Welcome to my mid-week crap-and-bitch festival.
The boys, already I have gone through two days that were exact replicas of each other. If any two are awake, and in the same room, there is fighting and yelling going on. The only time there was quiet (it seemed anyways) was when one of two of them were still asleep, and at lunch, when everyone had food in their mouth. By the time the Wife got home, both nights I put in a dvd on my computer and turned up the volume to shut them all out. Then I go to bed. So, the bed problem.....
Last night I was awakened by the Wife shutting the bedroom door. As a rule, we always keep it open, in order to hear if there is a sick child, or the animals knock something over and break it, etc. She had shut it as the middle son (with the problem) was whining and crying about not wanting to sleep anywhere but with Mom. It as 1am, and I was awake. I got up, and proceeded to berate him that this was enough. Within 15 minutes, he had tried twice more to creep into our room and into the bed. Both times I caught him, and the second time he got swatted. The third time, about 20 minutes later, was his last attempt, and he was grounded from the computer for the rest of the week, plus he had to go to his Grandma's (at least for Wed.) and work pulling weeds from her yard. He didn't try again, but everytime the Wife moved, or the dog jumped on/off the bed, it woke me looking to see if he was trying to sneak in again. So yes, I am a bit cranky and tired today.
I was able to get to the gym for the first time this week. I am sure if I tried harder I could have been there more, but - anything I say is just an excuse now. I did go this morning, and not happy about the weight as I gained a little back. The boys were all sent with the Wife to her mother's this morning, the goal being for them to work at pulling the weeds from the yard, so there is not just an infestation in what little grass she has growing. I have my doubts it will happen. Also, today is Pool Night, so I don't have to worry about leaving them at home alone for an unspecified amount of time under the command of the oldest. He has a "bossy attitude" like his sister does, and it reflects quite openly.
Did I get enough bitching in? Not yet.... The Wife, though I love her to death (most days) and I love her cooking. But WHY does she have to fix my favorite dishes on the night before I weigh in at the gym? Last night she fixed Turkey enchiladas (one of my favorites, obviously) and I could only have a small helping, as I knew I would weigh in this morning, and did not feel confident. This having to do with a weekly bet with a friend. She seemed disappointed in me (moreso than usual anyways) for not scarfing down two helpings, even after I explained to her why I had not done exactly that. Going to bed with a "feels pretty empty" stomach was not a joyful experience, though I know I actually had enough to eat.
Every bad thing/day seems to have a bit of silver lining though. Guess what I get for lunch today!
PeacE
Wednesday, March 20
Tuesday, March 19
It's A King-Sized Something
I grounded the two younger boys. Or rather, I will be once they both are awake this morning.
The bed the Wife and I share is a California King. I think the only difference between that and a regular King is ours is a bit bigger, just enough we have to buy harder to find, and more expensive sheets. We had not bought it, but was a hand me down from the In-Laws. Either way, the two younger boys have very recently started a new bad habit of getting up in the middle of the night, and sneaking into our bed. In a normal sense, that wouldn't be a totally terrible thing, except for two reasons: one, they wake me up half the time crawling over me to get to the other side where Mom is, and two, they are 10 and 7 years old, and a little old to be doing this stuff. They had been warned about a week or so ago, that each time I find out they were sneaking into our bed, they would be grounded from the computer for the day. Usually that is not a problem as after school, between supper and bedtime, there isn't much time to spend on it anyways. This is Spring Break though. Yesterday, I went ahead and let them play on the computer, though they were warned, if it happened again, I was going to stick to the plan. The 10 year old is out in the family room, sulking already because I told him I hoped there were cartoons on, as he was not getting computer time at all today. The 7 year old is still asleep... on my bed.
I am hoping that their desire to play games on the computer will out weigh whatever the need they have to climb into my bed at night. The older one says it is because he wakes up and is scared (of what, he won't say, so it must just be of the dark - even though they have a night light on). The younger seems to wake up shortly after he older one, sees his brother is gone, and comes in, too. Now I have to listen to them whine,fight, cry and whatever else even more today, because I am not using the computer to separate them at least for a bit. Who wins today? Sigh
PeacE
The bed the Wife and I share is a California King. I think the only difference between that and a regular King is ours is a bit bigger, just enough we have to buy harder to find, and more expensive sheets. We had not bought it, but was a hand me down from the In-Laws. Either way, the two younger boys have very recently started a new bad habit of getting up in the middle of the night, and sneaking into our bed. In a normal sense, that wouldn't be a totally terrible thing, except for two reasons: one, they wake me up half the time crawling over me to get to the other side where Mom is, and two, they are 10 and 7 years old, and a little old to be doing this stuff. They had been warned about a week or so ago, that each time I find out they were sneaking into our bed, they would be grounded from the computer for the day. Usually that is not a problem as after school, between supper and bedtime, there isn't much time to spend on it anyways. This is Spring Break though. Yesterday, I went ahead and let them play on the computer, though they were warned, if it happened again, I was going to stick to the plan. The 10 year old is out in the family room, sulking already because I told him I hoped there were cartoons on, as he was not getting computer time at all today. The 7 year old is still asleep... on my bed.
