Chicken Soup

I have to tell you, I am rather sick of chicken soup. We have all been sick so much in the last couple months that I made the third batch yesterday. Did I want some? Heck NO! But, it's soothing and makes you feel good. On a positive note is also is low fat and low calorie. But I am seriously sick of it. Got to get better soon so I can have something that tastes.... different than chicken soup.

Children - Found

I found my children. Unfortunately, it was only for 5 days. I have been living with their "shells" for several months, but their real personalities came out. We talked as a family and came to understand that we didn't know how much they hated living with their grandparents. Not only do they have to answer to two sets of parents, one set is extremely strict and rigid in their thinking. But, take them out of that environment and they totally blossomed. My daughter smiled, laughed, and yes, even giggled. She went to everybody and gave hugs and kisses. She even, gasp, initiated a hug to her brother. And he, surprisingly enough, hugged her back. Now that we understand their frustration now it's up to us as the parents, to find a way to bring their personalities back. The personalities quickly retreated as we made the return drive back. So, I have to now let my fingers do the walking and find jobs quickly so we can get the heck out of here. Something has to give and it can't be the kids. Childhood is over so quickly that it is important that they are able to look back and have happy memories. So here's to good memories for everyone. For me... it's busy, busy, busy... happy job hunting.

New Year

And with a new year comes the usual list of things to do, things to stop doing, things to better oneself. My goals for this year are to remain optimistic, get healthier (and yes, lose weight). So far the tips I have received are to run, eat more small meals, and drink green tea. Running has become difficult because it's raining. Mother Nature is sabotaging my efforts. Hey, it was worth a shot. I also found a diet that seems to be workable, which is the Biggest Loser Diet. It incorporates more fruits and vegetables, which is also a weakness. It worked out well that the first few days of the new year we were sick. Homemade chicken soup... Lean meat, and vegetables. So far the green tea has been the easiest to stick to. We'll see what happens.

Self Employment

Overall, I'd have to say that self employment totally sucks. Number one, it is difficult to round up work to support yourself. Number two, once said job is located and secured, then completed, it is difficult to secure payment. Now, both my husband and myself are self-employed. As a real estate agent in California, it is extremely difficult to find sellers, much less buyers with the government cracking down on the qualifications. My husband is a contractor. Also, a difficult arena of work. Now, my husband finally managed to land a job, and finish it. He finished it last Friday. It would have been finished a day or two earlier, except the weather didn't cooperate and allow the paint to dry.--side note... He finally finished the job last Friday. As of today, a Saturday (and a week later) he still hasn't been paid. As the spouse of a self employed person, would it be asking the world to pay when the job is completed. As of today I am overdrawn on my bank account. Not through any fault of my own.... The work has been done, and it's a week later.... and still no paycheck. Self employed people are not rich. My husband happens to have a couple of other jobs lines up down the road.... but we need you to pay when the job finishes. We don't have that padded bank account.... We are the little people.... The kids' getting food, diapers, milk, etc. depends on you paying us upon completion of the job. Nowadays, even the big people need to get paid. Economic times and all..........

My Job

So, I have finished my temp position at Macy's and have met a variety of people, all of whom I have enjoyed (except for the occasional obnoxious customer). Everyone has a story at to why they they are working. No one is trying to mooch of society, but all has a desire to earn their income. I have to totally admire that kind of commitment. Not all are earning their paycheck, and yes, if I were their boss, I would totally have fired them a long time ago. That being said, they all have compelling stories for being on the job and all really need the income. My job may have ended, and theirs are continuing, and I wish them all the best.

Hmmm

Have you ever been at a crossroads in your life and at an utter loss as to which one to pick... That's kind of where I'm at... Don't ask my dear sister, because I too, am at an utter loss....

Final Day

Today is my official day at Fossil. No offense, but the happy holidays ended before today. Today, people were cranky and irritable. I am sorry, but I wear a badge that says "visitor". That means I cannot use the the cash registor. I cannot do returns, exchanges or purchases. I would love to help you but I don't work at Macy's. Your yelling at me and screaming at me to find someone to help them does not help the situation. I am limited by the amount of Macy's salespersons who are on the floor as you are. Please do not scream or yell at me. I cannot help you any more than you are. I can call a manager as well as you are. Everyone is hampered by budget cuts. Please stop yelling at me. That being said... I am happy to have earned my first few paychecks in several years....