Exhaustion Sets In

Well, after working at Chico's for 5 days, the exhaustion has finally sank in. My back and feet are killing me, and I'm at the point that I don't want to do ANYTHING! That includes email, blogging, and even crocheting. I just want to sit in the bath and go to sleep. Two more days of this and I have two days off. Woohoo!

I did have some good things happen this week, though. I went to my neighbors Mary Kay meeting on Wednesday night and won a $200.00 drawing. I was so incredibly excited! I never, and I mean NEVER, win anything! That money is going straight into savings for Aruba (well, actually, it bought me some new clothes - but daddy was sending me money for new clothes so THAT is going into savings for Aruba lol). Go me! I also got a call last night from TCEQ (Texas Center for Environmental Quality - or something like that) wanting me to interview for a position with them on May 30. Of course, I accepted! They're the regulators of the consulting firms. And it's a government job so that means excellent benefits! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get it. Sad that I would have to give up Chico's though. Maybe they'll work with me and let me bump down to part time... Let's see, what else? Oh yeah. I FINALLY got 1 of my 2 medical reimbursements in the mail today, so I'm another $250 richer! woohoo! Debating whether or not I want to put that in savings for Aruba too, or treat myself to a pair of MTBs (http://www.mbt-uk.com/) for work. They're really expensive, but if they make the foot and back pain go away, they'll be worth it! Of course, I really should wait and see if I get that TCEQ job first - because that would entail a lot of sitting...

Anyways, that's all I know for now! Kyle should be getting off work any minute and I'm going to need to start making dinner. And pay attention to the doggies. And maybe work a bit on my serepina shawl that I'm doing in a laceweight wool yarn. Insane? Yes, I know.

Exchange Bag

Well, the Exchange Bag from The Happy Hooker is done! It was hard to get a good picture of it do to the coloration of the cord, though. These are the best I got. Now, to find my next project.

When Good Dogs Go Bad

You know how I just told you about working on that Exchange Bag? Well, I was making decent progress for the amount of time working on it, and I was working on it some more downstairs with the dogs running around while Kyle was upstairs playing his game. Well, I decided I needed to do something real quick upstairs, so I left the dogs downstairs alone. Mistake. Should have locked them outside, but I thought "it's only going to be a few minutes, and they're eating - they'll be good." Couldn't have been more wrong. Kyle went downstairs before I did - he finally decided to go get his Texas drivers license (we've only been here for a year and a half) so he was going to shower. All of a sudden I heard him yell at Smudge. Uh oh. Then he told me I better get downstairs - oh, and bring the camera. BIG uh oh. This is what I found...

Wait, is that my Exchange bag?


It sure is! And look, the cord goes out the doggie door...








And all around the porch...













And in the grass...









And back on the porch... And apparently I can't upload any more pictures, but it went from there, back into the doggie door, back out the doggie door, and then around the post. I had to laugh. Then, it turns out that Kyle was yelling at Smudge because she was chewing on my wooden crochet hook. The one his grandmother gave me. Rendering it now useless :( The good news through all this was my project itself didn't get unravelled. The bad news is I had to unravel it myself because my aluminum crochet hook was 0.25 mm smaller than my wood one. And while it doesn't sound like a big difference, it actually is. I could have killed those dogs. Still hoping to have the bag done this weekend though! Guess I better get to work for that to happen.

Stitch N Bitch

So, I finally broke down and bought "Stitch N Bitch, The Happy Hooker" the other day. I had a 30% off one item coupon and a 10% off entire order all day shopping spree from Borders. I couldn't resist. I wanted it only for the Sweet Pea shawl that everyone else was making, but by the time I sat down to look through the rest of it, I had a million and one projects that I wanted to do! And the book itself is hilarious. Now all I need is Stitch N Bitch Nation and my collection is complete! But, I digress. Kyle got a new computer game that day too - Civilization 4 - so after we got home, he sat in front of his computer, trying to figure out the game, and I sat in front of my stash with my book, trying to find enough yarn to do a project. But, unfortunately, most of my stash is Red Heart for making afghans. I do have quite a bit of homespun I received from my MIL (mother-in-law), but that's going to be an afghan too. Oh, and I had enough wool to make some stuff, but I'm saving that for Elizabeth's Lucinda Bag once she finally sells the pattern! So, I'm thinking I'm going to be SOL until I see the Exchange Bag, and realize that I have exactly two rolls of that cord (I forget the name of the stuff off the top of my head, and it's already downstairs)! Now, I gotta say, I can't remember when I bought it, or why. It's been just sitting there for years - like, at least 4. Guess I knew 4 years ago that I wanted to make this bag! That stuff is a pain in the you know where to work with though... Hoping to have it done this weekend.