I am hoping that their desire to play games on the computer will out weigh whatever the need they have to climb into my bed at night. The older one says it is because he wakes up and is scared (of what, he won't say, so it must just be of the dark - even though they have a night light on). The younger seems to wake up shortly after he older one, sees his brother is gone, and comes in, too. Now I have to listen to them whine,fight, cry and whatever else even more today, because I am not using the computer to separate them at least for a bit. Who wins today? Sigh
PeacE
Monday, March 18
Last Sane Post ....
This may be the last sane post I am able to get put up here today, as only one of the boys is awake at this hour. Doesn't sound terrible right? Wrong. It is Spring Break this week, and all three boys are out of school. Granted, in some ways it makes things easier, as far as planning where they will be, etc, but the sibling bickering and fighting drives me up the wall. I know, someday I will wish I had all three of them back home again, after their grown and gone out into the world. Well, they say that, but I have not had a chance to believe it yet.
I turned down the job. After thinking about it for a couple days, it felt more and more that it would be cold-calling people, and that is something I just won't do. I suppose if it was the difference between eating or not, or living on the street or not, I would do it, but I still have a bit of time before we are that drastically affected. If I have the chance, I may be picking up some applications this week (if I dare take the boys in public) and have the time to complete them, then return them the next week, asking for face-to-face interviews. I have given up on the 'computer application process' as being a complete waste of my time.
One of the guys I know from the bar I go to, owns a racing horse. An honest to goodness horse that does the races like we see on the OTB televisions, etc. She has raced a few times, losing me money ore often than not. The horse was racing yesterday afternoon, and 5 of us guys each put in $20. So we had a bet for $40 Win, $30 Place, and $30 Show. The horse Won.... we ended up with $407 dollars before splitting it the five ways. My share was $80, so I took the family out to the Chinese buffet for supper. We love this place. It is called Hibachi Grill. Last night I tried the sushi they had. I think they had like six different dishes there, and I tried one piece from two of them. Unfortunately, they do not have the signs saying what every dish is, so no idea what I liked (the first one) and didn't like (the second). But I did see frog legs there (not in the sushi area) and had a couple of them, trying to encourage the kids to try them as well - with no luck. Oh well, their loss.
Anyway, I guess that is all I have today. Maybe more posts later if I survive (and not go to prison for murder).
PeacE
I turned down the job. After thinking about it for a couple days, it felt more and more that it would be cold-calling people, and that is something I just won't do. I suppose if it was the difference between eating or not, or living on the street or not, I would do it, but I still have a bit of time before we are that drastically affected. If I have the chance, I may be picking up some applications this week (if I dare take the boys in public) and have the time to complete them, then return them the next week, asking for face-to-face interviews. I have given up on the 'computer application process' as being a complete waste of my time.
One of the guys I know from the bar I go to, owns a racing horse. An honest to goodness horse that does the races like we see on the OTB televisions, etc. She has raced a few times, losing me money ore often than not. The horse was racing yesterday afternoon, and 5 of us guys each put in $20. So we had a bet for $40 Win, $30 Place, and $30 Show. The horse Won.... we ended up with $407 dollars before splitting it the five ways. My share was $80, so I took the family out to the Chinese buffet for supper. We love this place. It is called Hibachi Grill. Last night I tried the sushi they had. I think they had like six different dishes there, and I tried one piece from two of them. Unfortunately, they do not have the signs saying what every dish is, so no idea what I liked (the first one) and didn't like (the second). But I did see frog legs there (not in the sushi area) and had a couple of them, trying to encourage the kids to try them as well - with no luck. Oh well, their loss.
Anyway, I guess that is all I have today. Maybe more posts later if I survive (and not go to prison for murder).
PeacE
Friday, March 15
Is It Nerves, or Something Really Bad?
Yesterday afternoon I went to the scheduled interview. I was 15 minutes early (I always try to be early for everything) and felt confident. Those butterflies were not going on as I sat and waited to meet with Mr. Interviewer. Within a couple minutes, he was there and we were walking back through the cubicles to his working area.
