Christmas Past

Christmas is over. Seems like we spend half the year getting ready for it and then the one day just flies by. Hallmark starts with their ornament premier in July; other stores are in Christmas mode by September, and then - poof! - in 24 hours it's over. I've already started pulling the bins down from the attic so I can pack up the decorations; normally I would wait until closer to New Year's, but this having a job thing is really cramping my clean up schedule. See, my mom drilled it into me that you never carry over celebrations of the old year into the new - very bad luck she said. I think she was just tired of all the 'stuff' in her house and wanted to get it clean, but I'm not about to chance any more bad luck. It seems my luck might have begun to change just a bit, so far be it from me to screw things up now! I know it's just a superstitious thing she instilled in me, but when I think back about 10 years ago when I didn't have a chance to get everything down, and what happened the next year...well. I'm not chancing it again.




The cat got a cat tower for Christmas. It was on clearance at Costco, and I've never seen one that cheaply before, so I just did a minor splurge and got it for her. After I get the tree down, which is in the middle of the front window, and the cat tower goes in front of the window, I think she will like it better than she currently does. She likes to take naps in the top part of it, and she loves to look out the front window, so am hoping it becomes her new favorite place. We'll see....she pretty much has her own opinions about what she likes...and doesn't. Right now her 'favorite' place is on my bed - so much so she's created a divot in the mattress.

I got some nice things from family and friends for Christmas. There's always one thing that stands out, and this year that honor goes to my nephew and his girlfriend. They went in together and purchased me a...uh...um...certificate I guess you could call it, to set up a website for the book! I'm super excited about it, but have no earthly idea how to do it. (Crap. Saying that makes me feel so dang OLD.) After the new year, I will see what it involves and get it going. I'm thinking about finding someone to do some pencil sketches of the major characters and have those, along with brief descriptions, on the site. Any other suggestions anyone?

The new job is improving, although I seriously thought about quitting a couple of weeks ago. I've never quit a job in my life except to move to another state. Long story, but let's just say my knowledge was being wasted hand-addressing reminder cards 8 hours a day. My position has been clarified, and I've begun some training that's made a huge difference. I'm going to hang on for a while and see what happens.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and your plans for New Year's include seeing the old year out and new year in with champagne and maybe some fireworks! Be sure and have some ready cash in your pocket - yet another old family superstition - when you walk back into your house for the first time of the new year, if you have cash in your pocket, you'll always have cash in your pocket for the next year. I've done it forever; have never been completely dead broke, never lost any house, almost always got bills paid (although sometimes there was some 'creative financing' involved) and lately have always managed to feed the cat (she has a medical condition and requires some expensive food...). Proof positive - it must work!

Attic stuff

Huh. Well, staff person went up into the attic and brought down all those boxes and bins that come down once a year. She put up this tree-thingy in the living room (after she moved all the furniture around) and put lights and little dangly things on it. That reminded me that last year I knocked a bunch of them off, so, yeah, guess it's that time of the year again. The house looks...different, ya know? It's nice though. I like all the lights and stuff scattered around. She even put this long, stringy green thing with lights in the bathroom. She called it a garland. Whatever.


Here's the dining room table. I mean, doesn't this look like I can totally destroy it? Yeah, I thought so too. I'm trying to be good though. We'll see how long it lasts...

She hasn't been around much lately. She gets up early and leaves early and doesn't come back until the sun's almost down. Don't tell her, but I miss her. I don't get to go outside near enough now. I've been sleeping on her bed the last few nights, 'cos it just seems like I don't get to be around her much anymore. I know it's because she finally got a job, but, well, I miss her. She did tell me she can now afford to keep me in kibble, so I guess it's a good thing. Sigh.

No other news from here. I'm contemplating whether to bring the tree-thingy down (I've done it before - check with her!). She's got it blocked in pretty well this year, so I may leave it alone. I guess it depends on whether or not I get the perfect opportunity 'cos I have to get in it and up it before it'll tumble over.

Happy decorating!

A job....sorta

Well, friends and commiserators, I have a job! Well, sorta. I began a temporary job last Monday with the State Attorney General's office. I'm working through a temp agency, so am making next to nothing, but next to nothing is so much better than nothing! As last week was a holiday week, I only worked 2-1/2 days, so don't have a really clear picture of the job yet. I spent my first day with training videos and quizzes. The next day and the half day on Wednesday was spent putting a large mailing together, so was pretty comfortable with that. I guess as I get more involved I'll be learning more. So far I like the people who work there and it's a long term temp job with an extension option; there's a small chance it will become a permanent position as well. Although I realize how long I've been out of the work force, it still came as a bit of surprise that every day when I got home I was totally exhausted. It's going to take some time to get back in the swing of things apparently. I know I don't sound overly excited, but this is a temporary position, with an agency that's messed me over before. I AM excited, and hope it works out really well. Just keep your fingers crossed!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm still eating turkey leftovers, which is okay with me. It was a nice, peaceful day and I hope everyone else enjoyed the same.

I'll keep you updated on the new job... ☺

Busted!

Well, I told you about my few little excursions over the fence. Staff person has decided, and tells me quite frequently now, that I cannot be trusted. So, no matter how much I whine, no matter how utterly pathetic I am when I pick up my little stuffed mouse and wander around the house with it in my mouth making these eerie, freakishly loud noises...she ignores me. Especially in the mornings. I finally give up and go take a nap somewhere, then sometime mid-morning she gets a book and calls me and we go out and I've got, like, 30 minutes of outside time. PLUS, if I go hide somewhere she can't see me (like in the bushes so I could catch that thing with feathers! More later on that!) she gets up and walks around until she finds me. Very frustrating, especially when I'm in huntress mode.

Now, about the thing with feathers! I've been trying to catch one for years but they're just so darn fast; not to mention they fly and I don't. So, I was hiding in this bush over on the side of the yard, and staff person went inside to refill her water glass. A buncha those feathered things landed on this thing hanging up she keeps seed in, and when staff person walked back out, they all flew off - including one who flew straight INTO THE BUSH I WAS HIDING IN! I jumped up and caught that sucker! Staff person came running over and tried to grab me, but I ran up on the deck and was 'this close' to disappearing under a chair. She caught me though, and hauled me out by my back legs. I was so surprised she caught me, I dropped the dang thing and it flew away. I was crushed. My first feathered thing catch and she wouldn't even let me keep it!

Oh, last Saturday my staff person got up and unwrapped some things so I could have the cool crinkly paper. One thing was this...I don't know...THING...that she eventually took out in the back yard to dig up that viney stuff she calls 'plaguey Asian Jasmine'. Anyway, it had all this colored paper wrapped around it and she untaped each end and pulled out what was inside and put the paper on the floor - so now it's like this long paper tube-y thing. You know us cats and our curiosity; I crawled inside of it. I heard staff person and the guy who stays in the front bedroom just laughing hysterically...then she shows me this. Probably not my best angle, but hey - it IS a picture of me!

Halloween excitement

Halloween has come and gone, the weather has finally turned 'Fall'-y and now the holidays are looming. The most exciting thing to happen Halloween night was a high speed chase with a truck and the police that sped by my front door, not once, but THREE times. The first pass was the truck and one police car - I was asleep, but the truck was loud and the tires were squealing as he turned the two corners by my house. It woke me up and my first thought was, "That idiot's going to lose control of his truck and hit my house!" As my bedroom is right next to the street, I jumped up and ran. He kept his truck upright , so then I went to look out the window and saw the first police car go zooming by with lights and sirens. Several of the neighbors wound up out in their yards ("Everybody move back - here he comes again!"). Next he came flying by for a second pass with two police cars behind him; the final pass there were 6. They finally got him stopped about 10 blocks away but by then there were 11 police cars, a road with spikes in it, and both a damaged truck and police car. Turns out the guy had some outstanding warrants, so wonder what kind of trouble he's in now, hmmm?? Didn't the possibility he was making it worse for himself even occur to him? Then again, I'm guessing idiots don't really contemplate things like that.

It's chilly and wet in my part of the state, and soup has been the best thing to consume the last two days. That and hot tea. It is Texas, so I'm sure by next week we'll be back in the 80's.

No other news. The insurance guy I think has finally faded out of the picture. My last email note to him was answered, but nothing mentioned about the position. Looks like I'll be sending cards only for Christmas again this year. Still very grateful to have managed to retain my house and put kibble in the cat bowl...I know things could be much worse.