Curiosity Killed the Cat

...or tried to, at least. I have begun brushing Boog Boogs on a daily basis and collecting his hair for spinning. I had a convenient Hobby Lobby bag and put it in there. About 10 minutes after I hear a weird rustling noise. I turned around and saw this...

Notice the "Help me momma" plea in his eyes? Or is that a "Leave me the hell alone" look?

Yes, that Hobby Lobby bag was wrapped nicely around his neck. Gotta wonder how he got himself into that situation! Good thing I was in the room. That boy sheds a lot and I would hate to have had to run around the house trying to pick up all the hair I had collected!

Ugh, cats...

Pet Hair

So, after trying so very hard to keep all the pet hair off of my project for Lani, without success, i spent a good couple of hours trying to get it off. I'm pretty sure that I didn't get it all though, and for that, I apologize.

Anyways, I was wondering around on the web today and saw articles about people spinning the hair from their pets into yarn, and I got to thinking... The dog hairs are too short, but Boog Boogs hair (which is everywhere) would be perfect for the task! So, I got out the kitty brush and sat with him for about an hour. It's amazing how much hair I got! By the time I can afford to buy the carding paddles and drop spindle (want to buy a spinning wheel, but too expensive) to make some yarn, I will have enough hairs for a sweater! Well, I won't be making a sweater, but will have plenty to make something. Maybe some slippers? I've been wanting to spin for a while now, and this gives me the reason to do it. I learned at Rennaissance Faire when I worked there years ago, so I think I'll be able to do it again without too many problems, right? What do you think? Would Boog Boogs make a cute pair of slippers?

Well, I did it...

I called Chico's today to tell them that I wasn't able to take the job, and now, I start Monday! Can someone tell me how that works? Actually, I asked her some more questions about the bonuses and incentives, and possible overtime, and she pretty much gave me all the right answers. One of them being that if her current full time cashier was having a bad month, she was walking away with an addition $400. Not too shabby eh? And they're changing some things around as well where if they have three cashiers on, and only need 2 to be open, then the full timer (which would be me) would go out to the sales floor - which means more bonuses. Not to mention training in sales. I told Kyle about it and he seems really excited. And who knows, maybe in 6 months I'll be a manager. Or, maybe I will finally find a job in my field now that I'm actually working again! Wouldn't that be nice?

Kyle also mentioned that he's going to start training for floor manager. Which means an increase in pay for. That would be nice too. Plus, their floor managers still qualify for the bonuses as well. Even better. And, his store manager anticipates them getting their full bonuses this year. So, maybe we'll be ok. Maybe I can just enjoy working at Chico's, go back to school, do something new. I was getting tired of what I was doing anyways. My ego is just killing me - having a college degree and working retail. Oh well. I'm sure I'll get over it.

Ugh

Ok, so I just sat down and figured out bills and the budget and stuff, and if I were to take this job, it would leave us $750 short. Yikes! If we were to get all the bonuses Kyle and I are eligible for, we'd be fine, with money leftover to spare. BUT, there's no guarentees on those bonuses. And if we have a month without them, we're screwed. Grrrr. I so want to take this job! If only to help keep my sanity in check! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that's going to happen for me. :(

To Work? or not to Work?

Well, Chico's offered me a full time cashiers position this morning and has given me til tomorrow afternoon to decide if I want to take it or not. I don't know what to do. The pay would be equal to my unemployment, minus taxes. 50% discount off clothing, full benefits after 90 days... It would get me out of the house, and help me emotionally, BUT, would have to pay for gas and leave us short on bills. What should I do?

Good News!

Well, I don't have a job yet, but have heard a vicious rumor that someone is going to call me for an interview. Yeah!

I also have a finished project. Finally! Only took a couple of months, and an entire weekend of weaving in ends and sewing pieces together, but it's done. And in the mail on it's way to my secret pal. I hope she likes it! What do you think?





It was hard for me to let go.