Though this is a call center, the cubicles and random shouts of "We have $500 over by so-n-so!" what I hadn't expected was for him to sit me at the desk nearest the door, and leave the door open. I am a bit hard of hearing to start with, and the random noises from the call floor had me straining to hear his words, and not ask often if he could repeat what he just said. It probably really didn't matter as there was no "real" interview. I was asked about 8-10 questions that were pre-printed on a piece of paper, then he would summarize and write my answer for each one. Questions like: What would you do if you saw a co-worker doing something against the rules/policies of the company? How would you like to be told if you were seen going against rules/policies? What would your past employer(s) say is your best trait? What would your past employer(s) say is your worst trait? Every question was followed by it's reverse. I wanted to shout out "Is this for real?!?"
After the questions, Mr. Interviewer went on in basic detail the job description, and what the company actually does (collects donations for mostly Republican groups for elections/campaigns across the US and also some non-profits for other reasons). At this point, it is a somewhat different description than what I had been told by the Office Manager, whom I know. It sounds like random cold-calling, not calling those that indicated they could be called for donations, as I had been led to believe. Needless to say, I followed through with the interview, inquiring about time off. Pay schedules and amounts were discussed. At last, he copied my ID and SS card, though did not require me to sign anything to secure employment. I was a bit miffed about that. My training is scheduled to start Monday.
When I walked out of the interview, I felt weird. I expected to feel nervous, as it has been many years since I had to do one, but it wasn't nerves. I almost felt 'dirty'. Seriously, I felt that way. Just talking to the guy, and walking through part of the offices, I felt like something had sort of oozed onto me. I went home, thinking about the job, the details, how much I need to get back to working. But every time I start thinking about this company, and me actually working there, I get this 'bad feeling' in my gut. I can't describe it, but you know what your "bad gut feeling' feels like, so I know you can relate.
I think I may be calling and turning down the job offer. Even though I could supposedly work there until I find another job, thus making some money. I don't think I could do that - my moral compass, broken as it is, doesn't like that idea. And it just feels dirty. I have a couple more days to debate and think on it all.
PeacE
Though this is a call center, the cubicles and random shouts of "We have $500 over by so-n-so!" what I hadn't expected was for him to sit me at the desk nearest the door, and leave the door open. I am a bit hard of hearing to start with, and the random noises from the call floor had me straining to hear his words, and not ask often if he could repeat what he just said. It probably really didn't matter as there was no "real" interview. I was asked about 8-10 questions that were pre-printed on a piece of paper, then he would summarize and write my answer for each one. Questions like: What would you do if you saw a co-worker doing something against the rules/policies of the company? How would you like to be told if you were seen going against rules/policies? What would your past employer(s) say is your best trait? What would your past employer(s) say is your worst trait? Every question was followed by it's reverse. I wanted to shout out "Is this for real?!?"
After the questions, Mr. Interviewer went on in basic detail the job description, and what the company actually does (collects donations for mostly Republican groups for elections/campaigns across the US and also some non-profits for other reasons). At this point, it is a somewhat different description than what I had been told by the Office Manager, whom I know. It sounds like random cold-calling, not calling those that indicated they could be called for donations, as I had been led to believe. Needless to say, I followed through with the interview, inquiring about time off. Pay schedules and amounts were discussed. At last, he copied my ID and SS card, though did not require me to sign anything to secure employment. I was a bit miffed about that. My training is scheduled to start Monday.
When I walked out of the interview, I felt weird. I expected to feel nervous, as it has been many years since I had to do one, but it wasn't nerves. I almost felt 'dirty'. Seriously, I felt that way. Just talking to the guy, and walking through part of the offices, I felt like something had sort of oozed onto me. I went home, thinking about the job, the details, how much I need to get back to working. But every time I start thinking about this company, and me actually working there, I get this 'bad feeling' in my gut. I can't describe it, but you know what your "bad gut feeling' feels like, so I know you can relate.
I think I may be calling and turning down the job offer. Even though I could supposedly work there until I find another job, thus making some money. I don't think I could do that - my moral compass, broken as it is, doesn't like that idea. And it just feels dirty. I have a couple more days to debate and think on it all.
PeacE
Thursday, March 14
More Changes Coming ...
It looks like my early morning blogging is coming to a close for a bit. I turned in the app yesterday, did the required phone call, and within a couple hours was called back to set up for an interview today. I was asked to bring my ID and SS card/birth cert. as well, so it sounds like they are ready to hire me already. I am still holding out on the completed thought of working there until I have a few questions answered this afternoon at the interview. Either way, with the start hour being at 6:30 am, the morning blog posts are going to disappear. I expect them to be moved to afternoon or evening, where you will be able to read the rants about how snobby Ms. Pritchard sounded as she gave me a riot act on the phone, then pledged $5,000 to the cause.
For a Thursday, that is about all that is happening.