Fall-ing

It's so nice the weather has cooled off. I love going outside this time of year, (well anytime of year, really) but my staff person is a little perturbed at me because I keep hearing interesting things on the other side of the fence and make apparently the wrong decision to check them out. Not only that, I've discovered the neighbors garage door doesn't shut all the way, so I've been investigating all the different things in there. Take this morning - staff person let me out, and although usually she comes outside and sits while I patrol the yard, this morning was a bit damp and chilly for her. She stood inside the screen door, but then that black thing made that ringy noise (you know - the one she picks up part of it and talks into all the time) and she went off to see what it wanted. I heard her talking to it and just at that moment was overcome by this need to get on the other side of the fence. Staff person came back out looking for me a few minutes later, but I guess she's on to me. She came out the gate and went immediately to the neighbor's garage, like o-n-e second before I was going to slip in and check things out again. She yelled at me, kinda loudly too, so I decided maybe it really wasn't worth checking their garage out. I scooted back over to the gate and came back in the yard. I guess I blew it though, she snatched me up and brought me back in the house saying, "Back inside for you, Missy." Sigh. Now she won't let me back out. Yep. I blew it.

For the few brief minutes I was outside (gahhh!) it smelled like rain. Staff person says we need it, but I don't like it when it rains. Guess that means I'll be doing a lot of napping today. Oh, speaking of, staff person took this picture of me last week. She had just gotten some clothes out of the thing that makes wet stuff dry, and put them on her bed. She disappeared for a second, and well, heck, they looked like a good place to me! I jumped up and decided to take a nap on those warm clothes that smelled really good. Of course, as soon as she came back she took this picture and then booted me off the bed. Aren't you supposed to SLEEP on a bed? That's all I was trying to do. She's so picky sometimes...sheesh.

Nuttin' Honey

So, all those great leads and interviews and nothing's happened. I'm still in touch with the one person who almost offered me a job, and I think at some point it may turn into something; meanwhile I could really use a positive response from someone/anyone.

Anyway, it's Friday, so enough of that.

I'm thinking more and more of ways to try and get our book published. Some folks know of the book a friend and I wrote; some of you have even had a chance to read parts of it. (Sorry Marian - it's coming, I promise!) I've had positive feedback and then some negative feedback as well, so we're reassessing things. My nephew thinks we should try and publish it online - he says it's good. Someone else thinks we need to turn it into a 30 minute tv show. Everyone agrees it's funny - it just needs editing. I'd just like to have someone I don't know at all (oh, you know, like an editor...) edit it and then we could maybe publish it as a book and see where it goes from there. (J.K. Rowling - we want to be just like her!) I think it's pretty funny - it makes me laugh out loud when I go back and read it. I'm sure all writers think their stuff is the great American novel, but I do think it's good. My cousin says it's hard to be creative and easy to be a critic. (I don't take criticism very well, apparently.) My co-author and I think a lot alike except she's a little more a charter member of the grammar police than I am. I just read about 50 pages of an unbelievably bad book and tossed it in the trash. I can't believe it even got published - and our stuff is so much better! And the thing is, we have so much more to write, we're writing new sections for the next book - we can't even seem get the first one edited and have almost a hundred pages written on the next one. Go figure.

Patooie!

So, I guess you read how my staff person didn't give me any food after midnight one night, or water, and then next morning cruelly tossed me into that @^#$ carrier and carted me off to the vet? I gave her my most piteous cries on the way there, but she just gripped the steering wheel real hard and kept driving. Once there, instead of going in the little exam room with me, she...she.... abandoned me! Someone took me back where they keep the riff-raff of petdom and took me out of the carrier and put me in a CAGE! I was so shocked I didn't even think to fight back! After a couple of hours they caught me unawares and stuck me with something and then I got reallllllly sleepy and decided to take a nap.

When I woke up I had a bandage on my leg, and discovered they'd even shaved some of my fur off underneath the bandage! And my teeth hurt. I don't know what's up with that, but they did feel funny-like - kinda sore, ya know? I was still in the cage and feeling groggy, but nothing like the last time I was here. After another couple of hours (and, okay, a couple more naps), they took me out of the cage and opened the door to my carrier. I ran in there lickity-split and the door shut and I finally felt safe. A few minutes later I was picked up and carried through a door back out to the front and I heard MOM! Er, I mean, my STAFF PERSON! I could just barely see her through the air holes, but was sure glad to see her, 'cos I sorta knew that meant I was going home. The vet came out and talked with her a while - telling her he only used a half dose of something and that I did just fine. He also said I probably wouldn't want anything to eat that night. Was he nutz? I hadn't eaten in 16 hours - I was starving! I meowed at her to 'get me the heck outta here', and finally we left.

At home when she let me out of the carrier, I went straight for the food bowl; now filled with food. My mouth felt a little funny, but I was too hungry to care and chowed down about half the bowl. Won't want to eat! HA! Then it was time for a nap. I stayed a little miffed at her for a couple of days, but then relented. She does love me; I'm pretty sure of that. And for a staff person, she's not all that bad. If I could just get her to NOT take me to see that vet guy I'd be a happy kitty.

Vet update

Jypsy did fine today. I think I've raised such a ruckus they've now started giving her star treatment. When I went to pick her up today the vet came out himself to tell me how things went. He said apparently she's sensitive to the anesthesia (No! Really??), and he only gave her half of a normal dose for a cat her weight. It still knocked her flat out. When I brought her home she walked out of her carrier on all four legs, which was a lot different from the other two times when she crawled out, couldn't stand up and had to pull herself along with her front legs to get anywhere. She's currently asleep in her box-du-jour, so I'm guessing she was pretty stressed by the whole thing. Maybe almost as much as I was.

Now here's something funny - the vet said she probably wouldn't eat anything until tomorrow; she came out of the carrier and went straight to the food bowl and ate almost a whole bowl of food. Guess her teeth didn't hurt that much. ☺

Oh, and just fyi, I have another job interview tomorrow - things are definitely improving.

Of teeth and gums

Jypsy is currently at the vet getting her teeth cleaned. I'm very concerned - the two times she's had it done before she was overdosed for two different reasons. The first time they gave her an auxiliary drug meant to help calm pets down; Jypsy however was one of the few who had an allergic reaction to the drug. She survived. The second time someone wrote down her weight including the carrier, so the amount she was given was way too much. I thought I was going to lose her that time. That led to several long conversations with the vet, who I really like and does a good job with her, about these problems and he's very aware of my apprehension. According to her chart, it's now marked she does not get the auxiliary drug, and a different vet did the last one (and is no longer there). My vet requested I make darn sure he's the one on duty whenever I bring her in. I can hear folks now saying, "Well, don't get her teeth cleaned!" My answer is I had a dog years ago that I loved as much or more than Jypsy and the vet that took care of him never suggested teeth cleaning. In my dog's later years he lost teeth and had problems eating due to dental decay and bad gums. I don't want that to happen to Jypsy. So, I'm sitting here trying to keep myself occupied while she's at the vets where I dropped her off at 7am this morning. I reiterated, yet again, how I want extreme caution taken with my cat. I even suggested maybe they should give her even a little less than what they felt was the right amount for her weight. Still. I can't help but worry. I'm waiting on the phone call to let me know she's fine and I can pick her up. A watched phone never rings...

Ups...and then downs

I allowed myself to get just a wee bit excited last week...I made an appointment to visit the office of the man I met during the census over the phone who suddenly finds himself in need of a new employee, I had a phone interview with a lawyer looking for an assistant and discovered I REALLY wanted to work for her, and a friend sent me an email about another company that might be looking for someone. I started thinking to myself, "could this be it? could this be the start of something....employable???"

I'll start with the job I really wanted....working for the lawyer. It's a small company; only two lawyers and they deal in a very specific area - abuse of children. We spoke over the phone and it sounded like something I would be proud to be a part of. She freely admitted she and her partner were seesawing over whether their new assistant needed to have a legal background. I didn't hear anything from her so sent an email message I would be more than willing to take some legal courses to bring me up to speed with their operation. She responded she had hired someone temporarily because they were so swamped, but would get back to me. She thanked me for offering to take classes. I thought this might be a good opportunity for me to learn something new, and I knew I was already capable of taking care of their two person office. The silence however is pointing in another direction.

The note from a friend of mine was exciting too. Working for a major non-profit company would also rate high on my list of desirable jobs. I wrote back something to the effect of "Who do I contact????" I've heard nothing in return, so it could be he's just trying to find out info for me, but I'm thinking maybe not....

I had a very good second meeting with the fellow I met during the census - his company is well known, and I could be what he expects of all his employees...as long as I could get some training in a field I've never really worked in before. The software doesn't faze me - it looked very similar to programs I've worked in before. I know if I had training I could pick it up and be an excellent employee. I just have to wait until I get the word. I want to ask all my friends who follow this blog to keep your fingers crossed for me. I need to get back to work. March of 2008 would have been the optimum time, but I'll take October of 2010 just as readily.