Phone Call

So, I receieved a phone call the other day from the Program Chemist that works at my old company. I answered the phone and heard "Project bring Jennifer back is in full swing" Ok, tell me more.... Apparently, I should expect a phone call from the company, but they may ask me if I'm willing to re-locate. And Christelle just wanted to give me the heads up so I can prepare. Well, haven't heard from the company as of yet. In a way I guess that's good, though, as I don't know what to say about the whole relocation thing. I mean, I don't want to say no outright (though that is my answer) because I don't want that to go against me, but I don't want to say yes either because then I would have to relocate! Which moving to the east coast wouldn't be so bad, if that's where they would want me to move, but, Kyle is really happy with his job here, and we have a house! We have a house that is only a year and a half old! And who knows if we would even be able to get a house somewhere else? What I am really hoping for is to be based out of a different office, but working out of the San Antonio one and travelling. Or working out of the house and travelling. Wish me luck with that phone call, if it does indeed happen, as I will be needing it!

Other then that, there's really no new news. Been working hard on my reveal package for my SP. Packages are to go out on May 1st. Guess I should check the board and see if there's any good swaps coming up. Life just doesn't seem right if I'm not stressing about finishing up some project and getting it in the mail in time! Lol.

Stress

Yes, I know, it's been a month since I've posted. And I have no job, so you would think I would be posting all the time! But, the fact is, I really have nothing to say! Life has been pretty uneventful lately. Been spending a lot of my time searching for jobs and playing games. I have had one interview, which I should hear back from this week, and one other lead that has a job posting in a week. Will just have to wait and see how things turn out, I guess.

I have gotten some knitting and crocheting done. Getting ready to send out a package to my secret pal. Hope she enjoys it. It's hard not getting to spoil her like I would like. I just hope my handmade project in my reveal package makes up for it! I think I will probably spend today working on it. If I don't get my butt in gear, and get off this computer, it will never get finished!

Mom and Dad are off on yet another cruise to the Caribbean. I'm so jealous. And they just got back from Hawaii on Thurs. Not fair at all! Sounds like a lot of fun was had in Hawaii too. They planned a trip so that all my mother's brothers and sisters (and husbands and wives) would meet up in Hawaii and have a family reuinion. How cool is that? Turns out my Aunt Sharon vacations like my sister - always where are we going? come on, let's go! lol. In a way, I'm kind of glad I didn't go!

Aruba is coming up fast. And hear I am not losing weight! It's all I can do right now to keep myself from eating all day when I'm home. I guess it's good that I'm not gaining it, but I really want to feel comfy in a swimsuit! Grrrr. Need to excercise more. I no longer have the excuse that I have no time. Now it's just plain laziness and lack of energy.

Anyways, that's about it for my life this past month! Maybe now that I've posted I will feel more like keeping up with that and emails. We'll just have to wait and see...

Free Time

Yes, you heard it, I have free time. As of Monday, March 6, I no longer have a job. But, before you feel sorry for me, I feel as if a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders! Sure, I have no money, but I no longer have to deal with people treating with disrespect and acting as if I'm a child who knows nothing and is not capable of doing anything by herself. It all came down on me after complaining to HR about how I was treated. Coincidnece? I think not. So, I've been spending the past couple of days searching for a new job and crocheting! If anyone has any leads, please let me know!

My PG exam is finally done and over with. The first test seemed pretty easy, and I was done relatively fast - I was the second one to finish. The second test was a totally different story...I pulled a lot of answers out of my booty - meaning I guessed. A lot. BUT, I talked to someone afterwards that had more experience than me saying the same thing. So, I know it was the test, not me. My gut feeling is that I passed the first one,and will be re-taking the second one in October. Oh well. At least I have an idea of what to expect now, right?

Well, I guess it's back to the job hunt! Maybe I'll take the opportunity to get out of the environmental field and do something new!

It's just about time...

To pack up and head for Austin. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my exam is bright and early tomorrow morning, and I'm really getting nervous! Kyle will be home in an hour, and we'll be going to dinner and heading north. I took some practice exams today and while I did better on them then I thought I would, I didn't do as good as I would have liked. I wonder how hard grading is going to be...

Anyways, I need to make sure that I have all the supplies I need, and go pack my overnight bag. Wish me luck!

Nao Time

Boogs and I took a nap today on our new couch, under the afghan I made for Kyle a while back. Aren't we cute?

Secret Pals

The DC secret pals has officially began! And boy was my secret to me pal fast in responding! Thank for the comments secret to me pal! I look forward to getting to know you too!