PeacE
For a Thursday, that is about all that is happening.
PeacE
Wednesday, March 13
Attempt Number Two
I made it to that place I was talking about yesterday. You know, the one I was applying for a *ack* job. The application process is a little more detailed than what I had been told from the head honcho there. I'm to fill out an app, leave it there, then call a number to give a phone "spiel" that they provided. The call may be recorded, or if someone answers, I am to treat it like a live call with the script. The purpose makes perfect sense considering it is a position where they are represented via the telephone. I was just not prepared for it. So I took home the app and script, and plan on returning today. I figure I will just sit in their quiet lobby and make the phone call.
Things here have pretty much returned to a normal routine. Well, normal I guess for us. The only thing that has changed is that I no longer need to go to MIL's to sit with FIL so she can go grocery shopping, or pick up the ids, etc. It is kind of nice to have those times free again, though this whole job thing may change that even more.
Since FIL's passing, a few of the ladies from the church have brought dinner by for us. I queried the Wife last night, that I thought the dinners were to go to the family with the loss, so shouldn't these be going to her Mom rather than us. She had mentioned the same to the ladies, and their response was that it was for us, so that we have the time to help MIL be sure she eats and takes care of herself. It was a bit of "different thinking" and either way I don't care. I get a little more variety this way, though I am sure it won't be for much longer. Last night someone brought by El Pollo Loco (chicken restaurant sorta Mexican style). I don't recall having ever ate there (not one in a near vicinity) so when I saw what was there, I got a bit excited. Turns out, I don't care much for their style of seasonings. Nothing too hot or whatever, just not as 'original' like I was hoping. I mean, it was baked chicken. Thank goodness there was a bean and rice burrito for me to eat.
Tonight is another pool league night. I think I am losing the weight challenge my friend Jan and I are doing. I weighed myself in yesterday, and had gained a pound since last week. Them church ladies fault I do declare. He has been losing some each week, though I have been dropping more. He may get it this week.
And that is all I have today.
PeacE
Things here have pretty much returned to a normal routine. Well, normal I guess for us. The only thing that has changed is that I no longer need to go to MIL's to sit with FIL so she can go grocery shopping, or pick up the ids, etc. It is kind of nice to have those times free again, though this whole job thing may change that even more.
Since FIL's passing, a few of the ladies from the church have brought dinner by for us. I queried the Wife last night, that I thought the dinners were to go to the family with the loss, so shouldn't these be going to her Mom rather than us. She had mentioned the same to the ladies, and their response was that it was for us, so that we have the time to help MIL be sure she eats and takes care of herself. It was a bit of "different thinking" and either way I don't care. I get a little more variety this way, though I am sure it won't be for much longer. Last night someone brought by El Pollo Loco (chicken restaurant sorta Mexican style). I don't recall having ever ate there (not one in a near vicinity) so when I saw what was there, I got a bit excited. Turns out, I don't care much for their style of seasonings. Nothing too hot or whatever, just not as 'original' like I was hoping. I mean, it was baked chicken. Thank goodness there was a bean and rice burrito for me to eat.
Tonight is another pool league night. I think I am losing the weight challenge my friend Jan and I are doing. I weighed myself in yesterday, and had gained a pound since last week. Them church ladies fault I do declare. He has been losing some each week, though I have been dropping more. He may get it this week.
And that is all I have today.
PeacE
Tuesday, March 12
Going Out and Trying Again
I am going out today to put in yet another job application. I have talked to some of the staff that work there, and it "sounds" like I would be sure to get the job. The main downfall is that there isn't really an "open position" at this time. Sooo, I could be put on hold until a position becomes available, they could let someone else go so I can have that slot, create an open position, or I may not even get hired. At this point, I am looking on the negative side of things for so long now, I really don't care. But the need for a job is getting more and more pressing for our family financials. I do feel hopeful, even if this isn't my first, or second-fifth, choice of a job type.
That being said, I will be spending this morning going through my resume and making sure my info is handy and available for me as I fill out my app. What sucks is the last employer I had is out of business, so getting in touch with them for reference is non-existent. Such is my luck. Makes me glad I was able to get my last paycheck from them years ago when I left there.
So the butterflies are starting up already and I have about three hours before I was told the best time to submit an app. Not going to be a fun time....
PeacE
That being said, I will be spending this morning going through my resume and making sure my info is handy and available for me as I fill out my app. What sucks is the last employer I had is out of business, so getting in touch with them for reference is non-existent. Such is my luck. Makes me glad I was able to get my last paycheck from them years ago when I left there.
So the butterflies are starting up already and I have about three hours before I was told the best time to submit an app. Not going to be a fun time....
PeacE
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