Meanwhile, I continue to apply for jobs. I can't stop just because I've had one little nibble. I'll continue looking. Three job tidbits in a week though? Can't help but smile...just a little.

The Audacity!

I'm really miffed. See, I found this perfect hiding place underneath the deck thingy in the back yard. There's like tons of bushes and stuff around it and I had a little spot in there all hollowed out and I could sit (um...sleep) for hours. Apparently my staff person did not care for that - she's such a party pooper! She said it was because she never could be sure if I was really THERE, as opposed to somewhere over the fence. To see if she could spot me she had to get down on her hands and knees with a flashlight (it's really dark under there), and practically crawl through the green stuff to spot me. But...that's what made it such a perfect place!

Yesterday she left me inside and went out - I could hear all sorts of banging and clanging out there. Once she came in for something and she smelled suspiciously like rosemary, which pretty much completely surrounds the deck thingy. Sure enough, when she let me out after it cooled off, the entire area around the bottom of the deck thingy had been covered over with some sort of wooden slat looking stuff and underneath the steps, where I used to slip under, was screened off. I can't get in anymore! I'm mad about it too. Now I'm spending my time underneath the bed. Grumble. That'll teach her! But somehow it's just not the same...

Dare I hope?

I know it's Jypsy's turn, but she's been, well, sort of lazy lately. She's also gotten into this habit of whenever I let her outside, she wanders around the yard for a bit and then goes underneath the deck where I can't get to her and sort of plants herself until she gets hungry. All the rain has given us an incredible amount of humidity, and I guess she thinks it's cooler. Dunno.

Anyway, rather than wait on her to finally post something I thought I'd take her turn. Last week was an interesting week. While working the census, I met (over the phone) a gentleman who was, shall we say, not a happy camper that I was contacting his household for verification information after they'd already filled their questionnaires in and sent them back. I was able to finagle the information out of him and at some point (dare I say I'm just really charming over the phone???), we started talking. He asked me how I liked working for the census, which led to my layoff, and then to the difficulty I've had trying to find another job. He owns a company here, and apparently has contacts all over town. I was really surprised when he, who didn't want to give me any information, freely gave me his business email address and asked me to send him my resume - in case one of his friends or contacts might need someone. I didn't hear much from him for several weeks, but last weekend he emailed me and asked me to meet him for breakfast one day last week. I thought he just wanted to talk to me about some potential company he knew that might be hiring. I did meet him (and he bought breakfast!), and it turns out the previous Friday one of his employees let him know she was going back to school. We had a very good conversation, and when he left for his office he said he wants me to come down and see his business and meet a couple of his employees. The job is not something I've ever done before, but I told him I was certainly willing to learn something new. I learn fast I told him, and I do. No, he did not out and out offer me the job, but this is the most promising thing that's happened to me in a long time.

That same day, a woman at another company I applied with sent me an email and wants a phone interview with me. We tentatively set it up for Friday afternoon, but she said she wasn't sure how long a meeting was going to take, and if I didn't hear from her on Friday afternoon to expect a call Monday morning. It would have been nice to be able to say I had 2 interviews in 2 days, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

I've been through so much, that I'm not getting my hopes up by any means. I figure though, that maybe this is a good sign. It was a little discouraging to read in one of the online papers last week that what jobs are coming open are either very high tech/specialized, or really low-paying jobs. While I know what I do is not high tech, and I'm not sure it could be considered a 'low-paying' job (although it's darn close) because there is a wee little bit of specialization. I'm just hoping for something/anything to break loose.

For those missing Jypsy, here's a picture of her currently sacked out on the couch. I'll give her a little push to get back on here with a comment, but it will probably just be about me turning the hose on her when she got under the deck one night and wouldn't come out even after it turned pitch black....but I'll let her tell you all about it.

Hurricane rains

I'm sitting here listening to the rain, just like I've been listening to it since yesterday morning. It started raining sometime during the middle of the night on Tuesday, and with the exception of a few let ups, has been raining steadily since. Hermine blew through Mexico and though now she's just listed as a tropical storm, she is definitely affecting our weather. It's typical; we go through a crucially dry period when my yard practically dies, even though I water it, and then we get tons of rain that can't be absorbed into the ground fast enough. My street is curb to curb water right now - looks like a river. One car that tried to speed through the water caused a wake that knocked over my recycle bin I set out on the curb for pickup today. I see huge puddles of water in the back yard - there's just been a lot of rain. We're due for rain the rest of today and tonight and then maybe, maybe it will slack off a bit tomorrow. Of course, 'when it rains it pours' (ha) - we've got a cold front coming through on Saturday with, you guessed it, more rain.

I'm glad the cat has decided it's not in her best interests to go outside. She's been pretty quiet the last couple of days, and I'm sure it's because when she gets up on the window sill in the utility room she can see, hear and smell the rain. She's been making good use of her indoor time, getting lots of rest and chasing bottle caps across the wood floors.

Job wise, I've had two interviews in the past few weeks, which is good. I haven't been chosen however for either position, which is bad. During the last one, the interviewer asked me some questions about what I've worked on previously, and as I explained, he kept nodding his head and saying things like, "that's exactly what we need here," and "exactly what we're looking for". As he was walking me out he said they would be calling me for the second interview phase. Two days later I got an email - they thanked me for applying, but had decided to move forward with candidates whose qualifications more closely fit their requirements. Life in the big city I guess, although I'd be willing to bet he decided I'm too old. I do have a breakfast meeting with a gentleman tomorrow who thinks he might be able to help me. He owns a large, local company and has contacts all over town. He has my resume and wants to get together over bagels at a local bagel shop. My hopes are not up yet, but he is aware of my maturity, so maybe this will turn out well.

Blending In

Serious thunderstorm last evening; again about 3am (loud booms and the window's got real bright) and then this morning it just poured. Staff person seemed glad it was raining, but personally I'm a little miffed. This SO cuts into my outside time. I finally convinced her to let me out, but then, well shoot, I got wet! Not wanting to appear like a wuss though, I ventured out into the yard, snacked on some grass (tasty!) and ignored her when she came back to check on me a couple of times. Finally my fur was pretty drenched, so I swallowed my pride and came up to the screen door and dug my claws into the screen. She smirked a bit, but let me in and didn't make any smart remarks. Then I had to suffer the indignity of being wrapped in a towel and dried off. Just as well, I suppose, if I'd had to dry myself and clean all that water off I would have been floating and the litter box would have become my new best friend.

The days are getting shorter, and staff person is getting really good at ignoring me when I want to head out for my morning yard surveillance. When she finally gets up she won't let me out because it's still dark. The guy sleeping in the front room said something about me being able to see in the dark (thank you!), but then staff person says, "Not the point. I can't see her." Jeez, wonder why she still doesn't trust me? Oh. Yeah. I did used to go over the fence a lot. When it's dark I also tend to blend right in with the stuff growing around the edges of the yard. Anyway, I usually get out for some bug maintenance/grass chomping around 7. I remember the good ol' days (last month) when I could go out before 6. It's also getting dark earlier at night, so instead of staying out til' 8:30 or so, now she makes me come in about 7:30 - well before my blend in time.

It's so tough being a ninja patrol kitty.

Surprise! Lookin' for a job

I am officially on 'Non-work status' with the U.S. Census. There is no more work for us lowly enumerators, and even the office people are being slowly let go. It was an interesting job, but not something I'm anxious to do again. Soooo. Back to unemployment and continuing to search for something, anything, that I can snag. I saw something in our local newspaper online edition about a building that's being renovated about six blocks from here for a company that wants to move over from Arlington. I'm going to put together a little packet and send it off to them in hopes they'll remember me when they get over here, or in case they are already looking for employees. I'm going to start going back to stores to see if by chance they might have an opening. Keep searching wherever I can.

So. That's today's, this week's, this month's blog entry. Never seems to change does it?

Ice! I want Ice in my water!

It's still pretty hot here. I've been waking up my staff person early so she can let me outside. Like this morning I started about 3:45. For some reason she wasn't all that happy about it and refused to get up. Finally she got up around 6 but wouldn't let me out...she kept saying something about it still being dark outside. SO??? I didn't get to go out until it got light, so I sulked around for a bit, but then forgot I was supposed to be sulking and ran for the door when she opened it.