What a fun day

So, I drove home from San Angelo yesterday with my eye starting to burn a bit. Thought I may have scratched it, so as soon as I got home, I took my contacts out. By the time I went to bed, my eye was bright red, swollen, and watery. And it hurt when I had my eyes open, and it hurt when I had my eyes closed. So much for getting a decent night's sleep! Woke up this morning and couldn't open it real well, it was ultra sensitive to the light. Forget this! I'm going to the eye doctor. Ask Kyle if he would drive me, as I couldn't see properly and he almost convinced me not to go - it was only a scratch and it would get better. BUT, I'm supposed to be studying today, and I can't read. So, off we went. Apparently, I have an ulcer in the center of my eye. If not taken care of, it could have scarred and I would have permanently lost some of my vision. Not good. Glad I went now. Course, today is still going to suck because now my eye is dilated and will be for 8 hours. So, I still can't read all that well, and my eye is still ultra sensitive to the light. Oh, and I have to put eye drops in every 15 minutes for the next 24 hours. Thankfully, she is going to allow me to sleep tonight, but if I wake up in the middle of the night I have to put more eye drops in. And these puppies burn! Now I'm really stressing about this test! I guess I'm going to just have to do the best I can under the circumstances.

Update on Uncle Steve - The doctors ran some tests on Monday to check out his heart. One side was 80% blocked and they had to put a stint in. The other side was only 50% blocked, and they think that side will work just fine. If it gets worse, then they'll do something about it. And I think he had some tearing or something like that, but they said that should heal itself within the next 4 weeks. So, he's doing much better, and he is home now! Woohoo! Glad you're feeling better Steve!

Boog Boogs

Well, it has come to my attention that I have no pictures of my mischievious kitty cat, Oogie Boogie (aka Boog Boogs) on my blog. So, here is a couple! I think most of the pictures I have of him were downloaded on my work computer...



This one is when he was a baby after we took him home from the shelter. Should have known from the start he would be evil...


Here he is helping me unpack a package from my Summer SP.


Hmmm, what is this?


And my little sweetie trying to help me untangle that yarn that he helped tangle in the first place!

I'll have to get some more pictures of him soon. I can't believe I was such a bad mom!

Update on Life

Life has been so hectic lately, and I finally have the chance to settle down after Friday and do some relaxing, so, what do I do? I sign up for another round of Secret Pals at Crochetville! Woohoo! I can't wait to see who my pal is going to be so I can start spoiling him/her.

Work, of course, is still going to be stressful. I actually talked to the head of HR yesterday because my senior geologist and project manager are treating me with disrespect. I actually got told that passing my PG exam on Friday was not important, and that if I didn't know my information for the exam by now, I wasn't going to know it. Oh, and that I was being childish for needing to study instead of work (I was told I could have the weekend off in the beginning of January and they decided on Friday that I needed to work on Sunday with my senior geologist just watching me)and I needed to control my anxiety attacks (of which I had a 5 hour one on Saturday and still went to bed with my heart pounding). Nice, huh? And it didn't help that my Uncle Steve had a heart attack Friday morning due to a blood clot in his heart. I was livid. I also forgot to mention that my annual evaluation was originally scheduled for last Thursday (because I was going to be out all week this week) and my PM re-scheduled it for Friday afternoon. I was in the field Friday morning and when I came into the office at lunch, my PM was gone. Went golfing. Not to return. Didn't bother cancelling or re-scheduling my evaluation (guess no bonus or raise for me) and never bothered to return my phone calls either. Not good. So, HR talked to the VP at my office yesterday, and he said he would talk to my PM when he gets back in town on Friday. Of course, the VP and my PM are friends (they were golfing together on Friday) so I wouldn't be surprised if the talk never happened. I think I may need to start looking for a new job soon.

Kyle is also talking about getting a new job working for a promotions company. It would require a lot of travel, but he would have the opportunity to make a salary equal to our combined salaries right now in 6 months time. Therefore, I wouldn't have to work anymore. He said I could go get a job at my LYS. AND, he's now looking at RVs so that I could occasionally travel with him and we could bring the doggies. Course, he's looking at RV's that cost over $100,000.00. Gonna be a while before we can afford that one! Lol. It is pretty cool though.

Well, my right eye, back, and legs are killing me. I think it's about time for a nice relaxing bubble bath, and bed. Help me to prepare to go to physical therapy and study my booty off for my exam. I can't believe it's this Friday. AHHHHHHHHH!

It's done!

Well, I was weaving in ends as the closing ceremonies began, and just finished felting my bag and was taking pictures as the torch was extinguished. Talk about being close! Here it is in all it's glory - I think it actually looks kinda funky. Might have to try the pattern again when I'm a little more experienced...




Now it's off to bed I go. Have to get up before dawn to go walking with Jess so I can complain to her about work. Don't worry, I'll complain to you about work too - it just has to wait a little while. Maybe tomorrow evening when I am stuck in a hotel in San Angelos and need a study break.