,·  $741.3 month, or * $171.08 a  week.· That's a mere $24.24 a day!· Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be "rich." Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140?

·         Naming rights. First, middle, and last!

·         Glimpses of God every day.

·         Giggles under the covers every night.

·         More love than your heart can hold.

·         Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.

·         Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.

·         A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.

·         A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites

·         Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140, you never have to grow up. You get to:

·         finger-paint,

·         carve pumpkins,

·         play hide-and-seek,

·         catch lightning bugs, and

·         never stop believing in Santa Claus. You have an excuse to:

·         keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,

·         watching Saturday morning cartoons,

·         going to Disney movies, and

·         wishing on stars.

·         You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

 For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:

·         retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,

·         taking the training wheels off a bike,

·         removing a splinter,

·         filling a wading pool,

·         coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

 You get a front row seat to history to witness the:

· first step,· first word,· first bra,· first date, and· first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits.

So . . one day they will like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren!!!!!!!

The price of children...

The Price of Children

 This is just too good not to pass on to all. Something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice, The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition. But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:

· $8,896.66 a year,·  $741.3 month, or * $171.08 a  week.· That's a mere $24.24 a day!· Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be "rich." Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140?

·         Naming rights. First, middle, and last!

·         Glimpses of God every day.

·         Giggles under the covers every night.

·         More love than your heart can hold.

·         Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.

·         Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.

·         A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.

·         A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites

·         Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140, you never have to grow up. You get to:

·         finger-paint,

·         carve pumpkins,

·         play hide-and-seek,

·         catch lightning bugs, and

·         never stop believing in Santa Claus. You have an excuse to:

·         keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,

·         watching Saturday morning cartoons,

·         going to Disney movies, and

·         wishing on stars.

·         You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

 For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:

·         retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,

·         taking the training wheels off a bike,

·         removing a splinter,

·         filling a wading pool,

·         coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

 You get a front row seat to history to witness the:

· first step,· first word,· first bra,· first date, and· first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits.

So . . one day they will like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren!!!!!!!

Writing Prompt 2/30

"Electricity is a recent discovery.  Think of 12 things to do when there is now power."

Twelve things to do when there is no power:

 1.  Light candles - use them for reading, meditating playing board games, or setting a mood.
 2.  Play with Maggie, without worrying about looking for a job, checking facebook, etc.
 3.  Take Sam and Maggie for a walk.
 4.  Fold laundry
 5.  Take a nap with Maggie and Sam
 6.  Read a book to Sam and Maggie
 7.  Roast marshmallows over candles :)
 8.  Journal
 9.  Tell stories
10.  Show Maggie her baby book, my baby book
11.  Go to the park and swing
12.  Eat ice cream - it would be a shame if it went to waste :)

2/30 "In 400 words, create your ideal place."

My ideal place is my old apartment, in particular the bedroom.  It’s not my ideal place because it is beautiful or wonderful, but because it is a place I love.  My old bedroom was small, it had a funky smell, but it was warm, and it was well lit, I could lie in bed reading a book, watching television, hanging out and always felt comfortable and safe.

My bedroom was thirteen by thirteen with an average size closet.  There was a large window facing east – I was awoken every morning by the bright sunlight shinning in.  I could hear the cars driving by as people were leaving Stayton heading to work in Salem, I could hear the children laughing and chatting as they walked to school.

My room held my bed, two night stands and a large dresser (with my TV on top).  I love my bed!!  I have had this bed for way to long, it is probably time to get a new bed but it is so comfy.  It is a queen sized oversized mattress.  It is super soft; when I lay on it I sink into it.  My bed has moved every time with me it is a heavy mattress – people hate helping me move because of the weight of this mattress.  I would never trade this mattress for anything!

The nightstands in my room are eclectic, one is new I bought it at Home Depot and put it together myself.  It is on my side of the bed.  On the other side of my bed is an old nightstand, I don’t remember where it came from but it is oversize – maybe it was supposed to be an end table but I have made it into a nightstand.  I don’t use it very often because it is on the other side of my bed.  But when I do use it works.

The reason I love this space the most is because it was my own space – the last place I will ever live that is just mine.  I didn’t share it with anyone, no one ever spent the night there, and rarely did I have guests.  It was simply mine.  When I moved from this apartment I was sad.  It wasn’t perfect but it was my space, a space where I grew as a person, teacher and where I became a mom.   I miss my room.