Because it's so hot, I'm perfectly willing to come back in before it gets too warm. When staff person goes to get herself some ice water and scoops around in the ice bin, I go barreling into the kitchen whining and she'll drop a couple of cubes in my water dish. Ummm! Nice cool water! It's even better than the stuff that comes out of the bathroom sink! I've also been laying in front of the boxy thing a lot too. She took a picture of me, but darn if that box thing doesn't make me look fat! Being a manx though, I'm perfectly roundly shaped and weigh just what I should. Staff person has educated even the helper folks at the vet's because they think I'm fat too. She tells them to stand over me when I'm standing on the floor and notice how my torso curves inwards towards my hips - that means I'm perfect. Was there really any doubt? Then she tells 'em to look up manx cats on the internet. I'm going to put the picture in anyway, 'cos, you know, it's of me.

Endings...kinda

I can't believe it's August, and not only that but the 9th of August. School kids have to head back to school in less than 2 weeks. Where did summer disappear to? I know I risk dating myself, but when I was in school, especially elementary school, the summer days stretched forever. You were somewhat prepared for the end of Summer as well because the days actually got cooler, the leaves began to turn, and you were into September before you actually had to start wearing shoes again to trudge up the steps to the school. With the changes in school start dates, the kids today have to start back when it's still over a hundred degrees outside. Of course, all the schools are air conditioned and the kids can wear shorts and tee shirts now. Enough of that; I find myself reminiscing like this every August when school starts back up, so just ignore me. I guess the old saying 'Time speeds up the older you get' is true. Jeez. I'm old.

I think my job with the Census is over. Notice the 'I think'. They won't tell us if it is or not. The best we can get is 'There's currently no more work.' Currently. As in, 'maybe at some point in time there will be something to do'. So we're sort of in limbo. In limbo with no money coming in. I've tried to pick up the pace with my applications, but am still having no luck. I think I will start revisiting all the stores I've been to and applied with and see what happens. As I told one of my friends - I'll just keep flinging applications against the employment wall and see if something will stick. If I could just figure out a way to smear some superglue on one of the applications......

Cat Days of Summer

We got some rain last week and it cooled everything off. Was nice, ya know? Then it got really hot again. The grass is still cool to walk on, and I found this kinda cool place where it's nice to take a nap. My staff person snuck this picture of me sleeping - geez I'm glad she didn't have the sound on so you could hear me snoring, for Pete's sake.
Staff person hasn't been so cheerful lately. I'm doing my best to look really cute and fall over a lot so she can rub my belly. She seems to really like taking pictures of me. Gosh, I just can't figure that one out. (giggle) Couldn't be because I'm just so darn cute, could it? Nahhhh.

Anyway, here's another amazingly cute photo of me...I swear I thought she couldn't see me underneath that swingy bench thing.

It's dark outside the windows so I'm thinking it's time for me to start my nighttime patrolling of the house to make sure everything is safe. You'd be amazed what creatures lurk in the night...there's my bottle cap that I thought I lost that I suddenly found underneath a table, and the occasional ant that dares to trespass into the house. The fans make stuff move around too...little bits of fluff, and, let's face it, some of my fuzzy fur. I hope staff person sleeps well knowing I'm on duty. I might just take a little 5 minute nap to keep my energy reserves up first though. Nightie night!

Long time, no write

It seems like forever since I've been able to get on here and jot down an entry. Having an additional person in the house has taken some getting used to. Since my computer is in the office/guest room, and my cousin's schedule is completely different from mine (I get up early and want to get on the computer - he's still asleep) I haven't had much chance to get on in the mornings or anytime else. I've missed the writing.

Phase II of the Census has been...um...interesting. It's taken a lot more of my time than Phase I and my new crew leader seems overwhelmed. Our work will probably end this weekend; don't really know what I'm going to do next. With as much information bounding around the web about how everything is picking up and more jobs are being created, I still cannot seem to get hired. Anywhere. Guess being a mature, experienced employee is no longer advantageous.

Okay, that's it. I don't want to depress myself, or anyone else, by writing down all the recent calamitous things that have me in an absolute panic - maybe later after I can come to grips with everything.

Jypsy is currently holding down a pair of my cousin's socks on the guest bed while she sleeps. She's so lucky...

Increase in Staff

Ahhh. There's been a definite increase in my staff. It's been kinda nice. I have TWO people now to wake up in the early hours, although they both seem to be able to ignore me and continue sleeping. One's at the front of the house and my prime staff person is more towards the back of the house. The new/old guy stays up late and then sleeps late in the mornings and can ignore me. I spend a lot of time running back and forth. Sheesh. I have to go walk around ON my prime staff person - like right on top of her - really early in the morning to get her up to let me outside, 'cos, trust me, it's HOT outside most of the day now. I walk all over her but sometimes she just rolls over and goes back to sleep. She seems really tired and seems to be gone most of the day now. She makes comments about how hard Phase II is. Phase II? Don't know what that is, but she does seem to be gone more than usual. And at like really weird hours - anywhere from early morning to late at night. I like going out in the mornings and then spending the rest of the hot daylight hours sleeping in the air conditioning. About 5pm I start kicking up a fuss, but don't get let out to check the yard until later - about 7pm. Trust me...it's still hot then. I stay out as long as I can, but have to admit at some point I gotta hide under some bushes. My prime staff person took a picture of me under the basil and rosemary, although I wasn't like, you know, totally, under the plants. Still, anything that provides shade is good as far as I'm concerned.



Life in Texas in the Summer. At least we have cool air in the house. And those twirly things that whirl around - love 'em!

Update

I want to briefly update Jypsy's post yesterday...she's asleep or I'd make her do it.

I did finally get a call late yesterday from a crew leader I don't know asking me to be on her team. I've got training this afternoon for Phase II of the Census. It's 4 more weeks of work, so I'm grateful, but want, no need, to find something else quickly.

new Staff person

Well, the guy who used to stay here has moved back into the front room (that used to be the spofficebed). He left about a year ago, but started staying here again last week. He and my staff person would come dragging in looking really tired and dirty and sweaty at night and I finally figured out they were moving his stuff into something called a 'storage unit'. In the rain too...made me snicker. Don't people know enough to get out of the rain? Jeez. Anyway, seems he lost the house he was staying in. I've heard him say "I'm going to find my own place soon." and "I'll only be here for a little while." but he was here for a really long time last time. There's a lot of new boxes and bins for me to play on too. I've been sleeping on this big narrow box in the tv room. Well, when I'm not sleeping in his duffle bag on the floor with all his clothes in it. I was in there the other day and started not feeling so well. My staff person tried to grab me, but I puked right inside the bag before she could grab me. I hope I looked properly apologetic! I was sorry - honest!

My staff person also found out yesterday her part time job isn't going to use her anymore. She looks really worried. Dang. She needs, like, a real job. Wish I knew someone, but heck, who do I know? I overheard the next door neighbor guy who helped with some of the moving say my staff person was a really hard worker and did an amazing job. Seems to me if she's a really hard worker, and I think she's extremely dependable (she's always here for me when I need her - like to go outside or when my bowl is empty) someone would hire her for those qualities alone. I know she sure types faster 'an I do.

Okay, it's been tough typing this out with my nails since staff person cut them last week. I'm really tired. Time for me to go take a nap on that box again. Later...

June is.....gone?

It dawned on me today that it's July. To say I was somewhat dumbfounded is an understatement. Does time speed up as you grow older? Or is it just me? I swear I was just trying to figure out my taxes and now it's....July?

I hope everyone who reads this has a very happy 4th of July, and doesn't run into any accidental fireworks explosions or eat any bad potato salad. I will be spending some time on the 3rd with family and maybe some friends on the 4th. Be safe and enjoy the fireworks!

And Happy Birthday to Cousin Gary...who was born on the 4th of July just a few short years ago. There will be fireworks in his honor!

HOT! HOT! HOT!

Whoa! What the heck happened? It was, like, nice and cool outside one day and the next it was roasting. I know it gets cold in part of the year, and hot in another part of the year, but there's usually a little more of the just pleasant temperatures betwixt and between them. I've been waking staff person up at like 6:30am so she'll let me out before it gets so gosh awful hot in the back yard. There's a lot of different critters out there at that time of the morning, so it's been kinda fun. She'll come out and check on me like every 5 minutes or so (guess she still thinks I might check out the alley again - ☺) and then calls me back inside a couple of hours later and since it's already heated up by then I usually go at a run. I go find one of the twirly things that's still on and flop down on the cool floor. Jeez - you know. Just jeez. I hang around inside until later in the day when the sun goes behind all the trees in the back yard and then start getting pesky. We'll go out and sometimes she'll turn that snakey thing on and water will shoot out. She'll put water on all the plants on the deck and others out in the yard - it's interesting that the temperature gets cooler on the deck when she does. Still. When she says 'let's go in' I totally head for the door.

Oh, and did I tell you whenever she opens the door to that really cold thing I go running in and ask for ice? She'll put a chunk in my water and it cools it right down! Nice to have a good slurp of cool water after a hot time outside. Guess I'm going to have to wait a while for the cooler temperatures to come back. I'm kinda thinking I'm not so cool with that...

Brains on mush

My brain has pretty much turned to mush the last few months. I forgot a good friend's birthday last week and felt extremely guilty about it. She doesn't seem to be bothered about it, but I am. I even have a list of important birthdays and forgot to check the list. It dawned on me I'd probably forgotten other birthdays so called another friend who'd had a recent birthday to apologize and she laughed and told me I'd sent a card and enclosed some cute magnets in the card in the shape of her initials. I'd forgotten I sent it. I showed up for a Census group meeting yesterday only to discover I was the only one there. I called the Crew Leader who reminded me she had moved the meeting back an hour. Then I remembered the day before as I left our meeting I said "See everyone tomorrow at 2." Cannot remember things from literally one minute to the next.

At first I was seriously concerned that perhaps I was totally losing it. But I'm wondering if it's more that I've been under so much stress the last two and a half years my brain is just trying to shut me down for a bit. Someone about a year ago said in passing I should enjoy my time off. Seriously?? When I have no health insurance, no steady income, a mortgage and bills that have to be paid every month, and the unending pressure to find a job? Sure - piece of cake, think I'll take a vacation. There's a myriad of other things as well. For instance - I'm now living way below poverty level and qualify for low-income health care from a local hospital. Please don't get me wrong - I'm extremely grateful for it, but at the same time I feel ashamed as well. I've always been able to take care of myself, no matter the situation, and it seems I'm losing that option.

So, losing my mind is maybe only a response to losing my options. I guess I'll just start carrying sticky notes with me at all times so I can write things down, and hopefully at some point I'll find a job and my brain will start functioning again. At least the memory part. Thanks for putting up with my whining. And please let me know in advance if your birthday is coming up so I don't embarrass myself even more....

Twirly things

So, it's warm. Being old, you know, 5, I've been through some seasonal changes. I have to admit I prefer the cooler temperatures, but sure don't like that white stuff. I also don't like it when it gets really warm. I do have a fur coat, ya know. Anyway, my staff person has turned on the twirly things that move air around. There's some up on the ceilings, but my favorite one is the boxy one that sits of the floor. I can lay on the floor right in front of it and cool off. Most of the time I just lay on my back and let the air push the hair on my belly around. I can hide behind it too, although I'm beginning to suspect my staff person knows I'm there - she always seems prepared for my sneak attacks. I'll have to puzzle that one out during my next nap. Speaking of, that super cute picture up there is me napping on the bed in the guest room with all that other office stuff/junk. (Spare bedroom?? Office?? Spofficebed?? Something like that....) You can't see it, but the fur on my tummy is sort of wafting in the breeze from the overhead twirly thing. I was actually helping out, you see, by laying on a bunch of papers so they wouldn't blow off the bed. My back legs are falling off the bed, but that's because I'm stretched out so I can cover all the papers. I'm always willing to help no matter what the cost!

Staff person has another cold. I overheard her tell someone it might be allergies but she doesn't think so. I'm soooo glad I don't get colds! I'm not fond of sneezing or coughing for one thing, and second - she keeps a box of these white things around so she can hold them up to her nose and blow. I'm not sure how she does that. I blow out of my nose sometimes, but haven't ever used one of those white things. I do like rubbing my face on stuff, but that's just so everyone knows it's mine......don't understand the blowing part. But then, hey - I'm a cat and, really, why should I have to worry about the silly things people do?

Okay, I think I'll go stand by the backdoor and whine to go outside. It's a nice day and I want to get out there before it gets too hot. I can work on my tan. (Ha! That's a cat joke, folks.) Then I can come in, get a bite to eat and take a little nap in front of the box twirly thing. Yep, that sounds like a perfect schedule today for me.

We've been out of HS how long???

I picked up a good friend at the airport last Friday and drove 6 hours across North and West Texas to go to a high school reunion up yonder in the Panhandle. We had an excellent time on the drive, although we never actually settled on who was going to be Thelma and who was going to be Louise. I did promise her I wasn't going to take my car over the edge of Palo Duro Canyon. (Brad Pitt never showed up either, darn it.) We met up with another friend of ours at the hotel where the festivities were going to occur and where we three were staying. He's my oldest friend, since we first met in 7th grade Sunday School, and it was just delightful to see him again. The three of us drove out to Palo Duro Canyon Saturday morning, where I think we all relived some memories. I spent a lot of time there in my high school years, so I had a lot of memories to relive.

It sort of came home to me though, that most of the people you liked in high school you still like, and the ones you didn't, well, you still don't. Some things just never change, regardless of how many years have slipped away. The cliques remain, and spent their time on the other side of the room while the rest of us were having a great time over on our side. And no, I didn't really expect it to be any different - but I was sort of hoping at our advanced ages we could get past that. Guess we can't. We packed up on Sunday morning and drove back. The six hour drive went by in record time both going up and coming back. Amazing how that happens when you spend the whole time talking and laughing. Thanks Marian, for making the weekend so much fun! And Steve...well, ya just gotta love Steve.

It was so much fun I didn't even miss Jypsy. That could be, of course, because I had my cousin come over and stay with her and I knew she was in good hands. As a former house-mate, he was here when Jypsy took over the household and became Top Cat, and loves her almost as much as I do. It was a wonderful thing for him to do so she wouldn't have to be by herself for 3 days with only a neighbor to come in and dump food in her bowl occasionally. My grateful thanks to Gary as well. I was certainly glad to see her when I got home, however. She ignored me for a bit, but then came and got in my lap. I'd like to think she missed me too, but I'm probably fooling myself...

Spring a ding a ling!

Yawwwnnnn. Well, I've been snoozing for a couple of hours after spending almost all day yesterday outside on an absolutely gorgeous day. It was a wee bit windy, but I didn't mind it - it kinda ruffles my fur and feels good. I even took just a tiny little nap on the deck after scouring the back yard for things that shouldn't be there. My staff person documented some of my searches so I attached the photos of moi.


Any ice left in here??








It's beginning to get warm here. It was almost hot yesterday, and I kept looking for cool places to rest on occasion. I found one really good place, but apparently my staff person had planted some seeds or something and was not happy I chose that place to curl up in. I certainly didn't know it was off limits - not my fault at all.




I smell bugs!








All in all it was a very good day. Even my staff person brought her lunch out and sat on the deck with her book while she ate. I think we both think Spring is just pretty swell. I did hear her mention something about a bath because I was rolling over in a dirt patch. Guess I came up with half the dirt on me, and she's not so fond of me bringing it back in the house with me. I don't like baths, but when you weigh it against this great backyard, a cozy house, and a bowl of kibble, I guess I can put up with it. Sigh.







Guess you can say I walk all over my staff person.








Time to start whining to go back outside!

Temporary jobs, Interviews and Anger

I've managed to snag a temporary job with the U.S. Census Bureau. I attended a training session on Tuesday to learn how to fingerprint new recruits (like myself). Without going into detail, let me just say it was a somewhat frustrating day that began with me backing into the training instructor's Lexus. I was barely moving, and there was no damage done, but what a way to start the day. There's another training meeting next Tuesday and I'm assuming after we complete that we'll actually be working. I hope so. I need the money. My car is in the shop today to get over $400 worth of work done. I cried when they told me how much it's going to cost. It's going to have to go on my credit card - the only way I can pay for it. I did have an interview on Monday for a full time permanent position, but the way my luck's been running I don't hold much hope that I'll be chosen. They said they will make a final decision within two weeks. Guess I'll see.

One thing I've discovered in the last several months is I am extremely quick to anger these days. I realize the cause of this anger, but seem unable to keep myself from fuming over things that never used to bother me before. Sometimes I kid myself it's just that the older I get the more things bother me, but I come back to the realization that the last 2-1/2 years have pretty much dissolved any good will I had towards most people and things. Whereas I once would have tried to understand the basis for someone's rude behavior, now I immediately decide they aren't worth a break. Case in point - I had to drive out yesterday to where the census people are holding court to sign some paper work. It's a small building with a small parking lot. Every parking spot was taken and people had begun parking in the grass and on the sidewalks. As I'm cruising through the parking lot I see someone has come from the opposite direction of the aisle and parked slanted across two parking spots. Normally I would just roll my eyes, question their upbringing and forget about it. After I found an empty spot of muddy grass at the far end of the lot, I grabbed a sticky note out of my purse and wrote a note commenting on their rudeness. Then as I passed the car to get to the door I stuck it on the driver's side window where they couldn't miss it. Did it make me feel any better? Of course not. But I did it anyway.