Woohoo!!! I got unemployment!!!

Thank God!!!

I am so excited that I got unemployment, it means that I don't have to live in a constant state of fear for Maggie.  We will have money for diapers and gas.  I am not getting a ton of money from unemployment but it will be enough.  Yay!

Ummm

So I received an email yesterday about interview for a Nanny position in The Dalles for a family with one 2 year old.  I am hopeful - the money is good, and being able to take Maggie is a bonus I wouldn't be spending money on daycare for her :).  Hard to not get my hopes up.

I have been reflecting a lot lately - and why not, I have a lot of free time.

When I decided that I was ready to become a mom, I evaluated everything, researched everything, found my sperm bank, found a great community of women through their website.  I was ready.  I had confidence in my ability, and I so wanted to be a mom. 

How quickly things change!  Within 8 weeks of becoming pregnant, I had been fired from my job as a Kindergarten teacher, moved from a town and community I had grown to love, and lost friends I could never imagine loosing.

I was unemployed until January 2009 when I took a job working for a Head Start program.  Unfortunately, I was such an emotional basket case I couldn't pull it together enough to stay at that job.  I was so depressed and dealing with such amazing amounts of anxiety I am sure my parents thought I would hurt myself.  I worked as a substitute teacher - the schedule was flexible. 

About 2 weeks before my due date a former employer I worked for in High School called me and asked if I would come work for them for the rest of tax season.  I took it.  I worked until I went into the hospital to have Maggie and was back a week after I had Maggie.  I finished tax season and subbed the rest of the year.

In July, I went back to the CPA firm.  Within a few weeks I was offered a job working for a court reporting firm.  My friend Sarah's step-mom owned it and needed a new Office Manager.

It was a good job, it paid most of the bills, and I liked most of the people I worked with.  It was hard because it was a weird dynamic of  family and friends working there.  Boundaries were blury and often crossed.

In April, my boss called me into her office at the end of the day to tell me I was being let go.  I had worked there for almost 8 months - I was shocked.  Yes there were days I hated working there - but everyone experiences that.  This job never made me feel good - I felt like I was constantly being beaten over the head with a 2 x 4.

So I have been looking for a job for almost 3 weeks with not a lot of luck.  I had one interview that went 3 hours and I didn't end up getting that job.  This week I have an interview for a Nanny position in The Dalles, and an interview for a teaching position in Arizona on a Navajo Indian Reservation.  I hope that I get a job that makes me feel good, where the people understand that I have a daughter who is small and very important in my life.

I don't know that I will ever be a classroom teacher again.  This economy really sucks for teacher and people are still going to school to become teachers.  People tell me go to school and become a nurse - but when I graduate from that program I would be in the same position everyone is going to school to be a nurse in 4 years the market will be completely saturated.  Is it worth it to add to my student loan debt as it stands?  Probably not - if I add anymore to it Maggie will be paying it back when her kids are in college. :(

I am the world's biggest Bitch..

but it is probably because I am very close to the end of my rope.

I used to be strong.
I used to be confident.
I used to like myself.

Now I am weak,  I have been beaten down.
Now I don't trust myself, my thoughts or my ideas.
I don't like myself.

The cost of you letting me go...

To you it seems like nothing - you replaced me so quickly.  Here is what it has done to me and my family:

 - the car will be repossessed
 - unemployment? probably not - thank you, but if I do get it it will be a whopping $222 before taxes

 - my child will not be able to go to daycare - which may seem silly but she was learning so much and her personality was blooming rapidly.  This makes me sad and mad - because it impacts my child, how would you like it if your child's education was impacted
 - you knew I was a single mom when you hired me
 - you lied to unemployment, telling them that I never had asked permission to leave.  Every time I got a call from my daughter's day care I asked. 
 - I have applied to 281 jobs that I have tracked, but I know there are some I have not tracked
 - we are almost out of diapers - hope I have my one year old potty trained before that happens, but since she is 1 it probably won't happen.

I was the cheapest employee you had - the only benefit you supplied me with was employment.  I never took health insurance, I never took any other benefits that you had to pay for.