Yesterday I also received the bill for sitting for four hours at a local hospital to get some new prescriptions. I was told it would be $137. The bill is for $259. I'm in contact with them to see why the discrepancy - but it's just one more thing being piled on my rapidly collapsing paper plate.

I've always been a pretty positive person and considered myself a happy person as well. With all the negative things that have continued to happen I've lost any sense of positivity and have to struggle to tamp down my anger. Sometimes I'm not so successful at it - as yesterday shows. I know I'm not the only person who's been affected by this downturn and there are many that are much worse off than I am. I just wonder how they manage to cope. And how when things continue to go wrong in all aspects of your life you don't just start screaming.

Ahhhh. What can I say? It's turned warm outside, we haven't had any rain for a while (although I think I smell rain in the air today) and I've been getting to spend a lot of time outside. Life is Good!

My staff person has fixed the fence - even the section that totally fell down last week. I heard her mumbling something about needing a whole new fence, but it looks pretty secure now. Plus she's been in a really good mood the last couple of days. Apparently she has a temporary job she's excited about and then yesterday she got a phone call and after she hung up she whooped and yelled, "An interview! I have an interview!" I'm glad she's feeling much more cheery - she seemed really down in the dumps last week.

My life just continues to be amazing, however. Wish I could share some of it with her, but she doesn't seem the type to enjoy sleeping belly up on the deck. Can't understand that. At all. What could be better than a little snooze outside with the wind gently ruffling your fur, the smell of spring flowers, and white puffy clouds gliding past overhead? Why, absolutely nothing else I can think of!

From Jobs to Jypsy

When I first started this blog I fully intended to make it a chronicle of job hunting. I was laid off in February of 2008 and was so convinced I would find a job within a short period of time I didn't even sign up for Cobra insurance. Why would I - I would have a job within a month! Little did I know the bottom was about to fall out of the economy, although I should have recognized it coming. Perhaps I was living in a fantasy world. This past two years or so have taken a lot out of me. I'm starting to question whether I even have the skills needed to get a job - ANY kind of job - and my confidence is at rock bottom. I've managed to keep my head above water which I know a lot of folks have not been able to do and am so grateful I'm still in my house and managing to get the bills paid (although I just found out my mortgage company is going to raise my mortgage for the second time in 4 months - not quite sure how that's going to get paid now). I've never not had a job before and this has been a humbling experience. I went last week to the public clinic to see if I could get some prescriptions for some ongoing medicine I take, and in May I'm going to see if I can get into a hospital medical program that caters to the low-income. I checked to see if I qualified, and I'm well below the poverty level they specify. I feel useless, frustrated and depressed. I find it hard to understand how I can apply for 188 jobs in a 7 month period and get only two interviews out of it. Some aren't even jobs related to my professional field - jobs in department stores, Walmart, Target and other retail places not to mention temporary and part-time positions. I feel like I can do anything if someone will explain what they want me to do. I'm really not fussy.



I know how people react to whiners and that's why this has become instead a pick-me-up journal of the one thing that keeps me laughing and makes me think about something other than myself. Being a dog-lover most of my life, I think it was a miracle a little lost kitten wandered into my life just before the storm came roaring in. She gives me love without asking for anything but a little kibble and some time outside in the sun. She's given me something to focus on and something to excel at - being her 'staff'. It pleases me when someone remarks about how sweet she is, how social she is, and what an amazingly funny and personable cat she is. I can't help but beam with pride because I know it's mostly all her, but I like to think maybe a little of it is the way she's been raised and I'm a good pet owner as well.

I will continue to fight the good fight in job hunting and hope that somewhere is a business or company willing to take a chance on a 'mature' worker. And Jypsy will continue to keep me laughing.

Found it!

So after Jypsy's disappearing act last week, which totally had me freaked out by the way, I was determined to find her new hiding spot.

And I found it! Basic preliminary info - I have a chair that she was starting to use the back of as an additional scratching post. I found a throw the same color as the chair and pinned it to the back. The pinned throw sort of puddles on the floor behind the chair. Earlier this week I started looking for her and once again she was nowhere to be found. This time I knew she was in the house because none of the doors had been opened. I went to all the normal places, but she was in none of them. At one point I looked behind the chair in the living room and noticed there was this strange bulge at the bottom. I used my toe to nudge the bulge and it was a pretty solid, heavy bulge. I couldn't help but laugh - not only is it her new hiding place, it's her new nap place. She was pretty zonked because I didn't see her for another 20 minutes.



I had a friend email me this last week with some Easter greetings. She said as Easter represents a new beginning, she hopes my career will have new beginning. I couldn't agree more wholeheartedly. It seems every week I get my hopes up for some job I've applied for and either never hear back about it, or the position goes unfilled. The good news is that in March more jobs were added than were lost. Perhaps this will indeed be a turning point for me.

Happy Easter to everyone - and don't go biting the ears off first on your chocolate bunny!

Tee Hee!

So, I've found this place in the house where I can hide and staff person can't find me.....

She'll look under all the beds, behind the chairs, under the desk, check the dining room chairs pushed up under the table (a former favorite hiding place until she wised up to that one), the bath tub, between the end of the sofa and the wall - you know, all the good ones. I've now got a great one however because she hasn't found me in it yet.

Take last night. She started looking for me, calling my name, and walking all around the house checking the above places. Then she got a little panicky and went out into the backyard because she had opened the back door a little earlier for a second, and let's face it, I've done the slippery exit through doors before where she didn't see me. She checked the backyard looking in all my hiding places out there and then came back in and re-checked all the inside ones. Then she got her flashlight and went back out into the backyard, checked it again (calling my name the whole time!), then went through the gate and down the driveway, around the house to the other side, down the fence and I finally heard her calling my name out in the alley. I was laughing sooooo hard! Finally I heard her coming back down the driveway into the backyard and decided to give her a break. I hopped up on the window sill in the laundry room so she could see me in the window when she got to the top of the deck.

She wasn't all that happy with me, but hey, I was here in the house the whole time - what did I do??? She called me a little trickster, and said maybe the Native Americans should have made me the trickster instead of some coyote. Ha. I think I have to agree with her on that - I'm way smarter than some dumb ol' coyote.

The first day of Spring??

Among all the frustrations I'm facing right now, there's something that I can do absolutely nothing about and, although extremely minor, is making me crabby. I'm talking about the weather. We've had the most beautiful Spring weather lately: mild temperatures, sunny days, brillant blue skies......

Bur Mother Nature is such a trickster (is she related to Coyote?) and has pulled the rug out from under us. Yesterday it was 75 - today it's not going to get above 45. It's raining. The temp is supposed to continue to fall; there's a possibility for snow tonight. It is the first day of Spring, right? I moved my plants out on to the deck when the temperature hit the 70's to create this neat little outdoor room where I could sit and read while Jypsy scampered around the yard chasing bugs. One of these plants is a 6' Ornamental orange tree that probably weighs a hundred pounds - it's huge. It's also a pain to move. As it is a little fussy about being in cold temperatures and snow, it had to come back in last night along with everything else I shoved out there. Fortunately I had some friends over for wine on the deck to enjoy the last of the nice weather for several days, and they helped get everything back in before departing. I wish Mother would make up her mind and decide between Winter and Spring. My vote is for Spring.

I've got some things stewing in the work department - whether anything comes of any of it is anyone's guess. Hopefully one of these opportunities will work out, and I'll be able to get back to work. I would love to leave this frustration and feeling of worthlessness behind.

SPRING!

Ahhh. The weather has finally turned warmer. I've been getting to go outside more these last few days. I even took a couple of naps on the warm boards of the deck. So pleasant! Of course with warmer weather comes the stuff that bites me and makes me itch. Staff person saw me scratching, and put that stuff on my back that I hate. The next day though I realized I wasn't scratching anymore.

The grass hasn't turned green yet so I can't snack on it occasionally, but I have a feeling that's coming too. Staff person moved all the plants back out onto the deck, and it makes this nice little spot even nicer. She even moved this, um, swingy seat thingy onto the deck and sits out there and watches me look cute and reads. Life sure seems good to me.

Fence Boards and Devil nuts

We've had some pretty nice days lately (until today when it started raining), so I made a trip to the home improvement store and picked up some fence boards. I replaced the one Jypsy slipped out through the other day and a few more that are worse for wear. I was going to do a couple more, but there was an upright buried brick underneath a board and the one right next to it that I could not seem to budge, even with the bad board removed. I had to work from both sides of the fence, and since there's only the gate on the driveway side I had to walk back and forth several times from the street around the house, down the drive and into the backyard. Once that stupid brick finally came loose, I was pretty much done. Wuss, right? Alas, you're right.

I've gotten some leads on several jobs, and on Tuesday morning I am heading out to each and every one of them to see if I can generate someone's interest in me. I wanted to go tomorrow, but promised someone I'd help them with some things. I'm sort of excited about Tuesday though and looking forward to it. Plus the sun will be shining - a definite plus.

Oh, and a word to the wise. If you're ever anywhere close to a place called "The Vending Nut", do NOT go in and buy a package of Butter Toffee Almonds. Trust me on this! I'm still trying to figure out how I can get in some exercise in the rain to counteract these devil nuts....

Oops!

So the staff person came home from somewhere and I was right at the door when it opened. She let me out and then disappeared inside - probably to put down all the stuff she was carrying. I wandered out into the yard...and what do I see?? A hole in the fence! It looked like someone had kicked at the fence and broken the board in two places. I went to see, and sure enough, I could see out into the alley! Well, I stuck my head through. And then I stuck my feet and shoulders through, and the rest of my body just sort of followed. I was checking out the alley when I heard the back door slam and she started calling my name. She kept calling and got closer and closer to the fence, so I stuck my head back into the yard. She saw me and hollered "Get your rear back in this yard!" and I felt it was in my best interest to do so. Then she started following me so I scooted on up to the deck and when she came up and opened the door it seemed like the wisest thing I could do would be to go inside. Let's just say she was not a happy camper. She went back out and found a huge, heavy board and covered the hole. I think when she gets some time, (she's been really busy lately and has been in and out the last couple of days) she's going to put a new slat up. Guess I messed up, huh? Well, you know, it was THERE - the hole in the fence I mean - and so...holes are meant to be explored, right? Hmm. Okay, maybe not. I'll have to think on that a bit more. Or sleep on it. Yeah, that's the ticket - I'll just sleep on it a little more before I come to a conclusion. So, guess I'll mosey on over to today's 'bed du jour'. Later....

Bleah...

Today is day 6 of a cold I'm hoping will end before day 8. Excuse me while I grab another tissue....

I checked the weather channel site last night and it looks like we should be getting into sunshine and warmer temperatures next week. I know I'm ready, and I'm pretty sure the cat is too. Having lost my room-mate last June, I've really been conscious of things like turning lights off, keeping the thermometer low (like between 64-68) and turning off things I'm not using. It's made a pleasant difference in my electricity and gas bills, but I've been cold since November. I don't mind cool - but cold not so much. Sometimes you just can't bundle up enough, and I'm cold-natured anyway. I just keep thinking, "Cold hands, warm heart." Unfortunately I can't type with gloves on.

Next week, when I'm sure I won't be coughing or blowing my nose, I'm going to get into my professional best and start knocking on doors with my resume in hand. I may even try some temp agencies again, although I haven't had a lot of luck with them either. I've pondered whether or not I should remove my graduate degree from my resume. I don't use it, and really never intended to use it - it was more my ex-husband's idea than mine. Some prospective employers have said I'm overqualified for the jobs I'm interviewing for, but truth is, I don't really care at this point what I do - I just want to find a job and start earning some money. The only problem is I received both degrees from the same university and I know if a prospective employer checks my education credentials, they will automatically find the other degree and then I'm guilty of not being truthful. It's a conundrum for sure.

Jypsy is, wait for it, wait for it......asleep. I'm sure she's going to wake up at any moment, see the sun is brightly shining and start caterwauling ('CATerwauling - get it?? Ha!) to go outside. Happy Wednesday - and root for an early Spring!

More?

Well, the staff person's been gone a couple of hours and I got bored so I figured I'd give you an update. I've figured out which button turns on the tv from the remote so I turned it on to see if the outside world has changed much. The tv was on the weather channel though, and I found out there's more of that white stuff due here on Tuesday. NO! I want sunshine and pleasant temperatures! I want to lay on the deck in the sun until I'm all toasty and then go inside for a little bite to eat and a drink and come back out! I don't remember any other winters like this and I've been around for a long time - I'm five after all. Come on, Mr. Weatherman - you better don't be giving me this forecast, er...um...please?

Not to mention my staff person is sick. She's been sneezing and coughing and sleeping almost as much as I have. She told someone she had a cold. Isn't cold a temperature? Like hot, cool, warm, cold? I've been very nice though because she really looks like she doesn't feel very chipper. I even slept beside her on her other pillow last night, you know, in case she needs to get up in the middle of the night and turn on the faucet in the bathroom so I can get some fresh water. Gotta keep her happy ya know - she's the one who can buy the kibble. Ooooh. I hear her car in the driveway, better scram. Think warm thoughts and hope for sunshine!

Setting Records

Last week was, um, how to put this? Interesting? Weird? Incredible? All of those, perhaps. I spent Wednesday helping my ex-boss out at his soon-to-be-sold house monitoring the moving people who were packing up his items and I also helped him weed through things he didn't want to move. He's been gone for 4 years now having already moved to Upstate NY - he kept his house and I've been taking care of it. After finally deciding to sell it, we had 2 days to get everything done.

Snow began falling around 3am Thursday morning and continued past midnight. While the movers were loading up the moving van on Thursday there were huge, wet flakes of snow falling. All day. Non-stop. Please remember this is Texas. While the Panhandle gets snow like this all the time, it snows here maybe once every 3-4 years and we get about an inch. This was a record breaker. I had 8.5 inches in my backyard. Other places had 13". It was surreal. It was a heavy, wet snow and the entire metroplex area has lost a lot of trees and branches - mostly live oaks - and there are huge gaping wounds on some trees where a branch too heavy to hold any more snow broke and splintered.

I have to admit it was gorgeous. Having lived in Eastern Washington State for 16 years I got used to the snow, but was relieved to move home to Texas. Gazing out the windows last Thursday it was so beautiful I almost wished I was back in Washington State. Almost. Of course, as I mentioned, this is Texas so all but small pockets of snow that are tucked away where no sunshine hits it are long gone now. It only took 2 days and all that snow was just....gone. All we have left are tons of pictures and the memory. Now we can always say, "Remember that February when we got that record snow?"



Jypsy was a wuss and wouldn't go much past the deck. As it began melting, she did venture out and at one point put a paw on top of the snow. When her paw continued downward through the snow, she jerked it back and decided the stuff was not to be trusted. She sniffed around the open patches for another minute or so and then headed for the back door and the warm house.

I'm hoping this is the last of the really cold stuff - it's getting close to March now and the temps should begin to climb back up. It's been a strange Winter for us, and I'm looking forward to Spring.

Okay, have to get going - got to go overnight an application to Austin for a State job. Wouldn't that be nice?

What. Is. This. Stuff?

So Wednesday night when I went to bed, it was all brown outside. I was looking forward to going out on Thursday and maybe chasing a few squirrels around the yard and k-k-k-k-kah-ing at the birds on the feeder. Imagine my surprise when Thursday dawned and I looked out the window to see the entire world had turned white! And did nothing but get whiter! I finally went out today, but this white stuff is really COLD on my delicate little tootsies. I couldn't bring myself to get off the deck - it looked like maybe there was 8" of this stuff on the ground (it was taller n' me) - and it wasn't long before I was at the door begging to come back in. The staff person called it 'snow'. Well, all I 'snow' is that I don't like it. Give me a warm house any day.

Dismal in more ways than one

It's cold and rainy again. We're lucky we're in Texas and not the DC area - they're due for another six inches of snow according to a friend of mine who lives there. She sent me a picture of her dog looking totally miserable out in the deep snow. I told her she needed to get that dog an electric snuggie. But at least the sun shines after a snow storm - we haven't had a full day of sun in forever, but it's probably only been a week or a little over. I miss the sunshine.

I haven't heard anything about the job I interviewed for last Monday, although I've called three times to followup. They keep promising to call me back, but I never get the return call. It was only a temporary job, but I would have gladly taken it if it was offered. With my part-time job ending in two weeks and no prospect of any employment I'm just really stymied about what I'm going to do. Any suggestions about places to search for employment that maybe I haven't thought of yet - please comment and let me know.


I think I'll go let Jypsy sleep in my lap for a while...