Bragging

Maggie can...
 - say "Bye-bye Lovebug"
 - say Bye-bye
 - say hi
 - say  nana
 - say papa
 - say mama
 - say dog
 - She knows that a dog says bark bark
 - she knows where her nose and belly button are
 - say no
 - say stop
- nod her head up and down for yes
 - nod hear side to side for no
 - she can pose for a picture
 - walk on a balance beam with support
 - walk
 - crawl (forwards and backwards)
 - she can be away from her mom without crying
 - she can call people on the phone
 - she can drink from a straw, sippy cup and bottle
 - she can get off the queen size bed by herself without falling
 - she can crawl up stairs
 - she can open the back door (scary)
 - she can feed herself with a spoon, working on eating with a fork
 - she can tell you what she wants
 - she can got potty on the potty chair
 - she makes a spitting noise for the noise a llama makes
 - she roars for a lion and bear sound

Judgement

Genetics are interesting, how two cousins can be similarly aged but so different, socially, linguistically, personality, etc. Apparently, I am a positive force in Maggie's life because she is blossoming at an awesome rate.

This is what I posted on Facebook.  I posted this because one would expect that two children with similar genes would be at about the same spot developmentally.  I know we all say that every child develops differently, but their should not be such a noticeable gap in development.  I do not mean this in a disparaging way but more from a scientific stand point.  There was just an article (I wish I had saved it) about how as parents we think that our children become who they become because of us when in reality it is 80% genes.   One would think that two children who share a large quantity of similar genes would be similarly developed.  I think from my experience that a lot of their development comes from parenting rather than genetics.  

 Since I am not a scientist, or a medical professional (researcher, geneticist) I may be missing part of the picture.  From my parent/teacher perspective I see development differently - I study what is really happening in front of me - I see that one child is talking up a storm, calling others by their name, mimicking words, and speaking clearly.   I see the other child who as their parent has said "doesn't talk as much as M."  Maybe, it is because I am such a social linguistic learner/teacher that these are high on my list of values. 

I have spent much of the past 2 years being judged in a manner that is not respectful, not in a loving, caring positive manner but in a negative derogatory manner and I am done with it.  

Happy Mother's Day - 2nd one

Happy Freaking Mother's Day to me!!!

I am so freaking sick, exhausted, can't breath, have bronchitis, asthma.  Maggie is working on 8 teeth 4 molars and 4 front teeth.  We went out to dinner twice this weekend and both times were pure hell!  My mom actually asked Maggie and me to leave tonight because she was being so fussy at 5 pm (with 2 1 hour naps on board.)  Ugh!

I don't know what to do.  Maggie doesn't go back to daycare until Tuesday so I have to make it through tomorrow before I crash in bed and just focus on searching for a new job.

Big old fat thank you to my ex-boss Robin and Rick for both not giving me a chance to work.  I am never working for anyone whose name starts with an R ever again - seems jinxed.I hope I am able to collect unemployment but if I am not, well I don't know what to do.  I have applied to close to 400 jobs and only had a few nibbles.

Happy Mother's Day to me!  I need to recover from my Mother's day and not in a good way.

Missed a day...

of blogging. Searching for a job is depressing.  I apply, apply, apply and after 300 jobs applied to I have had 1 interview and  one interview on April 17th.  In addition, I have still not heard from unemployment I do not know if I will receive unemployment and I am close to being out of money.  Ugh! 

Stayton

I have a love/hate relationship with Stayton.  But I think it is more of a love.

Maggie and I went down there today - hoping that by being there North Santiam SD will call me for an interview. :)  Anyway, we had the incredible opportunity to spend time with people who love us unconditionally.

We walked with our friend T. to pick her boys up from the school I used to teach at, on the way she mad e a comment and I said "well, I can't go on St. M property anyway, the principal banned me."  I think she was surprised that I remembered that.  But I really do not want any trouble.

We got to the school and waited outside - as the school bell rang and students came out the doors - I was greeted with shouts of "MISS GECK  MAGGIE!!!"  from the third graders - students who I taught in Kindergarten.  Wow!  Did that make me feel good - tons of hugs and student playing with Maggie, it made me feel loved and reminded me that I am a teacher because I made a difference in all these kids lives.  Wow!!

As we were leaving I was greeted by a teacher who had retired at the end of my second year.  Mrs. R.  she was so sweet - and asked if Maggie was mine.  She was there as a long term sub.  It was obvious that she had no clue as to why I was no longer working there.  On the other side of the street was Heather.  I think I am doing good, moving past the past.  I still get hung up occasionally but I think that in order for me to find a teaching job and move on I need to stick with forgive and forget.

More classes at the Unemployment Office

The unemployment people spend so much time and money teaching us how to be unemployed, if they used even half that money on promoting job growth unemployment wouldn't be needed.  Seriously - this is crazy.

If you want training then you loose benefits for a few weeks while they decide if you can do both.  It is crazy.  Who can seriously be without income while waiting to see if they can go to school. 

Applying like crazy for teaching jobs - hopefully someone in Wyoming will see my resume and say - "this girl has talent, let's interview her!"  I don't know why Wyoming - but I am really being called to Wyoming. 

Recipe for Anne

THEN: This was written July 9, 2009 (2 days after becoming pregnant with Maggie, I probably wasn't even pregnant yet - the sperm may have met the egg but that was as much pregnant as I was.)

The recipe for m at that moment in my life - when I was still a single woman, no children, living a good life in Stayton, Oregon is as follows:

I called it the "Anne Salad"

Ingredients in Bowl 1 (Salad):               Ingredients in Bowl 2 (dressing):
Red Hair                                              Attitude
Blue Eyes                                             Brave
Fast Talker                                           Bold
Rule Breaker                                        Crazy
Teacher                                                Friend
Kindness                                              Caring
Responsible                                          Trustworthy
Respectful                                            Sarcastic
Sense of Humor                                   Community

Directions:

Mix Ingredients together as listed in two separate, yet equal bowls - non- metal (of course).  Allow the two bowls to sit in the sun for 20 minutes.  After sitting carefully mix together by hand, being careful not to damage any parts.  For added texture add spontaneity, determination and patience.  Serve at room temp.


NOW: May 3, 2011 - Recipe for "Anne Bread"
Mommy
Friend
Daughter
Love
Patience
dispair
sadness
depression
unworthiness
self-doubt

Mix equal parts in a bread machine careful not to bruise any part as they are already bruised enough.  Place in a covered bowl near a warm area and allow the dough to rise from despair, sadness, depression, unworthiness and self doubt to a level of  Joy, Happiness, Recovery, Worthiness and Self Confidence.  Place in bread pan and bake slowly  allowing a tough crust to form- making the hurtful aspect of the world unable to penetrate and taint the soft center.

2011 Tulip Festival

 

We attended the 2011 Tulip Festival after I spent the morning applying to jobs.  Such Excitement!!

The Tulip Festival was great - a wee it windy in the field but definitely beautiful and well worth the quick trip.  I think Maggie and I are both working on our tans this year - I noticed that we are both collecting bits of sun on our cheeks today.

I also started my 101 things in 1001 days yesterday - the ironic bit is that 1001 days from yesterday is my 34th Birthday.  I think it was meant to be.

Tomorrow I am going to the Unemployment office to my training on how to be unemployed.  Should be interesting.  I am hoping to be able to talk to someone about classes and going back to school.

I know that the Unemployment office sent my former Employer a letter saying I was claiming Unemployment (or attempting to) they should have received that letter by now.  I am sure it will end up going to a hearing I would be completely surprised if I actually got it. I would love it, but I would be surprised.

Alright, off to bed.  Big day tomorrow.

Oregon AG Festival

This afternoon we went to Oregon Agricultural Festival, we went with our friend Ken.  It was a lot of fun!  Maggie, planted a strawberry plant, pumpkin plant and she recieved a little tree!  She also got to make a dirt baby which was a lot of fun!!

Next year will be even more fun, because she can do more of the activities.

Tomorrow, is the first day she isn't going to daycare - on purpose.  I had to cut back on her days in daycare because without work I can't afford to send her full time.  We also lost her spot at daycare for full time care.  Not sure what will happen when I find full time work.  But for now we are going 2 days a week.

Tomorrow - I have to call unemployment, I am really hoping to get unemployment.  It is really hard to find work right now - I have applied for a ton of jobs but nothing has come through.