Jypsy’s Guaranteed Stress Relievers

1. Rub my belly every time I fall down and roll over.

2. Play hide and seek with me around hallway corners at least once every day for 10 minutes.

3. Watch me outside chasing bugs through the grass in the evening; have a glass of wine to sip on while watching. (double benefits there!)

4. Pet me as I sleep on your lap while you’re watching television.

5. Laugh freely when I do something really cute like race circles around the house leaping on furniture and then fall over at your feet. Repeat #1.

An interview!

I finally had a job interview day before yesterday! That's the first one since last July, so I was pretty excited about it. It went well, as far as I could tell, but they said they would let me know either yesterday or today. I haven't heard anything yet. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I also met with someone who's been sort of mentoring me in the 'new' job search requirements. I ordered myself some business cards today so I can hand them out to people I meet who might know someone who has a cousin with a lead on a job. It makes sense to be able to give out your contact information in written form. Business cards to find a job - who knew??

Jypsy's right - it has been dismal and cold here. It's Texas though, so we had some sunshine yesterday for a few hours and it warmed up nicely. Jypsy got to spend some time out in the backyard chasing critters (bugs, leaves and other imagined trespassers) so she was happy. Today is overcast and rain is predicted. I couldn't live in Seattle with all the cloudy days there - Texas girl must have sunshine more than six days a year!

The cat is now snoozing on my bed, snuggled down in the quilts and pillows. As my former roommate said once - "That's the luckiest cat in the whole damn world." She certainly knew a sucker when she saw one after being dumped on a country road. I'm glad to provide it for her - she certainly keeps my head above water. Never knew a cat could do that, so I have to say it again - who knew??

Sunshine, please!

It's been so dismal lately, and cold. I hate it. Well, not hate it zactly, because mostly all I do is sleep someplace warm like a window or on the fluffy comforter, but it sure is cutting into my outside time. I haven't been out for 3 or 4 days now. It's too cold and gray out there and even I don't like it. My staff person won't let me out unless she can go out with me (heavy sigh). I mean, I've only gone over the fence just a couple of times. Okay, 4 maybe. Oh, alright, 6. The other day I'm pretty sure I heard a noise on the other side so decided to check it out. I think she only saw my rear end disappear over the fence but she started yelling. It was pretty funny in one way because I went over where there is no gate and she had to run out the gate, down the driveway, around the front and then down the street side of the house to the alley. I didn't move though, or try to run, 'cos I'd already figured out I was in BIG trouble. Which I was. She grabbed me right up and hugged me as we walked back around to the gate and straight inside the house. I haven't tried it again because, truthfully....it's kinda big and open out on the other side of that fence. I like my little backyard. At least until the next time I hear something interesting over on the other side of the fence that is! Meanwhile I can just look at this picture from when it was nice and warm out and I could just take a little snooze on the deck....

Cats have amazing ears

The cat hears too much. I guess I need to do a little explaining. After my mortgage company increased my mortgage payment and forgot to tell me about it, my November and December payments were short. After receiving, finally, a notice that I was past due on my account, I called the number on the notice and got everything worked out with a very nice young lady. She advised me to go down the next day and pay the $49 I was short to the local bank holding my mortgage. Which I did. To make a really long story somewhat shorter, somehow a debt collector became involved which included several letters through the mail, and finally, one taped to my front door by someone who had stopped by to "help me save my house". Upon calling the bank again (6th phone call!) they agreed with me - I was current. What was scary though was when they told me they had never heard of the company who was bombarding me with letters, and apparently, home visits. I was asked to fax the letter I received, which I did. I called them back to verify they received it. They did. It has been passed on to the appropriate department, and I should not hear anymore about it. Do you believe that? Neither do I. I still have the number handy and am seriously thinking about contacting a columnist at the local paper who handles stuff like this; he calls himself 'The Watchdog'. One more letter and he's my next contact.

I have now applied for 136 jobs since September 1. No job interviews have resulted. The good news is there are at least jobs to apply for now - a year ago there was nothing out there. The bad news is there are 400 people (or more) applying for every single job. Frustrating? You bet. I'm determined this will be a better year than 2009. I'm trying to stay positive. The jobs are there. I just have to snag one. After all, I have a cat to feed.

Owwwttttt

Been napping all morning. The staff person won't let me outside so I can rid the backyard of all things that shouldn't be there like birds and squirrels. I ran around inside the house meowing my displeasure for about an hour, and she ignored me - do you believe that? Truthfully, it just tired me out so I jumped on the bed and am just now waking up from a long nap.

She's been on the phone a lot the last couple of days. Don't know who she's been talking to but I keep hearing words like 'debt' 'harassment' and 'mortgage'. Then she stuck a piece of paper in a thing and hit some buttons and the paper went through. Then I heard a dial tone like when I knock the phone off the desk. She's much less stressed today so I guess everything got taken care of.

I think it's time to start a little harassment of my own and see if she'll let me outside now. Daylight's burning, ya know?

Gonna lock my computer up....

Again? She stole my computer...again??

I found the poor green bug - I scooped it up in a paper towel and it started moving again. I put it outside so hopefully it can recover. She doesn't try to eat unexpected visitors, just likes to play with them. Although I did have to throw away a dead lizard once.....

I've lucked out and received an extension on my unemployment. I would rather find a job. I'm thinking about heading to some department stores next week to see if I can get on as a sales associate. Can't hurt to try; might turn into something I'll love. I'm also going to meet with someone about possibly re-training. I've been thinking maybe that's the route I should take since I can't seem to find anything in my field.

The cat got a bath yesterday and smells and looks springtime fresh. She doesn't care for baths much, but it does wonders for my allergy to her. She's currently napping (huge surprise, right?) and it's raining outside so even I'm starting to feel a little sleepy. If anyone has any good ideas about what sort of training I should think about, please let me know.

While the staff's away

So, the staff person has gone off somewhere and left her computer on. Tee-hee! I'm wide awake - found something green and hoppy that slipped in the door as she was leaving and have been having great fun chasing it around. I know that won't last long though so figured I'd do this now before my eyes start closing on their own.

We had company last night which is always fun. I, ahem, am a very social cat - not like some of those cats that run and hide in a closet or under the bed when someone comes over. I want to know where they've been, what other animal they've mistakenly petted, and whether or not they know I'm the cutest cat in the whole world. I'll sniff them to deduce they've been in a grocery store or outside on the grass, and whether they were dumb enough to pet a dog. I mean, puh-leese. It also doesn't take long for them to start oohing and ahhing over me once I roll over on their feet and rub up against them. I remember one time we had a guest who sat on the floor and took this little plastic plate with tiny holes off the wall to work on the spaghetti looking stuff behind it. I wanted to see what he was doing so I just marched right up and crawled in his lap. My staff person pulled me off and I didn't get to observe so much, but when he finished he plugged something in some of those little holes and light came out of this tall thing. I can see pretty well in the dark, but apparently my staff person can't.

Hmmm. Speaking of seeing, I'm beginning to see the back of my eyelids...guess that means I better go find my 'bed of the day'. The back of the sofa sounds pretty comfy....must...go....now.........

Ya go to the store and look what happens...

Oh, that's just great. I go to the store and the cat commandeers the computer to start a blog. Figures. She's just too damn smart.

It's true what she says though. I'm looking for a job. Being laid off was not on my career to-do list. When one of my bosses called me in to his office to tell me my position was eliminated, I know I turned deadly white and my brain just refused to comprehend. Eliminated? How could they eliminate my position? I had projects I had to finish!

But it happened.

I've been lucky in one respect - I've been able to find a few temporary jobs and I have a part-time job that brings in a few bucks too. It's also been frustrating though - I've never NOT worked. I've always had some sort of job since I graduated from college. Not that I want to list age here, but let's just say I've worked a few years and felt pretty confident in my search. But then the first month turned to two, two turned to six and now I'm coming up on 2 years.

Still looking. Still confident my next great job is going to show up tomorrow. Still trying to be positive.

Something new

Since I seem to have so much free time, you know, being a cat and all, I thought I'd try something new. I love taking naps, especially on the bed with that big ol' feather comforter since it's been a bit chilly recently, but variety is the spice of life I hear.

My staff person has been around a lot for some reason. She used to disappear for long periods each day and then suddenly she was home all day long. I hear her sometimes talking about how tough it's been to be laid off and looking for work in this upset economy, but since I don't know what economy means and it's nice to have her around to let me outside on nice days, I'm not going to complain. She does seem to spend an awful lot of time on the computer and talking to people about finding work. Isn't her work taking care of my every want and need?

Goodness. I've been awake for a half hour. My eyelids are saggin'. I hear that feather comforter calling me. I gotta go get some sleep....